COMMON COUNCIL REPORT

Oneonta Common Council

Approves Revised Charter

ONEONTA – Six months after Mayor Gary Herzig appointed an ad hoc committee to revise the Oneonta City Charter, Common Council unanimously approved the local law amending the revised charter as presented.

“I feel we did a good job of bringing this to a good place,” said Council Member Melissa Nicosia, Second Ward, a member of Mayor Gary Herzig’s ad hoc charter review committee.  “Complains we heard were listened to, and I feel that we’re in a good meeting place.”

“I appreciate the back and forth,” said Council Member Joe Ficano, Eighth Ward.  “I had reservations, but we were given an opportunity to work those out.”

However, some did not feel they had the same opportunity.  “Their meetings, while nominally open to the public, were not posted on the city website or otherwise publicly announced in advance,” said Steven Londner, a member of the original Charter Review committee.  “Regrettably, I think it is far too late for a useful public discussion on charter revision.  You, our elected leaders, intentionally or not, denied the public a full voice and hand in this important process, thus falling short in your responsibilities.”

A public hearing will be held at the beginning of the next Common Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, after which Herzig will indicate whether or not he will sign the law.

“The changes we made make a better document,” said Herzig.  “The public discussion was healthy and good for the city.”