Syracuse Common Council Meeting – April 6, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council convened on April 6, 2026, opening with a prayer led by Reverend Abrams, followed by a roll call (with Councilor Jones Rowler absent). The meeting proceeded through consent items, committee reports, and the introduction and adoption of numerous resolutions and local laws. Notable discussions included a resolution on business dealings with ICE, a proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month, a debate over gun‑violence program funding versus youth programming, and a controversial cannabis dispensary license that passed 7–1.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Unanimously approved the minutes from March 23, 2026.
• Committee Reports: Heard reports from the Economic Development Opportunity Committee (on code enforcement department operations) and the Public Safety Committee (on amending contracts for the Community Violence Intervention Grant with the U.S. Department of Justice).
• Communications: City Auditor Alex Marion’s annual report, a mid‑year report from Owens Evan Lovins, and recommendations from the Commissioner of Finance (no changes to the City’s Investment Policy) were received. Syracuse University accepted terms and conditions for ordinances 128, 129, and 130 of 2026.
• Local Law 8A: Adopted unanimously without discussion.
• Resolutions 10–17, 20–25, 27–29, 35–38, 40, 42–44, 46: Introduced and adopted unanimously with no debate.
• Item 18 (Resolution): Introduced and tabled.
• Item 34: Withdrawn.
• Item 41: Held.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jean Leaker, Executive Director, Central New York Chapter of the Autism Society of America: Spoke during the presentation of a resolution recognizing April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month. She highlighted that 1 in 31 children is diagnosed with autism, called for acceptance and inclusion, and invited the community to the organization’s annual walk on April 25, 2026, at Jamesville Beach Park.

Discussion Items

• Item 19 – Resolution on Business with ICE: Councilor Majok and Councilor Aaron Wright introduced a resolution requiring companies contracting with the city to disclose whether they share client information with third parties, including immigration enforcement. Councilor Moore stated it is “a step in the right direction” but not a complete solution. Councilor Majok thanked community advocates and the DSA for their advocacy. Councilor Williams noted that her district has been targeted, expressing strong support. The motion passed unanimously.
• Item 26 – Autism Acceptance Month Proclamation: Initially titled as “Autism Awareness Month,” Councilor Aaron Wright offered a friendly amendment (accepted by unanimous vote) to change the language to “Autism Acceptance Month” to align with the speaker’s remarks. The amendment passed unanimously, and the resolution was adopted.
• Items 30–33 – Gun Violence Program Funding: Councilor Moore expressed concern that the city spends “millions of dollars” on gun‑violence programs targeting about 40 individuals while only spending $12,000 on a program for 210 children (Item 21, not voted on this day). She urged more investment in youth prevention programs. Councilor Williams echoed the sentiment, calling for expanded evening programs and citing ideas to keep schools open at night. Items 30–33 were all adopted unanimously.
• Item 45 – Cannabis Dispensary License: Councilor Mato opposed the license, though he acknowledged the applicant (the Capano family) are “good people.” He argued that the New York State Department of Cannabis Management should give more weight to neighborhood input, especially because the site is near an Assumption Church food pantry and Tilly’s Touch after‑school program. He noted an ongoing illegal operation across the street and stated his district residents were concerned. The council voted 7–1 to pass the item, with only Councilor Nabay voting against (roll call: Thagwell yes, Machot yes, Aaron Wright yes, Hudson yes, Nabay no, Moore yes, Williams yes, Mato yes).

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals: All consent items and non‑controversial resolutions passed without opposition.
• Item 18: Tabled for future consideration.
• Item 19 (ICE disclosure resolution): Adopted unanimously.
• Item 26 (Autism Acceptance Month): Adopted unanimously with an amendment to the title.
• Items 30–33 (gun violence program funding): Adopted unanimously, but with councilmembers expressing a desire for more balanced youth programming investments.
• Item 45 (cannabis dispensary license): Passed 7–1, with Councilor Mato voting no and Councilor Nabay also voting no.
• Items 34 and 41: Withdrawn or held respectively.