Oswego council authorizes temporary public snow-deposit lot, approves $500,000 salt purchase and other storm-response measures

The Oswego Common Council on Feb. 24 authorized temporary public use of a lot at 410–420 West First Street for residents to deposit excess snow and approved a $500,000 budget amendment to resupply road salt, actions the mayor and city attorney said were driven by a mayor-declared state of emergency after the recent blizzard.

The council’s actions also included a series of routine approvals — a website maintenance renewal, contract amendment for consent-decree reporting, police camera upgrades and acceptance of a $5,000 donation for a rapid-deployment craft — each approved by a 5-0-2 vote (two members excused). The snow-deposit authorization came with a required waiver-and-release form and logistical conditions the administration described as steps to limit liability.

Mayor (name not specified) opened the meeting by thanking city employees and emergency responders for their response to what he described as a severe storm. "The state of emergency that I declared on Tuesday reflected the seriousness of the situation," the mayor said, noting official readings showing the city received "almost 4 feet of snow" and that some county areas saw 5–6 feet and structural collapses.

The mayor credited assistance from Oswego County and the county highway superintendent, Sean Walker, for lending heavy equipment. He said Department of Public Works crews were widening roads and moving snow across a municipal network of more than 100 miles of streets.

The city attorney told the council the temporary use of the former Shapiro Motor Motors lot at 410–420 West First Street was proposed after residents, via Commissioner Revere, requested a place to deposit snow. "The justification for this is the state of emergency," the city attorney said, and added the administration had consulted the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and insurers for liability guidance.

Under the plan, Commissioner Revere’s team will designate entry and exit points; the city will require anyone using the lot to sign a waiver and release available at the clerk’s office if the council adopted the resolution. The city attorney said insurance representatives from the New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal (NYMIR) and Eastern Shore Associates reviewed the plan and provided guidance on minimizing liability risks. The waiver process and the clerk’s role as the clearinghouse were explicit directions from the council discussion.

Council members asked how private haulers and homeowners would be handled and whether disposal fees would apply in future storms. The city attorney and councilors agreed city staff should consider a future policy to charge a hauling or disposal fee (similar to municipal trash-hauler charges) once the immediate emergency passes; the lot’s future availability will depend on planned redevelopment of the property.

Bill Meyer, the lone public commenter, offered a separate public-comment item thanking the police for overnight patrols that he said helped protect an elaborate private holiday decoration display. "I'd like to express my deep appreciation for the police presence and a very large thank you to Chief Katie and the entire police department for helping me keep my decorations safe," Meyer said.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 45: Approve minutes of the Feb. 10, 2025 common council meeting. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). Mover: Councilor Walton; Second: Councilor Walker. - Resolution 46: Appoint commissioner of deeds. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 47: Authorize mayor to enter renewal agreement with Step 1 Creative for website maintenance (one-year term). Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 48: Authorize mayor to sign Amendment No. 14 with GHD Consulting Services Inc. for $20,000 for consent-decree quarterly reporting. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 49: Authorize transfer of $500 from engineering materials and supplies to high dam materials and supplies. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 50: Budget amendment of $500,000 to resupply road salt (snow removal materials and supplies account). Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 51: Budget amendment of $22,065.48 for police camera upgrades. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 52: Accept $5,000 donation from Brookfield Renewable US to purchase a rapid-deployment craft. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 53: Waive rules to present Resolutions 54–56 from the floor. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 54: Approve use of public space for the Oswego County Autism Task Force “Outrun Autism” 5K on March 8, 2025. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 55: Blanket authorization for the Oswego YMCA to install advertisement signs along city streets for annual events. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2). - Resolution 56: Authorize public use of city property at 410–420 West First Street for residents to deposit excess snow and ice, with waiver requirement and designated entry/exit points. Outcome: Passed (5–0–2).

The council meeting ended after the roll call votes. The two excused members were Councilor Allen and the council vice president (name not specified).