Syracuse Common Council Meeting - May 13, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council met on May 13, 2026, to discuss a wide range of legislative items, including resolutions, special use permits, budget amendments, and grant authorizations. Council members introduced several items urging state action on voting rights, bottle deposit reform, and consumer protection, while also addressing local infrastructure, public safety, and community development issues.

Discussion Items

• Biometric Surveillance Plan (Item A): Councilor Williams announced that the committee meeting on the biometric surveillance plan will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with Dan Schwartz from the New York Civil Liberties Union. The item is tentatively ready for Monday's meeting pending the committee results.

• Youth Hire Program (Item 9): Councilor (Patricia) presented an annual agreement with Onondaga Earth Corps for a training program and supervision of youth hires, funded at $55,000, with no questions raised.

• Voting Rights Resolution (Item 10): Councilor (Patricia) introduced a resolution urging U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman, Governor Hochul, the New York State Assembly, and the New York State Senate to protect voting rights, the Voting Rights Act, and congressional district creation to ensure equitable access to voting. Councilor (Patricia) expressed hope for unity.

• Grant for Crash Data Analysis (Item 12): A joint DPW and fire department grant application to analyze crash data and update traffic striping, control boxes, and other infrastructure around the city.

• HVAC System Upgrade (Item 13): An update to the HVAC system in the MM garage to bring air quality up to New York State code.

• Street Sweeping Program (Items 15-18): Public hearing items on the sweeping program and slurry seal program. Discussion included a shortage of 30 CDL drivers (9 in fleet, 5 optimal, 6 wishful thinking). Councilor raised alternative of using manual sweeping crews, but concerns about safety, liability, and historical precedent were noted. The city currently has a team of litter pickers but not for roadways. Items 16, 18, and 19 were held for the public meeting.

• Stormwater Coalition and IMA (Items 20-21): Mary Robison, City Engineer, presented Item 20 for participation in the CNY Stormwater Coalition program ($3,600 fee) and Item 21 for an intermunicipal agreement with Onondaga County for stormwater sewer system services, including a hotline for illicit discharges, inspection support, and lab sampling at $60/hour. No charges have been incurred to date.

• Sewer Offset Acceptance (Item 22): Acceptance of sanitary sewer offset for 311 Gannant Drive (Icon Lofts project), including lining three manholes and replacing frames and covers.

• Bottle Bill Resolution (Item 23): Councilor Harry Mag introduced a resolution urging the Governor, State Senate, and Assembly to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (S5684/A6543), which would increase the redeemable bottle rate to 10 cents and support redemption centers. He noted benefits for litter control, dignified work, and recycling targets.

• Payroll Modernization Contract (Item 24): Amendment to the ordinance for Mosaic Consulting Group to align with the signed contract, extending the period due to a two-month late start and adjusting payment terms. No invoices have been received yet. Councilor requested a future study session to review deliverables and progress.

• Cybersecurity Grant (Item 25): Application for a $50,000 cybersecurity grant for utilities to supplement security camera systems at three reservoirs. No local match required.

• Telecom Contract Extension (Item 26): Request to extend the current agreement with ComSource while a new RFP award is finalized, expected at the next meeting.

• Surge Network Lease (Item 27): Request to enter a lease agreement with Pioneer Companies for space at the State Tower Building (carrier hotel) to support the expansion of the Surge network. The lease is for less than five years and under $1,000.

• Tourette Awareness Month (Item 28): Councilor Navy introduced a resolution declaring May 15 through June 15 as Tourette Awareness Month, noting that City Hall will be lit in recognition. He shared that he is the second elected official in New York State with Tourette syndrome, following Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

• Fire Department Flags (Item 29): Initially presented as a donation of 12 flags from Eric Hart, but after discussion, the fire chief and budget director agreed to fund the purchase. The item was withdrawn.

• Traffic Safety Grants (Items 30-31): Item 30: Annual traffic safety grant from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee for overtime to address dangerous driving in high-crash areas (no match). Item 31: Funding for the countywide highway traffic safety program, including salary for a traffic safety coordinator (Lacey Leonardi) and outreach efforts. Both items are routine.

• Old Bills for Investigation (CRB): Two outstanding bills for Freeland investigation were brought to the agenda, totaling $18,832.90, within budget limits. They were added to the agenda for payment authorization.

• Ear Canal Museum (Item 32): $21,000 authorized for the Ear Canal Museum, as budgeted annually.

• JSCB Bond Refunding (Item 33): Proposal to refund $66.9 million in outstanding debt from 2018, achieving 7.4% savings ($4.9 million present value, ~$600,000/year over nine years). The refunding bonds would not extend the maturity (2035) or increase principal. Pricing expected May 29, closing June 11.

• Tax Roll Modification (Item 34): Correction to the 2627 tax roll for 416 West Onondaga Street due to incorrect valuation and inventory.

• Legal Printing Funds (Item 35): Request for an additional $9,000 for specialty legal printers due to increased appellate court cases.

• Consumer Protection Resolutions (Item 36): Councilor Williams introduced a resolution supporting Senate bills 8004, 8623, and 8872, related to the biometric ban (local law), algorithmic price setting, and digital shelf price labels. The Attorney General previously rallied support for these bills.

• Century Club Sign Encroachment (Item 37): Deputy Commissioner Jake Dishwell reported that the Century Club agreed to a revocable encroachment for a sign at location two (preferred by city engineer), understanding they may need to remove it for city projects or Bus Rapid Transit. The club will pay for installation and removal.

• HUD Grant Allocations (Item 38): Amendment to the ordinance for annual CDBG, HOME, and ESG allocations to reflect final HUD figures.

• Emergency Repair Contractor Pool (Item 39): Authorization to establish a pool of contractors for the emergency repair program, including six new firms from an RFP, carryover from previous pool, and two additional firms used for recent projects.

• Special Use Permit – Coffee Bakery (Item 40): Approval for Zaman Coffee to operate a commercial food preparation business at 3001-3023 James Street (bakery shipping to stores, no public access).

• Special Use Permit – Neighborhood Market (Item 41): Approval for a neighborhood market (deli) at 901-917 South Geddes Street, formerly CEDRA market. The business will not sell alcohol or tobacco, hours limited to 10 p.m., and complies with police crime prevention recommendations. Councilor expressed concern about traffic on Geddes Street but no strong objections.

• Zone Change (Item 42): Rezoning of 539 Colvin Street to eliminate a split zone parcel created by a resubdivision with the land bank.

• Property Sale (Item 43): Authorization to sell city-owned property at 1939 East Fayette Street to Parkside Commons for appraised value plus appraisal costs. The project will use project-based Section 8 vouchers for all units.

Key Outcomes

• Item 29 (flag donation) was withdrawn; the fire department will purchase the flags.
• Items 11, 16, 18, and 19 were held for further action (Item 11 pending Eric's work; Items 16, 18, 19 pending public hearing).
• All other items presented were discussed and appear ready for formal approval at the next council meeting, with several items requiring final votes.
• The council expressed support for the police officers involved in a recent incident, commending their professionalism.
• Meeting adjourned after the agenda was completed.