[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6037388,"mediaKeyId","3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348","parentId",3864130,"title","Council discusses firefighter health screenings funded by grants; AFT grant described as one-year","audioSeconds",89,"startMs",0,"endMs",89000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348&start=0&end=89","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6037388/Binghamton-City/Broome-County/New-York/Council-discusses-firefighter-health-screenings-funded-by-grants-AFT-grant-described-as-one-year","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037388-8d722860191d73595a9fdbbdea9bb1f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211436&Signature=YJZ81aHQ502AgHzNUypr8BFGbZo1ZDDY0Vmf7xhyVbeDakWBgLFO3BBQMBqhTCvxfEbNpU0gMVXDvZrUkbbbl8qy8BFm6XkJyCLzZZeHFFVfht65hv7dvIBbv1D2K1~~wrTN2j8DCXRtiihDPd08LPgDOp8sLmGdptdkX-gKoBjp2XFjijEy3QjRVjI2u7RWZMc0B7ouunGzIgE32OWuZsZv0IK0FiXbMxUPjaSCcTdPJSWQdb2hDQPc~145EZ~zBRa0xcp-7Oag8HZw3cC9gHgLQco2exTlEVs~XCrSITNEmXxd45hBMBeAjuiuikfKb02-BONk6UIS8RUbK5-pYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Binghamton","date","2025-02-25T00:00:00Z","article","City officials briefed council members on proposed health screenings for firefighters that would include MRIs of the thoracic area and abdominal ultrasound screenings to detect anomalies. Presenters said one of the screenings is intended as an annual screening while another is a one-time screening.

Why it matters: The screenings are intended to identify possible health issues among active firefighters and recently retired personnel; city staff identified grant and contractual funding sources supporting the work.

Key points

- Screening types and schedule: A presenter described MRI screenings of the lungs and thoracic area and ultrasound scans for abdominal anomalies. Staff described one screening as annual and the other as a one-time screening.

- Grant coverage: The AFT grant was described as a one-year grant. Council members asked whether coverage would extend to retired firefighters; the fire chief said coverage would include \"certain retired firefighters that were recently retired, not not going way back, but maybe within a year or 2.\"

- Materials and package questions: A council member asked about supplemental materials that appeared to include SAFER grant information; staff said the comptroller provided supplemental materials and that its inclusion may have been accidental.

Next steps

Council members asked for no items to be dropped from follow-up and for staff to clarify eligibility and funding details by email. No formal council action on screenings was recorded during the work session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session 2025.02.24","oneSentenceSummary","Council members and the fire chief discussed proposed medical screenings for firefighters (MRI and ultrasound screenings) funded through grant and contractual sources; the AFT grant was described as a one-year award and speakers said certain recently retired firefighters may be eligible.","taxTitle","Binghamton City, Broome County, New York","taxId",5034,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037393,"Council expedites consideration of RL 25-50, a clerk’s office budget adjustment; expedition approved 6-0",129,452000,581000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348&start=452&end=581","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348/thumbnail_452000.jpg","/articles/6037393/Binghamton-City/Broome-County/New-York/Council-expedites-consideration-of-RL-25-50-a-clerks-office-budget-adjustment-expedition-approved-6-0","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037393-3f61e31687a08f37a5ba8112ca1db0f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211436&Signature=SYHnaHZNLwwzk5BQieTsmp1BMmcY9z1xCMXKNsks~hxY9r-XPvgdXfPUXbiLpXe4IfV0rXUeUDIJ8BpX2s4ksA5N3AfyBBZHVpzg9taWgRdmBvNuYG42odJbyOJe58U~8ME1d2IJoZUrw066sZOGXdyPJ4HTZQy2IpHZepDZtPv71ER5wrkOitVbmgfKrrcLOzPhVqZ20FGw3hXvpnsQW0NzUiN6UVPEQ7G5XVWu~48CYGOCQ02x0X2xoJbfrlitTxNqqv8FlpheNkFGz7h2aqUVd0Hr3pYUOBEth1RaHGBJvOICNvajCltvqNFgdXrgB-4i6DN7GshwjJ1uslPO~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council moved to expedite consideration of RL 25-50, an ordinance to amend the 2025 clerk’s office budget for responsibility adjustments. The ordinance was introduced by City Clerk Sarah Denhofer and referred to the employees committee and its chair, Council member Murray.

Why it matters: The amendment updates budget responsibilities in the clerk’s office, and staff told council the request matches an earlier package but includes expanded justifications tied to increased workload and duties placed on a senior licensing clerk while another position remains unfilled.

Vote and discussion

- Presentation: City Clerk Sarah Denhofer presented the ordinance and staff explained the requested amount and duration are identical to a prior request discussed two weeks earlier; the materials clarify that the senior licensing clerk is performing duties outside the current job description while the other position in the office is vacant.

- Motion to expedite: A motion to expedite was made, seconded, and the clerk conducted a roll call. The vote was recorded as six ayes, zero noes; Council member Middleton was absent. The clerk reported the expedition vote as 6-0.

Next steps

The ordinance was referred to the employees committee for further consideration; council did not complete a final substantive vote on the ordinance during the work session.","Council members voted 6-0 to expedite consideration of RL 25-50, an ordinance to amend the 2025 clerk’s office budget for responsibility adjustments; council discussion noted the request mirrors a prior proposal and expanded justifications tied to staffing and unfilled positions.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037398,"Council reviews RL 2548 to update city’s notice-of-defect language after state court guidance",291,126000,417000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348&start=126&end=417","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348/thumbnail_126000.jpg","/articles/6037398/Binghamton-City/Broome-County/New-York/Council-reviews-RL-2548-to-update-citys-notice-of-defect-language-after-state-court-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037398-487e92d8081664c0b433a283fc61da1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211436&Signature=fuR4Dr0z77re3M-Cp6zK1iXdu0uJfTkMhs1Djt8t4YCum4tSqTH0Pq11TRfQsm4-BQb-p7YNOFLYJb7ue30TR1vGERcdZtuWkZ5UNADcll0JvIba29G-4KB5xaWtiGtjrPAgfsq6EXoLpniiD~iOpU2EuQzJ4x3TgJVWj8GR5i7XkJuAQIkjNerei7~DYdUnprJsiVPWBcIGNqZM1gjYilENSsdeKXU9j~u-lgKIQrg9qDjrsNOz0Tv3YHhV8l4Ut1y8aNfedvbAT3T4NmMwi0mE1OPj9zno-kSmmAalJFO0iufwTIuryiWgphM4j6xxK1fXK9Ym7jexmAkLwskeQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Binghamton City Council’s rules and procedures discussion covered RL 2548, a proposed local law to amend Chapter 295 of the city code on requirements for submitting notices of defect. Robert Heery of corporation counsel said the proposal updates local wording to conform with recent New York State Court of Appeals guidance and follows model language circulated by municipal associations and examples from other cities.

Why it matters: Notices of defect have legal consequences under statute; the council’s revisions are intended to reduce exposure to litigation risk by aligning local law with recent court interpretations.

Discussion highlights

- Legal basis and sources: Corporation counsel said the draft reflects a model circulated by municipal counsel organizations and changes other municipalities have adopted following the Court of Appeals decision. He said he reviewed Albany’s approach in drafting the update.

- Electronic reporting and accessibility concerns: Multiple council members asked whether the proposed language prevents the city from recognizing an official electronic method to file notices. One council member said the amendment “seems to overlook a number of accessibility challenges” and urged that an officially recognized electronic submission alternative be included or clarified.

- Clarifying records: Council members asked whether corporate counsel could provide an aggregate count of current active civil actions that specifically reference notices of defect. Corporation counsel said he could review the files and provide that breakdown via email.

Next steps

Corporation counsel recommended that council members follow up with his office for more detailed legal discussion; he offered to provide the requested breakdown of active cases and to answer additional technical questions by email. No final vote on RL 2548 occurred during the work session.","The council reviewed RL 2548, a local law to amend Chapter 295 of the City of Binghamton code governing notices of defect; corporate counsel said changes follow recent New York State Court of Appeals guidance, and council members asked for follow-up on electronic reporting, accessibility and counts of active civil actions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6037403,"Council hears Siemens presentation on proposed 20-year energy performance contract; members press on maintenance, costs and EV chargers",2182,594000,2776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348&start=594&end=2776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3864130-64a40099f9bd757b251c37e1852ce348/thumbnail_594000.jpg","/articles/6037403/Binghamton-City/Broome-County/New-York/Council-hears-Siemens-presentation-on-proposed-20-year-energy-performance-contract-members-press-on-maintenance-costs-and-EV-chargers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6037403-70461d77e535b7d3e4835e37cc694c10/orig.mp4?Expires=1771211436&Signature=ls1D2JRCoq2DWOtGmLKjuW9IhBc7hdryXHjRCA~RjHau7~WfZmXIy-q9c3-~N1Ua7fxvaJ4z-ysa67lJlqhsULtn9Z6zU6yVinqHOowTgP2-YzQyV1-Vlqyu6ISM8BuLyeNgukWmvxLS1F-Fs1i6HQAh69etgsH~BWDS4eoxaD6qkzIs2ALA07uetE9dfvq~rr4JMbl1SwPnKswBxu3p2HqNvHw45lSc9PnPHRKAkaUlxDUCCoLsdRyvUD9ZRogNqWBg-jKouykWTJWxoDXR816LcvUT50vAndR80qyvQXSZN0fcHOB-tKWldTEOxy3f3C4fzlbqKZhLrt8CDRqm2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Siemens representatives and city staff briefed the Binghamton City Council during a work session on a proposed 20-year energy performance contract that would fund building efficiency upgrades, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ionization air-cleaning systems.

The presentation described a lease-style financing structure with semiannual payments and a performance-assurance add-on. Siemens representatives said incentives of about $333,000 from NYSEG and NYSERDA are part of the project package and that the performance-assurance program would cost $358,410 over 20 years; the presenter said the first-year payment for that monitoring program is about $10,079. Council members were told that regular semiannual payments would begin next year and that an annual contract payment is expected to appear in the next year’s budget.

Why it matters: Council members raised multiple implementation concerns about maintenance, continuing oversight and the city’s long-term financial commitment. Several members warned that if the city fails to maintain installed equipment, guaranteed savings could be lost and the city could assume replacement costs.

Discussion highlights

- Maintenance and guarantees: Multiple council members pressed Siemens and city staff on who will be responsible for ongoing equipment maintenance and on the risk that poor maintenance could void any performance guarantees. A council member said a municipality could be “on the hook for a 20 year contract” if maintenance lapses, and Siemens representatives acknowledged those are valid concerns that must be addressed in contract language and reporting.

- Performance assurance: A presenter described a performance-assurance program that would monitor and report system performance and said the program’s total cost over 20 years would be $358,410. The presenter said that program guarantees ongoing documentation of savings and recommended that reports be shared with multiple city contacts and the legislature.

- Indoor air technology: A Siemens representative described needlepoint bipolar ionization installed in other municipal and health facilities and said testing done in one county nursing home showed a 92% reduction in particle counts in pre/post testing. The presenter also said third-party testing and NIH documentation were reviewed in evaluating the technology; council members requested copies of the test reports and asked about relevant UL or other standards referenced in EPA coverage.

- EV chargers and revenue: Siemens representatives said the project includes plans for roughly 42 chargers at city sites selected by the mayor and the Department of Public Works, and that the city currently has not set a policy to charge users. Siemens gave a conservative revenue example — about $17,800 annually if each charger averaged one charge per week — and said the system can be enabled to collect payment at city discretion. Council members asked the city to provide actual utility and usage data for existing chargers (Rec Park and others) and to provide revenue models showing net income under different utilization scenarios.

- Baseline utility data: Siemens and staff explained differences in baseline electricity use at a pumping station near the Robinson Street underpass (higher use because of pumps, heaters and constant lighting) compared with a fire station. Staff also said some sites (Sherry Lynn Park / stadium) lack a clear billed service address on the utility ledger, which complicates baseline calculations.

Next steps and finance mechanics

City staff said the contract uses a municipal lease structure so the city would not pay the full project cost up front but would make semiannual lease payments over 20 years. Staff said payments would likely begin next year and that the city would create a specific budget line for the payments. Siemens said some grant and incentive dollars are already committed from NYSEG and NYSERDA to reduce the project cost.

Council direction and outstanding requests

Council members asked Siemens and staff to: provide the third-party test reports cited for the ionization equipment; supply a copy of the performance-assurance reporting template and indicate who on the city side would sign and receive the reports; provide usage and revenue data for existing chargers and a conservative revenue model for the planned chargers; and supply details on the division of maintenance responsibilities under the proposed contract.

Quotes

\"I'm Emmanuel Raj Silbraj. I'm with Siemens,\" said one Siemens representative when introducing himself to the council. A Siemens presenter summarized testing results for ionization installed at a nursing home: \"it dropped the particle count by 92%,\" and described the project as designed to demonstrate measurable savings before the city relies on longer-term guarantees.

Ending

Council members said they remain generally interested but cautious. Several members asked staff to circulate requested documents by email so the full council can review them before any contract is scheduled for a vote.","Siemens and city staff described a proposed 20-year energy performance contract that would install energy conservation measures, EV chargers and indoor air-cleaning technology; council members pressed for clarity on maintenance responsibilities, payment timing and projected savings and incentives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council discusses firefighter health screenings funded by grants; AFT grant described as one-year

Council expedites consideration of RL 25-50, a clerk’s office budget adjustment; expedition approved 6-0

Council reviews RL 2548 to update city’s notice-of-defect language after state court guidance

Council hears Siemens presentation on proposed 20-year energy performance contract; members press on maintenance, costs and EV chargers