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THE DEBRIEF: Breaking down the biggest stories of 2018 (podcast)

THE DEBRIEF: Breaking down the biggest stories of 2018 (podcast)
What were the biggest issues in 2018? Many of them came at the end of the year, as elected officials primed and previewed 2019 agendas. On this episode of The Debrief Podcast, Josh Durso and Ted Baker sit down to discuss what was, and what will be in the world of politics moving forward. . more

SF Board accepts ball drop app despite concerns; moves landfill revenue to cover Vince’s Park shortfall

SF Board accepts ball drop app despite concerns; moves landfill revenue to cover Vince’s Park shortfall
The final legislative session of the 2018 calendar year in Seneca Falls didn’t go without some controversy, as the Board weighed in on typical end of year issues. First, a budget modification to deal with a shortfall in the Vince’s Park budget. While it’s unclear what caused the shortfall, Accounts Clerk Bev Warfel explained to the Board via email on... more

Town of Skaneateles votes to approve Hamlet Committee members

Town of Skaneateles votes to approve Hamlet Committee members
The town of Skaneateles voted to confirm six members to Skaneateles’ first Hamlet Committee during a regular village board meeting Monday. The idea behind the creation of the Hamlet Committee, said town Councilor David Badami last week, is first and foremost because the town and village’s join comprehensive plan calls for it. While committee members were just confirmed Monday, the... more

Lawmakers from both sides say to let public have input on pay raises

Lawmakers from both sides say to let public have input on pay raises
Dissatisfaction with legislative pay raises is trending among lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Hudson Valley state Sen. Sue Serino introduced a bill that would require voters to have a say in approving the pay commission’s recommendations. “With New York politicians poised to become the highest paid in the nation, New Yorkers themselves deserve a say in the process,... more

Criminal justice reform advocates cheer Cuomo’s intent to marijuana legalization

Criminal justice reform advocates cheer marijuana legalization
There are still blanks to be filled in, but criminal justice reform advocates on Monday cheered Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s support for legalizing adult use marijuana in 2019, a significant centerpiece for overhauling the state’s drug laws. In addition to backing a change in how the state views marijuana, Cuomo wants changes to bail and speed up access to a trial.... more

Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Central New York win big with economic development funding

Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Central New York win big with economic development funding
The City of Geneva will see a series of projects funded by the Regional Economic Development Council after a series of announcements on Tuesday. “We are honored to have been awarded five grants from Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) today. The Finger Lakes region was one of the top performers, receiving $86.5 million for the region,” the city said in... more

Concerns for affordable housing options linger after Auburn DRI meeting

Concerns for affordable housing options linger after Auburn DRI meeting
A revised list of downtown project proposals was reviewed Tuesday by officials and the public as a part of a lengthy Downtown Revitalization Initiative process. At its fourth meeting, the Local Planning Committee took another look at 29 project proposals submitted to revamp the downtown area. The projects were reviewed at the committee’s previous meeting, however many of the project... more

Owasco Lake council close to hiring executive director

Owasco Lake council close to hiring executive director
The Owasco Lake Management Council is nearly ready to hire an executive director to coordinate the body’s work with all the groups that protect the lake. Council Vice Chair and Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, said Tuesday at a meeting of the council that the two finalists, down from the 30 resumes received and five interviewed, were put through... more

Legislators say funding for local roads and bridges is needed

Legislators say funding for local roads and bridges is needed
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) today called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to “once and for all make New York State’s commitment to local roads and bridges the strongest state-level commitment in the nation.” The area legislators were responding to Governor Cuomo’s proposal to launch a new $150-billion infrastructure plan next year. The governor unveiled... more

Aurora may ban fireworks as a display may be responsible for farmer’s loss of sheep

Aurora may ban fireworks as a display may be responsible for farmer’s loss of sheep
The village of Aurora is considering banning fireworks as a local farmer believes a fall display is to blame for the death of a handful of rare Icelandic sheep from her herd. On Oct. 20, Wells College put on an “excessive” fireworks show as part of its 150th anniversary celebration weekend, said Trinity Farm owner Margaret Flowers at a village... more

Moravia town board doubles back continuing summer youth program

Moravia town board doubles back continuing summer youth program
The town of Moravia will resume its summer recreation program amid community criticism from ending the program last month. The town board unanimously approved a motion to continue the program for summer 2019 at a Moravia Town Hall meeting Wednesday night. Town supervisor Terry Baxter told the group of over 20 people packed into the hall that every municipality wishing... more

Seneca Falls Town Board supports need, bonding for sewer upgrades

Seneca Falls Town Board supports need, bonding for sewer upgrades
The Town Board voted unanimously Dec. 13 to approve two motions related to its $3 million sanitary sewer upgrade project. The first motion determined that the improvements to the sewer system are in the public interest and authorizes the town to apply to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. for grants and financial assistance to pay for the upgrades.... more

Legislators urge Cuomo to veto uniform standard bill that would impact beer, wine industries

Legislators urge Cuomo to veto uniform standard bill that would impact beer, wine industries
A group of Finger Lakes-area state legislators today urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto legislation that was delivered to the governor for final action this week calling for the establishment of uniform standards for tastings of New York manufactured beer, wine, cider, and liquor. The legislation (S9040/A11203) received near-unanimous approval by both houses of the Legislature in the closing days... more

Auburn city council gives green light to property tax settlements

Auburn city council gives green light to property tax settlements
The Auburn City Council unanimously voted to authorize three property tax assessment settlements Thursday. The authorizations will allow Auburn Assistant Corporation Counsel Nate Garland to accept settlement offers from three separate companies regarding the tax assessments of their Auburn properties. None of the settlements result in the city refunding the companies. Xylem, Inc., owner of 1 Goulds Dr., petitioned a... more

Activist urges Cuomo to sign Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights

Activist urges Cuomo to sign Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights
As the deadline approaches, proponents of a bill that would establish a sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights in New York hope Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign the measure into law. The legislation was sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and state Sen. Kemp Hannon. It passed both chambers with unanimous support. The main objective of the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights... more

Community vote set for Southern Cayuga schools’ proposed solar panel capital project

Community vote set for Southern Cayuga schools’ proposed solar panel capital project
Residents are set to vote on the Southern Cayuga Central School District’s proposed capital project for a solar panel array. A public hearing and vote are scheduled for January on a proposal for a $1.5 million project to create an approximately 750 kilowatt solar panel system on the district’s campus, according to a news release. The district would partner with... more
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