Canandaigua’s Finance Committee on Monday recommended using $25,000 from the city’s police seizure and asset reserve to replace a failed downtown radio tied to the city’s camera network, while also beginning discussion on whether to adopt new state-enabled property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and low-income seniors. The Planning Committee later voted to advance a noise ordinance exemption for a two-night summer concert series and reviewed plans to pursue a major state grant for upgrades at Baker Park.
New property tax exemptions: Disabled veterans and low-income seniors
City Assessor Tina Rados told the committee New York recently enacted two new exemptions that local governments may adopt by local law: a full exemption for the primary residence of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability and an expansion of the low-income senior exemption to as much as 65% for qualifying seniors, up from the prior 50% cap.
Rados said 24 veterans in the city currently receive a 100% disability exemption under existing rules, but she said she was unsure how many would qualify under the new state guidelines, which she and council members described as restrictive and possibly subject to amendment.
City Manager John Goodwin told the committee that, if adopted, the exemptions would apply to city taxes only, and that the effect on individual tax bills would occur through future tax rolls. He also explained that exemptions shift the levy among taxpayers because the city still must raise the levy, and asked staff to prepare a model showing the impact using current tax roll assumptions.
Rados noted a deadline: to implement the exemptions for the 2026 assessment roll (which would affect 2027 city taxes), the city would need to adopt the local law by the taxable status date of March 1.
Committee members signaled they wanted to keep the exemptions moving for possible adoption this cycle. Goodwin outlined a potential timeline that would include introducing a local law at a January council meeting and holding a public hearing in February, where adoption would occur.
Camera infrastructure replacement funded by asset forfeiture reserve
The committee next considered replacing a downtown radio used to transmit signals for the city’s camera system. The item was not part of the original schedule for planned camera replacements, but the failed radio was described as an unanticipated need.
Police Chief Nielsen said the camera system has been in use for about a decade and is used for monitoring traffic incidents and solving crimes, citing a shooting about a year earlier in which police were able to identify and track a suspect using camera footage. He said the requested funding would come from the asset forfeiture account—money seized in prior illicit operations—rather than from taxpayers.
Goodwin and Nielsen described the work as part of a shift toward a hybrid approach that could include newer six-gigahertz radio technology, depending on testing results. They said staff had a company testing the downtown area for coverage.
Asked about the reserve balance, Nielsen and Goodwin said they believed it was roughly in the $70,000 to $75,000 range, and Goodwin said staff would confirm the figure before a vote. Goodwin also said the fund is restricted to police-related enhancements and generally cannot be planned into the budget, making it suitable for unbudgeted items like this replacement.
A motion was made and seconded to recommend appropriating $25,000 from the police seizure and asset reserve for the radio purchase. The committee approved it unanimously by voice vote.
Accessory dwelling units: Discussion, no action
Planning Director Richard E. Brown reviewed the concept of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a strategy sometimes used to increase housing supply, including detached units such as backyard cottages and garage conversions. Committee members discussed potential neighborhood concerns, enforcement issues, and the risk that investor owners could convert properties into rental units over time.
A “Plus One ADU Program” administered through New York State Homes and Community Renewal was also referenced as a potential funding and technical support avenue, including assistance that can reach up to $125,000 for eligible low-to-moderate income homeowners through participating partnerships.
Chair Guy Turchetti said the discussion did not need to advance beyond the committee unless members wanted to move it forward, and no motion was made to send the ADU concept to the full council.
R-1A and R-1B zoning consolidation: Discussion, no action
The committee also discussed whether consolidating R-1A and R-1B zoning districts would support comprehensive plan goals related to housing. Mayor Lyon said the concept has been recommended in comprehensive plans dating back years and described pockets of R-1A zoning, including Deerfield Drive, where existing development may not conform to the current district standards. Brown and committee members questioned what practical housing impact consolidation would have given limited vacant residential land, and they also raised concerns about resident reaction to rezoning.
Turchetti concluded he was not hearing support to move the zoning consolidation forward at this time, and no action was taken.
Noise ordinance exemption approved for Peacemaker Brewing/Rio Tomatalan concerts
The committee then considered a request from Peacemaker Brewing and Rio Tomatalan for a noise ordinance exemption for a joint concert series scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026. City code allows council to grant exemptions by resolution based on special or unusual circumstances and to apply restrictions.
Goodwin said the businesses have partnered on concerts previously and have typically ended before the ordinance’s time limits, with Peacemaker responsible for notifying neighbors. Ted Reardon told the committee music would start at 6 p.m. and end by 11 p.m. each night, with security on site, and he said the organizers notify neighbors with flyers.
The committee approved a motion to accept the request for a noise ordinance variance, with the vote carried by voice and no opposition noted.
Baker Park grant application: Staff outlines phased improvement plan
City staff presented a plan to pursue a Municipal Parks and Recreation Grant application due Feb. 9, 2026, after the program opened Dec. 31, 2025. Staff said they are recommending focusing on Baker Park rather than Sonnenberg Park because the grant criteria are not well-suited for planning work at Sonnenberg.
Staff member Sarah Hudsbury said the Baker Park proposal aligns with the city’s parks master plan and a 2021 facilities assessment. She described a phased approach, including demolishing the existing park building and constructing a new roughly 2,000-square-foot, four-season facility that could be rented year-round. The presentation also described paving the park’s perimeter walking path to improve accessibility and reduce maintenance, and starting work on a ballfield as part of the first phase.
Hudsbury said the grant is up to $900,000 with a 90/10 structure, and that the 10% match can be met through in-kind contributions; she said staff believed the city could meet the match largely through labor and work performed by city crews. Goodwin said staff also planned to pursue other grants in 2026, including a New York Plays grant for the playground and another grant opportunity for Sonnenberg planning later in the year.
Comprehensive plan implementation: Standing item and future topics
Turchetti said comprehensive plan implementation would be a standing Planning Committee agenda item. Mayor Lyon and committee members discussed tying routine actions back to the comprehensive plan, and Mills asked that future discussions include the South Main Street corridor and Route 5&20 corridor, including design-related guidance.
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