2026 March 22: UMNA Annual Meeting
All UMNA meetings are FREE and open to the public. General meetings provide information & encourage discussion. Business/Annual meetings include decision-making. Only UMNA members may vote.
Day, Date & Time:
Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Location:
The Lodge at Lake Riley in Cobbs Hill Park <MAP>
This program is FREE and open to the public. You do not have to be a member of UMNA to attend.
UMNA is particularly grateful to the City of Rochester's Department of Recreation and Human Services and the South East Area Coalition for their support of this important meeting.
Photos from the meeting
Official Meeting Minutes
2026 UMNA Work Plan | 2026 UMNA Budget | Multi-year Monroe Avenue Revitalization Plan
Program presentation: Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project
Katie Darcy from Colliers Engineering & Design; Nick Considine, Director, Bureau of Water for the City of Rochester; and David Rowley, Chief of Water Quality Operations for the City of Rochester presented an update on the LT2 Compliance Project that will dramatically impact Cobbs Hill Reservoir and Cobbs Hill Park in the years to come. Q&A followed the presentation.
Various reports & updates from around the area
Beth Jorgensen reported on Wide Water Gardens: a number of beds are still available including one of the standing bed for someone who has mobility issues
Mary McClellan, staffer for NYS Assemblymember Harry Bronson encouraged community support for the passage of EMPOWER+ legislation.
Greg Logan, owner of McFalls Books shared some details about his new bookstore at 1122 Monroe Avenue. The store is expected to be open for business by sometime in May. A grand opening is planned.
The meeting ended before 3:30 pm
Agenda Details
I. Welcome (5 minutes)
II. Business Meeting (25 minutes)
a. Reports
President's report by Rome Celli
Treasurer's report by Patrick Casey
b. Nominating Committee Report*
Proposed slate of DIRECTORS for the UMNA Leadership Team (two year terms).
UMNA has two types of directorships on its Leadership Team: "Community Connector" and "At Large". For a description of the the Community Connector role look <HERE>.
* Only UMNA members may vote. The current UMNA membership list is <HERE>. To join UMNA, please go <HERE>.
Community Connector: Lydia Crim - Avondale Park; Belmont Street; Hinsdale Street (portion); Monroe Avenue (portion); Rosedale Street (portion)
Lydia and her husband, Austen, moved to Rochester in 2021 and purchased their first home on Belmont St. in 2022. An outgoing puppy named Millie and daughter Felicity joined the family over the next two years. Originally from Orlando, FL, Lydia enjoys all four seasons in Rochester and can usually be found in her small but mighty garden. When she isn’t working as a higher education administrator, Lydia also enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, reading, and crafting. She is excited to give back to this vibrant and welcoming community.
Lyida lives on Belmont Street.
This is an open position. If elected, Lydia will serve until 2028.
Click to learn more about the UMNA Community Connector program
Community Connector: Mary Pat O'Hara- Engle Place, Field Street (portion); Laburnam Crescent (portion); Monroe Avenue (portion); Pinnacle Road (portion)
Mary Pat has lived in Upper Monroe since 1977 and in Rochester most of her life. You've probably seen Mary Pat walking my dog in the neighborhood. When she's not walking her dog she's reading, gardening, hiking biking or working on a project around the house.
Mary Pat lives on Laburnam Crescent.
This is currently an open position. If elected, Mary Pat will serve until 2028.
Click to learn more about the UMNA Community Connector program
Community Connector: Michelle Strickland-Kucerak - Monroe Avenue (portion); Rosedale Street (portion); Roosevelt Street; Pinnacle Road (portion)
Michelle and her wife, Christa, moved into their home on Rosedale Street in January 2022. They were drawn to the Upper Monroe neighborhood for its walkable, tree-lined streets, great vegan food, and welcoming spirit—proudly marked by Pride flags throughout the area. Michelle works from home for an animal protection nonprofit and shares the house with two lovable golden retrievers (one a bit more anxious than the other—thanks in advance for your patience if you walk by with a dog!). When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her gardening, camping in her teardrop camper, or running with the local Fleet Feet group. She’s excited to get to know more neighbors and help strengthen connections in the community.
Michelle lives on Rosedale Street.
This is an open position. If elected, Michelle will serve until 2028.
Click to learn more about the UMNA Community Connector program
Community Connector: OPEN - Harwood Street; Laburnam Crescent (portion); Luzerne Street (portion); Monroe Avenue (portion); Overdale Street; Palisade Park
Click to learn more about the UMNA Community Connector program
This is currently an open position. The term ends in 2028.
At Large: Tim Guyot
Tim has been in Monroe county since 2005 and moved to Upper Monroe in 2018. He appreciates the vibrance and variety in our neighborhood and is ready to engage more to support the neighborhood goals. He's held various positions on the board of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association for the past 8 years, and is familiar with the operation of local not-for-profit organizations. His current areas of interest for the neighborhood are maintenance and improvement initiatives, encouraging support for local businesses, and bringing attention to nearby activities and attractions. Tim was first elected to the position of UMNA vice president in March, 2024. He was re-elected in 2025.
Tim lives on Alliance Avenue.
Tim is a current director and vice president on the UMNA Leadership Team. He is running for re-election as a director. If he is re-elected, Tim will serve until 2028.
At Large: Paul Kizior
Paul and his fiancée Nora moved to Rochester in August 2023 and settled down in the Upper Monroe neighborhood on Avondale Park. Paul, originally from Chicago, met Nora in Seattle and they decided to settle down in Rochester to be closer to Nora's family and explore a new region together. When Paul isn't excited by or avoiding news about the Buffalo Bills, he will probably be exploring an indie computer game, puttering about the house, or relaxing with the family. They have two adorable pets, a cat Luna and dog Penny, that need lots of love. Paul is looking to get involved with the neighborhood community and help build a safe inclusive space for all.
Paul lives on Avondale Park.
This is an open position. If elected, Paul will serve until 2028.
At Large: Meredith Blumoff Schwartz
Meredith & her husband Jeremy bought their home on Laburnam Crescent almost exactly 1 year ago – the final papers were signed on Jeremy’s 45th birthday, March 30, 2025!
Along with their two relatively "feral" children, they have come to love the neighborhood for its vibrance & vitality, diversity and wealth in green space and parks, abundance of dogs and Pride flags.
When she’s not at work with URMC, on the administrative side of the heart failure & transplant program, you can find her cooking, gardening, playing with their sweet Aussie doodle Pippa or trying to convince her son that not every piece of nature needs to live inside the house.
Meredith is excited to get to know more neighbors, build stronger, hyperlocal connections and welcome as many neighbors as possible into the fold.
Meredith lives on Laburnam Crescent.
This is currently an open position. If elected, Meredith will serve until 2028.
At Large: Rebecca Seal
Rebecca moved to the Upper Monroe neighborhood with her husband John in 2014, and works as an occupational therapist for the Rochester City School District. She was and still is attracted to this neighborhood for its diversity, dog friendly vibes, proximity to the city, and abundance of parks within walking distance. She looks forward to being part of a team that supports the vitality, safety, and respect of all our neighbors. Rebecca was first elected to the role of board secretary in 2024.
Rebecca lives on Alliance Avenue.
Rebecca is currently a director and secretary on the UMNA Leadership Team. Rebecca is stepping down as UMNA secretary. She will move into a new "At Large" role focusing on social activities for UMNA. She is running for re-election as a director. If she is re-elected, Rebecca will serve until 2028.
Proposed slate of OFFICERS for the UMNA Leadership Team (one year terms)
* Only UMNA members may vote. The current UMNA membership list is <HERE>. To join UMNA, please go <HERE>.
President: Peter House
Peter has lived in Rochester for 36 years. His first home in Rochester was on Rosedale Street. He and his husband Michael Hannen purchased their home in Upper Monroe in 2007. Peter is a special education teacher at Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES. He is also the summer minister at the First Universalist Church of Rochester. Peter is a long time member of the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. He is a member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee, and has served on the board of Abundance Cooperative Market.
Peter lives on Laburnam Crescent.
Peter is a currently a Community Connector on the UMNA Leadership Team. If he is elected as president of UMNA, his term as an officer will expire in 2027.
Vice President: Tim Guyot
Tim has been in Monroe county since 2005 and moved to Upper Monroe in 2018. He appreciates the vibrance and variety in our neighborhood and is ready to engage more to support the neighborhood goals. He's held various positions on the board of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association for the past 8 years, and is familiar with the operation of local not-for-profit organizations. His current areas of interest for the neighborhood are maintenance and improvement initiatives, encouraging support for local businesses, and bringing attention to nearby activities and attractions. Tim was first elected to the position of UMNA vice president in March, 2024. He was re-elected in 2025.
Tim lives on Alliance Avenue.
Tim is currently the vice president on the UMNA Leadership Team. If he is re-elected as vice president of UMNA, his term as an officer will expire in 2027.
Treasurer: Patrick Casey
Patrick was born in California and later moved to go to school. More recently he lived for a time on Long Island before settling here in Rochester. Patrick purchased his first home in Upper Monroe a little over one year ago with his husband, Emiliano Brini. Patrick is currently a data analyst for RIT’s Institutional Research, Data, and Analytics. Both Patrick and Emiliano have been an active members of UMNA since the day they moved into their home; participating at meetings as well as social events.
Patrick lives on Suter Terrace.
Patrick is currently the treasurer on the UMNA Leadership Team. If he is re-elected as treasurer of UMNA, his term as an officer will expire in 2027.
Secretary: Paul Kizior
Paul and his fiancée Nora moved to Rochester in August 2023 and settled down in the Upper Monroe neighborhood on Avondale Park. Paul, originally from Chicago, met Nora in Seattle and they decided to settle down in Rochester to be closer to Nora's family and explore a new region together. When Paul isn't excited by or avoiding news about the Buffalo Bills, he will probably be exploring an indie computer game, puttering about the house, or relaxing with the family. They have two adorable pets, a cat Luna and dog Penny, that need lots of love. Paul is looking to get involved with the neighborhood community and help build a safe inclusive space for all.
Paul lives on Avondale Park.
If he is elected as secretary of UMNA, his term as an officer will expire in 2027.
New members of the leadership team will join the current group: Kelly Abernethy, Kristen Ashley, Fatima Razic and Jeanne Weber; all of whom have terms that end in 2027. UMNA's current president, Rome Celli will step into an ex officio role for 2026 but will remain fully engaged as a volunteer.
Click here to see the current leadership team
c. Review of 2026 UMNA Workplan & Budget
Review of UMNA work plan & budget for 2026 by UMNA past president, Rome Celli
III. Program presentation: Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project (30 minutes)
A representative of the Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project tech team will update the community on the current status of the project and describe next steps.
This project is HUGE! The LT2 project is anticipated to have the greatest impact to Cobbs Hill and, by implication, Cobbs Hill Park since the reservoir was originally constructed more than 100 years ago! Some estimates put the cost of the project into the tens of millions of dollars.
Background
The City's reservoirs are mandated to comply with the EPA's "Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule".
The City of Rochester maintains three finished drinking water reservoirs, Rush Reservoir, Cobb's Hill Reservoir, and Highland Reservoir. In 2006, the USEPA adopted the LT2 regulations that impacted all uncovered water storage facilities, including all three Reservoirs.
The article below offers a good general explanation of where things stand as of early, 2025
Options for major changes at Highland, Cobbs Hill reservoirs gain focus as study widens - WXXI News | By Brian Sharp Published May 7, 2025
Additional background links
On this website: Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project
IV. Reports* (30 minutes)
Prep for 2026 “Clean & Preen” (Clean Sweep) - Saturday, May 2nd
NYS Assembly 132nd District (Harry Bronson or staff)
Wide Water Gardens
* The above topics and others that may come up between now and March 22nd will be presented as time permits and if the responsible individuals are present at the meeting
The meeting has been made possible, in part, thanks to support from the City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services and the South East Area Coalition.
This program is also listed on our Google Calendar. CLICK HERE to go to the official UMNA Events Calendar.
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