Council clears Bosnian monument; presenters request water connection and outline ADA access

Members of Utica’s Bosnian community addressed the Common Council to describe finishing work on a planned monument that includes a water fountain and to request approval to connect it to the city water system.

Hanukkah Groberg identified herself as a resident and introduced the team. Project engineer Armin Bricic said the project was about 65% complete and that the construction team had stubbed the water line to prepare for a fountain feature. He said a Bosnian contractor had agreed to handle the water piping and that the group was asking for approval to connect the stub so crews could finish the fountain ahead of final concrete pours, which would reduce excavation costs.

Bricic said the sponsors will pay the installation costs and the ongoing water bills. He described plans for two fountain elements: a primary decorative fountain within the monument and a separate, accessible smaller fountain located off the sidewalk to meet ADA access needs. He said the team planned to include features to conserve water — for example, a push-button or sensor control to avoid continuous flow — and that winterization access points had been built into the design to allow the group to shut down and protect piping in cold months.

Council members asked clarifying questions about who drafted the enabling ordinance and whether the engineering department and law had reviewed it. The ordinance authorizing placement of the monument, sponsored in committee by Councilman Lomenico according to council discussion, was adopted by the council.

Ending: Presenters thanked the council; they said completion of the full monument and fountain this year would make it available for next year’s Boilermaker event and other community gatherings.