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2:19:34

Thank you, Mr. President. Before we go any further on this, um, I know that Joe made a motion to go in executive session. I'd like to make a re-motion to go in executive session, um, in regards to an update on the lawsuit that was filed on this council's behalf. I think that, um, Corp Counsel Stephanie DiGiorgio would be sufficient enough to give us an update, and I would just like to know what's going on. So I'd like to make a motion to go in executive session in regards to lawsuits.

Unidentified speaker 2:11:16

Oh, taxes, oh taxes, how much we all dread taxes. With interest getting high and money getting low, what is Utica to do? According to the Urban and Economic Development report, in regards to a brownfield cleanup, as a rural city, Utica suffers from poverty, 29% versus 13%. In New York State and has a crushing property tax rate of $15.13 per thousand dollars, which is double the New York State medium of $7.05 per thousand dollars. Over the past 3 years, taxes have increased 7.8%, 14%, and 3.

2:55:19

Thank you, Mr. President. Um, there was just a recent letter to the editor, um, that was written about me in regards to my absence of a meeting, and I responded, and I just wanted to read it on the record at the council, on the council floor. So it says, correcting the record on, on the lead, on correcting the— excuse me, correcting Correcting the record on the meeting regarding lead poisoning. In response to recent commentary from a member of the community regarding my absence from a meeting on lead poisoning in Utica, it's important to correct the record. In 2022, I introduced legislation specifically aimed at addressing lead poisoning. That legislation was placed in a committee on February 2nd and discharged from committee on March 3rd. Councilmembers Aiello, Burmaster, Fran Meola, and Moody voted to discharge the legislation rather than to continue the discussion in committee. Myself, along with Councilman— Councilmembers Betrus, Williamson, and DiBrango voted to keep the legislation in committee so the discussion could continue in a meaningful and substantive way before any final action was taken. I have participated in and supported multiple presentations and efforts related to lead poisoning. The appropriate and effective channel for that work is through committee meetings and the presentation of legislation where dialogue and transparency and accountability an impossibility can occur. In this instance, I had a prior obligation to my children and properly informed those organizing the meeting that I was unable to attend the 6 PM meeting, providing sufficient notice for the meeting to be rescheduled so that all interested parties could participate. I did, however, attend the 7 PM meeting where I received the full presentation of materials directly from the same presenter who spoke at the earlier meeting. Rather than acknowledge these facts, the writer who represents the Democratic Women's Party of Oneida County chose to single out a mother honoring a family commitment instead of engaging honestly with the legislative history and process surrounding this issue. This is particularly troubling coming from individuals and organizations that claim to support women. I encourage Heather, who sits next to me, whom the right of clarity supports, and to present the legislation on this issue, perhaps even the same legislation I introduced in 2022, which could be co-sponsored and thoughtfully advanced through the proper proper process. Lead poisoning is a serious issue that deserves more than performative discussion. It deserves sustained legislation, legislative action, and I remain committed to addressing it through the proper channels. I wanted to read that on the floor because I think that it's important to explain my position in the history that's been done by this body. With that said, my my son got Student of the Month today for optimism. Um, it's amazing through all the negativity that I encounter, um, not only as a councilperson but on a day-to-day basis from some people that surround me, that I am fortunate enough to have such— to raise kids with such positive attitudes. So I want to congratulate my son on that, and, uh, that's it. Thank you, Mr. President.

Common Council Meeting with Committee of the Whole Meeting February 4th, 2026