Joseph Fornaro

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to recognizing the service of former Fire Chief Tony Hutton, who served since 1989, and administering the Oath of Office to the new Fire Chief, Matthew W. Khen, followed by the swearing-in of Brian Horvath as Executive Captain. The Council then suspended rules to confirm the appointment of the new Fire Chief via Resolution 26-R6. Department reports included confirmation that the Fire Department report was submitted by the new Chief, Lieutenant Fischer had no formal report, and the Director of Public Works noted 35 snow events for the challenging winter season. The Director of Finance reported the closing of the 2025 accounting year and distribution of end-of-year reports. The Mayor announced the successful inclusion of $2 million in the minibus bill for the Kirtland sewer extension project. The Council also addressed procedural matters regarding public participation and open meeting requirements concerning door access during the meeting.

Discussions during the meeting involved updates on road conditions, specifically concerning Rockwood and Ledgewood streets, and the associated sewer infrastructure, including lift station concerns and the need for sewer televising or lining. Appointments and reappointments were addressed for several boards, including Mark Morang to Assistant Law Director (handling Planning and Zoning), Lita Lavin to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Dana Dennis and Paul Roupert to the Tax Board of Review, and Rich Lowry to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Mayor's report included congratulations on council reappointments and recognitions for recent oath of office ceremonies, memorials for the late County Commissioner Rich Regovich and former Fire Department member John Florentine, and acknowledgments for service department efforts regarding holiday lights and road maintenance. Public comments also highlighted the poor condition of streets and the status of funding for sewer assessments and road paving.

The City Council meeting addressed several departmental reports and ongoing matters. The Police Chief's report noted the department's excellent handling of mental health calls and the recovery of over $50,000 in stolen equipment through inter-agency collaboration. The Public Works department reported on managing 22 snow events since Thanksgiving, utilizing 2,100 tons of salt, and their excellent work keeping roads clear. The discussion on capital projects included updates on the Tibbit situation, which lacks new owner plan submissions, and the Wizner wall design, pending the marking of the ordinary high water mark of the stream. Legislation matters included a request to pass nine items and confirmation that the Senior Levy Award of $80,000 for 2026 was secured. A significant portion of the meeting focused on providing feedback to Planning and Zoning regarding their draft legislation on short-term rentals before the scheduled joint meeting in January. Other topics included a discussion on the forthcoming Next Gen 911 system upgrade, which will incorporate cell phone tracking capabilities, and clarification that the city does not legislate on tree disputes between private properties unless the tree jeopardizes a public roadway. Council members also offered congratulations to the Kirtland Hornets football team and acknowledged community efforts regarding holiday light displays.

The City Council meeting included department reports from the police, fire, and service departments, as well as updates from the IT department regarding a new cyber security policy mandated by the state. Discussions covered topics such as the Thanksgiving services collection, the Shop with a Cop program, the city tree lighting ceremony, and the first snowfall of the year. The council also addressed a request to reduce the wastewater treatment plant invoice for the Unitarian Church and discussed the possibility of purchasing police vehicles.

The meeting included discussions and updates from various departments. Topics covered the police department's request to pass ordinance 2569, the fire department receiving a platinum award for traffic safety, and updates on winter preparations including equipment changes and safety reminders for residents. The council also discussed the donation of a Norway spruce tree, snow plowing routes, and brush pickup progress. Updates were provided on street work, sewer extensions, and the Wizner wall project. The council addressed violations related to grading at 10899 Tibbitz and discussed an extension request. The city's healthcare renewal with the county, property and casualty insurance renewal, capital request summary, and vehicle maintenance analysis were also reviewed. Additionally, the council discussed house bills related to property tax and the homestead exemption, along with upcoming legislation on cyber security.