Fulton Common Council meeting raised many public questions regarding committee meetings and public hearings. 

FULTON – Tuesday night’s Fulton Common Council meeting raised many public questions regarding committee meetings and public hearings. 

A significant concern for some residents was where they could find information regarding public meetings that the City Council may hold and where to find out more about the issues. That way, when they come to a public hearing, they would know what they should be asking and understand the situation or the process.

Many residents wondered how to find out about these meetings before the public hearing sessions occurred so that they knew what to ask questions about or understand the situation being brought up during a public hearing. 

David Phares mentioned that New York State has rules and regulations for city councils and governing bodies to handle public meetings, committee meetings, and public hearings.

Here is a summary of the New York State Open Meetings Law:

The Open Meetings Law requires that meetings of government agencies be open to the public and that public notice be given prior to the meeting. The law defines what constitutes a meeting, mandates that meetings be held at convenient times and locations, and allows for public access to meetings through the use of technology. The law also outlines the responsibilities of the government agency to make meeting materials available to the public and to keep accurate records of meetings. Additionally, the law provides for enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance with its provisions.

The full text of the law is at this link

https://opengovernment.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/05/oml-text-05052023.pdf

The Mayor said the city’s website was being updated, and meeting and hearing information would be available to the public there. Residents can also pick up the information at city hall.

Legislator Frank Castiglia talked during the Open comment period at the end of the meeting, Questioning the camp ground budget having a deficit. He does not feel that this should happen. Budgets are done to be balanced. “I have never heard of a budget with a deficit,” Frank said. He has sent a letter to the state comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli.

All Resolution passed

1. Public Hearing for North Bay Campground and Park Pavilion fee
2. Public Hearing relative to adding a Public Safety Committee to City
3. Public Hearing relative to adding Chapter 261 “Vacant Building Registry”.
4. Public Hearing relative to amending Chapter 262 “Unsafe Buildings”.
5. Public Hearing relative to a Special Use Permit application
6. Resolved to approve the minutes from the March 5, 2024 Council
7. Resolved to approve Seasonal Mobile Food Vending Permit for Shannon’s Hot

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