Mark Kearns

The primary discussion revolved around identifying funding options for the local share of the NY SWIMS grant, specifically debating the use of Fund Balance versus short-term borrowing, with the hybrid model being favored by several councillors. Key actions included the appointment of Councillor Stevenson as Deputy Mayor for 2026 and 2027, and authorization for the submission of a grant application for America 250 funding. The Council also authorized accepting an Engineering Planning Grant for an Infiltration and Inflow Study, which requires a $20,000 local match. A resolution was introduced to set a public hearing for rezoning a parcel from Adaptive Reuse (AR) to Medium Density Residential (MDR). Further resolutions authorized agreements for airport security services and the acceptance of the 2025 Board of Ethics annual report. Additionally, a contract was authorized with LaBella Associates, D.P.C. for environmental site assessments for the Jackson Street property. Old business included discussions regarding sales tax revenue negotiations with the county and securing the status of heat remaining on in a closed prison facility. Updates were provided on a $5 million drinking water system upgrade grant and a $250,000 LWRP grant, with Mayor Tooley prioritizing the LWRP update to guide future zoning changes.

The meeting included a presentation by the City Historian and members of the Historic Preservation Commission, who presented Ogdensburg Heritage House certificates to property owners. The council addressed claims in various funds and approved resolutions for designating official newspapers and bank depositories for 2026. They also set the City Council Meeting dates for 2026 and authorized the City Manager to execute a SCADA services agreement with the Development Authority of the North Country. Additionally, a resolution was passed to urge the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive, multi-year eradication program for the invasive water chestnut on the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie Rivers. The 2026 Tax Warrant was approved. The council discussed a lighting issue on Route 37 and Canton Street.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2026 Preliminary Budget, where concerns were raised about the pool budget and library funding. Council discussed revisions to the 2026 final budget, including reducing the property tax levy and concerns about increasing sales tax revenue. There was discussion regarding stipends for city officials, the pool rehabilitation project, and home occupancy water and sewer rates. The council also discussed a Veteran's Day ceremony, an Urban Renewal talk, holiday events, and the city's DRI application. The meeting adjourned to Executive Session to discuss proposed, pending, or current litigation.

The meeting addressed concerns about misleading information regarding splashpads and suggestions for an enclosed system. There were discussions about improving lighting on Canton Street and Route 37, and a request to change the brush pickup date to June. The council adopted the 2026 Preliminary Budget with revisions and discussed a resolution for a public hearing on amending the zoning ordinance. They also considered retaining appraisal services for the hydroelectric facility and authorized the City Manager to sign an agreement for a plow and wing combination. Additional topics included authorizing a change order for the Marina Improvement Project, accepting Youth Development Program Grants, and calling for public hearings on local laws related to sewer rates, water rates, and taxation. The council declared itself the lead agency for the Elsa M. Luksich Public Pool and Bathhouse Improvements Project and addressed the issue of water chestnut infestation.

The budget workshop discussed the proposed 2026 budget, focusing on all funds except water and sewer funds. Key topics included the property tax levy, sales tax, code enforcement fees, parks and recreation charges, pool concessions, arena fees, and marina fees. Adjustments were made to reflect current trends and contractual obligations. The discussion also covered airport security, school resource officers (SROs), interest and earnings, rental of real property tax, fines and forfeitures, self-insurance recoveries, opioid revenues, interfund revenues, and state revenue sharing.