Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Government Meeting topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Batavia council schedules CDBG hearing, pursues park and police technology grants and approves $758,950 urban forestry contracting
Summary
At its May 26 special meeting the Batavia City Council scheduled a June 22 public hearing on the city’s CDBG application, authorized applications for NY PLAYS (up to $600,000) and a LETECH police technology grant, and approved DEC-funded tree-planting and removal contracts totaling work to plant about 800 trees; all motions passed 8-0.
The Batavia City Council met May 26, 2026 and approved a slate of grant applications and contracting authorizations, scheduled a public hearing on federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and authorized temporary mutual-aid to maintain fire coverage while Engine 12 is repaired.
Council President Jankowski called the special business meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and recorded the presence of Councilmembers Twichell, Geib, McGinnis, Briggs, Schmidt, DiSalvo and Lord; Councilmember Viele was absent.
On a motion by Councilmember Twichell, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt, the council scheduled a public hearing on the CDBG program at City Hall for 5:30 p.m. on June 22, 2026. The resolution states the hearing is required for the City’s 2026 New York State CDBG application and is intended to inform residents and solicit input on community development needs and priorities.
The council authorized temporary use of a Town of Batavia fire engine while the City’s Engine 12 is out of service for necessary repairs. Councilmember McGinnis moved the measure, Councilmember Geib seconded it, and the motion carried 8-0; the resolution cites the need to preserve uninterrupted emergency response coverage and firefighter/public safety.
Councilmembers approved two grant applications: a motion by Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember DiSalvo, authorized submission of an application to the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative to seek up to $600,000 for replacement and modernization of the Williams Park playground and related amenities. The NY PLAYS program requires a minimum 20% local match; the resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute all application and grant-administration documents if awarded.
Separately, on a motion by Councilmember Briggs, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt, the council authorized the Batavia Police Department to apply for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) Grant for the 2026–2027 program year to purchase or replace electronic policing equipment.
As part of implementing a $758,950 Urban and Community Forestry Grant awarded through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the council approved an agreement with Cardinal Lawn & Landscape, Inc. to perform tree planting and maintenance work; the contract award references planting and caring for approximately 800 new trees in a designated disadvantaged area and the bid amount of $305,482.54 (Cardinal’s submitted price). The council also approved a contract with AJ’s Tree Service for tree removal work under the same grant; AJ’s submitted the lowest responsive bid at $143,857.00. Both contracts were described in the resolutions as fully funded through the DEC grant with no additional City match required beyond in-kind staff support.
The council then approved a motion to enter executive session under Article 7, Section 105(1)(f) of the New York Public Officers Law to discuss matters related to the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation; the body entered executive session at 6:41 p.m. and reconvened at 7:06 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m. Minutes were signed by Clerk-Treasurer Heidi J Parker.
Votes at a glance: - #74-2026 (CDBG public hearing scheduling): moved by Councilmember Twichell, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt; approved 8-0. - #75-2026 (temporary use of Town of Batavia fire engine): moved by Councilmember McGinnis, seconded by Councilmember Geib; approved 8-0. - #76-2026 (NY PLAYS application for Williams Park, up to $600,000; 20% local match required): moved by Councilmember Schmidt, seconded by Councilmember DiSalvo; approved 8-0. - #77-2026 (LETECH grant application authorization): moved by Councilmember Briggs, seconded by Councilmember Schmidt; approved 8-0. - #78-2026 (Cardinal Lawn & Landscape agreement for planting/maintenance under DEC grant, Cardinal price listed $305,482.54): moved by Councilmember McGinnis, seconded by Councilmember Briggs; approved 8-0. - #79-2026 (AJ’s Tree Service agreement for removals under DEC grant, AJ’s bid $143,857.00): moved by Councilmember Twichell, seconded by Councilmember Geib; approved 8-0.
The council did not record roll-call votes by individual member name in the minutes beyond the unanimous tallies. The June 22 CDBG public hearing is the next public step for the CDBG application process.
