Syracuse City Council Work Session and Special Business Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Syracuse City Council held a work session followed by a special business meeting on September 23, 2025. The work session covered discussions on property maintenance regulations, fiscal year 2025 budget status, a proposed budget amendment for fiscal year 2026, cemetery plot availability, a legal defender agreement, community volunteerism, and council announcements/decorum. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter closed session.

Consent Calendar

• None noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present for public comment at the beginning of the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Amendment to Property Maintenance Regulations (Section 6.10): Council discussed refining language to reduce regulatory overreach. Members agreed to remove overly specific requirements (e.g., fertilizing, deadheading) and focus on a broader “compliant landscape to our zoning laws” standard. A proposal to allow property owners to present a plan and schedule for addressing maintenance issues before fines are applied was supported. The council favored a maximum fine of $2,000 (Option 2) to streamline enforcement without requiring council approval for each fine over $500.
• Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Status: Steve reported that the city ended FY 2025 with a deficit of approximately $350,000, improved from a budgeted $1 million deficit. The general fund reserve (rainy day fund) dropped from 37.2% ($10 million) to an estimated 30.7% ($8.5 million), largely due to a drawdown for Class C roads. The reserve remains above the policy minimum of 16.7%. Revenue met projections, with savings from unfilled fire department positions and departmental underspending. Sales tax grew 6.6%, slightly above the budgeted 6.5–7%.
• Proposed Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2026: The majority of amendments are carryover capital projects. New items include realignment for the 3000 West waterline project. The council discussed potential savings from land purchases (e.g., BMX park, reservoir) due to a negotiated free land provision for parks and roads. The general fund deficit impact is minimal (approximately $442,000 net change). Staff confirmed that the budget amendment does not significantly alter the projected deficit.
• Cemetery Plot Availability: Preston reported that only two plots remain available. The city plans to reclaim approximately 80 abandoned plots through a state-mandated notice process starting November 2025. Until an expansion (planned for 2027, contingent on funding) is completed, the council supports selling only to residents with an immediate need (recent death). The council agreed to move forward with an ordinance change to this effect.
• Legal Defender Agreement for Justice Court: Colin presented a proposed contract with Murphy & Murphy law firm for public defender services, covering three fiscal years starting July 1, 2025. Council members expressed approval, noting the contract formalizes an arrangement that had existed without a written agreement. The item will be placed on the consent agenda.
• Community Volunteerism: Council discussed increasing public involvement in volunteer projects. Ideas included planning a large, annual community service day (e.g., tied to September 11), improving promotion of existing volunteer opportunities, and ensuring projects are feasible and well-resourced (staff time, budget). Staff highlighted challenges such as tree mortality at Rock Creek Park and low turnout for past events.
• Council Announcements and Decorum Policy: Council debated the purpose and limits of the “Mayor/Council Announcements” agenda item. Members expressed concerns about restrictions on discussion. Colin reviewed existing city code, policies, and Roberts Rules, noting conflicts (e.g., majority vs. two-thirds vote for expulsion). The council agreed that announcements should relate to city business or committee reports, and that personal rants are not permitted. After discussion, members concluded the current process is not broken but will refine language to clarify that announcements can include matters that have been, are, or will be before the body. No formal policy change was adopted.

Key Outcomes

• Property Maintenance: Staff will revise the ordinance language and bring it back for a vote at the next voting meeting.
• Cemetery Plots: An ordinance change limiting sales to residents with immediate need will be placed on the consent agenda.
• Legal Defender Contract: The agreement will go on the consent agenda.
• Council Decorum: No formal changes were enacted; the council agreed to clarify the language on announcements in future meetings.
• Meeting Adjourned: The work session was adjourned, and a special business meeting was called to enter closed session for a legal matter. A motion to go into closed session was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.