Utica council approves multiple budget amendments, event permits and engineering work; votes summarized

The Utica City Council approved a series of motions at its Feb. 11 meeting to amend budgets, authorize engineering and permit a community run. Below is a concise summary of formal actions the council voted to approve, with the motion sponsors, seconders and roll‑call results as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Hansen’s Running Shop — 27th annual Bill Roni Memorial 5K (run/walk) Motion: Approve the run and authorize closure of Grant Park between Hall Road and Summers; include event logistics as presented. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Dionne; support by Councilmember Sikora. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor (Sikora, Torenzi, O'Donnell, Deann, Backus Weaver, Mayor Calandrino). Outcome: approved.

Iron Bell Trail (Davis Street Bridge) — engineering engagement (HRC) Motion: Approve engineering services from HRC for design, administration, construction and observation to advance the Iron Bell Trail bridge project. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Sikora; support by Councilmember Torenzi. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

IT services budget amendment (FY2025) Motion: Amend FY2025 budgets (General Fund, Building Code Enforcement, Sewer and Water funds) to cover IT services standard monthly fees plus additional billable hours; specific line increases provided in treasurer's letter dated 02/07/2025. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Sikora; support by Councilmember Torenzi. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Hearing officer budget amendment (marijuana licensing appeals) Motion: Increase FY2025 budget lines to retain hearing officer Richard Albright for pending marijuana license appeals (funded by application fees); specific GL numbers amended as stated on the agenda. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Sikora; support by Councilmember Torenzi. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Fire engine purchase — budget correction ($24,000) Motion: Amend FY2025 fire department budget to reflect the amended vehicle purchase total and fund the $24,000 difference from the general fund unassigned balance (original FEMA grant and prior amendment covered the balance). Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Torenzi; support by Councilmember O'Donnell. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Police — MCOLs continuing professional education funding ($19,500) Motion: Amend FY2025 police revenue and expenditure accounts to recognize MCOLs training funds and appropriate them for training programs. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Torenzi; support noted in meeting record. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Police — festival contributions / overtime offset ($15,000) Motion: Amend police revenue and overtime expenditure accounts to shift festival staffing costs to event revenue where possible. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Torenzi; support by Councilmember Secora. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Downtown beautification — hanging potted flowers purchase (Joe Cucci & Sons) Motion: Approve purchase and installation of hanging potted flowers (up to 50 units, not to exceed $8,000) for Cass, Auburn and city hall/police/fire lots from lowest bidder. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember Torenzi; support by Councilmember Dionne. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Private donation — Utica Lions Club ($250) Motion: Accept a $250 donation from the Utica Lions Club to DPW for vehicle maintenance items and amend budget accounts accordingly. Mover/Seconder: Motion by Councilmember O'Donnell; support by Councilmember Torenzi. Vote: Unanimous roll call in favor. Outcome: approved.

Election equipment grant / laptop purchase ($1,000) Motion 1: Authorize purchase of one laptop for elections, not to exceed $1,000. Motion 2: Amend FY2025 budget to record the $1,000 federal election security grant and related expenditure GLs. Mover/Seconder: Motions by Councilmember Torenzi and by Councilmember Dionne (budget amendment); motions supported as recorded. Vote: Unanimous roll calls in favor. Outcome: approved.

Notes on procedure and next steps - Several of the budget amendments were recorded as offsetting entries (revenue received and expenditures authorized) so they did not increase the net city levy. - The Social District proposal and the draft donation‑bin zoning ordinance were discussed at length; the Social District was not voted on (staff and applicants will return with a draft resolution and MLCC application next month), and the donation‑bin ordinance was referred back to Planning Commission for fee and size/lot‑size exemption language.

Sources: Items, motions and roll‑call votes as recorded in the Feb. 11, 2025 Utica City Council meeting minutes and agenda packet.