The council passed new rules for e-bikes and scooters. The council amended the city code to regulate e-bikes, gas-powered bicycles, and electric scooters. Councilor Sparace, who sponsored the change, said it is not meant to ban e-bikes but to address illegal and unsafe use. He pointed in particular to high-powered "Class 3" e-bikes, which are only street-legal in cities of a million or more people, and to bikes that owners have modified with motors. Without the new rules, he said, police had no way to stop riders who put others at risk. The ordinance lets officers stop, fine, or impound illegal models. A resident who relies on biking and walking to get around, spoke in support but offered suggestions. She asked the council to spell out clear rules for safe riding, including speed, lighting, helmets, and where e-bikes can go. Right now, she said, the ordinance mostly lists what is banned. She also urged the council to keep fines from becoming a hardship for low-income residents who depend on e-bikes. Commissioner Ken White voiced support too, stressing that the rules target unsafe riding, not biking itself.

The council accepted grants and county agreements. Members accepted a $30,684 state grant to support a program aimed at reducing intimate partner violence. They approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for the engineering and design of safety improvements on Potter Road and Williams Road. They also entered three annual agreements with Oneida County. These were a municipal recreation program, a juvenile aid program, and the DARE program. Councilor Sbaraglia noted that all three actually bring in revenue for the city of about $4,520 for each of the first two, and $3,800 for DARE.

A resident raised concerns about rental housing. A resident told the council about what he described as unsafe conditions in local rental housing, including lead paint and a water leak. He criticized the city's code and fire enforcement. Commissioner White offered to speak with the resident following the meeting. White defended the codes and fire staff, and encouraged the citizen to file a formal complaint, which he said the city would investigate and act on.

A resident pressed concerns about the school district. A speaker praised the city's direction, pointing to the police department, fire department, and trails, but said his concerns lie with the Rome City School District. He cited what he said were 99 staff resignations over two years and called for a state audit of the district. The school district is a separate body from the city.

Updates on traffic enforcement and a crisis center. Councilor Reilly said the city is adding dedicated traffic enforcement, paid for with grant money, to address worsening speeding on the boulevards. He also discussed efforts to connect Rome residents in crisis, including homeless residents, to a stabilization center that opened in Utica, using grant money to help bridge the distance.

Other business. The council approved street closings for the Memorial Day program on May 25th, a temporary use permit for Central Paving, and a $175 donation toward planting a tree at Fort Stanwix Park. Among its communications, the council noted that a business has applied for an adult-use cannabis dispensary license on Turin Road. The finance committee reported that the budget is tight on energy costs but in good shape overall, with several projects being closed out under budget. The council also held a tour of the Rome Art and Community Center and has a work session with the Citizens Advisory Council coming up.