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Utica council approves consent items, events, purchases, and an $8,000 microgrant; votes at a glance
Summary
The Utica City Council on July 8 approved several community events, municipal purchases and an $8,000 microgrant, and moved into a closed session on tax-tribunal matters.
The Utica City Council took a series of routine and project-related votes on July 8. Highlights include approvals for community events, municipal equipment purchases, asset disposals, and acceptance of a small arts grant for a downtown pocket park.
Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda: Council approved all consent items by roll call (unanimous yes). Motion by Dionne; support by Torenzi.
- Utica High School homecoming parade (Sept. 19): Council approved the Utica High Student Council’s request to use downtown Utica and a road-closure plan. Motion by Dionne; support by O'Donnell. The police department confirmed it will provide routine event coverage and the school will cover police costs for the associated game.
- Cassie Hines Shoes Cancer Foundation 14th annual Glow Run (Sept. 20): Council approved the Glow Run subject to coordination with the Utica Police Department. Organizers estimated about 400 runners. Motion by Torenzi; support by Dionne.
- Downtown Christmas tree lighting and fireworks: Council approved the Dec. 13, 2025 tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks show, and separately approved a three-year contract with Ace Pyro for displays in 2025–2027 at $6,800 per year. Motions: tree lighting (motion by Torenzi; support by Weaver); Ace Pyro contract (motion by Torenzi; support by DeVrent).
- Temporary sign at 8413 Hall Road: Council approved a site-specific 3-by-8-foot banner (30 days) north of the pylon sign and east of the driveway. Motion by Mayor Calandrino; support by Torenzi. (See separate story for discussion.)
- Sale of fixed assets: Council authorized auction or scrapping of 11 DPW fixed assets that reached useful life. Motion by Torenzi; support by Backus.
- Parks vehicle purchase: Council approved the purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, including Western plow and delivery, for $73,800 from Berger Chevrolet (funding: Parks Department vehicle purchase account). Motion by Torenzi; support by Weaver.
- Vehicle decals: Council approved up to $700 for vehicle decals from Cook Signs. Motion by Torenzi; support by Dionne.
- 24-inch bucket for backhoe: Council approved the purchase of a 24-inch bucket from AIS Construction Equipment for $2,700 (budgeted). Motion by Torenzi; support by DeVrent.
- Auburn Art Nook microgrant ($8,000): Council accepted an $8,000 Local Economies microgrant to fund the Auburn Art Nook project (mural, concrete pad, picnic table with umbrella, bike rack) on the parcel between Deanna’s Barber Shop and Mr. Miguel’s. Motion by Dionne; support by Weaver. The property owner signed an agreement and the mural artist has delivered a color rendering.
- Retiree spouse insurance: Council approved allowing Linda Finkel, spouse of a deceased retiree, to remain on the group retiree gap insurance (Benestar, VSP Vision and Delta Dental) with the retiree’s estate/family paying the monthly cost. Motion by Torenzi; support by Dionne.
- Closed session: Council moved to enter closed session to discuss tax-tribunal items and indicated votes would occur on assessing items as necessary. Motion by Torenzi; support by Weaver.
All recorded roll-call votes in the meeting segments reviewed were affirmative (yes) on the listed motions.
