Syracuse Common Council Meeting – December 17, 2025

The Syracuse Common Council held a business meeting on December 17, 2025, covering a wide range of items including fee changes, infrastructure programs, housing developments, budget transfers, and land bank property transfers. Several items were held for further committee discussion or referred to the planning commission, and multiple resolutions were scheduled for a future vote.

Consent Calendar

• No explicit consent calendar was identified; all items received discussion or were held.

Discussion Items

• Fire Department Pyrotechnic Fee Increase (Item 11): Deputy Chief Elton Davis proposed a three-tier fee structure for pyrotechnic permits, increasing from a flat $25 to $75 (minor indoor), $300 (major indoor/outdoor), and $300 (special displays). Councilors questioned revenue projections and placed the item on hold for a committee meeting (scheduled for the week of December 22).
• Traffic Safety Coordinator (Item 12): Deputy Chief Rich Trudel presented an agreement with Drive Media and Consulting to hire Lacey Leonardi as a traffic safety coordinator, funded by a state highway safety grant ($120,000) and local match ($60,000). Councilors requested clarification on the funding split; the item was discussed but no vote taken.
• Infrastructure Programs (Items 13–22): Commissioner Andrew Ford and City Engineer Mary Robison presented multiple programs: city-owned sidewalk and curb replacement, complete streets (bike lanes, pedestrian safety), parking garage rehabilitation, and radar speed signs. Councilors raised concerns about sidewalk width standards, driveway encroachments, and the need for a comprehensive parking plan. A request for a list of 2026 sidewalk projects and curb-cut locations was made. Discussion on pedestrian safety near Crouse Hospital included plans for upgraded signage and traffic configuration.
• Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Amendments (Items 23–27): Mary Robison requested an additional $100,000 for the TIP project (pedestrian safety), bringing total to $1.97 million (90% federal). Also, agreements with CNS Engineers and Fisher Associates for construction inspection were amended with total increases of $198,000 and $400,000 respectively. An update on the East Brighton repaving project noted completion delayed to spring/summer 2026.
• Lead Water Sampling & Engineering Services (Items 28–29): Commissioner Robert Brant presented a two-year contract with Trupani for EPA-required lead water sampling at $43,900 annually (half the cost of the previous vendor). Item 29 was a two-year engineering services agreement with GHD not to exceed $700,000.
• Honorary Sign for Columbus Bakery (Items 30–31): Councilor Navey introduced resolutions to designate “Columbus Bakery Way” at Pearl Street and East Bolton Avenue and to recognize the business’s 130-year history. No vote recorded.
• Battery Energy Storage Moratorium (Item 32): Councilor Holgate requested a referral to the Planning Commission for a moratorium on battery energy storage systems, citing lack of procedure and public safety concerns. Councilor Williams opposed the moratorium, preferring to handle within the council. Assistant Corporation Counsel Barry noted that a unanimous consent referral was not possible, and recommended a resolution on Monday (December 22) for a majority vote. Council agreed to discuss further in executive session and bring a resolution to the next meeting.
• Comprehensive Plan (Item 33): Planner Owen Kearney requested authorization for an agreement with EDR to continue work on the city’s comprehensive plan (Syracuse 2050). Councilor Holgate emphasized the need for three- and four-bedroom rental units in new development to accommodate families. The item was discussed but not voted.
• Parkside Commons Housing Development (Item 34): Councilors reported ongoing issues with heat and hot water at the complex. Commissioner Michael Collins stated a new management company is being brought in and financing is expected to close by March 2026, making it the largest single housing project in the city. Councilor Williams requested a full council committee meeting with developers in early 2026. Item was held.
• Timekeeping System Update (Item 35): CAO Corey Dunham reported progress on the city’s timekeeping rollout, with police, fire, water, DPW, and city hall departments on board. Councilor Williams noted the need to update the full council and new members; a handout on accomplishments was promised. The item was discussed but not voted.
• IT Software Maintenance (Item 36): IT Director Dave Pro Act presented an annual maintenance renewal for SysAid help desk software, exceeding the previous estimate. Councilor Williams requested a comprehensive list of all city software and costs; a response is expected in January.
• Booting Contract Extension (Item 37): The council discussed extending the existing booting contract with PayLock for six months under current terms, pending legislation to enforce school zone ticket collections through booting. The extension was approved (no vote count given).
• Board of Assessment Review Appointment (Item 38): Councilor Williams moved to appoint William Apollito to fill a vacancy, replacing Donna Moore.
• Fund Transfers (Items 39–41): Budget Director Evan Loving presented a request to transfer funds from public safety retirement surpluses to cover obligations for CVI, SurgeLink, ShotSpotter, and other programs. Councilor Jones Rowser asked for a breakdown of amounts due vs. future obligations. The items were held for more information; Director of Strategic Initiatives Jen TIF noted the finance department could control expenditures after appropriation.
• Emergency Repair Program (Item 43): Deputy Commissioner Michelle Spanski requested a three-month extension of the existing contractor pool for the emergency repair program while a new RFP is published. Discussed without recorded vote.
• Property Transfers to Land Bank (Items 44–64): Planner Caitlin Hubbard presented a list of properties for transfer to the Greater Syracuse Land Bank. Several were withdrawn (45, 46, 49) due to owner applications or pending violations. Other properties (44, 47) were held for further discussion. The remaining items were approved or held pending additional information.

Key Outcomes

• Moratorium on Battery Storage: Referred to a resolution at the December 22 meeting after disagreement on procedure; further discussion in executive session.
• Booting Contract Extension: Approved for six additional months with existing terms.
• Fund Transfers (Items 39–41): Held pending breakdown of current vs. future obligations.
• Parkside Commons: Committee meeting requested for early 2026.
• Pyrotechnic Fee Increase: Held for committee meeting (week of December 22).
• Comprehensive Plan: Held; further discussion on housing unit mix to be incorporated.
• Traffic Safety Coordinator: Funding clarification requested; no vote.
• Infrastructure Programs: Requests for lists of sidewalk projects and curb-cut information noted; no formal vote.
• Appointment: William Apollito appointed to the Board of Assessment Review.

Note: The meeting adjourned with a motion and second. No formal votes were recorded for most items; many were held or referred.