The Canandaigua City Council on Monday approved multiple resolutions and heard public input on flooding and safety concerns, while advancing key initiatives including a new lakefront park, grant applications for infrastructure upgrades, and a special event permit.
The most significant action was the council’s unanimous approval of a memorandum of understanding with the Canandaigua Area Development Corporation to facilitate the development of the Canandaigua Lakefront Arts and Natural Park. The agreement includes the donation of four parcels of land to the City by CADC and outlines collaboration among several parties including the Sands Family Foundation, Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC), and New York Kitchen. CADC and its partners intend to develop both a public park and an FLCC culinary and hospitality facility at the site, formerly known as the Pinnacle North development.
Council also approved Resolution #2025-053 authorizing the CADC to apply for a state grant to support the park’s development. The resolution was amended during the meeting to remove language about long-term maintenance responsibility due to concerns over clarity. Councilmember Gwen Van Laeken moved to strike the final paragraph, stating it went beyond the scope of supporting a grant application. The amended resolution passed without opposition.
In other business, the council adopted a resolution appropriating $1,996 from the Police Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Reserve to purchase a fully electric 2025 Evolution Maverick 2+2 utility vehicle. The vehicle, intended primarily for police use in parks and off-road areas, is mostly funded by a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community grant with $11,224 remaining. The electric vehicle will assist with law enforcement, EMS, and public safety activities, particularly in areas like Kershaw Park and Lagoon Park.
The council also authorized the submission of multiple grant applications for the Water Resources Recovery Facility (WRRF) Resiliency Project. The project aims to improve the facility’s capacity during wet weather and replace aging equipment. City Manager John Goodwin noted that bonding for the project had already been approved but that grant funding would offset costs.
Council approved a municipal services agreement with Ontario County, which will result in annual payments of $49,727 from 2026 to 2028. This replaces a previous agreement and reflects an increase from the earlier annual payment of $39,745.
A special event permit was granted for the Canandaigua Knights Ice Breaker 5K, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20. The event, organized by Sarah Cook and the Canandaigua Knights Youth Hockey organization, will include a 5K run and additional activities at the Greater Canandaigua Civic Center.
The council held public hearings on two proposed legislative items: an ordinance amending Chapter 585 on temporary dumpster regulations and a local law to amend City Charter Section 16.2 regarding actual notice of defects. No public comments were made on either topic.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents raised concerns about flooding related to Sucker Brook and a recent series of dog attacks in city parks. Ernie Mirani commended the city’s improved emergency response to a recent flooding incident but urged broader, long-term solutions. Dan Rice requested updates on Main Street repaving, calling the current conditions “embarrassing” given the city’s tourism appeal. City officials responded that the New York State Department of Transportation tentatively plans a two-inch mill and fill next year, but a full rebuild would require significant state and federal funding.
Finally, the council approved the appointment of Doug Burgasser to the City Planning Commission, effective Sept. 1, to complete a term expiring Dec. 31, 2027.
The next Ordinance Committee meeting will include discussion of a proposal to change downtown Main Street parking to a two-hour limit.
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