Cortland council sets multiple public hearings, approves grants and permits; procurement debate draws one dissent

The Cortland Common Council on June 26 set several public hearings, approved multiple grant applications and event permits, and debated a controversial procurement step that produced a single dissenting vote.

Mayor Steve opened the meeting by reading a Flag Week proclamation recognizing American Legion Auxiliary Unit 489, American Legion Post 489 and Elks Lodge 748 and declaring June 14–20, 2026 Flag Week in the city. Council accepted the proclamation by voice vote.

Finance update and audit review Finance presenter Mr. Shaker told the council the city’s 2024 fiscal audit has been completed and filed with New York State offices, Moody’s and other agencies; a separate federal single audit remains to be finalized. He said audit entries will be incorporated into 2025 closeout work and the AFR, and that the auditor will be available next week for a special meeting to review the audit with council. Mr. Shaker warned revenue lines remain the largest budget risk but noted the state budget includes roughly $500,000 in additional state aid that should partially offset shortfalls. He also reported WIA paperwork and bond paperwork are being finalized and flagged an approximate payout scheduled for July 7 that was noted in the meeting transcript as about $16,178,972 (amount described by staff as uncertain).

Zoning and housing Council voted to set a public hearing for July 7, 2026 on a proposed amendment to the official zoning map that would reclassify 47 parcels from central business to residential (R2/R4). Proponents said the change would allow more first‑floor housing conversions and help implement the city’s pro‑housing goals; planning and zoning boards reviewed the map and recommended the change. Council members asked staff to ensure adjoining property owners receive the required postcard notices under state law, and several members expressed concern about the timing of notices given the impending special audit meeting.

Parking code changes Council also set a July 7 hearing on proposed amendments to Article 11 of the city code covering parking rules. The parking committee and public safety commission recommended changes that would (among other things) allow limited additional street parking on some side streets, create delineated paid parking zones near the campus to reduce commuter parking pressure, and add signage and restrictions to preserve driveway access. Staff emphasized any paid on‑street parking would return to council for specific zone adoption and rates.

Grants, contracts and events Council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Toma Development Consultants for delivery of the city’s CDBG housing rehabilitation program in the amount of $134,250, pending state review. The council endorsed submission of a New York Main Street Anchor Grant application (up to $500,000) for improvements at 35 Main Street; members noted the exact scope of improvements will be developed if the grant proceeds. The council also authorized applications and local cost shares for FEMA assistance to firefighter grants and a fire prevention Knox vault replacement grant; staff cited a regional radio local share of $19,138.71 and a Knox grant local share of $2,126.19 against a federal share of $44,323.81.

The council approved special event and sound permits without fee for summer community events, including the Cortland Arts Off Main Festival (Aug. 1), Access to Independence ADA celebrations (July 25) and the high school alumni weekend (July 25), with standard conditions and police approval for street closures. It also accepted a $5,000 grant from the National Police Dog Foundation for the police K‑9 program and authorized mayoral execution of related grant documents, with previously expended funds serving as the required match.

Procurement debate: sole‑source designations A lengthy discussion followed a resolution to designate several vendors as sole‑source providers for specific goods and services (largely water/sewer parts and some uniform/graphics work). Legal counsel and department staff described the documentation requirements for a sole‑source finding and cited time‑sensitive repair needs and proprietary design/embroidery programs as reasons some vendors are sole source. Council member Tobin asked that two vendors be removed from the list for further review and ultimately voted "no" when the full resolution passed; other members voted to approve the designation. Legal staff said departments must maintain sole‑source documentation and notify council if market conditions change.

Other business and next steps Council approved amendments to the 2026 general fund budget as presented, declared a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe surplus to be sold at auction, accepted several small community donations (including $700 from UAW Local 1326 for the summer concert series and $50 from Lime Hollow Nature Center for Porchfest) and adjourned. Staff emphasized that many items set for July 7 (zoning map amendment, CDBG hearing and parking code changes) will provide public hearings and additional opportunities for citizen input.

Votes at a glance - Set public hearing: Zoning map amendment (47 parcels) — motion to set hearing approved (voice vote/recorded notice to be published). - Set public hearing: 2026 CDBG program — approved; hearing scheduled July 7. - Set public hearing: Article 11 (parking code) — approved; hearing scheduled July 7. - Authorize agreement: Toma Development Consultants (CDBG delivery) — authorized for $134,250, pending state review. - Authorize application: NY Main Street Anchor Grant (35 Main St.) — authorized to apply (up to $500,000). - Accept grant: National Police Dog Foundation — accepted, $5,000. - Authorize FEMA grant applications (radio/Knox) — authorized; local cost shares noted. - Designate sole‑source vendors — approved; Council member Tobin voted no.

What’s next Public hearings on the zoning map amendment, CDBG program and parking code changes are set for July 7, 2026 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 25 Court Street; grant applications will proceed subject to state and federal review. Council also scheduled a special meeting next week for an auditor presentation on the 2024 audit.