Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

On April 23, 2026, the Syracuse Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider two use variance applications. The board approved both applications with conditions, each with one abstention. The meeting began with the approval of minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting. Meeting Opening and Minutes Approval - The board approved the minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting by unanimous vote. Application V-2026-3: Use Variance for 333 East Onondaga Street (Monroe Building) - Applicant: Joe Perrino of InArchitects, representing High Tide Capital and current owners. Christine Stevens of VIP Structures also spoke in support. - Proposal: A use variance to establish six apartment units on the first floor of an existing office building (the Monroe Building) beyond the front 31 feet, which would remain commercial. The building is a contributing resource in the Montgomery Street-Columbus Circle Historic District. The overall project would convert the building into 46 units (12 one-bedroom, 34 studio) and qualifies for historic tax credits. - Key Points: The applicant argued that the project cannot generate a reasonable return without the variance (negative 5% return without, 15% with). Unique circumstances include the building's irregular shape and limited site depth. Environmental remediation costs are $630,000. The variance would not alter neighborhood character as the facade remains unchanged. The hardship is not self-created. - Board Discussion: Questions addressed a proposed fence along the property line to secure egress and prevent encampments. The board recommended an open-wrought-iron fence for visibility. Staff noted coordination with the fire department during site plan review. - SEQR: The board issued a negative declaration, finding no moderate to large environmental impact. - Vote: The motion to approve was amended to include seven staff conditions. The vote was in favor with one abstention (a board member recused themselves). Application V-2026-7: Use Variance for 2156 Erie Boulevard East (Auto Repair Heavy) - Applicant: Christian Freeman of Keplinger Freeman Associates, representing owner Marla Cohen and applicant/manager Ryan Cohen. - Proposal: A use variance to establish an automobile repair heavy land use type in an existing building that has housed auto repair since 1964. The building is in the MX2 zone district. Ryan Cohen stated he tried to lease to MX2-compliant tenants but it was not financially feasible. The tenant, AR Customs, is a local business. - Key Points: The building's design (garage doors, high ceilings, concrete floors) is specialized for auto use. The hardship is not self-created as the use predates the 2023 zoning code. The variance would keep the building fully occupied, improving neighborhood character compared to vacant or derelict properties. - Board Discussion: Staff noted that the Onondaga County Planning Board suggested rezoning as an alternative, but staff recommended against rezoning due to potential spot zoning issues. The variance allows specific conditions. The board clarified that the previous non-conforming use was for auto sales, not repair, so a variance is needed. - SEQR: The board issued a negative declaration. - Vote: The motion to approve was amended to include six staff conditions (including limiting outdoor activities to accessory parking, no parking in front setback, and restricting the variance to the east tenant space). The vote was in favor with one abstention (the same board member recused). Key Outcomes - Both use variances were approved with staff conditions. - Each application received one abstention from the board. - The board directed that site plans and floor plans be revised to be consistent with the approved major site plan review prior to permit issuance. - The board adjourned following the votes.

On April 23, 2026, the Syracuse City Council met to discuss the proposed CARE (Constituent Assistant Resource Employees) initiative, announced by Mayor Owens in the State of the City address. The initiative aims to centralize and co-locate employees performing constituent services to improve coordination and information sharing. The meeting also covered the status and impact of the immigration affairs coordinator position. Discussion Items - CARE Initiative Overview: Stephanie Pasqual, Chief Strategy Officer, presented the CARE initiative, which seeks to geographically co-locate constituent services staff, including Lori Tape (confidential aide), Adal Mann (immigration affairs coordinator), and Patty Lynch (codes, housing, emergency relocation). No job titles or responsibilities will change; the goal is to share information and strategies to better address constituent needs. The initiative aims to move beyond simple service requests (e.g., trash pickup) to handle complex issues requiring coordinated responses. - Staffing and Positions: The director of communications position is currently vacant and posted. Other positions: senior public information officer (filled), two public information officers (positions moved to departments, budget reflects reduction from two to zero in centralized communications office), marketing aide (filled), confidential aide (Lori Tape, filled), intern (budgeted), and immigration affairs coordinator (existing position from another department). The only vacancy is the director of communications. - Immigration Affairs Coordinator: Michelle Spanski, Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood Development, noted that the council added this position in 2023. The coordinator (Adal Mann) serves as a convener among service providers for immigrants and new Americans, is flexible, and frequently engages with the community. A councilor with a diverse district commended the position for assisting residents with language barriers, citing a specific example involving a Yugoslavian businessman on North Salina Street. - Future Plans: The team will monitor call volume and complexity, aiming to report findings after six months. Data from the initiative will inform housing policy and other front-line services. The immigration affairs coordinator will eventually become more public-facing, though travel and community work already occur. - Implementation Timeline: Co-location of the team is expected around July 1, 2026. Staff have already been brought together to discuss work environment and tracking methods for reporting. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this discussion. - The council expressed support for the CARE initiative and the immigration affairs coordinator role, with one councilor praising its impact on diverse communities. - The administration will continue planning and expects to report on the first six months of CARE operations.

The Syracuse Common Council held a budget hearing on April 23, 2026, for the Department of Code Enforcement, part of the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD). The hearing was chaired by Council President Paniagua and attended by Councillors Hudson, Nave, Caldwell, and Jones Rouser. NBD Commissioner Michael Collins presented alongside Budget Director Jake Dishau, Code Enforcement Director Ryan Shield, Assistant Director Bill McCann, and other staff. The department requested a total budget of approximately $5.6 million for fiscal year 2026-27, with projected revenues of $5.3 million, bringing the department close to self-sufficiency. Discussion Items - Budget Overview and Staffing: Jake Dishau presented a largely flat budget with 85 total positions (51 city CSEA, 22 SURA, and temporary summer crew), one fewer than the previous year. A new SURA position for a commercial parking garage inspector was added due to state law requirements and poor garage conditions. Two lead-related positions were removed from the city budget as they are now fully grant-funded. Commissioner Collins noted difficulty hiring skilled plan examiners internally, relying on third-party contract reviewers. - Third-Party Plan Review: The budget proposed $541,500 for contracted services, up from $250,000, primarily for third-party building permit review. Dishau reported that construction valuation in Syracuse reached an all-time high of $430 million in 2025, with $100 million in Q1 2026. Since 2024, 105 large commercial projects have been reviewed through five qualified third-party firms, achieving same-day or next-day assignment and two-week initial review turnaround. In-house capacity could only handle a fraction of that volume. Commissioner Collins emphasized that internal recruitment for plan examiners has been unsuccessful due to private-sector salaries. - Revenue Projections: Building permit fees were estimated at $4.25 million, but Councillor Caldwell argued the figure is too low given major projects underway (e.g., Comstock, SDC, Parkside). Dishau explained that revenue forecasting is imprecise and depends on project closing dates. A new fee schedule, the first update since 1996, is being developed and will include zoning fees for the first time, potentially adding hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. - Rental Registry and Code Compliance: Compliance with the rental registry remains at about 50%. Dishau cited challenges with tenants or landlords blocking access, and noted that the low base fine ($75) makes it cheaper for some landlords to pay fines than to complete costly repairs. Administrative warrants, which could force entry, require Corporation Counsel resources that are currently insufficient. Councillor Caldwell highlighted that 60% of Syracuse residents rent, and rental registry inspections are critical for fire safety and lead paint detection. The department has issued nearly 10,000 lead or deteriorated paint violations at over 4,000 unique properties since enforcement began three and a half years ago, with 80% resolved. - Lead Paint Enforcement: Two lead program positions are now 100% grant-funded. The lead program coordinator manages about 100 units per grant cycle. All code enforcement inspectors serve as frontline for lead violations during rental inspections and complaint responses. For high-risk areas, third-party dust wipe testing is required regardless of visible paint condition. - Mailing Notices: Councillor Caldwell raised concerns that violation and hearing notices mailed late in the week (Thursday/Friday) often arrive after weekends, giving residents insufficient time to respond. Dishau acknowledged the issue and committed to reviewing the mailing schedule, possibly ensuring notices go out by Wednesday. He also advocated for a citywide customer relationship management system to enable auto-text and email alerts. - Staffing Voids: The director of zoning, Zetong, resigned effective the day after the hearing. The position is posted. Dishau noted three vacancies for plan examiners and needs for one additional permit office staff and one zoning staff beyond the existing SURA positions (all currently filled). - Other Revenue and Cost Recovery: The department does not receive credit back for BA fines (estimated at $1 million total including taxes) or for emergency demolition cost reimbursements (e.g., a recent smokestack takedown where the owner is expected to pay). The $750,000 demolition budget covers residential fire-damaged properties. Key Outcomes - The Council received the department's budget proposal and asked detailed questions about staffing, revenue, and enforcement programs. - Commissioner Collins committed to presenting a new building permit fee schedule and zoning fee proposal for Council engagement before the fiscal year start. - The department will review the mailing schedule for violation and hearing notices to improve timeliness. - The Council indicated interest in strengthening rental registry enforcement, including possible adjustments to BA fine minimums and increased Corporation Counsel resources for administrative warrants. - No formal vote was taken; the hearing was part of the budget review process.

The Joint Schools Construction Board met on April 23, 2026 to discuss updates on school construction projects, project labor agreements, and approve resolutions related to contractor payments and bond refunding. Consent Calendar - Approval of March 26, 2026 meeting minutes was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Resolution 10-2026 authorizing monthly payments to JSCB contractors not to exceed $106,538.61 was approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Secretary's Report: The secretary reported progress on the construction management contract, which will be presented for board approval next meeting. A meeting was held with outside counsel regarding the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for phase two. Staff is comfortable with 90% of the language but will propose adjustments, particularly regarding diversity. A draft will be circulated to the board. - Program Manager's Report: The program manager confirmed the project remains on schedule for construction start in Q3 2027, despite a six-week delay. Design meetings are progressing for Seymour, Webster, and Nottingham schools. At Seymour, key scopes include building envelope improvements, secure single-point entry, and site logistics. At Webster, potential additions are being considered. At Nottingham, the GW wing may be converted for CTE programs, along with kitchen/cafeteria renovations, envelope improvements, and auditorium/pool upgrades. Community input is being incorporated, with a public meeting planned for July 2026. Schematic design submissions to SED are expected by end of July. The CM firm has been selected for three buildings, with letter of intent issued. PLA internal meetings have started, with a target to have the PLA in place by Q2 2027 for construction bids. - Bond Refunding Resolution: Brendan Ryan from fiscal advisors presented a proposal to refund and reissue outstanding 2018A and 2018B serial bonds (total $63 million) to take advantage of lower interest rates, saving approximately $500,000 per year. The savings rate is about 7.5% currently, well above the industry threshold of 2.5-3%. The refunding requires approval from JSCB, school district, and common council. Questions were answered. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Previous meeting minutes approved unanimously. - Monthly Payments Approved: Resolution 10-2026 passed unanimously. - Bond Refunding Approved: Resolution to authorize refunding of 2018 bonds was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. - Next Steps: Secretary will circulate draft PLA changes; program manager will continue design and public engagement; bond refunding will proceed through multi-agency approvals. The meeting adjourned.

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board met on April 23, 2026, to consider several agenda items, including a public hearing held open and a major site plan review for the Monroe Building at 333 East Genesee Street. The board also addressed other administrative matters. Agenda and Minutes - The board approved the minutes of a previous meeting (date unclear; referenced as "February 19th of April. April. April 3rd.") without modification. Public Hearing Held Open - The board opened a public hearing for an unidentified applicant (project within a board member's office, prompting recusal). The applicant requested a delay to conduct neighborhood outreach regarding a property expansion. The board voted to hold the public hearing open until the next meeting on May 14, 2026. Old Business – 713-715 East Genesee Street - A minor site plan review for this property was continued to the next meeting (May 14, 2026) at the applicant's request, pending additional research on window selection. New Business – Major Site Plan Review for 333 East Genesee Street (Monroe Building) - Applicant Presentation: Joe Perino of Principal Adana Architects and Nathan Lopier of Keplinger Freeman Associates presented plans to convert the mid-20th century commercial office building into 46 residential units (12 one-bedrooms and 34 studios). The building is a contributing resource in the Columbus Circle Montgomery Street Historic District. - Proposed Changes: - Retaining and locking existing pivoting single-pane windows; adding nine new fixed windows on the rear CMU facade to match existing awning windows. - Replacing PTAC units with modern units. - Cleaning the facade (brick and precast concrete) with low-pressure washing. - Replacing the existing sign with a similar vertical design. - Site work: new gas line, one tree pit, and an ornamental black steel fence (changed from cedar board-on-board after board input) to secure the property. - No changes to the basketball mural on the north elevation. - Board Discussion: Board members asked about window operability, fence design, and cleaning methods. The applicant clarified that new windows would be fixed except for some existing awning windows on the rear. The board requested that the applicant submit final window specifications for the record. Key Outcomes - The board voted to recommend approval of the major site plan review to the zoning authority as submitted, with the revised ornamental fence design. The recommendation is conditional on the applicant providing window specifications to the board. - The board noted that the applicant is not pursuing historic tax credits for the project. Other Business - Training Update: Board member Hilary Donahue announced that the board was awarded a grant for training from the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions. Online training options will be circulated to the board for selection. - New Attorney: The board welcomed Connor Rourke as the new assistant corporation counsel for zoning and land use, who will attend future meetings. - Conference Report: Board members who attended the statewide preservation conference in Cooperstown reported positively on seminars about preservation experiences in other cities. The meeting adjourned.

On April 22, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council Safety Committee, chaired by Donna Moore, held a budget hearing for the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) for fiscal year 2026-2027. Police Chief and his team presented the proposed $64 million budget, highlighting staffing challenges, operational achievements, and future solutions. Discussion Items - Staffing and Deployment: The department currently has 364 sworn personnel, down from 419 funded positions in FY25-26. The proposed budget funds 385 sworn positions. The uniform bureau oversees 65% of sworn personnel, with support services and investigations bureaus handling the rest. The department is running two police academies per year and working to boost recruitment and retention. - Calls for Service and Response Times: In a 24-hour period, SPD handles about 500 calls (including self-initiated activity). Response times: priority one (in-progress major incidents) averaged 4.8 minutes, priority two 36.4 minutes, and priority three 56.4 minutes. Supervisors review calls systematically to prevent escalations. - Operational Highlights (2025): The department recovered 12 illegal guns and nearly 10,000 grams of illegal drugs (cocaine, fentanyl) in the last two weeks. Gun recoveries with arrest increased 28% compared to 2025. Foot patrols (COPRA curves) and bike patrols have expanded to improve community engagement and reduce gun violence. - Budget Breakdown: The $64 million budget is a $2 million increase from FY25-26, driven by $450,000 for ShotSpotter and $1.3 million for retirement payouts (now a designated line item). 75% of the budget is salary and wages. Overtime is nearly $10 million, with $4.2 million reimbursed (grants, events). The remaining $5.6 million is dominated by patrol minimum staffing (79% of non-reimbursed overtime). - Recruitment and Cadet Program: The pool of candidates has shrunk, and SPD competes with 15 agencies from the same civil service list. The cadet program (costing $450,000) was eliminated from the budget; the position of the officer running it was reassigned. Recruitment budget is $55,000 ($25,000 for overtime for study sessions and fitness classes). The department engages with Fowler High School's PSLA program but struggles to track direct hires. - Technology: The robot dog "Spot" is used for tactical operations (e.g., bomb threats), saving overtime and reducing risk. It operates within a safe distance. Drone and robot dog usage has halved call-out times and saved tens of thousands of dollars. The department does not have a robot capable of foot chases or sniffing. - Diversionary Response (911/Mental Health): SPD has a "Fourth Lever" program to divert non-police calls to human services. A commander is assigned to 911 dispatch, clearing about 12 calls per four-hour shift. Two SPD-funded county workers support the "Friendly Faces" program for high-volume users (substance abuse, mental health, unhoused). The county has hired six full-time positions, but challenges remain, especially overnight and weekend coverage. - Revenue and Alarms: Revenue from outside agencies (line 4159) was projected at $2 million but actual collections were $700,000; the department proposes the same $2 million target, citing improved tracking. SPD responds to about 5,000 burglar alarms per year, each taking 44 minutes; most are unfounded. The current $30 annual fee is outdated; the chief suggests a tiered penalty system for false alarms after the third occurrence. - Community Services and Parking: There are 40 community service officers (CSOs) handling front desk, parking enforcement, and records. Only seven parking checkers cover the entire city, leading to enforcement gaps (e.g., Central Bus Station). Key Outcomes - The proposed FY26-27 budget is $64 million with 385 funded sworn positions (down from 419 adopted in FY25-26). - Cadet program is not funded in the proposed budget due to lack of $450,000; the position was reassigned. - No formal votes were taken; the hearing was for discussion and information gathering. - The department will continue recruiting efforts through study sessions, fitness classes, and outreach, and will explore regional academy partnerships to reduce costs. - The chief committed to providing data on the number of Fowler PSLA graduates who join SPD. - The chief will discuss with hospital partners (St. Joe's, Helio) the possibility of involving families in mental health evaluations. - The department plans to update the local alarm ordinance with a new fee structure to reduce false alarm calls.

This meeting was a budget hearing for the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs, held on Earth Day, April 22, 2026. The commissioner and staff presented the proposed budget to the Common Council, answered questions about operations, staffing, capital projects, and community concerns. Opening Remarks - Commissioner provided an overview: The department oversees 1,255 acres of city-owned property, 53 structures, 8 outdoor pools, 3 indoor pools, 44 parks with playgrounds, 2 new e-sports centers, 15 miles of trails, and manages 35,000 street trees and 10,000 park trees. - Staffing: 116 full-time employees (including 6 dog shelter staff), 3 SURAH positions, more than 365 part-time recreation employees, and 25 part-time grounds employees. Budget Discussion - Professional Services (Page 145): Budgeted at $100,000 for FY26, up from $265 (likely a typo in transcript; actual adopted was $100,000). Only $6,000 spent this year due to coverage by capital funds, but that capital source is not available next year. - Uniforms (Page 147): Increased from $61 to $50 (transcript ambiguous; staff explained previous year was under-budgeted, increase covers protective gear for grounds and dog shelter staff). - Grant offsets: Department pursues grants to expand scope, not to offset budget. Annual grant of $18,000 supports recreation programs. Staffing and Positions - Public Information Officer: Moved from recreation to administration. - Landscape Architect II: Currently vacant; plan to fill. - Clerk II: Proposed to be abolished to fund an Administrative Aid position. - SURAH Positions: Three positions (Forestry Mike Wolf, Public Art Coordinator, Special Assistant to grounds supervisor). The city aims to move off the SURAH line, but no immediate plan. Public Art Coordinator is vacant pending job description rewrite. Parks and Programs - Youth Programs: No expansion in this budget. Commissioner stated a fully functioning teen summer program would require $150,000. Current programs serve ages 7–18. - Security: No parks security budget; relies on police and hires night security for pools. Commissioner expressed desire for park rangers but lacks funding. - Mowing Contracts: Seven new contractors (up from four), total cost $850,000 for 30 mowings per season. At least two are city residents; one is from Buffalo but mows only one site. - Cemeteries: Myrtle Hill, Rose Hill, Oakwood, and smaller ones managed; Rose Hill getting a gateway project. - Greenhouse Project: New design approved by Landmark Preservation Board; working on historic roof structure; plans for educational programming. - Elmwood Park Gazebo: Design ongoing; community engagement within 45 days; bid expected winter for spring construction. - McKinley Brighton Soccer Field: Discussions with community about expansion; pavilion already funded. - Southwest Community Center Pool: Parts delivered for repair; pool will not open this summer due to heat and ventilation issues; indoor pool closed last summer as well. - Geddis Street Playlot: Currently a natural play area with logs; commissioner aims to create a sunflower lot; limited accessibility and illegal dumping issues. - Internal Flame Project (Clinton Square): Solar-powered design constrained by site complexities; further discussions needed. - First Ward Park Sidewalk Repair: Estimate $880,000 for full replacement; plan to ask council for funding. Trees and Forestry - Steve Harris (City Arborist): Department coordinates with DPW on sidewalk repairs; uses structural soil (tree tunnels) under new sidewalks to prevent root heaving. Inspects 1,500 trees annually; removes unhealthy trees. In-house crew handles emergencies, contracts out about two-thirds of work. Operating budget for tree work is $1.1 million (reduced over time). - Community Grid: Forestry involved in design review; criticized DOT’s recent plantings on embankments without coordination. Councilor urged better communication. - Private Property Trees: Ordinance allows citing hazardous trees; process under review with Corporation Counsel. Boundary tree issues are complex. - Retaining Wall on 345 West Newell: Large stumps holding wall; responsibility unclear; referred to higher authorities. Revenue and Payments - Revenue Sources: Concessions, park/pavilion rentals, ice rink fees, golf memberships, event rentals, bandwagon rental, PNR fee (all inclusive). - Payment Technology: Contactless payments not compatible with RecDesk software; devices returned; exploring alternatives. Commissioner expressed frustration. Public Comments - No separate public comment period; councilors raised constituent issues throughout. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on the budget; the hearing concluded with a motion to end and a second. - Councilors expressed appreciation for the parks department and its staff. - Next steps: Council will consider budget; parks will continue capital projects as listed; forestry will meet with Corporation Council regarding private tree inspections; greenhouse and other projects will proceed with planning.

The Syracuse Common Council held a budget hearing for the Information Technology (IT) department on April 22, 2026. IT leadership discussed staffing shortages, reliance on external consultants, a position transfer from Parks, and increased cloud computing costs. Councillors questioned significant budget line increases and hiring challenges. Discussion Items - IT reported losing two staff over three years without replacement, citing higher pay and no residency requirements at the county and school district as obstacles. A recent salary adjustment improved competitiveness but hiring remains difficult. - A LAN technical support specialist position transferred from the Parks Department to Central IT, adding approximately $65,000 in personal services costs. - Total personal services increased $181,000 year-over-year, mainly from the Parks transfer and salary adjustments. - Utilities and operating expenses rose $280,000: $70,000 for a new cloud-based phone system for the consolidated police/fire building (1153 Spencer Street) and the remainder from centralizing cell phone bills. - Operating supplies and expenses jumped from $58,000 in FY25 to $654,000 in FY26. IT explained this reflects proper accounting: Azure cloud computing ($120,000/year), Microsoft 365 ($300,000/year, previously spread across departments), and disaster recovery/backup costs. Councillors pressed on the sharp increase; IT noted this shift from capital to operational expenses as on-premise servers are phased out. - Professional services decreased significantly after completing the Microsoft 365 migration from on-premise email to cloud. - A "to be determined" unfunded position remains; a prior meeting's zeroing out was a typo in the budget book. - IT leadership acknowledged heavy reliance on external consultants for baseline functions due to understaffing, which is more costly. They committed to reducing that reliance over the next year by growing the team and better aligning digital services and IT. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were recorded; the hearing was an informational budget review. - IT leaders pledged to make an earnest effort to realign resources and decrease dependence on outside consultants for core IT functions.

The Syracuse City Council held a meeting on April 22, 2026, to review the API (Administration, Process Improvement, Innovation) department’s budget and operations. Key discussions included staffing changes, the software systems portfolio, payroll modernization, and efforts to right-size positions. No public comments were heard, and no formal votes were taken. Discussion Items - API Team Restructuring: Deputy Mayor introduced restructuring of the API team following a leadership change. Vinny (Chief Information Officer) and Jason (Data Team) presented alongside interim API leadership. The org chart showed a distinction between digital services, innovation, data, and IT teams. - Staffing and Positions: The API department has five positions on the Sura payroll. One position (director of innovation) was eliminated for FY27. Two positions (innovation project leader) are being eliminated, with funds redirected to new roles (chief innovation data official and deputy chief) to better align with current job responsibilities. Vacancies exist for data analyst (vacant 1 month), data program manager (one filled, one vacant), and information systems coordinator (one filled, one vacant). All positions are funded. Out-of-title pay issues were addressed by right-sizing roles. - Software Systems Budget: The department provided a comprehensive list of 70 software systems, totaling $2.9 million in the budget. The $900,000 increase in supplies is attributed to co-terming contracts to align with the fiscal year—a one-time adjustment that reduces FY26 costs but will normalize in FY27. Staff explained they regularly review system utilization and licenses to reduce costs. - Payroll and Timekeeping Modernization: The timekeeping system rollout (UKG) is past 50% completion citywide, with a target to finish by summer 2026. The next phase—payroll modernization (Mosaic contract)—began in spring 2026, with an optimistic target of January 1, 2027, and an 18-month contract window. Council members asked about challenges and cross-training to avoid single points of failure. - Training and Public Access: Staff highlighted that residents can access in-person assistance at the central permit office, a kiosk, and phone support. Digital services maintain internal documentation for system continuity. Key Outcomes - Council members requested further details on staffing and budget, with plans to follow up with Vinny after the meeting. - No formal decisions or votes occurred; the discussion was informational. - The council acknowledged the value of API’s cross-departmental collaboration, evidenced by the attendance of representatives from permits, parks, HR, BAA, and finance.