Syracuse City Council Study Session - August 27, 2025

On August 27, 2025, the Syracuse City Council held a study session to review a wide range of agenda items including park improvements, an ambulance service contract, new stadium construction, and housing initiatives. Councilors discussed pending legislation, clarified funding details, and scheduled future committee meetings. Notable positions included councilor concerns over data transparency in the AMR contract, a request for a comprehensive parks review, and support for homeownership projects on the city's near west side.

Discussion Items

• Parks and Recreation Items (Items 10–22) – Commissioner Saisha Bird presented several bond authorizations and grant agreements for park improvements. Councilor Caldwell expressed concern about 'band-aiding' projects and requested a comprehensive review. Items included: a $12,600 donation to remove a sycamore tree on East Genesee Street; an application with NY BRICS for HVAC upgrades (20% match, not to exceed $500,000); an amendment to increase Eastwood Skate Park Phase 2 funding from $50,000 to $500,000 to cover higher bids; a $600,000 bond for various park facility improvements (HVAC, electric, plumbing, etc.) – councilors asked for a detailed list; a $301,700 bond for vacant land management; a $487,000 bond for natural area restoration (Homer Wheaton, Lincoln, Schiller, Onondaga Creek); and a $388,727 bond for vegetation management along Creekwalk and trails. Councilors questioned why the Creekwalk project was separate from other vegetation work; Commissioner Bird agreed to clarify with department staff.

• Ambulance Service Contract with AMR (Item 23) – A proposed contract with AMR for ambulance services was debated. Fire Chief Mike Mons and First Deputy Chief Dan Downs explained that AMR was the sole respondent to an RFP and that the contract includes monthly data sharing and quarterly operational meetings. Councilor Majunk pushed for public transparency, requesting specific response time data. Chief Downs stated that AMR would provide a yearly summary but would not agree to publish detailed data in the short term due to HIPAA and operational concerns. The Chief warned that if the council insisted on broader data disclosure, AMR might withdraw, leaving the city without a contract. Councilor Majunk noted the importance of accountability. The fire chief said they would continue negotiations until Tuesday, September 2, and if no agreement was reached, the item would be pulled.

• PSLA Fire Cadet Program (Item 24) – An agreement with the school district for PSLA students to use the fire training grounds for a nominal $1 fee. No opposition.

• Police Department Items (Items 25–30) – Chief Downs presented: a public hearing scheduled for September 11 on police grounds; a grant agreement with NY Governor's Traffic Safety Committee ($60,100, no local match); an IT services agreement with Naughton and Associates (not to exceed $120,000) for the new public safety building – councilors noted the waiver of RFP due to urgency; a switch of PAL program funding to a different account; a payment authorization to Access Global Group for a previously approved session; and annual uniform contracts with two local shops.

• Institute of Technology Stadium at Rossler Park (Items 31–33) – City Engineer Mary Robison and Tom Ferrar presented a $14 million stadium project funded through state education aid (98% eligible). The stadium will seat 2,500, include team rooms, restrooms, a concession area, a new playground (open to public), and a fitness trail. The project is awaiting SED approval, with construction expected to start spring 2026 and finish spring 2027. Councilors asked about parking – the school lot will be used. Also discussed was a future unfunded project to restore Roosevelt Field with an all-weather turf field, lights, and a six-lane track. Councilor Hogan noted concern about the Tipp Hill project not advancing beyond phase one.

• Finance and IT Items (Items 40–53) – Commissioner Mike Canazara presented: a consulting agreement with former city IT employee Kathleen Wilson for AS400 support ($48,000/year, $75/hour, waived RFP due to critical need); a $900,000 HCM software implementation contract (UKG Pro Suite) with Mosaic Consulting Group – councilors requested a committee meeting to discuss the project's status, noting delays with union rules and paper timesheets; two companion items (46 & 47) to clean up back taxes on the Garzones property (2426 South Ave) – totaling about $75,400, with Onondaga County agreeing to waive its portion; an amendment to a lease agreement at One Park Place for tenant improvements (adjusting not-to-exceed from $15,000 to $18,500) – councilor asked about the proper legal vehicle; rescission of a previous license agreement and authorization of a lease agreement for 255 Walton Street (parking lot) – terms unchanged except escalation rate was confirmed as 2.5% (short title had an error); correction of tax rolls for two property owners mistakenly charged for cleanups; and executive session scheduled for settlements.

• Housing and Neighborhood Development (Items 54–59) – Deputy Commissioner Michelle Sapinski presented companion items 54 & 55: $1.25 million for Home Headquarters – $750,000 for townhomes at the SDC (Salt Springs/Tipp Hill area) and $500,000 for an urgent care program targeting income-qualified individuals in housing strategy neighborhoods. Councilor Hogan expressed worry that the Tipp Hill project might stop after phase one; Deputy Commissioner noted a recent state funding application. Councilor Jones-Rousser co-chaired a future committee meeting. Item 56: a $200,000 agreement with Center for Justice Innovation for the Community Ambassador Program, which includes early foreclosure prevention outreach. Councilor asked about targeting residents 12–24 months behind; staff agreed to adjust. Item 57: renewal of a lease agreement with Syracuse Northeast Community Center for five years at 716 Hawley Ave. Item 59: transfer of 256 Salt Springs Ave to the land bank for sale to the current renter. A vacant lot next door will be addressed in September.

Key Outcomes

• Most items were held for further committee review or public hearings. Specific votes were not taken during this study session.
• Items 10–22 (parks) were presented with requests for additional lists and clarifications; no immediate vote expected until information is provided.
• The AMR contract (Item 23) remains under negotiation; a decision is expected by September 2. Councilor Majunk's request for detailed data transparency may be a sticking point.
• The ITC stadium project (Item 33) is expected to go to bid after SED approval; councilors expressed general support.
• A committee meeting will be scheduled on the HCM implementation (Item 45) and on the Tipp Hill/home headquarters project.
• The council approved the executive session for settlements (Item 53) via motion to adjourn to executive session.