Citizen's Report: February 2025 Corning City Council Meeting
- sterlinglynn26
- Feb 19
- 8 min read
A Citizen’s Report
on
A Meeting of the Corning City Council
February 3, 2025
The Council for the City of Corning, New York held its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
at Council Chambers, Civic Center Plaza, Corning, New York.
All Councilmembers attended the meeting. Counting City of Corning employees, 18
members of the public were in the audience.
City Manager’s Report on the State of the Administration
(Excerpted from the City Manager’s Twenty-Eighth Annual Report on the Status of the Administration.)
Introduction
“Although we are still grappling with higher-than-normal inflation recently and
reduced State aid over the past 15 years, our financial position remains stable ….”
“[W]e have made significant strides in financial management, strengthening our
controls, enhancing long-term planning, and increasing transparency.”
“Our Water Department adopted cutting-edge leak detection technology that
utilizes sound waves to monitor our system continuously, proving invaluable in
identifying leaks and safeguarding our water resources.”
“[T]he Fire Department transitioned to a new Records Management System that
aligns with New York State reporting standards. Moreover, we upgraded their
capabilities with a new rescue boat, enhancing our response to incidents on the
river.”
“Our ongoing commitment to infrastructure was evident in our robust street paving
program, which saw the completion of approximately 42 blocks of streets and
alleys, as well as 3 parking lots totaling $1,268,181.41. We also began the process
of installing a dome over the tricking filter at the Waste Water Treatment Plant to
improve efficiency and replaced water and sewer mains in various areas.”
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
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“State Revenue Sharing: Governor Hochul has once again issued an executive
Budget with no increase in Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) funding. It has
been about 15 years since our funding was cut and never restored. She did propose
to keep the Temporary Municipal Assistance aid that was introduced last year, but
did not provide an increase.”
“Inflation: We are still struggling to cope with the above normal levels of inflation
we have experienced over the past few years.”
“Trying to keep property taxes under the tax cap, without any increase in State aid
is becoming unrealistic. At the very least, it will not allow for new services.”
“We will also need to closely watch what impact the President’s use of tariffs on
foreign goods and services will have on inflation.”
“Staffing: [T]he relatively small size of our full-time workforce …limits our capacity
to provide services.”
“In FY90, the City had 167 full-time employees, bringing the total decrease to date
to 66 employees or a 39.5% reduction.”
“Labor Relations Administrator: The lack of a centralized Human Resources (HR)
administration poses significant challenges given the complexities of our
organization and the varied needs that arise daily. The importance of effective HR
management in fostering a positive workplace, maintaining regulatory compliance,
retaining top talent, and supporting overall organizational success cannot be
overstated.”
“…I have engaged Matrix Consulting to conduct a thorough HR analysis to pinpoint
our deficiencies and devise a strategic approach to centralizing our HR functions.”
“Labor Negotiations: Over the years we have been fortunate to be able to secure
long-tern labor agreements with our unions.”
“We are still experiencing issues with recruitment and retention in some positions
due to wage pressures, especially for licensed positions such as CDL drivers and
positions at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. This will likely be the main topic of
conversation when we begin renegotiating contracts this year.”
“Management Team Integration and Operations Management Planning:
Over the past year, I have focused on integrating new department heads and my
secretary into the management team while exposing team members to various
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aspects of our operations beyond their typical responsibilities. This approach is
designed to enhance leadership development and strengthen management
capacity.”
“[W]e identified several key priorities, including improvements in communications,
technology, human resources, and succession planning.”
“Technology Modernization: In the realm of urban planning and code
enforcement, the Planning Department is implementing new Code Enforcement
software that will transform how building permits are handled, allowing for online
submissions and real-time tracking by applicants.”
[A] county-wide law enforcement Records Management System [may hopefully] be
operational by the end of the year.”
“Chief Spaulding has procured grant funding to update the police radio system,
ensuring more reliable communication among our officers.”
“Public Works is also upgrading its radio systems….”
“We will be turning our attention soon to the Fire Department’s aging Land Mobile
Radio System by exploring various financing options for necessary upgrades.”
“Chief Davies has also sought federal funding to replace outdated thermal imaging
cameras for the Fire Department, a request that is currently pending with FEMA.”
“On the administrative front, we are implementing new software to manage and
track our personnel and operations policies.”
“Lastly, our Public Works Department has applied for a grant to acquire smart
meters that will not only streamline utility readings but also enhance our leak
detection capabilities.”
“City Fleet: Over the next few years, we are going to need additional investment in
the City’s fleet as our vehicles begin to age. Some of the most notable priorities are
replacing the Fire Department’s second-line engine, various dump trucks, pickup-
trucks, police vehicles, and code enforcement cars.”
“Transportation System: Public Transportation continues to be a challenge for a
City our size to administer given our limited capacity. We have completed a
transportation study with Steuben County on the feasibility of consolidating the City
and County bus systems to improve efficiency and service.”
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“[T]he New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes our
challenges with running multiple systems in our county, and as result has
communicated that they intend to include Corning, Steuben County, and Hornell in
a DOT Transit Integration Pilot Study in 2025.
“For many years, we have been able to operate the bus system only on fair box
revenues and state and federal funding. With the cost of inflation, this may not be
feasible in the future.”
“Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Department: *** We are seeking
federal funds though Congressionally Directed Spending for the replacement of the
boilers at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. I anticipate we will know if federal
funds are available upon the completion of the upcoming Federal Reconciliation
process.”
“[W]e are obtaining quotes to transition the disinfection system at Well #9 from
chlorine gas to a safer and more efficient alternative.”
“Denison Park Arch: [I]n Denison Park, Hunt Engineering has completed an
analysis of the condition of the Denison Park Arch. Built in 1919, it is in a state of
disrepair and needs extensive work.”
“Comprehensive Plan: *** During the upcoming year, there will be Public
Visioning and City Council workshops. The City Council will ultimately be
considering its adoption in the Fall of 2025.”
“St. Vincent’s Church: Housing Visions has secured a $2 million Restore NY grant
for the Parish Heights project. They also submitted their funding application to NYS
Homes & Community Renewal in September 2024. While we do not know when
funding awards will be announced, we are hoping to hear news within the next
couple of months so that construction can begin by spring 2026.”
“Civic Center Plaza: The City was notified in the Fall of 2023 that we received a
$30,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to complete a
master plan and preliminary designs for an art park at Civic Center Plaza. *** We
anticipate this plan will be finalized next month.”
“Public Art Strategy Implementation: *** [S]taff will be bringing to the Code
Committee a recommendation to add a Chapter in our City Code on Public Art that
will define public art and most importantly, identify a process for the placement of
public art on City property.”
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“We will also be negotiating a partnership agreement, as envisioned by the plan, for
your consideration that will establish a public-private partnership similar to the one
we used for housing. If the Council decides to move forward with the partnership
this year, funding for the administration will need to be added in the upcoming
budget.”
Conclusion
“In conclusion, we have been making significant strides improving our
infrastructure, implementing new technologies, supporting economic and
community development projects and keeping our finances stable.
Looking ahead, we face challenges that will require innovative solutions and
determination. Addressing rising wages and benefit costs, human resource
management, and the need for investment in our fleet and infrastructure projects
will require additional resources.”
Public hearing Scheduled on Market Street Holiday Lighting
The Gaffer District has engaged a consultant to study how best to approach holiday
lighting on Market Street. The Consultants will take the pulse of the community at
a public meeting on February 20, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn.
New Business - the Council Unanimously:
Approved the reappointment of Councilmember Alison Hunt to the Corning
Intown District Management Association (Gaffer District) Board of Directors
for a period ending on June 30, 2026.
Authorized a street closing for a Special Olympics Track and Field event on
May 30, 2025.
Accepted a donation of $20,000 from the estate of Joseph D. Liptak for
improvements at the Corning Senior Center.
Authorized an application for a grant from the State of New York
Transportation Department for up to $1,164,575. Of this amount $338,320
is to defray Corning Erwin Area Transit Service (CEATS) operating costs and
$825,255 is to replace five CEATS buses which have reached their maximum
useful life. The third-party subcontractor operating the mass transit system
in Southeast Steuben County, TransDev, has committed to pay the local
share.
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Authorized Street Closings for:
o GlassFest – May 23-25, 2025
o Wineglass 8K Road Race – May 24, 2025
o 2025 Corning Pride – June 14, 2025
o June Jam Finale – June 28, 2025
o 2025 India Day – August 9, 2025
o Crusin’ on Bridge – August 23, 2025
o Harvest Festival – September 19-20, 2025
o Wineglass (Storflex) 5K road Race, October 4, 2025
o Guthrie Wineglass Marathon and Wineglass Half-Marathon, October 4-
5, 2025
o Parade of Lights – November 29, 2025
o Sparkle – December 6, 2025
Authorized vending within 120 feet of Centerway Square for
o Spring Moon Market - May 3, 2025
o GlassFest – May 23-25, 2025
o Farmer’s Market – Thursdays from June 5 through October 30, 2025
o Corning Pride – June 14, 2025
o Music in the Square – Thursdays from July 3 through August 28, 2025
o 2025 India Day -August 9, 2025
o Fall Moon Market - August 23, 2025
o Harvest Festival - September 10-20, 2025
o Days of Incandescence - October 23-25, 2025
o Horse and Wagon Rides – November 29, December 13, and December
20, 2025
o Sparkle – December 6, 2025
Granted permission to possess open containers in public during GlassFest
and Harvest Festival, subject to certain conditions.
Visitors’ Comments
Vinnie Azzarelli, 74 East Market Street, expressed concern for the growing number
of unregulated, unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in the Gaffer District. He alleges
that these stores pop up and re-open shortly after authorities shut them down. Mr.
Azzarelli feels that the City of Corning should produce a plan to make sure that
illegal dispensaries can’t operate without repercussions. He pointed to the City
Ordinance recently adopted in the City of Elmira as a template for Council action.
Background: According to WYDC News, the new law, passed by the Elmira City
Council in a 6-1 vote, grants code directors and the police chief the authority to
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seal buildings involved in illegal cannabis sales. Violators will face fines starting at
$100 for a first offense, with penalties reaching up to $25,000. Additionally, the
Ordinance empowers authorities to seize illegal cannabis and related products from
offending businesses. The ordinance, adopted on December 30, 2024, is set to take
effect early in 2025.
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
NOTES
The writer of this report has presented items in an order different than that
in which they occurred at the meeting.
The writer has, except as specifically noted, amended, or eliminated
comments and attribution for them. Unless quotation marks are used, the
comments reported are not verbatim.
For brevity, the writer has not included all items on the agenda of the
meeting.
Some material has been added by the writer for context or clarity and where
it is extensive, is labeled “Background.”.
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