OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Syracuse Common Council Regular Meeting - July 13, 2026

Public MeetingsMonday, July 13, 2026
BodySyracuse, New York
SessionPublic Meetings
DateMonday, July 13, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 47:33
Transcript — Verbatim
3:09

Everything good with you?

3:10

Yes, I'm sorry with me.

3:12

How about with you?

3:12

Yeah, everything good.

3:15

Thank you.

3:19

Oh, it is one o'clock.

3:21

All right.

3:22

It is one o'clock.

3:23

We're going to start our regular meeting.

3:26

Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

3:32

I Pledge Allegiance of the United States of America.

3:46

I didn't do that.

3:47

Thank you.

3:48

And now we invite faster view turn to bless our meeting.

4:13

Give us sound thinking and sound minds as we go about the work of this municipality.

4:19

Keep them well.

4:20

That their work would be pleasing in thy sight, and that the people of this community would be blessed by their work.

5:01

President.

5:03

Council.

5:03

Michelle.

5:05

Council here, right?

5:07

Counselor Hudson.

5:09

Here.

5:09

Councilor Nave.

5:11

Council Moore.

5:12

Here.

5:12

Council Way and Council Jones Rousser.

5:16

Council Joan Rousser.

5:18

President.

5:19

Counselor Mato.

5:20

Here.

5:22

Excellent.

5:24

And so let's move to approve the minutes.

5:30

For June 29th.

5:33

Sorry.

5:36

All in favor.

5:39

Unanimous.

5:40

Thank you.

5:41

All right.

5:42

We had uh two public meetings on July 6th, I believe.

5:46

Let me let me get the numbers.

5:48

For public.

5:49

Um counselor Calwood, do you want to take that?

5:53

It's it's fine.

5:54

Um, you just basically say that they are there.

5:57

Um so the the public meetings uh hearings occurred uh in July 6, 5 30 p.m.

6:04

And relative to authorized the naming of the Homer Wheaton Park concession stand to the Alphonse Gunn concession stand pursuant to the revised general ordinance of the city of Syracuse, chapter 17, Article 5, and then authorized the naming of the McChesney Community Center Basketball Court to the Dennis Pardinet Ball Court, pursuant to the revised general ordinance of the City of Syracuse chapter 17, Article 5.

6:34

And with that said, any petitions?

6:37

No, madam president.

6:38

Any committee reports president uh parks and parks Hannah Aaron Reich Parks Committee Chair?

6:49

We had a meeting on Wednesday, uh 7 126 at 9 a.m.

6:53

Uh to review the park spawns that are before the the council today.

6:57

Excellent.

6:58

Any other committee reports?

7:00

Okay.

7:01

Any communications?

7:03

No, madam president.

7:05

Thank you.

7:06

And item number 10 is being withdrawn, correct?

7:11

No resolution, no resolution.

7:13

Okay.

7:14

All right, moving on.

7:16

Council Cartwell.

7:19

Thank you, Madam President.

7:20

Blessings to all today.

7:22

I have item 11 and 12, and I'd like to introduce them.

7:27

No, that's oh, yeah.

7:30

I didn't see that right.

7:31

I'd like to introduce them and urge their adoption.

7:34

Thank you.

7:35

Uh item 11.

7:36

Any objections?

7:38

Any discussion?

7:40

Please call the role.

7:42

All in favor.

7:43

Aye.

7:44

Opposed.

7:46

Item 12.

7:48

Any objections?

7:49

Any discussion?

7:51

Please call the roll.

7:53

All in favor?

7:54

Aye.

7:54

Opposed.

7:55

Unanimous.

7:56

Counselor, thank you.

7:58

Councilor Michel.

8:00

Thank you, Madam President.

8:01

I have item 13 to 42.

8:04

Item 40.

8:07

Uh we'll vote on it.

8:09

We'll we'll vote on it, and then we will hold item 41 and 42.

8:15

Right, Madam Park?

8:16

Is that correct?

8:16

That's correct.

8:17

Okay, you may notice that um item 40 has been changed to application.

8:21

And and item 40, uh, the agreement has been removed, leaving the application portion of it.

8:31

Yes, and Deputy Clark just passed.

8:34

So 39 was okay, right?

8:35

Yeah.

8:36

39 is okay.

8:37

I will hold 41 and 42.

8:39

Okay.

8:40

So 40 agreement is removed, and application is going through.

8:45

And then we will hold item 41, which is the bond side of the portion, and then hold 42 as well.

8:53

Okay.

8:56

The rest of them are ready.

8:57

I would like to introduce them and earn the adoption.

9:00

Thank you.

9:01

Item 13.

9:02

Any objections?

9:04

Any discussion.

9:05

Yes, may I?

9:07

So I really want to thank uh my fellow counselors, especially the uh public works and infrastructure committee that I put work in, and that is Jimmy Monto, Rashida Cardwell, Helen Hudson, uh my forgetting, and myself, myself.

9:26

I forgot myself.

9:28

So four of us in um in addition to all the counselors as well that have added um uh comments and suggestions to really get this legislation to this point.

9:42

I also want to thank our council staff, Nathan and Nada will pull it put in tons of work uh to this point.

9:50

It has been a couple of months that have uh taken a lot of time.

10:00

So second thank would go to the uh uh corporation council uh for the work with us uh as well as Eric and us as well as Department of Public Works, uh Crew under uh Jimmy uh yeah um under uh commissioner Robinson and and Ford as well as engineering.

10:19

Um there's a lot of people that have been involved in this, and you know, is it's not perfect at all.

10:25

By no means it is it perfect, but I think it got us to a point where finally we are able to stand uh as a city and be able to be a little bit efficient.

10:37

This version is a little f efficient than the previous version.

10:41

So uh I'm happy to introduce it and urge for everyone adoption to to get it through.

10:48

Thank you.

10:50

Thank you.

10:50

Um I have as well want to echo what Councillor Majuk has said, um, because I know there was a lot of work put into this.

11:00

I still have my skepticism on some of the things, because I'm still stuck on the square footage.

11:07

I'm still stuck on the fact that the monitoring and how we're gonna be able to do it with the staff that we have.

11:16

So this one is a tough one, but I do appreciate all the work that was put in on this.

11:26

Thank you.

11:26

Anyone else?

11:27

Yes, Mr.

11:28

President.

11:29

Um, I would like to echo the sentiments of Councillors Hudson and my joke over there with you know extending gratitude to everyone who worked on this project.

11:36

Um in the proposed legislation, there's a couple of fundamental concepts for areas of higher density.

11:43

If you close the right of way, you'll pay more for closures that extend or for the pardon me, for closures that extend for you know a longer duration for a longer period of time, you pay more.

11:56

But similar to what counselor Hudson mentioned, if you close a greater portion of the right-of-way, your fee does not increase under the proposed legislation.

12:05

Square footage is one of the underlying aspects of the 2025 ordinance that we passed.

12:10

It follows the basic premise.

12:12

If you close more of a road, you pay more.

12:16

This may have led to an overly complicated calculation, but the proposed changes swing the pendulum too far in the other direction.

12:24

We are being asked to turn an area-based fee structure into an administrative fee structure.

12:30

We are going from overly complicated to overly simplified.

12:33

I think that this legislation builds on a lot of the council's ideas and requests, and for that I am grateful.

12:40

And I think that it comes very close to being a piece of legislation I could support.

12:44

However, I still have my reservations.

12:49

Thank you.

12:50

Anyone else?

12:51

I just want to echo what Corey said.

12:53

I I appreciate the work that's gone into this.

12:55

I know it's taken a lot of time and effort, and um, I still have my reservations.

13:04

Okay.

13:05

Um discussion.

13:08

Please call the roll.

13:09

Wait.

13:10

Oh, I'm sorry.

13:11

Where's Joe Berry?

13:12

Oh, he's not in.

13:14

Anybody from law department?

13:16

Anybody from law?

13:17

Well, right in front of you.

13:19

Oh, Megan is right here.

13:20

So Megan, with this um item number 13, and I know we have I know Eric is here too as well.

13:27

And I do I know there's um some movement that needs to go on if it is not passed today, or if we don't move forward, if it's held, where does that put us?

13:37

Meg, you want to go to the mic if you want to speak, please?

13:56

Good afternoon, counselors.

13:57

Um, Megan Ryan, Senior Corporation Council.

14:00

So if this legislation doesn't move forward today, um we would operate under the existing legislation that was last amended, I believe was in 2025.

14:13

Or it would it would so you're saying business will go as normal and we would operate under what we had, it wouldn't stop business.

14:23

Oh, yes, that's correct.

14:24

Yes.

14:27

There is a there is a uh item that's on the waiver agenda, um, three month extension.

14:32

Of course, it won't stop now.

14:36

Okay, thank you.

14:42

We ready?

14:44

Please call the roll.

14:45

Councillor Codwell.

14:50

Yes.

14:51

Councilor Michelle, yes, Councilor Aaron Right.

14:55

Opposed.

14:56

Counselor Hudson.

14:57

No.

14:57

Councillor Nave.

14:59

Yes.

15:00

And the um three month extension of course it won't stop thank you please call the roll counselor codwell yes councilor machel yes counselor opposed counselor Hudson no councillor Nave Yes Councillor Moore no Councilor Williams no Councilor Jones Rouser Councilor Mato Yes the item passes with a five to four vote okay moving on uh item number fourteen any objections any discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 15 any objections any discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 16 any objections any discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed is unanimous item number 17 any objections any discussions please call the roll all in favor aye opposed is unanimous item number 18 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 19 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous i number 20 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 22 any objections oh 21 any objections any discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 22 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed item number 23 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 24 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 25 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 26 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 27 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed item number 28 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 29 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item number 30 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed item 31 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 32 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 33 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 34 any objection discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 35 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 36 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed is unanimous item 37 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed is unanimous item 38 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous i have item 39 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 40 any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous item 41 will be held item 42 will be held all right can we go back to 40 uh yes did you need to state that it was changed by so he did already but uh the uh item number 40 is put put in front of the council separating the application from the agreement council president said it's a new piece of legislation in front of each one of you just the application thank you for checking in counselor eran red thank you madam president i have items 43 through 61 i would like to introduce them and urge their adoption thank you number 43 any discussion any objections discussion please call the roll all in favor aye opposed unanimous 44 any objection

20:03

Just the application.

20:04

Thank you for checking in.

20:07

Councillor Aaron.

20:09

Thank you, Madam President.

20:10

I have items 43 through 61.

20:13

I would like to introduce them and urge their adoption.

20:16

Thank you.

20:17

Number 43.

20:18

Any discussion, any objections?

20:21

Discussion, please call the roll.

20:24

All in favor, aye.

20:26

Opposed, unanimous.

20:27

44.

20:28

Any objections.

20:31

Discussion, please call the roll.

20:34

All in favor?

20:34

Aye.

20:35

Opposed is unanimous.

20:36

Number 45.

20:38

Any objections?

20:39

Discussion.

20:41

Please call the roll.

20:42

All in favor.

20:43

Aye.

20:44

Opposed.

20:44

It's unanimous.

20:45

Number number 46.

20:47

Any objections?

20:48

Discussion.

20:49

Please call the roll.

20:51

All in favor?

20:52

Aye.

20:52

Opposed.

20:53

Unanimous.

20:55

Number 47.

20:56

Any objections?

20:57

Discussion.

20:59

Please call the roll.

21:00

All in favor?

21:01

No.

21:01

I'm sorry.

21:03

No.

21:04

Okay.

21:05

Counselor Hodwell.

21:07

No.

21:08

Councilor Machoke.

21:09

Yes.

21:10

Counselor Inright.

21:11

Yes.

21:12

I'm sorry.

21:14

Okay.

21:14

Counselor Hudson.

21:16

No.

21:16

Counselor Nave.

21:17

Yes.

21:18

Counselor Moore.

21:19

Yes.

21:20

Counselor Williams.

21:21

Yes.

21:21

Counselor Jones Rouser.

21:23

I'm sorry, I was going to object to this, but you didn't get that that part didn't get to the floor yet.

21:31

You're going to what?

21:33

Object.

21:34

Okay.

21:35

Okay.

21:36

All right.

21:36

If you object, everything is that was the beginning of it.

21:39

If we we can um if that's what's the this if that's what you're gonna do, you can say it now.

21:46

I object.

21:46

I have a statement.

21:48

Okay.

21:49

Go ahead.

21:50

And it stands for 47 and 48.

21:53

Um, as the only counselor who's been on the board of historic preservation and one who pushes for preservation when it makes sense.

22:01

I have to say there comes a time when preservation and feasibility no longer go hand in hand.

22:06

As all good things must come to an end, the Westminster staircase has reached this point, and it would be best to ask DASNI to reallocate the 600K to encapsulate and or memorize or memorialize these steps.

22:22

Directing the proposed three point the three three million repair funds to youth programming creates a better impact.

22:30

These funds can be built, can build new playgrounds, fund sports leagues, support some um summer camps, nature classes, and after school programming while creating safe spaces for youth and families.

22:44

This also opens the doors to youth young adult job creation.

22:49

Nearly 20 years ago, Kirk Park's pedestrian bridge was closed down, and it was deemed um unsafe.

23:00

A few years later, once the creek walk was um created and through that space in lower onedaga, the same bridge was reopened with no um repairs.

23:14

To me, it seems like one neighborhood should not take precedence over another neighborhood.

23:20

Um further directing these funds to the possibility of the development of housing will help tackle the city's housing shortage.

23:32

Three million allows the development of 10 to 12 three-bedroom houses to be built, which supports families rather than a single walkway to utilize by a very niche group of individuals.

23:46

The shift turns infrastructure money into stable long-term shelter for local residents with growing families.

23:56

So for me, there's multiple options where this money can be utilized that would make a greater impact throughout Syracuse and its entire community versus a specific niche group of individuals for a set of steps that lead to nowhere other than a parking lot.

24:18

Point of order, madam chair.

24:21

I believe that we have already moved past objection, past discussion, and we were in a middle of a roll call vote.

24:27

Am I recognized to speak?

24:29

So the point of order is if my fellow counselor would like to oppose the motion, they are welcome to do so in the roll call vote, correct?

24:39

If they are actually objecting, I don't believe that I believe we have passed that point.

24:44

We haven't oh we haven't gotten through the votes, and that's why um if she wanted to object, she could she can object.

24:52

So the point of order that I'm asking for clarification on is we had already passed the objection.

24:58

She would have to amend her motion.

25:00

We hadn't had the objection.

25:01

We hadn't uh completed the vote, and that's if we would have completed the vote, if the voting was done, we would go back.

25:09

I would like you have to make a motion, you know.

25:11

But being that we hadn't completed the vote, it's still out there on the table.

25:16

So to object, yeah, to object.

25:18

Now what's gonna happen is that this is gonna stay on the agenda.

25:21

Let me hold it.

25:22

Yeah, it's gonna stay on the agenda, it's gonna be on the next agenda, and you guys uh whether you guys are gonna have more discussion on it or whatever.

25:30

It's it's not moving off the agenda.

25:32

It wasn't then madam um president.

25:35

I would like to make a motion to hold all of the items on the agenda today for my committee, and we will have another committee meeting to discuss passage of the bonds.

25:44

You sure you want to do that, counselor?

25:46

Because the other ones are are I mean, like it's only is only can get objected one time, you know.

25:52

So it gotta come back to the next meeting, come back to the next meeting, and then can't get objective.

25:57

You can actually move forward or can't get objected.

26:01

She can put a motion to the floor for her for what she wants, and then we can vote on it.

26:07

I'm sorry, I wasn't.

26:08

Why would we hold everything for one thing?

26:10

If this is objective, this is part of what she can put a motion to the floor for what she wants, and we can vote on that.

26:17

She she can do that.

26:18

I'm just asking.

26:19

Um I'm just saying that um, you know, being that that's the only item, it's only gonna be one word.

26:25

Understand?

26:25

Yeah, to the councillor's points, however, these items were crafted specifically to meet the needs across the city.

26:33

This is not for a particular uh niche demographic, it's not for a particular part or segment of the city.

26:41

These items were meant to go together, and they were meant to demonstrate our commitment across the city to all of our parks and all of our recreation opportunities.

26:50

So we've already had one committee meeting on it.

26:54

I regret that we were not able to answer the councillor's concerns at that time.

26:58

I'd like to have another committee meeting where we might be able to do so.

27:01

Only um for one item.

27:03

Well, uh, I don't want to put in a motion to keep moving.

27:06

I think that you should keep all the the other the others moving.

27:10

I put in a motion and keep moving the recidives.

27:13

Why hold up everything else?

27:14

Okay, it's a motion on the floor.

27:15

I don't know.

27:16

A second.

27:16

I mean, I can we can entertain their motion unless uh council.

27:19

We got a second.

27:21

All in favor?

27:23

Aye.

27:23

Opposed.

27:25

All right, we keep forward.

27:27

All right, so I'm sorry, did we vote on my motion to hold the items?

27:31

Point of order again.

27:32

We we just motioned to not hold them.

27:35

But we didn't vote on my motion, which I had to do.

27:37

You didn't put it to the floor.

27:39

Are you making a motion?

27:40

No, okay.

27:42

Are you gonna again?

27:43

I just want to keep a clean meeting here.

27:44

No, I don't think I had a second, so it's very possible that my motion did not advance.

27:49

Okay, so did we ask for a second?

27:51

I don't I didn't really hear a motion on the motion.

27:54

You didn't put it to the floor.

27:56

Are you making a motion?

27:57

I mean, like we can just make the motion, let's keep it moving.

28:01

We all know the process.

28:02

You want to make a motion?

28:03

I would like to make a motion to hold the items, and I would ask for a second if people feel that they have other questions on the items.

28:10

Which item on any of the items, yeah.

28:13

All of them to hold all that.

28:16

Which ones?

28:16

Which ones?

28:17

There is a motion on the floor.

28:18

I need all in favor.

28:20

But excuse me, clerk to hold what numbers she has to say the numbers.

28:25

So sorry.

28:26

To hold items 47 through 61.

28:29

Okay, so there's a motion on the floor to hold item 47 to 61.

28:33

Is there a second?

28:34

I will second it.

28:36

All in favor?

28:37

Uh no.

28:38

All right.

28:40

Okay, let's see here.

28:41

No.

28:42

Okay.

28:44

Okay, so counselor Codwell.

28:46

No.

28:46

Counselor Machok.

28:48

Yes.

28:49

Counselor Aaron Wright.

28:50

Yes.

28:50

Counselor Hudson.

28:51

No.

28:52

Counselor Nave.

28:53

No.

28:54

Counselor Moore.

28:55

No.

28:55

Counselor Williams, yes.

28:57

Yes.

28:58

Counselor Jones Rouser.

28:59

No.

29:00

Counselor Mato.

29:01

No.

29:02

The item fell.

29:05

All right.

29:05

So we had all continued.

29:07

So we already voted on no motion now.

29:10

All right.

29:10

So items just to be clear.

29:12

Items 47 or 48, we'll be held for the next agenda.

29:15

Yes, okay.

29:17

All right.

29:17

It's an objection.

29:19

Yeah.

29:19

There's an objection.

29:23

So there was an objection to 47, correct?

29:25

Yeah, there's objection to other 47 or 48.

29:28

Okay.

29:28

I would just call 48.

29:30

Just to know.

29:31

Yes, yes.

29:31

Yes, we haven't got we haven't gotten to 48 yet.

29:33

So I would finish 47 and then move to 40.

29:40

Okay.

29:41

Okay.

29:41

And then hold 48.

29:43

So when a bond is involved, that's the best route.

29:45

Oh.

29:46

Okay.

29:46

Okay.

29:47

We are passing 47.

29:48

We're going to hold 48.

29:51

So we objected to 48.

29:52

So we object to 47 and we're holding the 48.

29:55

Hold the 48.

29:59

All right.

30:00

Okay.

30:00

49.

30:02

Any objections?

30:03

No.

30:04

Any discussion?

30:04

So just goes on.

30:05

Please call the roll.

30:06

All in favor.

30:07

Aye.

30:08

Opposed.

30:08

Unanimous.

30:10

50.

30:11

Any objections?

30:12

Any discussion?

30:13

Please call the roll.

30:14

All in favor.

30:15

Aye.

30:16

Opposed.

30:16

Unanimous.

30:18

51.

30:18

Any objections?

30:20

Any discussion?

30:21

Please call the roll.

30:22

All in favor.

30:23

Aye.

30:24

Opposed.

30:24

Unanimous.

30:26

52.

30:27

Any objections?

30:28

Any discussion?

30:29

Please call the roll.

30:31

All in favor.

30:32

Aye.

30:32

Opposed.

30:33

Unanimous.

30:34

53.

30:35

Any objections?

30:36

Discussion?

30:38

Please call the roll.

30:39

All in favor.

30:40

Aye.

30:40

Opposed.

30:41

Unanimous.

30:42

54.

30:43

Any objections?

30:44

Any discussion?

30:46

Please call the roll.

30:47

All in favor.

30:48

Aye.

30:49

Opposed.

30:49

Unanimous.

30:50

55.

30:52

Any objections?

30:53

Any discussion?

30:55

Please call the roll.

30:56

All in favor?

30:57

Aye.

30:57

Opposed.

30:58

Unanimous.

30:59

56.

31:00

Any objections?

31:02

Discussion?

31:03

Please call the roll.

31:04

All in favor.

31:05

Aye.

31:06

Opposed.

31:06

Unanimous.

31:07

57.

31:08

Any objections?

31:10

Discussion?

31:11

Please call the roll.

31:13

All in favor?

31:13

Aye.

31:14

Opposed.

31:15

Unanimous.

31:16

58.

31:17

Any objections?

31:18

Discussion?

31:20

Please call the roll.

31:21

All in favor.

31:22

Aye.

31:22

Opposed.

31:23

Unanimous.

31:24

59.

31:25

Any objections?

31:27

Discussion.

31:29

Please call the roll.

31:30

All in favor.

31:31

Aye.

31:31

Opposed.

31:32

Unanimous.

31:33

60.

31:34

Any objections?

31:36

Discussion.

31:38

Please call the roll.

31:39

All in favor.

31:40

Aye.

31:40

I oppose unanimous.

31:42

61.

31:43

Any objections?

31:45

Discussion.

31:47

Please call the roll.

31:48

All in favor.

31:49

Aye.

31:49

I oppose.

31:50

Unanimous.

31:52

Present.

31:53

Counselor.

31:54

Madam President.

31:56

I'm sorry.

31:56

I need to go back to item 50, please.

31:59

Item 50.

32:00

Yes.

32:01

Item 50 was voted on.

32:02

So in order to go back to item 50, we need a motion.

32:08

Second.

32:08

She wants to introduce it.

32:11

What did you say, Counselor?

32:13

You want me to put the motion?

32:14

Yeah, you gotta make a motion to go back.

32:15

It was already voted on.

32:16

I put a motion on the floor to revisit item number 50.

32:20

Second the motion.

32:21

All in favor?

32:22

Aye.

32:22

Opposed.

32:23

Opposed.

32:25

Opposed to visit it.

32:27

So we're going back to it.

32:28

So we we're back at 50.

32:31

Counselor.

32:31

Um go ahead.

32:32

Okay.

32:33

Um, I just want to put on record that I will no vote for item 50.

32:38

Um, and because when we first originally discussed this, um, there was there's some confusion with who was supposed to be paying for it, but also the fact that this particular section of um of parking would be gated.

32:59

Um, and not allow for um local residents to be able to park after removing the pump track and relocating it.

33:13

The agreement originally was discussed um with the residents who started that um and who utilize it, and I think there was some confusion around this this new gated area, the agreement with the parking lot and the plaza right on that is does not have is not gated, so it's confusing as to why this area needs to be gated.

33:40

So I'm a no for that one.

33:42

Okay, all in favor, opposed, no, no, all right, thanks.

33:49

The item passes with an eight to one okay councillor Hudson.

33:56

Thank you.

33:57

I have item 62 through 65.

34:00

I would like to introduce them and urge the adoption.

34:03

Thank you.

34:04

Uh item 62.

34:06

Any objections?

34:08

Discussion, please call the roll.

34:11

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

34:14

Item 63, any objections?

34:17

Discussion, please call the roll.

34:20

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

34:23

Item 64.

34:25

Any objections?

34:26

Discussion, please call the roll.

34:29

All in favor, aye.

34:31

Opposed, unanimous.

34:32

Item 65.

34:34

Any objections?

34:36

Discussion, please call the roll.

34:39

All in favor, aye.

34:40

Opposed unanimous.

34:43

Okay, counselor Moore.

34:45

Madam President, I have items 66 through 69.

34:49

I would like to introduce and urge their adoption.

34:52

Thank you.

34:52

Um item 66.

34:54

Any objection?

34:56

Discussion, please call the roll.

35:00

Aye.

35:00

Opposed.

35:01

Unanimous.

35:02

Item 67.

35:03

Any objections?

35:05

Discussion.

35:06

Please call the roll.

35:08

All in favor.

35:09

Aye.

35:10

I oppose.

35:10

It's unanimous.

35:12

Item 68.

35:13

Any objections?

35:15

Discussion.

35:17

Please call the roll.

35:18

All in favor.

35:19

Aye.

35:20

Opposed.

35:21

Item 69.

35:23

Any objections?

35:25

Discussion.

35:26

Please call the roll.

35:27

All in favor.

35:28

I oppose unanimous.

35:31

Councillor Williams.

35:32

Thank you, Madam President.

35:33

I have item 70 through 81 today.

35:35

I would like to introduce and urge their adoption.

35:38

Um, and prior to the vote, I would like to point out to the council that the deputy clerk provided updated legislation for item number 70.

35:45

Um the short title should now read total costs not to exceed 75 dollars.

35:52

Okay.

35:53

Councilor Williams, do we have it in there?

35:55

Um, I'm not at that part, but do we have it in here for how long this is going to be set for?

36:01

Uh it's a one-year term.

36:05

Okay.

36:06

Thank you.

36:07

Welcome.

36:08

Are you okay?

36:08

Counselor?

36:09

Yes.

36:10

Counselor item 70.

36:12

Any objections?

36:14

Discussions.

36:15

Yes.

36:19

Thank you.

36:19

So as we know that, you know, I'm not voting no against it, but I just have to make a statement that um it really dear to me about all the taxes and the fees and the fines that we're giving our community and uh and the lives of what's going on in our city.

36:35

So no, I'm not gonna vote no against it.

36:37

Um it is a 25 dollar increase, but we have increased multiple things throughout this um time that I've been on the council, taxes, water, um, red light, school bus, sidewalk, taxes, tax.

36:50

We keep increasing more and more bills to our taxpayers.

36:54

Um, so that is a concern of mine um when people are living paid check to paycheck.

36:58

So I just want to say that, but I'm not gonna vote no against.

37:01

I just want to make sure that's clarified that you know we are continuing to hammer on our community, you know, when they are already suffering.

37:10

Thank you.

37:11

Thank you.

37:11

Anyone else?

37:12

I would like the discussion point shouldn't Syracuse has a revel a revenue issue, it's an incredible revenue issue, and it has nothing to do with boot fines, it has to do with tax base.

37:28

We have a preponderance of city services that need to be funded from somewhere, and again, not from boot fees.

37:35

What we're talking about here today is just about crying trying to create a financial model with the boot fees where we can enforce parking violations without losing more than a hundred dollars per enforcement activity.

37:49

So we do have a revenue issue, it cannot come from the citizens who are currently and residents who are currently paying taxes, it has to come from our nonprofit partners, it has to come from creativity, it has to come from innovation, but we also have a financial duty to make sure that we are using city services and enforcing city laws appropriately.

38:12

So I am voting for this.

38:14

Thank you.

38:15

Anyone else?

38:17

All right, item 70.

38:20

Any additional discussion, please call the role.

38:24

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

38:27

Item 71.

38:29

Any discussion objections?

38:31

Discussion, please call the role.

38:34

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

38:37

Item 72.

38:39

Any objections?

38:41

Discussion, please.

38:43

I have a discussion point.

38:44

Sorry, I just wanted to be clear.

38:45

Are we on 72?

38:47

So sorry, yes, on 72.

38:49

Um, the items had to be updated from the study session.

38:52

Were those updated, madam clerk?

38:54

Um in terms of the time record keeping that have been corrected.

38:59

Uh yeah.

39:00

Um, yes, as far as um from what you have in your packet, that that's what's that's what's correct.

39:06

Okay, was it updated from last week?

39:08

From last week, only counselor machine anything else, everything else was updated as is.

39:14

Thank you very much.

39:17

Any additional discussion, please call the roll.

39:20

All in favor, aye, oppose unanimous.

39:24

Item 73, any objections, discussion, please call the roll.

39:31

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

39:35

Item 74.

39:36

Any objections?

39:38

Discussion, please call the roll.

39:41

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

39:44

Item 75.

39:46

Any objections?

39:48

Discussion, please call the roll.

39:55

Any objections?

39:57

Discussion, yes, madam president.

39:59

Okay.

40:00

Have a discussion on this item.

40:04

I've been a longtime member of the Honored Dog Historical Association for many, many years.

40:11

And I've always supported their efforts to preserve and protect the history of our city, our historical documents, all the artifacts.

40:26

But I also believe in supporting and preserving our monuments.

40:32

And sometimes, in my opinion, Gilway Chake can get politically involved.

40:39

And the objective has to be to preserve all of our monumentations, all of our monuments.

40:47

And for those who those who were uh created in memory of those who gave so much to our country too much our city, all of our immigrants, all of our immigrants participated in the building of the city, and throughout the city, you do see monuments that were supported not from tax dollars, but the dollars of those who earn fuel dollars at that time.

41:18

So I would urge and ask the Honored Dog Historical Association to continue to defending and protecting of the all of our historical monuments.

41:30

They are uh a part of our history, and I respect those who might have a disagree with uh maybe some of the monuments, but they are part of our history, and as a proud Italian American second generation, and I know for those who are proud Irish Americans, German Americans, Polish Americans, and for those of who are coming to our country now is the new Americans it includes them because someday some of our new Americans from Vietnam, parts of Africa, Middle East won't want to honor someone who meant so much to them, and that too someday will be part of their heritage, their history, and part of our great city's heritage and history.

42:18

Thank you.

42:19

Thank you.

42:21

Any additional discussion?

42:23

Please call the roll.

42:24

All in favor, aye opposed, unanimous.

42:28

Item 77, any objections?

42:32

Discussion, please call the roll.

42:35

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

42:38

Item 78.

42:40

Any objections?

42:42

Discussion, please call the roll.

42:45

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

42:48

Item 79.

42:49

Any objections?

42:51

Discussion, please call the roll.

42:54

All in favor, aye, opposed, unanimous.

42:58

Item 80.

42:59

Any objections?

43:01

Discussion?

43:03

Please call the roll.

43:04

All in favor?

43:05

Aye.

43:06

Opposed.

43:06

Unanimous.

43:07

Item 81.

43:08

Any objections?

43:10

Discussion.

43:12

Please call the roll.

43:13

All in favor.

43:14

Aye.

43:14

Opposed.

43:15

Unanimous.

43:16

Councillor Jones Rousser.

43:20

Thank you, Madam President.

43:21

I have item 82 and 83.

43:24

Um, both items are currently ready.

43:27

One uh 83.

43:28

We got the updated um information with the commercial only um or commercial and uh larger items.

43:38

So I introduce and urge the adoption of these two items.

43:42

Thank you.

43:43

Item 82, any objections?

43:47

Discussion, please call the roll.

43:51

All in favor, aye opposed, unanimous.

43:54

Item 83, any objections?

43:57

Discussion, please call the roll.

44:00

All in favor?

44:01

Aye.

44:01

Opposed.

44:05

Do we have an uh discussion?

44:08

No, I'm in opposition.

44:09

Oh, okay.

44:10

All right, the item passes with an eight to one vote.

44:13

Council and right voted no.

44:15

Okay.

44:18

Thank you.

44:18

Councilor Monto.

44:19

Thank you, President Paniaca.

44:20

I have items 84 through 88.

44:22

I will introduce them and urge their adoption.

44:24

Item 84.

44:26

Any objection?

44:27

Discussion.

44:29

Please go.

44:31

84.

44:32

Um my biggest issue with, and I'm love that.

44:38

No, nothing against our convenience stores, because our convenience stores in our city of Syracuse has done.

44:43

We're a lot of great convenience store owners in our community, and they do a lot for our community to get back, but then there is some that are not.

44:51

And any time we have illegal things going on at stores, and it's close to a school where children are and where they are selling illegal things or drug or tobacco tobacco or alcohol near the school is something that I will always object.

45:12

I'm hoping that our state assembly men and our senators are listening to this.

45:16

That we need to change the law of how stores are so close to our schools where our children have accessibility to get tobacco and alcohol.

45:27

Thank you.

45:28

Thank you.

45:28

Any other discussion?

45:31

Please call the roll.

45:32

All in favor?

45:33

No.

45:34

No.

45:35

You can have to call it Councillor Cowell.

45:40

No.

45:41

Councilor Michel.

45:42

Yes.

45:44

Opposed.

45:45

Councillor Hudson.

45:49

Councillor Nave.

45:50

Yes.

45:51

Councillor Moore.

45:52

No.

45:53

Councillor Williams.

45:54

Yes.

45:55

Councillor Jones Browser.

45:57

No.

46:00

Councillor Amato.

46:02

No.

46:03

The item fells with uh with a four to five vote.

46:14

All right.

46:15

Item 85.

46:16

Any objections.

46:19

Discussion.

46:20

Please call the roll.

46:22

All in favor.

46:23

Aye.

46:23

Opposed.

46:24

Unanimous.

46:25

I six.

46:27

Any objections.

46:29

Discussion.

46:30

Please call the roll.

46:32

All in favor.

46:32

Aye.

46:33

Opposed.

46:34

Unanimous.

46:35

Item 87.

46:37

Any objections?

46:39

Discussion.

46:40

Please call the roll.

46:42

All that in favor.

46:43

Aye.

46:43

Opposed.

46:45

Item 88.

46:47

Any objections?

46:49

Discussion.

46:50

Please call the roll.

46:52

All that in favor.

46:52

Aye.

46:53

Opposed.

46:54

Unanimous.

46:55

And counselor Michelle.

46:58

Thank you, Madam President.

46:59

I have item 89.

47:01

Uh, I would like to waive the rules first.

47:03

I guess, madam.

47:04

Madam Clark, waive the rules.

47:07

Second.

47:08

All in favor.

47:09

Hi.

47:09

Opposed.

47:10

We'd like to introduce item 89.

47:13

And there is adoption.

47:15

Item 89.

47:16

Any objection?

47:18

Discussion, please call the roll.

47:21

All in favor.

47:22

Aye.

47:22

Opposed.

47:24

Please conclude our meeting.

47:25

Motion to adjourn.

47:27

Second.

47:28

All in favor.

47:30

This is most meeting.

47:33

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████████████████59%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████14%
Historic Preservation████████11%
Fiscal Sustainability█████6%
Youth Programs████5%
Public Safety████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Syracuse Common Council Regular Meeting - July 13, 2026

The Syracuse Common Council convened at 1:00 PM on July 13, 2026, with President Paniaca presiding. The meeting included routine approvals, a debate on right-of-way closure fees, discussion of funding priorities for a historic staircase and youth programming, and several votes on bonds, fees, and land use items. Key votes were split on a new fee ordinance, a convenience store license, and a historic preservation funding item.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved minutes from the June 29 meeting (unanimous).
  • Acknowledged public hearings held on July 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM regarding naming of the Homer Wheaton Park concession stand to the Alphonse Gunn Concession Stand and the McChesney Community Center Basketball Court to the Dennis Pardinet Ball Court (pursuant to Revised General Ordinance of the City of Syracuse Chapter 17, Article 5).
  • Items 11-12 (introduced by Councilor Cardwell), Items 14-39, Items 43-46, Items 49, 51-61 (with noted exceptions), Items 62-69, Items 71-81 (with noted exceptions), Items 85-88, and Item 89 were all adopted unanimously or with only one opposing vote as noted below.
  • Items 41 and 42 were held (bond side and related legislation).
  • Item 47 was passed, and Item 48 was held (both per objection process).

Discussion Items

  • Item 13 – Right-of-Way Closure Fee Ordinance (Amendments): Councilor Mato thanked the Public Works Committee, council staff, corporation counsel, and the Department of Public Works for months of work on the legislation. Councilor Hudson expressed skepticism about the square footage calculation and monitoring capacity with current staff. Councilor Aaron Wright stated the proposed changes swing “the pendulum too far in the other direction,” moving from an area-based fee to an overly simplified administrative fee. He noted the ordinance builds on council ideas but still had reservations. Senior Corporation Counsel Megan Ryan confirmed that if the item did not pass, operations would continue under the 2025 ordinance. The item passed 5–4 (Councilors Cardwell, Michel, Nave, Jones Rouser, Mato in favor; Councilor Aaron Wright opposed; Councilors Hudson, Moore, Williams opposed).
  • Items 47-48 – Westminster Staircase and Youth Programming Funding: Councilor Jones Rousser objected to Item 47 (and later upheld for 48). She argued the Westminster staircase has reached a point where preservation is no longer feasible, recommending that DASNI reallocate $600,000 to memorialize the steps and redirect $3.3 million in repair funds to youth programming (playgrounds, sports leagues, summer camps, after-school programs, job creation). She cited the Kirk Park pedestrian bridge closure as a similar case where one neighborhood was prioritized over another. She also suggested the funds could develop 10–12 three-bedroom houses to address the city’s housing shortage. Councilor Michel moved to hold Items 47–61, but that motion failed (3–6). Ultimately Item 47 passed, and Item 48 was held for the next agenda.
  • Item 50 – Parking Lot Gating and Pump Track Relocation: After a vote had passed, Councilor (unidentified) successfully moved to revisit Item 50. That councilor stated they would vote no because of confusion over payment responsibility and because gating the parking lot would prevent local residents from parking after removal and relocation of the pump track, noting that a nearby plaza parking lot is not gated. The item then passed 8–1.
  • Item 70 – Boot Fee Increase: Councilor Williams introduced the item, noting the deputy clerk updated the short title to “total costs not to exceed $75” for a one-year term. She expressed concern about the cumulative burden of increased taxes, water rates, red-light fines, school bus fines, sidewalk fees, and taxes on residents living paycheck to paycheck, but stated she would not vote no. Councilor Aaron Wright responded that the city has a revenue issue not a boot-fine issue, and that the fee adjustment is needed to enforce parking violations without losing more than $100 per enforcement. The item passed unanimously.
  • Item 75 – Honored Dog Historical Association: Councilor Mato urged the association to continue defending and protecting all historical monuments, noting that many monuments were built with private funds and represent the heritage of all immigrant groups. He expressed concern about selective preservation and asked that new Americans also be recognized in the future. The item passed unanimously.
  • Item 83 – Large Item Collection (Commercial/Larger Items): Councilor Jones Rousser introduced the item with updated information. Councilor Aaron Wright voted no. The item passed 8–1.
  • Item 84 – Convenience Store Licensing Near Schools: Councilor (likely Moore or Williams) spoke against the item, highlighting that some convenience stores near schools sell illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol to children, and called on state legislators to change laws allowing such proximity. The item failed 4–5 (Councilors Michel, Nave, Williams, possibly Jones Rousser? – actual roll call: Cardwell no, Michel yes, Aaron Wright yes? opposed? unclear but final tally 4-5).

Key Outcomes

  • Item 13 (Right-of-Way Closure Fee Ordinance) passed 5–4, amending the 2025 fee structure.
  • Item 47 passed; Item 48 (bond for Westminster staircase) held for next meeting.
  • Item 50 passed 8–1 after a motion to reconsider.
  • Item 70 (boot fee increase) passed unanimously.
  • Item 83 passed 8–1.
  • Item 84 (convenience store license) failed 4–5.
  • All other listed items passed either unanimously or with a single dissenting vote where noted.
  • Meeting adjourned after the vote on Item 89.

Meeting Transcript

Everything good with you? Yes, I'm sorry with me. How about with you? Yeah, everything good. Thank you. Oh, it is one o'clock. All right. It is one o'clock. We're going to start our regular meeting. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I Pledge Allegiance of the United States of America. I didn't do that. Thank you. And now we invite faster view turn to bless our meeting. Give us sound thinking and sound minds as we go about the work of this municipality. Keep them well. That their work would be pleasing in thy sight, and that the people of this community would be blessed by their work. President. Council. Michelle. Council here, right? Counselor Hudson. Here. Councilor Nave. Council Moore. Here. Council Way and Council Jones Rousser. Council Joan Rousser. President. Counselor Mato. Here. Excellent. And so let's move to approve the minutes. For June 29th. Sorry. All in favor. Unanimous. Thank you. All right. We had uh two public meetings on July 6th, I believe. Let me let me get the numbers. For public. Um counselor Calwood, do you want to take that? It's it's fine. Um, you just basically say that they are there. Um so the the public meetings uh hearings occurred uh in July 6, 5 30 p.m. And relative to authorized the naming of the Homer Wheaton Park concession stand to the Alphonse Gunn concession stand pursuant to the revised general ordinance of the city of Syracuse, chapter 17, Article 5, and then authorized the naming of the McChesney Community Center Basketball Court to the Dennis Pardinet Ball Court, pursuant to the revised general ordinance of the City of Syracuse chapter 17, Article 5. And with that said, any petitions? No, madam president. Any committee reports president uh parks and parks Hannah Aaron Reich Parks Committee Chair?

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