Charles J. Smith

The council addressed several administrative and property-related matters. Key actions included the formal appointment of a First Ward Councilor, the authorization to advertise public hearings for fee amendments related to community room rentals, North Bay, and a vacant building registry, and the adoption of a partnership with the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board for urban forestry. Furthermore, the council approved the sale of multiple city-owned properties acquired through tax foreclosure, authorized amendments to a property listing agreement, and facilitated a deed transfer to the local school district. The council also approved a lease modification for the Fulton Family YMCA and authorized ambulance standby services for Lake Neatahwanta.

The meeting included several resolutions focused on amending the proposed 2026 General Fund Budget. Key actions involved authorizing the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fulton Police Benevolent Association (PBA), which resulted in budget reductions across Police Personnel Services and Overtime. Several other budget line items were reduced, including those for Vehicle Maintenance, Building Repairs, Registration and Training, Vehicle Repairs, Miscellaneous, and Time Due. The Council also approved reductions for Maintenance of Roads and Snow Removal Personal Services. Following an executive session, the Council re-adopted the 2026 General Budget Resolution after an initial failure, and subsequently adopted the resolution directing the tax levy for the City of Fulton for the year 2026, totaling $10,476,837.95.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the proposed 2026 General Fund Budget, updated fees for Tax Search Services, proposed fee changes for Adult Softball and Basketball, and the sale of Milled Blacktop. Also discussed were the proposed fee for Administrative Marriage Ceremonies, a zone change request for 55 West First Street South, and an amendment to reduce the speed limit on Hannibal Street. The council addressed the 2026 General Budget Resolution, directed the tax levy for 2026, and approved the transfer of funds for Street Light Utility accounts. Additionally, they authorized the purchase of rock salt for the 2025-2026 winter season, approved a lease agreement for a residential property, and authorized an amendment to the contract with Barton & Loguidice for the WPCP Improvements Project.

The council discussed the proposed 2026 General Budget, highlighting revenue adjustments, state aid, and unavoidable expenses such as contributions to the Fire and Police Pension System and BAN payments. Cuts have been made across most departments. The council also addressed resolutions including the reappointment of members to the Board of Ethics, authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of Intent for the sale of property, authorized the City Clerk/Chamberlain to advertise for public hearings, and authorized the Mayor to sign an agreement with Constellation NewEnergy, Inc.

The Common Council meeting included discussions and resolutions on various topics, such as removing a resolution from the meeting agenda, approving the Clerk's report for September 2025, reappointing a member to the Board of Ethics, and awarding a bid for the Former Fulton Mall Site Environmental Restoration Project to Bronze Contracting, LLC. Additionally, the council approved a proposal for the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Project Historic Markers and Signage submitted by Signage, Wayfinding and Construction LLC (SWC). Agreements with Spectrum Northeast, LLC and Annsville Solar 2, LLC were authorized, and the sale of a surplus Fire Department vehicle was approved. The council also authorized advertising for sealed bids for gasoline and diesel fuel and for tree maintenance.