Mayor accepts $10K grant for shaded benches from Broome County Health Department

The City Council Work Session held on May 5, 2025, in Binghamton focused on several key agenda items, primarily revolving around budget adjustments and community health initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on Resolution RL 25-86, which authorizes the mayor to accept an additional $10,000 grant from the Broome County Health Department. This grant is an extension of a previously accepted $30,000 grant aimed at cancer prevention through sun safety. The funds will be used to purchase two shaded benches for the 434 Greenway, addressing community requests for shaded areas in locations lacking tree cover. The resolution is set to be passed by the Broome County legislature on May 15, 2025, before being voted on at the subsequent business meeting.

Council members inquired about the nature of the grant and its connection to the broader Creating Healthy Schools and Communities initiative. It was clarified that while the $30,000 grant relates to this initiative, the additional funds are specifically allocated for the community cancer prevention program. The urgency of spending these funds was emphasized, with a deadline set for May 30, 2025.

Following this, Josh Palutti, acting commissioner of public works, presented Ordinance RL 25-87, which seeks to amend the 2025 Department of Public Works budget to address over-budget items. Palutti highlighted the need to transfer $20 from the sand and salt budget to cover overtime expenses incurred during winter operations. He noted that the department had experienced higher-than-expected overtime costs due to snow and ice management. The council discussed the current status of snow and sand supplies, with Palutti reporting that they are adequately stocked for the upcoming winter season.

The meeting concluded with a focus on ensuring that the city remains prepared for future weather challenges while also enhancing community health through the installation of shaded benches. The council's discussions underscored the importance of timely budget adjustments and community engagement in health initiatives.