Syracuse Common Council Regular Meeting – June 15, 2026

On June 15, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council held a regular meeting at 4:55 PM. The meeting included a prayer, roll call, approval of previous minutes, public hearings, committee reports, communications, and voting on 82 items. Significant discussion occurred on an extension for a Syracuse University (SU) project and on several honorary street sign installations. Most items passed unanimously, but a few saw divided votes or abstentions.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of June 1, 2026 were approved unanimously.
• Two public hearings were held: one for the sweeping/flipping program (Item 12) and one for the unimproved street programs (Item 14). No members of the public spoke for or against either program.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Communications received: Letters from State Assemblymember Pamela H. Hunter acknowledging resolutions on a bottle bill and biometric protections; from Assemblymember Bill Magnarelli on biometric protections; from Assemblymember Bill McDorelli on voting rights; and approximately 100 letters from the New York Civil Liberties Union urging the Council not to backtrack on the Community Review Board (CRB). Also, a letter from Century Club accepting terms and conditions of Ordinance No. 284.
• Public hearings: No public testimony was offered for Items 12 or 14.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – SU Project Extension: Councilor Wright expressed concerns about the current right-of-way fee structure, the appearance of differential treatment for large developers, and the lack of accountability mechanisms. Councilor Majok supported the extension, acknowledging the need for improved legislation and enforcement, and noted the project is an anomaly. The mayor’s office indicated collaboration on new fee legislation. The item passed 7-2. Councilors Nave and one other voted no.
• Item 16 – (unclear project): Councilor Wright voted no due to insufficient information. The item passed 8-1.
• Item 29 – Workforce training contract: A councilor spoke in support, citing the program’s climate action goals. One councilor (Patrona) abstained. The item passed 8-0 with one abstention.
• Item 32 – Food Bank of Central New York funding: A councilor expressed full support for providing free meals to children in summer and after school. Passed unanimously.
• Item 38 – Inclusive recreation programs: A councilor praised the organization for providing access and inclusive education. Passed unanimously.
• Item 67 – Anna Thompson Perez honorary street sign: Councilor Moore read a proclamation honoring Ms. Perez for founding Project Adelante. Ms. Perez’s son, Harry E. Thompson Jr., spoke about his mother’s legacy and Puerto Rican rights. The sign will be installed at Seymour and Southwest Streets for one year. Passed unanimously.
• Item 77 – Ozetta Rosemary Jackson honorary street sign: Councilor Catwell spoke about Ms. Jackson’s 30+ years as a teacher and community leader. The sign will be installed near the Southwest Center. Passed 8-0 (Councilor Show was absent).
• Item 80 – Thermal technology pilot program: A councilor requested more information on large projects in the future. Passed unanimously.
• Item 82 – Waiver of rules: Motion to waive rules was approved, and the item was introduced and adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11 (SU project extension) passed 7-2, with a 90-day extension expiring June 28, 2026. Council directed the administration to bring forward a legislative fix for fee structures.
• Item 16 passed 8-1 (Councilor Wright opposed).
• Item 29 passed 8-0 with one abstention.
• Items 67 and 77 – honorary street signs approved unanimously, with signs to be installed for one year and then presented to families.
• Items held: 48, 49, 51, 68, 69, 70 (held or tabled).
• Remembrances: Councilors honored Ray Ronaldi (boxing center founder), Susan Antonini (child advocate), and Bill Delavan (arts community). The Council also expressed solidarity with families of Juwonio and support for inclusive education.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.