City of Hornell - City Hall

We are very excited to announce the first annual Christmas at the Square concert at the new Union Square Park. Please join us for a wonderful evening of music and enjoyment as we celebrate the season!

There is no charge for admission and seating will be available.

Update: The break has been repaired.

There is a water main break on Lincoln Street. While crews work to repair the break, residents in that area may experience low pressure and discolored water until the break is repaired. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the DPW works to repair the break as quickly as possible.

There is a water main break on the southern end of Canisteo Street. Crews are working to repair the break. Residents in that area may experience low pressure and discolored water until the break is repaired. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the DPW works to repair the break as quickly as possible.

City of Hornell Employee Spotlight: Steve Greene

The City of Hornell Employee Spotlight proudly shines on Steve Greene, as Mayor John Buckley presented Steve with the Employee Spotlight Certificate recognizing his ‘Positive Attitude, Hard Work, and Dedication'. Steve is an employee of the Department of Public Works and you can often find him in the garage performing vehicle repairs and maintenance. In the spring and fall months, Steve may also be found spending many hours performing land application to farmer’s fields from the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). This is crucial to keeping our WPCP operational, is beneficial to the environment, and cost effective for the City of Hornell.

Mayor Buckley noted, “Steve is a tremendously hard worker and an asset to the garage and the Department of Public Works. Whether it’s repairing a police car, ambulance, DPW vehicle or a HAT bus, Steve is there with a smile. He brings a good attitude and valuable service to our community. We appreciate all that Steve does to keep our City and our City vehicles fully operational.”

Thank you, Steve!

ALERT: WATER MAIN BREAK ON Fulton Street

There is a water main break on Fulton Street. Crews are mobilizing now to repair the break. Residents in that area of the city may experience low pressure until the break is repaired. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to repair the break as quickly as possible.

**Reminder - This week is recycling week!**

Fucci, Sciotti Recognized for Years of Service at Water Treatment Plant

During the November Board of Public Works meeting, Lenny Fucci, Chief Operator and Anthony Sciotti, Operator, were recognized for their exceptional commitment, each surpassing the milestone of 50 years of service at the City of Hornell Water Treatment Plant.

Mayor John Buckley celebrated their dedication to the City of Hornell, remarking, “In an era marked by frequent job changes, Lenny and Tony’s commitment and dedication, spanning over five decades with the City of Hornell and its Water Treatment Plant, is truly remarkable. Much of their work goes unseen by the public. To help keep the facility in continuous operation, Lenny and Tony have routinely worked nights, weekends, holidays, and overnights throughout their storied careers. For over 50 years, they have ensured high-quality drinking water for residents and continue to deliver a high level of service to our community. We greatly appreciate all they have done and continue to do.”

Board of Public Works Commissioner Joe Liberto echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, “Their dedication goes beyond excellence and is evident to anyone who has witnessed their work at the Water Treatment Plant. We appreciate all they have done to provide quality service to the City of Hornell.”

Chief Operator Lenny Fucci expressed gratitude for the recognition, “I’d like to thank the Mayor, the Board, and the City of Hornell residents for entrusting and employing us for over 50 years. Thank you.”

Pictured (from left): Commissioner Joe Liberto, Commissioner Jared Zigenfus, Operator Anthony Sciotti, Chief Operator Lenny Fucci, Mayor John Buckley.

We have some exciting news to share! Starting Monday, December 4, 2023 Hornell Area Transit will be opening a mid-day route to Bath. Please see our website for the complete up-to-date Hornell Area Transit schedule.

Please see below from Hornell Area Transit!

We have some exciting news to share! Starting Monday, December 4, 2023 Hornell Area Transit will be opening a mid-day route to Bath. Please see our website for the complete up-to-date Hornell Area Transit schedule.

***Update***

The water break has been repaired.

There is a water main break on the southern end of Canisteo Street. Crews are working to repair the break. Residents in that area may experience low pressure and discolored water until the break is repaired. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while the DPW works to repair the break as quickly as possible.

City Hall will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day.

There will be NO delay in garbage collection. All garbage will be picked up as regularly scheduled.

The Hornell Area Transit system will run all routes on November 10, 2023.

Exercise your right to vote. All registered voters in the City of Hornell vote at the Community Arts Center on Broadway. Polls are open 6am to 9pm.

UNION SQUARE PARK RIBBON CUTTING

It is a day of celebration in the City of Hornell as several state, county, local officials, and community members were present for the ribbon cutting of Union Square Park. Union Square, located at the corner of Genesee and Seneca Streets, brings a downtown, pedestrian park to the City of Hornell and is the first municipal project from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to be completed. The ribbon-cutting event today showcased the successful completion of the park made possible through collaborative efforts and community support.

Mayor John Buckley was very enthusiastic about the park opening, stating, “We are so excited the Union Square project is completed and the park is ready to be enjoyed by our community. Many hands and hearts have contributed to this project. From completing the DRI application, securing the funding, planning, designing and development, or constructing the park, I’m very grateful to many for their efforts. A big thank you to the Department of State and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the funding assistance for this project. We are deeply appreciative of Community Bank for their generous donation of the land, and former City attorney Joseph Pelych for his unwavering commitment during the property acquisition process. Thank you to LaBella Associates for the design and engineering work, and CP Ward for development and construction of this park. A giant thank you to City Planner Heather Reynolds, Superintendent of Public Works, Mitch Cornish and our Department of Public Works for their invaluable commitment and contributions.”

Mayor Buckley went on to discuss the park benefits, “This beautiful four-season pedestrian park is very versatile. From being able to host concerts and events under the modern and well-equipped amphitheater, to simply relaxing and watching kids run through the fountain on hot summer days, this park will be a great space for our community to enjoy for generations to come. Union Square adds vibrancy to our downtown and I’m so excited and thankful to be here today at this Ribbon Cutting.”

“Public spaces play a central role in downtown vibrancy, offering a safe place for people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds to gather, engage, play, enjoy entertainment and just take in the energy and diversity of city life,” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Union Square Park is just the beginning of a series of public improvement projects funded by the DRI that will further enhance the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and serve as a catalyst for future downtown investments.”

Chairman of the Youth and Recreation Committee and 8th Ward Alderman, Jim Bassage expressed his thoughts about the park, “Union Square Park is something of which the City can be extremely proud. It will provide a space that will allow people to gather, which will promote the feeling of community, while enhancing the downtown area.”

Union Square Park is the first project completed from the 2019 DRI award. The City of Hornell received $765,000 from DRI/Department of State funding, with an additional $376,125 granted from an Environment Protection Fund (EPF #221628) administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The City provided the remaining funding for the park, as well as provided services in the construction of the park.

Mitchell Cornish, Superintendent of Public Works highlighted the efforts of the Department of Public Works, stating, “Our DPW team provided vital infrastructure support for Union Square Park, which consisted of installing the water and sanitary sewer system. This park features beautiful shrubbery with plenty of green space and landscaping that will be enjoyed by all visitors. Our DPW does a great job maintaining Veteran’s Memorial Park and Shawmut Park, and will be maintaining the grounds of this park, as well, ensuring recreational spaces are maintained for our residents.”

City Planner Heather Reynolds shared her excitement with the project completion, stating, “The DRI committee carefully considered fostering a communal gathering space with an amphitheater during their planning sessions. The greenspace and fountain create a youth-friendly environment, as well as a pedestrian calm, and I’m content with the final product. I can’t wait to start working with organizations on event programming.”

Union Square Park is now open to the public, with residents and visitors encouraged to experience the beautiful park. The City of Hornell looks forward to the many wonderful community events planned at Union Square Park as we look toward the upcoming Holiday and following spring and summer seasons!

Photo: Mayor John Buckley officially cuts the ribbon held by Heather Lisi and Carolyn Campbell from Community Bank while several representatives, officials, and members of the public look on.

Please join us this morning at 11 am.....

The City of Hornell would like to remind all City residents that putting leaves, grass, or snow in the road is illegal. Residents are encouraged to keep areas clean from debris to allow for effective drainage.

The City of Hornell can pick up bagged leaves. Please place bagged leaves at curbside for pick-up. City residents can also bring their leaves to the Yard Waste Facility located off from Park Drive.

§ 267-1
Deposits on streets and sidewalks
A. Deposit generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, throw, deposit or leave in any public street, sidewalk, highway, alley, park or place in the city any stones, bricks, sand, building material, leaves, grass, ashes, rubbish, bottles, glass or any refuse matter of any nature whatsoever without the written consent of the Superintendent of Public Works.

We are so excited to debut the new Union Square Park!!! Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, November 2 at 11am.

If you visited Hornell City Hall today and left your sunglasses behind, stop by the chamberlain’s window to retrieve them.

A Big Thank You to GST BOCES Junior Class

The City of Hornell would like to give a shout out the GST BOCES building trades junior class students for completing the replacement of the concession stand roof at Veteran’s Memorial Park at James Steet.

Mayor John Buckley commended the work, stating, “The partnership between the City of Hornell and GST BOCES continues to benefit our community while building trades student’s gain hands-on learning and experience. Instructor Rob Lemay and the junior class students did an outstanding job and we appreciate this improvement to our beautiful park.”

The City of Hornell encourages all park visitors to admire their work on their next visit to Veteran’s Memorial Park. Thank you, Mr. Lemay, and the junior building trades class!

Photo: GST BOCES Junior Class building trades students and instructor Rob Lemay stand next to the completed concession stand roof replacement at Veteran's Memorial Park.

The Common Council of the City of Hornell has set trick-or-treating hours for 6-8 p.m. on the night of Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

A friendly reminder:

The City of Hornell would like to remind all City residents that putting leaves, grass, or snow in the road is illegal. Residents are encouraged to keep areas clean from debris to allow for effective drainage.

The City of Hornell can pick up bagged leaves. Please place bagged leaves at curbside for pick-up. City residents can also bring their leaves to the Yard Waste Facility located off from Park Drive.

§ 267-1
Deposits on streets and sidewalks
A. Deposit generally. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, throw, deposit or leave in any public street, sidewalk, highway, alley, park or place in the city any stones, bricks, sand, building material, leaves, grass, ashes, rubbish, bottles, glass or any refuse matter of any nature whatsoever without the written consent of the Superintendent of Public Works.

***********IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS***********

The street sweeper will finish its regular schedule of street sweeping on FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 20, 2023.

Beginning Saturday, October 21, 2023, overnight parking restrictions will be lifted until sweeping resumes in the Spring.

Hornell Area Transit is excited to share the launch of their new website! We hope you can take a moment to check it out.

Home Hornell Area Transit is a public transportation service sponsored by the City of Hornell for residents of the city and surrounding areas.

Volunteer Spotlight

Mayor John Buckley recently recognized Matt Miller, Shawn Murrey and his son Reed for volunteering their time and talents over the last two years making improvements to the Hornell skatepark. The City invested roughly $20,000 in materials to resurface and restore the ramps. Matt, Shawn, and Reed, who are experienced BMX riders and ramp builders, spent countless hours working on this project. Additionally, Miller donated a spine ramp to the park, which is located next to the box jump ramp.

Mayor Buckley said, "I can't say enough about them. They've all been using the skatepark for years, and were very eager to pitch in and help. Their ramp building expertise is such a huge benefit. It's great to see the spirit of volunteerism alive and well in our community. Many thanks to Matt, Shawn, and Reed for their efforts."

Shawn Murrey stated, "So many kids use the skatepark. It gives them a place to go and do what they love to do. It's great to give back and make a difference."

Matt Miller said, "I love this skatepark. I grew up riding BMX here in Hornell and it took me all over the country riding for a living. From little kids to teenagers and adults, they all come here to learn, progress, and have fun. It's awesome to help out and give back to the community."

From left: Reed Murrey, Shawn Murrey, and Matt Miller.

Just a reminder hydrant flushing continues through Friday in the City of Hornell. Residents are encouraged to refrain from washing clothes during flushing hours and to check their water for discoloration before use. If you experience discolored water, let the cold water run until it clears.

The City of Hornell will be flushing hydrants in the Town of Hornellsville, Village of North Hornell and the City of Hornell between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am starting Saturday, September 30th through October 6th.

Residents are encouraged to refrain from washing clothes during flushing hours and to check their water for discoloration before use. If you experience discolored water, let the cold water run until it clears.

Hydrant flushing is a part of necessary maintenance to the water distribution system. Your cooperation during this time is appreciated.

Water Pollution Control Plant UV Disinfection System
Comes Online: Phase 1a Completed

The City of Hornell is proud to announce the successful completion of the Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system installation at the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) in September. The launch of the UV disinfection system marks the completion of Phase 1a, which is part of over six-million dollars in total upgrades at the WPCP in a two-phase project.

WPCP Chief Operator Richard Dunning reviewed the improvements to the plant, “Previously, the water that entered the Canisteo River was 90% to 95% cleaner than when it arrived at the facility, but some viruses and pathogens remained in the wastewater. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have mandated that we build and maintain a disinfection system to render any remaining pathogens harmless before they enter the river.”

Dunning further explained the benefits of the UV technology, “The UV light exposure renders pathogens unable to reproduce or infect people or organisms downstream. This will benefit any downstream neighbors by irradiating the remaining bacteria at the end of our treatment process.” The City of Hornell WPCP is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

In addition to the installation of the UV disinfection system, Phase 1a also included new piping, valves, and improvements to the electrical and process control system. The City of Hornell was grateful to receive a Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Grant of one million dollars towards the UV disinfection project, with local share funding covering the remaining costs.

Mayor John Buckley expressed his appreciation for the grant funding and touched on the importance of these project investments, “We have been very fortunate to obtain grant money to help offset the costs of these upgrades. We received the WQIP grant for Phase 1a, and were awarded $1.83 million in a WIAA grant, and $1.25 million in CDBG Funding for Phase 1b. Altogether, these grant funds amount to about half of our total investment.”

“While I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: It’s easy to take our Water and Wastewater Systems for granted; they often operate without a second thought, but are essential to our City. It is vital that we continue to invest in our infrastructure, and our water and sewer plants are high on that list. We are continuously working to keep them operational and in compliance with regulations,” continued Mayor Buckley.

Plant operators continue training with developers on the new UV disinfection system. Looking towards the future and gathering information for Phase 1b Chief Operator Dunning noted, “We have traveled all over the state looking at other plants and talking to other operators about the equipment they have chosen for their facilities. We are looking into the newest technologies with an eye toward acquiring equipment that will last over the next 20 to 30 years, and allow the City to continue to maintain the WPCP as economically as possible.”

The City of Hornell has partnered with LaBella Associates for Administration Services on these projects and is hopeful that Phase 1b will go out for bid before the end of the year.

Photo: Water is treated by UV light as the final phase in water treatment at the Water Pollution Control Plant.

The City of Hornell will be flushing hydrants in the Town of Hornellsville, Village of North Hornell and the City of Hornell between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am starting Saturday, September 30th through October 6th.

Residents are encouraged to refrain from washing clothes during flushing hours and to check their water for discoloration before use. If you experience discolored water, let the cold water run until it clears.

Hydrant flushing is a part of necessary maintenance to the water distribution system. Your cooperation during this time is appreciated.

Hornell City Assessor, Cindy Burdell announces that the
Renewal Applications for Partial Tax Exemption for Low-Income Senior Citizens and Low-Income Disabled property owners have been mailed out to Hornell City residents. The renewal forms and correct income information, must be returned to the Assessor's Office by January 1, 2024.
To request an application call: 607-324-7421 ext. 467

City of Hornell Receives Clean Audit:
Drescher & Malecki Give “A” Grade for City Finances

The Hornell Common Council was presented with the annual city audit report at their September meeting. The presentation was provided by Matthew Montalbo from Drescher & Malecki. The comprehensive review and report covered the City’s financial status for the for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

“Our auditors review a complete financial picture, including compliance with federal and state funding requirements, such as those from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). There were no concerns and we were issued a clean opinion, which is the best you can do from an audit stand point,” noted Montalbo.

Montalbo delved into the City’s financial health, providing insights and trends from previous years, as well to other municipalities. When examining a five-year trend, the City of Hornell was noted to be following a similar path to many of other municipalities surveyed. "With federal COVID-related funding and better-than-anticipated sales tax revenue, the City's revenues exceeded expenses," noted Montalbo. The additional revenues have bolstered the City’s unassigned fund balance, which allows for increased flexibility and use to maintain operations smoothly.

Mayor John Buckley applauded the City's responsible fiscal management and expressed gratitude to City Chamberlain Michele Smith, City Department Heads, and the Common Council for their financial stewardship. "Michele Smith does an outstanding job managing the City's finances, and the dedication of our department heads and Council members is evident in these results. This financial stability comes at an opportune time with rising inflation, various capital requirements such as vehicles, and ongoing Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and infrastructure projects. We have improved our spending flexibility to meet these demands and address further needs. And there is never a shortage of needs,” stated Buckley.
City Chamberlain Michele Smith shared her thoughts on the audit, saying, “The audit process went smoothly with no findings again this year. I am pleased that the City remains in a financially stable position which will allow us to effectively manage the increasing expenses we face.”

Montalbo also reviewed audit findings for the City’s Water Fund and Library Fund, “While slightly different trends were noted for the Water and Library funds, both remain in stable position with modest or break-even fund balance additions. The water fund is balanced and similarly, the Library fund is raising enough revenue to sustain operations.”

Melissa Ponticello, First Ward Alderwoman and Finance Committee Chairwoman, expressed her views on the audit and the City's financial outlook, stating, “This year, our positive audit shows how dedicated our City is to maintaining focused and controlled spending. We continue to have the best interests of our City in our financial decisions.”

The presentation concluded with Mayor Buckley asking Montalbo to assign a letter grade to the audit's performance. Montalbo responded, “I would assign an “A” letter grade. Anytime you have an unmodified review, without any findings, that’s an ‘A’. It doesn’t get better than that.”

Hornell Police Department Swears In 3 New Officers

The Hornell Police Department officially added 3 new officers in a swearing in and badge pinning ceremony at the Hornell Police Department this morning.

Police Officers Tanner Berglund, Trevor Stiles, and Matthew Hanrahan took the Oath of Office and were sworn in by Hornell City Clerk Melissa Logan.

Congratulations Officers Berglund, Stiles, and Hanrahan and welcome to the team!

The City of Hornell will be flushing hydrants in the Town of Hornellsville, Village of North Hornell and the City of Hornell between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:00 am starting September 30th through October 6th.

Residents are encouraged to refrain from washing clothes during flushing hours and to check their water for discoloration before use. If you experience discolored water, let the cold water run until it clears.

Hydrant flushing is a part of necessary maintenance to the water distribution system. Your cooperation during this time is appreciated.

City of Hornell & GST BOCES Partnership Places 12th House on
Upper Bennett St.

The 12th house constructed by students attending the GST BOCES building trades program has been placed on a previously vacant lot at 122 Upper Bennett Street. This newest home is a 3-bedroom, single story, ranch-style home.

“The partnership with GST BOCES has been incredibly valuable for our community. We are able to add brand-new housing stock to our tax rolls, while students are provided hands-on learning, doing work that impacts our community for generations,” stated Mayor John Buckley. “I deeply appreciate instructor Rob Lemay and all of the students who have worked on this project,” continued Buckley.

Assistant Department of Public Works Superintendent Ashley Brown designed the home, in addition to many of the recent houses built through the partnership with GST BOCES. Brown completed the design with thoughtful consideration for the home to be beneficial to a myriad of potential buyers and their needs.

While the new home may have settled in its permanent location, more work is planned to be completed on-site, including: roof placement, electrical and plumbing work, and appliance installation. The home is expected to be finished in early 2024.

“With the size and style of this house, we decided to change our location from Madison Avenue to Upper Bennett Street, which is much more suitable for this style and size. This is a great location and will make a great home,” stated Buckley.

The City and GST BOCES are making plans to move forward with house number 13 for the vacant Madison Avenue lot.

On Monday, September 25, 2023, the Department of Public Works will be placing a new BOCES House on site at 122 Upper Bennett St.

Due to the size of the load and the equipment required to transport and place the home, all on-street parking will be restricted on the following streets while the home is transported and placed on site.

North Main St.
Upper Bennett St.
Lincoln St.
Miles Ave.
Dennis Ave.

Please remove all vehicles from these streets prior to 7am on Monday, September 25, 2023.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we place this beautiful new home.