Syracuse Common Council Study Session – February 18, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a study session on February 18, 2026, to discuss a wide range of legislative items, including local laws, bond ordinances, contract renewals, and community resolutions. Public comment was not entertained during this session. Key topics included a proposed opt-in to the Good Cause Eviction law, funding for street paving and police facility parking, park improvements, and a moratorium on battery energy storage systems. Many items are expected to be voted on at a subsequent regular meeting.

Discussion Items

• Good Cause Eviction Local Law – Councillor Aaron Rick introduced a local law to opt the City of Syracuse into the state’s Good Cause Eviction law. A public hearing on this matter was announced for the next day.

• iSolve Talent Acquisition Agreement – The city requested approval to enter an agreement with iSolve (formerly Applicant Pro) for job posting and applicant tracking, addressing the loss of unlimited Indeed postings. The city has 90 vacancies. Commissioner Jacobs noted that iSolve will provide access to 300+ job boards. Councillor Monto suggested partnering with local agencies for job referrals; the commissioner agreed to collaborate.

• Midland Avenue Paving Project (Items 11–13) – City Engineer Mary Robison presented three items related to the Midland Avenue paving project from Ostrander Avenue to West Seneca Turnpike. Due to delayed bidding and additional curbing, bids exceeded the budget. The council was asked to approve a bond ordinance, amend the state agreement, and increase project authorization by $620,000, bringing the total to $5.286 million. Funding is 71% federal, 13% Marchiselli, and 16% local. Completion is expected this year.

• Parking Lots for Police Facility (Items 14–16) – Three items authorized design services for two new parking lots (115 South Gaddis Street, 1171 West Fayette/Magnolia Street) and pedestrian access improvements over the NYS&W Railroad bridge. Chief Development Officer Eric Anis explained that the existing pump track would need to be removed for parking but will be replaced in a nearby location. Councillor Jones-Rowser questioned the use of an alternative site west of the facility; Anis agreed to evaluate that site and report back before the Monday study session.

• Park and Recreation Agreements (Items 17–26) – Commissioner Saisha Bird presented multiple items:

  • Item 17: Accept a $50,000 donation from the Brianna Sewer Foundation for Kirk Park basketball court upgrades.
  • Items 18–23: Renew landscape architectural services agreements with six firms (all local except one).
  • Item 24: Agreement with Cornell Cooperative Extension for 4-H camp and educational programs.
  • Item 25: Agreement with Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District to treat 148 ash trees in parks.
  • Item 26: Amend Barks & Racks contract to increase by $21,000 and extend one year. Councillors discussed park improvements, including the Elmwood Park playground and pavilion, and requested better public notification for tree treatments.

• Resolutions Honoring Individuals (Items 27–29) – Resolutions honoring Carmelita Shaf Walker (service to the council), a Pi Kappa Epsilon fraternity fundraiser for firefighter behavioral health, and Police Officer Jamie Pastorello were all supported by the council.

• Information Technology and Finance (Items 30–35) –

  • Item 30: Renewal of ImageMate Online (parcel lookup platform) with Schneider Geospatial ($8,000) to align with the county’s system. Commissioner of Assessment Matt O’Neil noted it is local and widely used.
  • Item 31: One-year renewal of fiscal advisor/marketing agreement for debt issuance; no set cost – fees vary by debt volume.
  • Item 32: Extend an existing vendor contract while an RFP (with 26–28 responses) is being evaluated.
  • Item 33: Amend lease with NYS&W Railroad for parcels related to the police facility – extend term to 10 years and add right of first refusal.
  • Item 34: Correct assessment roll for 1445 South Salina Street and other properties to apply senior exemptions properly.
  • Item 35: Agreement with DMV database for out-of-state plate lookups ($8,000) to improve parking ticket enforcement. Discussion included school zone ticketing and payment processing challenges.

• HUD Grant Action Plan (Items 37–38) – Deputy Commissioner Sabansky presented the draft annual action plan for CDBG, ESG, and HOME funds. A public hearing was held with 10 speakers. Councillor asked about a new federal regulation requiring identification documents for beneficiaries; Sabansky noted litigation and a stay, and that agencies are not yet required to submit the data. Councillor requested an executive session with corporation counsel for further discussion.

• Senior Exemption Expansion (Item 39) – A local law to opt into the expanded senior exemption program (income up to $46,999, exemption up to 65% of taxable value) was introduced. It will apply to the next assessment roll. Councillor encouraged outreach to seniors needing help with paperwork.

• Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (Item 43) – Deputy Commissioner Dishwell requested a six-month citywide moratorium to allow a working group to develop local regulatory standards. Councillors Majok and Monto expressed interest in joining the group. The use of saline batteries was suggested as a safer alternative to lithium.

• Special Use Permit and Zone Change (Items 44–45) –

  • Item 44: Special use permit for a neighborhood market at 401 Pond Street, approved by the planning commission. Owner committed to improving landscaping and sidewalks. Councillor Nave voiced support but expressed concerns about parking and trash.
  • Item 45: Zone change from R5 to MX2 for 1939 East Fayette Street (Parkside Commons) to eliminate a split-zone parcel, consistent with prior council policy.

• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations – Deputy Commissioner Kearney updated that the city was unable to meet the council’s RFP requirement for EV charging stations due to time constraints and limited vendors. The only vendor capable of handling all components (installation, maintenance, etc.) was not able to proceed without the RFP. Councillor Monto expressed disappointment, noting the loss of potential revenue. Commissioner Collins indicated they are exploring proactive RFP approaches for future opportunities.

Key Outcomes

• Several items are expected to be placed on the consent agenda or voted on at the next regular council meeting: the iSolve agreement, bond ordinances for Midland Avenue and parking lot design, park and rec agreements, resolutions, IT renewals, and the senior exemption law.
• The public hearing on the Good Cause Eviction local law is scheduled for February 19, 2026.
• The council will hold a public hearing on the CDBG action plan on March 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
• The pump track alternative location will be evaluated and reported back before the Monday study session.
• The BESS moratorium will be introduced; councilors Majok and Monto will join the working group.
• The council declined to approve the EV charging station agreement due to RFP concerns, but the administration will seek alternative funding pathways.
• The meeting adjourned with a motion and second.