Rome council authorizes up to $70,000 in bonds to add window treatments at City Hall

The Rome Common Council voted to authorize up to $70,000 in bonds to purchase and install blinds, shades or tinting film for City Hall, a project councilors and administration said addresses employee health, safety and long-term efficiency.

Commissioner Giuliano told the council the window treatments were unintentionally omitted from the 2021–22 City Hall renovation and that some south-facing offices have "recorded temperatures in these offices of 80 degrees and above," which he said reduces productivity and creates health concerns. Giuliano said he requested the $70,000 estimate in May 2025 and would seek competitive bids, noting any public purchase above the statutory threshold will be publicly bid.

"This is not a waste of taxpayer funds," Giuliano said, framing the project as necessary to make the renovated building functional and safe rather than cosmetic. He said work could include a mix of films, shades or blinds and that he would evaluate each office with local vendors to determine the appropriate solution.

Councilor Riley questioned whether tinting was necessary and said he was more comfortable favoring shades; Riley said tinting appeared to be the more expensive option and expressed caution about that approach. Councilors speaking in favor highlighted that temporary fixes such as cardboard or paper coverings currently used in some offices were inadequate and that the $70,000 cap represents a small share of the $6.4 million renovation cost.

Earlier in the meeting the council adopted Resolution 21, which determined the proposed blinds/window coverings are a Type II action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Later in the agenda, Ordinance 9846 — authorizing issuance of $70,000 in bonds for the purchase and installation of blinds or window coverings — was moved under unanimous consent and carried.

Commissioner Giuliano also responded to a public comment about snow banks, noting DPW crews prioritized clearing roads and intersections during heavy storms and that driveway-end bank removal is often secondary until weather conditions allow.