Syracuse Common Council Study Session - April 1, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council held a study session on April 1, 2026, to discuss a wide range of items including contract renewals, capital projects, public safety grants, land use permits, and community programs. The session covered approximately 37 agenda items, with several held for further review or public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – Energy Automation Contract Renewal: The council discussed renewing a contract with Energy Automation for energy expertise and support, including preparation of the annual energy budget. The service was originally RFP'd and this is a renewal. No questions raised concerns.

• Item 11 – Amendment for Temporary Structure (Trash/Recycling Carts): An amendment to an agreement for a temporary building to hold trash and recycling carts, adding insurance for builders. The price increased slightly. Councilors asked about the number of individuals requesting additional carts and abuse of carts (e.g., used for bottle/can collection). The deputy commissioner noted they track carts and retrieve them weekly.

• Items 12-14 – Harbor Brook Parking Lot: The city engineer presented three items related to a new parking lot off Fowler High School, providing 16 spaces and pedestrian access. Items included a SEQR negative declaration (12), a bond ordinance increase of $500,000 for a total of $650,000 (13), and project authorization for construction (14). The lot will serve the new police building.

• Items 15-17 – Demolition of Fayette Parking Garage: Three companion items for the demolition of the unsafe Fayette parking garage at 300 East Fayette: a SEQR Type II action (15), a bond ordinance not to exceed $3 million (16), and project authorization not to exceed $3 million (17). The garage is unsafe and repair costs are exorbitant.

• Item 18 – Permanent Easement to Niagara Mohawk at Airport: A local law to grant a permanent easement for an underground power line to the new consolidated rental car facility.

• Item 19 – Resolution for Disclosure Checkbox in RFPs: A resolution to add a checkbox in city RFPs requiring disclosure from individuals doing business with the city. The councilor expressed unanimous support.

• Items 20-21 – After-School Program Trip to Dorney Park: Authorization for transportation (coach buses, not to exceed $14,000) and ticket purchase (not to exceed $12,000) for 210 youth participants (224 total including chaperones due to free tickets). The program serves over 200 youth.

• Item 22 – Public Arts Initiative Capital Improvement: Authorization to proceed with the 25-26 capital improvement program for public arts, not to exceed $35,000, for repair, replacement, and site preparation. Councilors inquired about audits and inventory; the parks department is currently inventorying public art.

• Items 23-24 – Wayfinding Signage for Parks: Authorization for capital improvement for wayfinding and signage, total not to exceed $150,000, including bond issuance. The signage will replace wooden entry signs with concrete/wood signs, and include banners and directional arrows. Councilors requested tick signage, creek walk wayfinding, and additional trash cans. New signs for ticks and trash are drafted.

• Item 25 – Accept Funds from Coordinated Care Services: Acceptance of reimbursement funds for after-school programs, not to exceed $18,741.

• Item 26 – Resolution for Autism Awareness Month: A resolution recognizing April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month in Syracuse.

• Items 27-28 – Technology Agreements: Agreements with Site Improve (for digital accessibility compliance) and SurveyMonkey (for resident engagement). Both were procured through multiple quotes below the RFP threshold.

• Item 29 – Fiber Access Agreement with Syracuse Urban Partnership: A no-cost access agreement to install fiber at the Chimes building for broadband infrastructure. The contract aligns with the state grant and will likely need extension. The city owns the fiber and infrastructure. Councilors discussed subscriber numbers (currently ~1,500-1,600) and asked for updates.

• Items 30-32 – Gun Violence Reduction Program (Held): The council discussed the program that was paused due to the Trump administration's hold on DOJ grants in April 2025. Contracts expired Jan/Feb 2026. The director requested extending contracts and reallocating funds. The program serves youth ages 14-24 (and 16-19 for Exalt). A vetting process involving SPD and DA will be used for contractors and staff. Councilors questioned the pause and contract end dates. The director provided a narrative and budget update. Items were held.

• Item 33 – Withdrawn

• Item 34 – Withdrawal

• Item 35 – Byrne Memorial Justice Grant: Authorization for an agreement with NYS DCJS for $27,500 to enhance the Stride program (domestic violence training) using the Geiger Institute's train-the-trainer model.

• Item 36 – CIT Program Grant: A three-year grant for the Crisis Intervention Team program, requiring 20% match in years 1-2 and 40% in year 3. Funds a proactive unit with two officers and mental health workers, plus CIT training.

• Items 37-38 – Fire Department Vehicle Purchases: Request to purchase light first response vehicles (two F-350s, two SUVs, two incident command vehicles, three motor pool vehicles) for $775,000, as part of a replacement program. The chief noted a backlog; orders placed now would arrive spring 2027. The goal is a yearly replacement plan to avoid emergency purchases.

• Item 39 – Amendment to Senior Exemption Ordinance: An amendment to ordinance 5 of 2026 to correct the effective date to January 1, 2027 (from 2026). The commissioner explained that 1,800 senior citizens applied for a different exemption, and the software wasn't updated for the current year.

• Item 40 – Public Hearing for CDBG Year 51: Authorization to advertise a public hearing on April 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. for CDBG replacement funds.

• Item 41 – Reallocation of CDBG Funds (Held): Due to two agencies declining awards after executive orders, funds are being reallocated to Peace Inc. (tax prep program) and Home Headquarters (urgent care program). The public comment period ran March 9-April 8; no one spoke at the March 25 meeting. The item was held until after the public hearing.

• Item 42 – Appropriation of Cash Capital for Broadband Grant: A request to appropriate $108,388.83 as an administrative fee to Empire State Development for the broadband infrastructure grant. This is required before the city can submit its first reimbursement request (~$8 million). The director expects payment within four weeks of submission.

• Item 43 – Resolved

• Item 44 – Special Use Permit for Greenhouse Manufacturing: Approval for a greenhouse manufacturing plant at 2956 East Genesee Street. The use was permitted under the prior zoning code before an October 2025 amendment. The planning commission attached conditions limiting use to greenhouse manufacturing. Councilors noted opposition from neighbors regarding traffic and non-conforming use.

• Item 45 – Special Use Permit for Cannabis Dispensary (To Executive Session): A permit for a smoking establishment (cannabis dispensary) at 911 North Salina Street. The council discussed concerns about safety, illegal cannabis shops across the street, and the neighborhood's existing drug issues. The city attorney noted that illegal shops are being addressed through code enforcement. The council voted to go into executive session to discuss further, including hearing from a police captain.

• Item 46 – Zone Change for Subdivision at 910 Bellevue: A zone change to combine two lots into a single zone to allow a driveway and fence. No questions.

Key Outcomes

• Many items were discussed and are expected to be voted on in future meetings. Items 30-32, 41, and 45 were held or deferred. Item 45 was sent to executive session. Item 39 was moved to amend the effective date. The council did not take formal votes during the study session.