Rome Common Council approves grants, easements and ordinances, defeats one parcel sale

The Rome Common Council on May 28, 2025 approved a series of routine resolutions and ordinances, accepting several grants and authorizing easements while defeating one proposed parcel sale.

The council carried resolutions to use Waterdam Capital Reserve funds for the Kessinger Dam project, waive right-of-way permit application fees for temporary banners, enter into an agreement with the Utica Police Department, accept a $40,000 discovery grant from the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, and accept $105,870 from Essentia Health Inc. for the Potter Road utility extensions project. The council also adopted a temporary increase to the sidewalk rebate program for 2025 and approved a permanent easement with the Town of Lee. A proposed sale of city-owned Parcel 1806 North Madison Street was defeated after the prospective buyer withdrew their letter of intent; a separate sale of Parcel 301 McCray Street for $1,100 was approved.

Votes at a glance:

- Resolution 80: Authorized use of funds from the Waterdam Capital Reserve account to fund the Kessinger Dam capital project. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: resolution called at 1023.78–1031.87.)

- Resolution 81: Waived application fees for right-of-way permits to install a temporary banner. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1046.42–1052.28.)

- Resolution 82: Authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Utica Police Department. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1066.19–1076.74.)

- Resolution 83: Authorized the mayor to accept a Oneida County District Attorney’s Office discovery grant to enhance the law enforcement discovery unit process, $40,000. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1088.43–1106.14.)

- Resolution 84: Authorized the mayor to accept funding from Essentia Health Inc. for the Potter Road utility extensions project, $105,870. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1111.42–1127.72.)

- Resolution 85: Home rule resolution requesting state legislation to authorize the transfer of Rome Police Department Sergeant Scott Hogue from retirement plan 375-I to plan 384-D by adoption of specified Assembly and Senate bills. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1137.73–1162.64.)

- Resolution 86: Home rule message requesting the New York State Legislature to authorize establishment of hotel and motel occupancy taxes by specified Assembly and Senate bills. Outcome: carried. (Transcript: 1173.38–1202.74.)

- Ordinance 9796: Authorized a temporary rebate increase to the sidewalk rebate program for calendar year 2025. Outcome: adopted. (Transcript: 1206.55–1237.17.)

- Ordinance 9797: Authorized the mayor to execute a permanent easement agreement with the Town of Lee (tax map numbers specified). Outcome: adopted. (Transcript: 1243.44–1279.79.)

- Order/Ordinance 9792: Authorizing sale of city-owned Parcel 1806 North Madison Street for $1,100 — defeated after a council member said the buyer withdrew the purchase letter. Outcome: defeated. (Transcript: 1395.20–1464.58.)

- Ordinance 9793: Authorizing sale of city-owned Parcel 301 McCray Street for $1,100. Outcome: adopted. (Transcript: 1464.58–1492.75.)

Several items drew little or no public discussion and were adopted by unanimous consent or voice vote. In one instance — Order 9788, an amendment to the city code’s site-plan review section — the council amended language but then left the ordinance on the table because the planning board had not yet issued its recommendations; the matter remains pending. (Transcript: 1323.79–1375.43.)

President Nash called the meeting to a close after the votes and the council adjourned.