Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Governance Votes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council passes multiple personnel, budget and grant measures; rejects Siemens agreement
Summary
At its March 12 meeting the Binghamton City Council approved a slate of ordinances and resolutions covering department budget changes, firefighter screening grants, water/sewer job title changes, capital repairs and park projects. The Siemens energy contract (O25‑17) was rejected in separate action.
The Binghamton City Council on March 12 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions spanning personnel budget adjustments, grant acceptances and capital budget amendments. Several items were adopted unanimously or by clear majorities during the business meeting; one high‑profile energy contract with Siemens was considered separately and failed.
Votes at a glance
- O25‑08 — Amend Department of Public Works budget (personnel/salary lines). Motion to adopt by Council member Murray. Outcome: Approved, roll call 6‑1 (Council member Hotchkiss — Nay). Notes: Change shifts salary lines to address vacant positions.
- O25‑23 — Authorize mayor to accept a firefighter cancer‑screening grant. Motion by Council member Murray. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Unanimous support; no substantive debate.
- O25‑24 — Related firefighter matter (details not specified in transcript). Motion by Council member Murray. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0.
- O25‑25 — Change job title from Water Sewer System Maintainer to Helper (to facilitate hiring/apprenticeship). Motion by Council member Murray. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Council praised department head Jeff for transparency and recruitment efforts.
- O25‑26 — Amend 2024 capital fund budget for pump repairs at pump station(s). Motion by Council member Kavanaugh. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Two adjacent pumps failed and personnel line funds are available to cover repair.
- O25‑27 — Amend 2024 golf fund budget for over‑budget lines. Motion by Council member Kavanaugh. Outcome: Approved, roll call 6‑1 (one dissent recorded). Notes: Overruns attributed in part to labor and food/beverage operations.
- R25‑12 — Accept $30,000 grant from the Broome County Health Department (Creating Healthy Schools and Communities). Motion by Council member Rathbone/Rathmell. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Primary intended use: pilot a raised crosswalk near Binghamton High School; other park wayfinding elements discussed as secondary.
- R25‑13 — Authorize services agreement with Metro Group for Brownfields Opportunity Grant (NY State Department of State) focused on 187 Clinton Street site remediation and pre‑development. Motion by Council member Rathmell. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Funding intended for site remediation and pre‑development to support affordable/workforce housing.
- R25‑14 — Authorize change order 2 for Ross Park Carousel restoration. Motion by Council member Middleton. Outcome: Approved, roll call 7‑0. Notes: Project relocation and enhancements discussed.
Several of these items were introduced and passed with brief discussion; where debate occurred council members highlighted staffing shortages, need for recruitment, and prioritizing public safety and asset maintenance. The council recorded roll‑call votes and adopted the measures listed above.
