On Monday Canandaigua City Council authorized a $145,000 engineering study for its Water Resource Recovery Facility, approved seasonal open container allowances for events at Central on Main, and advanced amendments to the city’s senior citizen property tax exemption.
Council held a public hearing on a proposed local law amending Chapter 612 of the municipal code to provide a partial tax exemption for real property owned by certain persons age 65 or older with limited income, pursuant to Section 467 of New York State Real Property Tax Law.
Ernie Mairani of West Avenue addressed council, urging members to review the income thresholds and exemption levels. He questioned reducing the maximum qualifying income and said there are relatively few residents who qualify for the exemption. He also asked council to continue examining flood mitigation efforts in the Sucker Brook area and suggested consideration of an ad hoc committee.
The hearing was closed after no additional speakers came forward.
A second public hearing was held on an ordinance amending Chapter 585 regarding the regulation of temporary dumpsters. No comments were made.
Fire hydrant standard adopted
Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-015 establishing Kennedy Valve brand hydrants as the municipal standard.
The resolution states that standardization will improve efficiency in stocking spare parts, enhance staff familiarity with installation and maintenance, and allow for future deployment of “smart hydrants.” The finance committee reviewed and approved the recommendation Feb. 9.
$145,000 WRRF capital study approved
Council authorized a contract with Larson Design Group of Corning to complete a comprehensive capital improvements study of the city’s Water Resource Recovery Facility.
The resolution notes that the facility is subject to updated regulatory requirements under its State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and that prior studies identified the need for significant capital improvements, including potential biological treatment upgrades, primary clarifier and sludge thickening improvements, evaluation of inflow and infiltration, and operational challenges associated with the ATAD biosolids process.
The total cost of the professional engineering services contract is $145,000, and the expenditure had previously been appropriated.
Councilmember Michael Mills said the work is critical as the city plans for future wastewater needs and pursues state funding opportunities.
Central on Main open container waiver granted
Council approved Resolution No. 2026-017 waiving Section 246-2 of the city code, the open container ordinance, for Central on Main from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. between May 7 and Oct. 31, 2026.
The waiver applies only to events applied for by the Business Improvement District at least 21 days in advance and allows up to four private ticketed events during the 2026 season. During ticketed events, the area may be closed to the general public, and the city will receive 5% of ticket sales for the loss of public use.
The resolution states the waiver is necessary to obtain special event permits from the State Liquor Authority.
Senior exemption amendment debated
Council lifted from the table and considered Local Law No. 2026-002 amending Chapter 612 to revise income thresholds and the graduated exemption schedule for the senior citizen partial property tax exemption.
The proposed amendment would lower the maximum qualifying income from $38,900 to $36,400 and adjust the exemption schedule, with a top exemption of 65% for incomes less than or equal to $25,000.
During discussion, Councilmember Donna Cator asked why the highest income threshold was reduced. City Manager John Goodwin said he believed the figures were taken from state legislation but would need to confirm with the assessor. Councilmember Michael Mills said he was confused by the change and believed the intent had been to increase access to exemptions.
Council adopted the local law.
March 16 hearings scheduled
Council set March 16 at 6 p.m. for public hearings on an ordinance amending Chapter 648 regarding parking restrictions on Howell Street and on repealing and replacing Chapter 795 related to stormwater management and erosion control.
City Manager’s report
City Manager John Goodwin reported that the Department of Public Works has been working extensively during a heavy snow season and said the city’s snow-fighting budget “is not looking great” due to the amount of snowfall.
He also thanked Denise Chaapel and the Business Improvement District for organizing the Fire & Ice Festival, which he said was ranked among the best in the world by Forbes magazine.
Council entered executive session to discuss the acquisition of real property.
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