Paul J. Buckley

The Utica Civic Development Corporation's primary mission is to enhance and diversify the economy of the City of Utica by supporting projects that create and retain jobs and promote private sector investment. For 2025, the corporation aims to assist not-for-profits with bond financing, maximize development potential through inter-agency communication and collaboration, facilitate grant acquisition, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These efforts are intended to improve the quality of life for residents and increase the City's tax base.

The meeting agenda included discussions and potential votes on several matters. Key topics involved a resolution from the Onondaga Herkimer Solid Waste Authority regarding adjustments to the 2025 solid waste service, and proposed amendments to the budget including an interfund transfer and changes to the general fund contingency to potentially lower a proposed tax increase. The council also considered authorizing a fence permit extension based on an agreement with a property owner to avoid city repair costs, and extending the moratorium on battery storage facilities and billboards in the city. Significant discussion occurred regarding numerous Elected Official/Enterprise Notification Area (ENA) transfers related to salary reorganizations, social security adjustments, DPW plow repairs, and funding for contractual obligations like the contractual 811 service and fire administration services. Additionally, a public hearing was held concerning the annual estimate for 2026-2027, during which public comments were made prioritizing essential services and funding for code enforcement overtime. A council member also issued a formal apology for a previous insensitive comment made regarding firefighter hazardous pay.

The meeting featured a presentation of the independent audit results from Bonado and Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. The auditors issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statements but identified one material weakness. Discussion points included observations regarding the timing of bank and fixed asset reconciliations, and errors in census data for retiree health benefit calculations. Key financial highlights covered the government-wide financial statements, noting an unrestricted deficit largely due to unfunded retiree health liabilities which New York State prohibits setting aside funds for. Regarding fund financials, the general fund demonstrated a budgetary surplus of approximately $3.7 million for the prior year, resulting in an ending fund balance of $10.8 million. The session also addressed the historical trend of federal and state aid, particularly the spike due to ARPA funding and the expectation for a subsequent decrease.

This document details a Substantial Amendment to the City of Utica's 2020-2021 program year Annual Action Plan, which is the first year of the City's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The amendment reallocates $875,100 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - CV funds from Economic Development, Housing, Landlord Assistance, and Administration. These funds are designated for Public Facilities & Improvements, specifically for the rehabilitation of three city parks (Lincoln, Addison Miller, and Hirt Playground), the purchase of public refuse containers, and a redesign of the City's website to enhance modernization and user-friendliness.

The City of Utica's 2025-2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan outlines a strategic approach to federal funding programs for housing, community, and economic development. Key priorities include increasing the supply of healthy and affordable housing, providing support services for homeless persons and those with non-homeless special needs, enhancing community facilities and public infrastructure, and fostering economic development by creating employment opportunities. The plan also emphasizes neighborhood preservation, assisting local businesses, and addressing issues such as lead-based paint remediation and brownfield redevelopment.