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Utica council approves community events, hires and appointments; limits off-site event signage
Summary
Council approved community events including the Utica Lions Club 250th celebration, Gasoline Alley street festival, and the Sparkle Network wellness event; it also approved the deputy finance director hire and a Historic District Commission appointment and declined to permit off-site signs on Hall Road and Van Dyke.
At its May 20 meeting the Utica City Council approved a package of routine community permits and personnel actions, including approvals for multiple upcoming events, a staff hire, and a local commission appointment.
Events and permits: The council approved the Utica Lions Club’s America 250th celebration, which will include a Memorial Park concert, community activities at Grant Park and fireworks launched from a ballpark area; organizers agreed to cover police and fire staffing costs. Council also approved the Gasoline Alley street-closure and swap-meet event for Aug. 22 and granted Sparkle Network founder Maureen "Mo" Leeds permission to hold the Awareness for Wellness walk and vendor fair at Grant Park on June 13, 2026.
Leeds told council, "It's my annual visit. My name is Mo Leeds and I'm the founder of the non-profit Sparkle Network," and described wellness vendors and a dress-donation drive tied to the event. Council approved the Sparkle Network event but declined a separate motion to approve signage on Hall Road and Van Dyke, explaining First Amendment constraints on content-based restrictions; signage placement in Grant Park was permitted.
Personnel and appointments: Council approved the hiring of Oral Mulitan (name appears variably in the packet) as deputy finance director and approved the contract drafted by the city attorney. The council also appointed Utica resident Danielle Guitar to the Historic District Commission. Both items passed by roll call vote.
Other approvals: The council granted a first-time sidewalk license for a new restaurant at 7660 Auburn Road for the April 15–Oct. 31 season and approved a temporary two-tent permit for a June 6 auction at 7551 Auburn Road. Council also approved promotions within the fire department and a $50-per-month retroactive cell-phone stipend for the assistant fire chief.
Why it matters: These routine approvals allow upcoming community events to proceed, fulfill personnel staffing needs, and confirm local regulatory permissions. The council’s refusal to approve off-site signage on Hall Road and Van Dyke underscores that the city reviews sign placement consistent with First Amendment constraints.
Next steps: Event organizers will coordinate with Parks & Rec and public safety to finalize logistics; the finance department will finalize the deputy finance director contract and onboarding; DPW and department heads will implement related operational items.
