At its August 4 joint meeting, the City of Canandaigua’s Environmental and Ordinance Committees covered a broad range of issues, including stormwater infrastructure maintenance, public health concerns related to deer and Lyme disease, fire and EMS service challenges, and several proposed amendments to city code.
Council confirms city maintenance of Waterchase stormwater system
The committee confirmed the City Council’s original intent to maintain stormwater infrastructure in the Waterchase Planned Unit Development (PUD). The clarification was requested by the city’s Planning Commission due to the absence of specific language in the earlier resolution approving the project.
City Manager John Goodwin explained that as part of the city’s obligations under the MS4 program (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System), it is responsible for ensuring proper maintenance of stormwater facilities. He said the city already maintains similar facilities in other developments and would absorb the responsibility using existing staff and equipment.
“This is not a major undertaking,” Goodwin said, adding that mowing and sediment removal would occur on a scheduled basis.
Councilmember Gwen VanAllen asked for future cost estimates to help the city understand potential impacts to staffing and budgeting. Goodwin acknowledged the need for dollar figures and said those can be calculated based on estimated labor hours.
No objections were raised, and Goodwin said he would provide a written statement to the Planning Commission confirming the city’s commitment.
County supervisors respond to city questions on budgets, flooding, public safety
Supervisors Baker and Yacci participated in a wide-ranging discussion prompted by questions submitted by City Council members ahead of the meeting.
On county budgeting, Baker said federal cuts have not yet materialized, but the county is preparing by identifying vulnerable areas, particularly in social service programs. He said the county aims to maintain its current tax rate and will rely on its 25% fund balance reserve if necessary.
Supervisor Yacci noted concerns about future state mandates if federal funding declines, especially in health and human services. “We are convinced that the state will say programs continue, counties will pay more for those,” she said.
Councilmember VanAllen raised the city’s request for funding support and collaboration on flood mitigation, specifically for the Sucker Brook project. Baker and Planning Department staff confirmed that increased funding had been allocated through the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council, and that local project leader Kevin Olvaney was pursuing solutions including additional retention ponds.
Committee hears presentation on deer and Lyme disease
Councilmember Doug Merrill delivered a detailed report on Lyme disease rates in Ontario County and the potential connection to the local deer population. He cited data showing that reported Lyme cases rose from 31 in 2020 to 294 in 2024, with Canandaigua among the most affected ZIP codes.
Merrill said older adults are particularly at risk, and that many people contract the disease from ticks carried by deer into residential yards and gardens. He also listed other negative effects of deer overpopulation, including crop damage, vehicle collisions, and ecological disruption.
Merrill said he and Councilmember Eric Linehan, along with county public health nurse Matt Hanggi, have formed a working group to study the issue and will present a report on September 8 at the next Environmental Committee meeting. County supervisors were invited to attend.
Yacci noted that the county has implemented youth hunting permits and posted signage at trailheads warning about ticks. She added that more could be done.
“We need to do something, and we need to do it at the county level,” Merrill said.
Fire and EMS services discussed as city awaits study results
Merrill also raised concerns about the sustainability of city fire and EMS services, which increasingly serve areas outside Canandaigua city limits. He said a regional or countywide solution may be necessary and urged the county to consider shared responsibilities.
City officials expect a draft fire and EMS study to be completed in mid-August. Baker and Yacci said the county has taken steps in recent years, including hiring an emergency management director and a fire trainer, and is awaiting the study’s findings.
Goodwin and councilmembers also reiterated their interest in implementing a nurse navigator program to help triage 911 calls and reduce unnecessary fire and EMS dispatches. Yacci said the county’s Public Safety Committee is still reviewing that proposal.
Ordinance Committee reviews parking, water, and truck route changes
Following the Environmental Committee session, the Ordinance Committee discussed several proposed amendments to city code:
- Parking time limits on Main Street: The committee reviewed Ordinance #2025-005, which would extend parking limits from 1.5 to 2 hours on both sides of Main Street between Saltonstall Street and the railroad tracks (east side) and Clark Street to the railroad tracks (west side), from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.
- Backflow preventor documentation: Ordinance #2025-003 would require consumers to submit annual inspection and maintenance records for backflow prevention devices to the Department of Public Works by September 1 each year. Failure to submit records may result in water service shutoff until compliance is documented.
- Truck route revisions: Ordinance #2025-004 would amend the city’s truck route system by removing incomplete segments and adding Western Boulevard. This change aligns with NYSDOT guidance and enables improved signage on state highways.
- Dog breed regulation clarification: City officials reiterated that under New York Agriculture and Markets Law §107(5), breed-specific regulations — such as banning pit bulls — are prohibited. The city continues to follow the state’s behavior-based Dangerous Dog Law and partners with the Ontario County Humane Society for enforcement.
Each ordinance was presented for discussion and clarification. Votes were not taken at this meeting.
Next steps
The Environmental Committee will reconvene on September 8 at 5:30 p.m. to hear a full report on Lyme disease and deer mitigation strategies. The city is also awaiting delivery of the fire and EMS study later in August.
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