Common Council Committee of the Whole Meeting April 14th, 2026

The City of Utica Common Council Committee of the Whole met on April 14, 2026, to discuss several ordinances and local laws primarily related to zoning regulations for battery energy storage systems and property management policies. Key procurement-related discussions included the extension of a moratorium on battery energy storage systems to allow time for regulatory development, with proposed zoning amendments requiring special use permits and safety measures for such systems, limited to industrial districts. The council also reviewed proposals for a vacant building registry and derelict property regulations aimed at addressing absentee landlords and unsafe buildings, with considerations of fee structures and enforcement mechanisms. Additionally, the committee discussed updating and consolidating city fee schedules for various services and facilities, including parks and recreational programs, with suggestions to allow administrative adjustments tied to cost-of-living increases. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were mentioned, but the regulatory and fee updates could impact future procurement and city service operations. The council planned to schedule further meetings with legal counsel to clarify details and implementation strategies for the property-related ordinances.