Syracuse Common Council Study Session - February 23, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a study session on February 23, 2026 to review items for an upcoming voting session. Council members discussed the readiness of numerous agenda items, including a waiver for an electric vehicle (EV) charger installation grant, a new hiring software system, and a proposal to expand the senior citizen income tax exemption. Several items were held for further information, and the council voted to enter executive session to discuss the good cause eviction local law.

Consent Calendar

• Many items were declared ready for the voting session, including: a resolution to appoint a commissioner of date (Item 9); a resolution authorizing the use of ApplicantPro hiring software for all city departments (Item 10); a cooperative extension camp (Item 24); honorary street sign dedications (Items 42, 43, 45); and a special permit for Pond Street (Item 44). Councilor Erin Rick abstained from presenting Item 24 due to a personal conflict of interest.

Discussion Items

• HR Software (Item 10): Councilor questioned whether the ApplicantPro system covers police and fire departments. Chief Development Officer Aaron confirmed it covers all departments, though police and fire rank-and-file hiring will continue through the county's process.
• Parking for Pump Track (Items 14-15): Eric, from the city, explained that a proposed parking lot at 1320 West Fayette Street was deemed unsuitable due to distance (1,300 feet from the pump track vs. 850 feet for the chosen location), narrow parcel configuration, and lack of trail connection.
• EV Charger Grant and Waiver (Item 46): Commissioner Michael Collins presented a waiver to allow the city to apply for grants from National Grid and NYS DEC to install two high-speed EV chargers at Progress Park. The city will contract with Jacom for installation and maintenance, as the city lacks in-house capacity. Council members raised concerns about contract language, MWBE subcontractor opportunities, and revenue sharing. Karina Freeland, City Sustainability Planner, confirmed no city staff time or money is required for the grant. The council stipulated that future contracts must include strong MWBE language, and that the contract will be reviewed by the law department.
• Senior Income Tax Exemption (Item 39): Councilor James Rausser held the item pending data on how many additional seniors would become eligible by lowering the income threshold. Staff estimated roughly 10-20 new taxpayers.

Key Outcomes

• Item 39 (senior exemption) held for additional data.
• Items 36, 38, 40, and 41 were held.
• The council will enter executive session to discuss the good cause eviction local law.
• The EV charger waiver (Item 46) was discussed but no vote was taken; the council appeared satisfied with the explanation and will proceed with the grant applications.
• The council noted that the street sign dedication for Donna Reese will take place on Friday, February 27 at 1 p.m. at the corner of West Brighton and Webster.