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Committee clears pickleball grant and police sign‑on bonus; pro‑housing recertification approved; Harborfest funding tabled
Summary
The committee approved acceptance of a New York State parks grant for pickleball courts and associated city match, a $15,000 police lateral sign‑on bonus budget amendment, and authorization to apply for pro‑housing recertification. A separate Harborfest funding request for tug barges was tabled for further review.
The City of Oswego Administrative Services Committee approved several budget and grant actions: acceptance of a New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant to build four pickleball courts, a restroom and a picnic area; a budget amendment of $15,000 to provide a police lateral sign‑on bonus; and authorization to apply for annual recertification as a pro‑housing community. The committee tabled Harborfest’s separate request for a $30,000 budget amendment to cover tug barges for the annual fireworks display.
Amy Murphy of the Office of Economic Development told the committee the city had already been awarded the parks grant: the total award is $179,250 with a required 25% local match of $59,750. Project plans include four pickleball courts, a bathroom facility and a picnic area near the fort; the design includes a 15% contingency, and Murphy said the city engineer designed the project to match the 25% requirement.
Police Chief Philip Cady (transcript reference: “Chief Katie/Case”) described the lateral sign‑on bonus as a program in effect for the past four years; the requested $15,000 amendment would fund a lateral officer who already transferred six months ago. Chief Cady said lateral hires save time and training costs because the officers have completed academy training elsewhere.
Abby Jenkins from the Economic Development Office explained that annual recertification as a pro‑housing community requires submitting codes and permit data to remain eligible for certain grant opportunities; the city is seeking permission to submit the recertification materials.
The Harborfest director, Dan Harrington, requested the city cover $30,000 toward tug barges used in the fireworks staging. Harrington said the Canal Corporation (state) declined to donate barges this year and sponsorships had been reduced; he asked the city to cover $30,000 of a $40,000 cost. Committee members asked staff to research alternatives and tabled the request to allow further outreach to potential funders and sponsors.
Ending: The committee approved the grant acceptance (subject to match), the police bonus amendment, and the pro‑housing recertification application; staff will prepare the necessary budget amendments and resolutions. Harborfest’s funding request will return after the organizers pursue additional funding options.
