The Syracuse Common Council convened on January 26, 2026, at approximately 4:55 PM EST, with President Paniagua presiding. The meeting focused on reviewing and deciding the status of numerous agenda items, including holds, a fire truck replacement, a vape recycling inquiry, and scheduling a public hearing on a proposed moratorium for batteries. Several items were held pending further information or negotiations. Discussion Items - Fire Truck Replacement (Items 20 & 21): Councilor Majok (referenced as Machoke in transcript) questioned Syracuse Fire Chief Mark Russin about a training truck (item 20) that is 10 years overdue for replacement. Chief Russin explained the truck is used only for limited recruit training and cannot be used on the road. He outlined the apparatus replacement program: frontline trucks serve 10 years, then reserve/spare status for years 11–15. The department was previously 14 trucks and engines deficient, but with current purchasing (two engines one year, one ladder the next), the program will remain current. The chief stated the truck in question will replace one of the past-life vehicles and will be auctioned after retirement. No formal vote was recorded, but the item appeared to move forward without objection. - Vape Recycling Inquiry: Councilor Williams asked Kristen Locke, Director of Recycling, about the disposal of disposable vapes. Ms. Locke explained that vapes contain both batteries and pharmaceuticals, so they cannot be accepted in battery kiosks. She noted that the state is developing a program to address regulatory concerns and facilitate drop-off, and she serves on an advisory committee for that effort. Councilor Williams expressed constituent interest in proper disposal. - Battery Moratorium Public Hearing: The council scheduled a public hearing on a proposed moratorium for batteries for later that evening (time referenced as “2530” – likely 2:30 PM or a time code). The hearing was separate from the items on the agenda. - Item Holds and Referrals: Many items were held or referred as follows: - Item 17: held by Councilor Navi. - Item 18: held pending contract negotiations (Councilor Monto). - Item 24: held (Councilor Williams). - Item 26: status to be determined; discussion about an appraisal needed for a purchase (Commissioner Michael Collins noted the appraisal is not a commitment to purchase but would help move the project along). - Item 33: continued to be held (Councilor Jones Rouse). - Item 43: held; developer asked to schedule at least three more community meetings for Park Site Commons (Councilor Monto). - Item 44: sent back to the planning commission (Councilor Monto). - Item 45: held, waiting for the Axon contract (Councilor Monto). - Item 49: held for confirmation of reappointment (Councilor Williams). - Honorary Street Sign for Donna Reese: Councilor Jones Rouse announced plans to install an honorary street sign for Mrs. Donna Reese on either February 20 or February 27, 2026. All councilors agreed. A brief history of Mrs. Reese will be provided at a future meeting. Key Outcomes - The public hearing on the moratorium for batteries was scheduled and held on the same evening (January 26). - Fire truck replacement items (20 & 21) proceeded without opposition; Chief Russin committed to maintaining the apparatus replacement schedule. - Several items were held for further community input, contract negotiations, or additional information (see list above). - The honorary street sign for Donna Reese will be installed in late February; the exact date will be announced at the next meeting. - The council adjourned without further business.
Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York
Public Meetings - Syracuse, New YorkOn January 22, 2026, the Syracuse Common Council held a committee meeting to discuss a proposed 15-year shelter rent agreement (tax abatement) to support the redevelopment of Parkside Commons, a 393-unit Section 8 housing complex. The development team, BFC Partners and SAEVI, presented plans for a $220 million project involving gut renovation of the West Campus (200 units) and construction of two new buildings (193 units) on the East Campus, followed by demolition of the existing East Campus for future development. Council members raised concerns about security, maintenance, community engagement, and the need for transparency. Discussion Items - Presentation by Developers: Robert Sana (BFC Partners) and Connor Kenny (SAEVI) introduced their companies and outlined their experience. They described current conditions at Parkside Commons: deferred maintenance, crime, and security issues. They reported that since taking over in October 2024, they have doubled maintenance staff (from 6 to 12), reduced open work orders from 1,200 to 185 (with 335 completed in the last seven days), replaced all entrance doors, installed 351 security cameras, hired a full-time security director (Josiah Homan), and cleared 20 squatter units. They also described challenges with residents resisting security measures (e.g., cameras spray-painted, doors vandalized). - Renovation and New Construction Plans: The West Campus will undergo extensive gut renovation including new roofs, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, heating/cooling systems (electric heat pumps), and landscaping. The East Campus will be replaced with two new buildings (Building A: 5 stories at former Patrician Bakery site; Building B: 4 stories at former Delhi site). Tenants will be relocated temporarily (about one month) to vacant units on site during renovations. The total unit count will remain 393 (one-for-one replacement). The project cost is $220 million, financed by $75 million from HCR (NYS Homes and Community Renewal) and $100 million from low-income housing tax credits. The shelter rent agreement would provide a stable PILOT payment, increasing annual taxes from $270,000–$330,000 to about $800,000. - Council Concerns: Council members Monto, Caldwell, Jones Rouser, and others expressed skepticism about the pace of maintenance (e.g., heat and hot water issues, door locks not yet functional), questioned the timeline for community engagement, and emphasized the need for separate engagement with the distinct communities on the east side (lower east side vs. hilltop). They stressed that residents have been failed by previous owners and that transparency is critical. Council member Jones Rouser highlighted the importance of green space and not warehousing people. Council member Caldwell noted that the project is the second largest housing transformation in Syracuse after East Adams. Commissioner Michael Collins clarified that the project must maintain the same number of affordable units and that the new buildings must be completed before any demolition of the East Campus. - Future Development: The developers indicated that they plan to engage the community on the future use of the East Campus site (potential for open space, retail, or affordable housing) after the current phase is complete, likely within two years. Council members urged that community engagement begin immediately, using community ambassadors and holding meetings at accessible locations. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken on the shelter rent agreement. The council requested that the developers return for further discussion and provide more detailed analytics on work orders and community engagement plans. - The developers committed to holding a community engagement meeting in the first week of February 2026, with separate meetings for residents and neighboring property owners, and to continue monthly meetings going forward. - The council emphasized that the project must proceed with robust community engagement, transparency, and accountability to ensure residents' trust and safety.
The Syracuse City Council met on January 21, 2026 at 4:55 PM to discuss and act on a wide range of resolutions, contracts, donations, and administrative items. Key topics included a contract extension for drug testing, a battery recycling program, donations for park benches, a new aerial ladder truck for the fire department, ambulance billing contracts, and several property and appraisal matters. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss legal aspects of an axon contract. Consent Calendar - Item 10: Unanimous approval to extend the contract with DSI for one more year for random drug testing and CDL compliance. Director of Human Resources Rick Alseiver confirmed satisfaction with service. - Items 12–16: Approved unanimously: - Agreement with OCRRA (Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency) for battery recycling at additional sites (Southwest, Northeast, CIS, and Magnarelli community centers). - Acceptance of $2,000 donation from Eastwood Neighborhood Association for a new bench at Cummings Field. - Acceptance of $1,054 donation from Syracuse Rotary Club for a bench and memorial plaque at Kirk Park honoring Al Turner. - Acceptance of $100 donation from TNT for a plaque for a bench at Franklin Square honoring Ben Wash. - Acceptance of donation from Tomorrow's Neighborhood Today (amount not specified). - Items 35–42: Approved transfers of properties to the Greater Syracuse Land Bank (no further discussion). - Item 48: Approved reappointment to the CRB (one appointment still open). Discussion Items - Item 11 (Councillor Micah): Introduced a resolution urging the New York State Assembly, Senate, and Governor to support the New York for All Act. No other council member signed on; the item was effectively withdrawn. - Items 17, 18, 43, 45, 46: Held for future committee meetings (February 4 for Item 17; Item 18 and 43 scheduled for committee; Items 45 and 46 continued). - Items 19–23 (Police and Fire): - Item 19: Approved agreement with CBH Group to host Travis House, a speaker on first responder resiliency, in conjunction with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department, open to all first responders. - Items 20–21: Approved purchase of a new aerial ladder truck for the fire department. Chief Mike Mons explained the apparatus replacement program: new trucks serve 10 years on front-line, then 5 years as spares, then retired. The new truck will go to the busiest station based on miles and usage. Councillor requested data on previous replacements. - Item 22: Approved extension of third-party billing contract with Multi-Med for the fire department's ambulance service. Fire chief revealed the city operates two ambulances (one front-line, one spare) primarily used for mass casualty incidents and to train paramedics. Discussion included billing rates (9% of private insurance recouped, $19.60 per Medicare/Medicaid transport, $6.50 for secondary). No third-party collections due to low volume. - Item 23: Approved agreement for the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs to use the city’s training facility for a three-day conference, paying $85,500. Liability insurance limit of $1 million was deemed acceptable after corporation counsel review. Councillor inquired about revenue from facility rentals; chief noted minimal outside use so far but will provide data. - Items 25–28 (Assessment): - Item 25: Approved amendment of lease with railroads to include the bridge connecting 115 and 116-18 South Geddes Street (pedestrian and vehicle access). - Item 26: Held for committee meeting on Parkside Commons (Item 43). - Item 27: Authorized hiring an appraiser for 725 Harrison Street (Syracuse City School District office building). Last appraisal was in 2000. Discussions noted historic significance and earlier RFP for redevelopment. - Item 28: Authorized appraisal for “Grape Alley” right-of-way (off Townsend, south of Erie Boulevard). - Items 29–30 (IT): - Item 29: Approved extension of fiber agreement with Northland for connection between city and WCNY for recording meetings. Does not include Pulse production costs. - Item 30: Approved agreement with Spectrum to upgrade fiber connection at Southwest Community Center to support e-gaming activities. - Items 31–32 (Settlement): Discussion on amending an ordinance to authorize a refund of $1,523.89 (to be clarified as refund or credit). Corporation counsel to provide updated letter. - Item 33 (Code Enforcement): Held pending coordination with NYS Department of State. - Item 34: Introduced resolution to install honorary sign for Donna Reese. Councillor will provide more history next week. - Item 47: Approved lot line adjustment for property owned by the Land Bank (159-161 and 153-155) to straighten boundaries, creating two equal parcels and improving compliance with R3 zone. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items (10, 12–16, 35–42, 48) were approved unanimously without dissent. - Items 11, 17, 18, 26, 33, 43, 45, 46 were held for further committee or executive session. - Items 19 (speaker agreement), 20–21 (ladder truck purchase), 22 (Multi-Med contract extension), 23 (fire chiefs conference), 25 (bridge lease amendment), 27 (appraisal for Harrison St.), 28 (appraisal for Grape Alley), 29 (Northland fiber extension), 30 (Spectrum upgrade), 31–32 (settlement amendment), and 47 (lot alteration) were all approved after discussion. - Item 34 (Donna Reese sign) was introduced and will be voted on next week. - The council voted to move into executive session to discuss legal aspects of the axon contract (motion accepted).
The Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Chol Madjok, met to discuss issues surrounding lead in residential water pipes, focusing on water sampling and service line replacement. The meeting included updates from the Water Commissioner on testing protocols, replacement progress, funding, and public health concerns. Council members and community representatives raised questions about education, filter distribution, and the pace of replacement. Public Comments & Testimony - Oceana Fair (Families for Lead Freedom): Reported that approximately 600 children per year in Onondaga County are poisoned by lead (based on those tested), emphasizing that the primary source is lead paint, but water also contributes. She noted that New York State's action level of 5.5 µg/dL is higher than the CDC's 3.5 µg/dL, and children with lower-level exposure from water remain at risk. - Peter King (community member): Suggested that the full cause of high lead readings may not be understood, noting the city has historically had low water pressure issues and about 20% non-revenue water (leaks). He proposed that water transients (water hammer) could pull in contaminated soil, potentially causing some exceedances. Discussion Items - Water Sampling Update: The Water Commissioner stated that the second semester of 2025 testing (July–December) has been completed, with results under the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) for the third consecutive testing cycle. The city is transitioning from 120 Water to TruPonti for sampling, using the same lab and protocol. The city must test 100 tier-one homes (single-family with lead service lines) per semester. A separate study with the Cadmus Group is underway to help prepare for the 2027 EPA standard lowering to 10 ppb. - Lead Service Line Replacement: The city attempted full service line replacements (public and private sides) but did not meet the EPA mandate of 1,500 public-side replacements in 2025, completing approximately 800 full replacements. Starting in 2027, EPA will require full service line replacements. The city is prioritizing 2,900 homes where the public side was previously replaced and the private side remains lead. A map of these neighborhoods was shown, and councilors requested it be posted on the city website. - Bureaucratic Challenges: The Commissioner cited bureaucratic processes (e.g., contracting, EFC approvals) as slowing down replacements, not a lack of will. The city is breaking contracts into phases to attract more contractors and prepare for nationwide competition in 2027. - Funding: The water department capital improvement plan allocates $25 million per year for six years for lead service line replacements. A one-time federal grant of $22,756,047 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has been awarded, along with a $2 million grant for inventory. The city bonded $5 million in 2025 for continued replacements. Testing compliance costs $48,000 annually. - Public Education and Filters: Discussion focused on the effectiveness of Brita pitcher filters given to residents. Councilors expressed concerns that many filters end up unused and suggested switching to faucet-mounted filters. The Commissioner noted that EPA requires specifically a Brita pitcher filter. An agreement was made to improve education and distribution, including partnering with community organizations and delivering filters to those without transportation. - Low Water Pressure Incident: Councilor Marty Nave raised a recent low water pressure event on the North Side, worried that running water may not adequately flush lead. The Commissioner advised that running water until it turns cold is sufficient, and bottled water is an alternative. - Community Engagement: Councilors urged the Commissioner to hold regular meetings with community coalitions working on lead issues. The Commissioner affirmed willingness to meet with any group. It was agreed to coordinate a collective meeting including the Commissioner, council members, community organizations, and Kevin Henry (DPW). Key Outcomes - The Commissioner will organize a meeting with community lead-fighting coalitions, councilors, and DPW to improve communication and coordination. - The city will continue full service line replacements (public and private) and aim to expand contractor capacity through phased bidding. - A map of upcoming replacement areas will be added to the city website. - Efforts to distribute Brita filters will be reviewed, with possible consideration of alternative filter types within EPA guidelines. - The committee will work to address bureaucratic delays in contract approval and implementation. - Education campaigns will be enhanced, including multilingual outreach and partnerships with schools, libraries, and community centers.
The Syracuse Planning Commission held its first meeting of the new year on January 12, 2026, at approximately 10:56 PM. The meeting began with approval of the minutes from December 15, 2025, followed by action on two subdivision applications: a resubdivision at 920–22 Willis Avenue in Essex and a three‑mile‑limit subdivision in the Town of Onondaga. Both applications were approved with specified conditions. Consent Calendar - No items were considered under a consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke in favor of or in opposition to either application. Discussion Items - Approval of Minutes (December 15, 2025) Commission members discussed a previously imposed condition requiring an easement on a prior application. It was noted that the easement had arrived by mail the day after the December meeting, satisfying the condition. The minutes were approved unanimously. - R‑25‑62 – Resubdivision at 920‑22 Willis Avenue, Essex Staff explained that the property has always contained two residential structures (built in the late 1890s, pre‑zoning). The owners, the Shire family (since the 1970s), wish to sell one structure, requiring division into two lots. The proposed subdivision map was adjusted for lot size, frontage, and setbacks in consultation with the city zoning office. Commission members noted non‑conformities that could not be eliminated due to continued residency and a comment from finance about unpaid taxes (January and April 2025). The chair clarified that the tax issue was not relevant to the subdivision. A question was raised about a bald‑eagle reference on the environmental assessment form; staff explained that the State EAF mapper automatically includes such references without specific site‑level data. No public comments were received. The commission issued a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and approved the resubdivision with three special conditions: (1) file the subdivision map in the Onondaga County Clerk’s Office within 62 days; (2) remove the two asphalt driveways shown on the map that create illegal front‑setback parking; (3) remove a fence encroaching on Essex Street from 922 Willis Avenue. - 3S‑25‑21 – Three‑Mile‑Limit Subdivision at 4885 Buxton Drive and 4822 Cedarel Road, Town of Onondaga Land surveyor Glenn Mee Hall, representing owner Lennon Regina Montreal, presented the application. The city engineer’s office had already approved the subdivision. No questions were raised by commission members. The application was approved as presented without additional conditions. Key Outcomes - Minutes of December 15, 2025 – Approved unanimously. - R‑25‑62 – Approved (motion carried by voice vote, no dissent) with three conditions related to map filing, driveway removal, and fence removal. - 3S‑25‑21 – Approved (motion carried by voice vote, no dissent) as presented. - Adjournment – The meeting adjourned shortly before 11:00 PM; the next meeting was scheduled for February 2, 2026.
The Syracuse Common Council held its first regular session of 2026 on January 12, 2026. The meeting began with an invocation, roll call (all members present), approval of the prior meeting's minutes, and receipt of communications. All resolutions were voted on unanimously, with several items held or withdrawn for further committee discussion. The meeting concluded with an announcement of a councilor-at-large vacancy. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the December 22, 2025 meeting. - Appointment of various persons as commissioners (Resolution). - Items 9–12, 16–17, 19–21, 24–26, 28–29, 31–35, and 39–40 adopted unanimously without objection. - Items 13, 18, 23, 27, 36, 37, and 38 were held for committee discussion. - Items 14, 15, 22, 30, and 35 were withdrawn. Communications - Received: City Auditor 2025 Year Review Report; Budget Director Capital Improvement Project Report; CRB Quarterly Report (July 1 to December 31, 2025); two letters acknowledging terms and conditions for Ordinance No. 32-932 (Syracuse University) and No. 935 (Northland Communications). Key Outcomes - All resolutions presented were adopted unanimously (no opposition noted). - Several items referred to committee for further review. - Announcement of a vacancy on the Syracuse Common Council (councilor-at-large seat) – to be recorded in the minutes. - Motion to waive rules and adjourn carried unanimously.
The Syracuse City Council met on January 12, 2026, to consider a consent calendar of resolutions. Key discussions focused on a battery recycling kiosk program (Item 13) and a parking lease for public safety employees (Item 25). Several items were held or withdrawn for further review. Consent Calendar - Items 9–10 (Councillor Calva): Declared ready. - Item 11 (Councillor Michael): Declared ready. - Items 12–17 (Councillor Aaron Rich): Items 14 and 15 withdrawn; Item 13 held for committee discussion; others ready. - Item 18 (Councillor Navy): Held for committee meeting. - Items 19–22 (Councillor Moore): Item 22 withdrawn; Items 19–21 ready. Discussion noted 244 firefighters used services over 5 years (approx. 49/year) at a cost of about $48/year per firefighter; requested $12,000 deemed sufficient. - Items 23–26 (Councillor Weekens): Item 23 held; Items 24 and 26 ready. - Items 27–35 (Councillor Jones): Item 27 continued to be held; Item 30 withdrawn; others ready. - Items 36–40 (Councillor Monte): Items 36, 37, 38 held; Item 39 ready; Item 40 (advertisement waiver) held for Item 38. Discussion Items - Battery Recycling Kiosks (Item 13): Councillor Rich expressed concern about placing kiosks at youth-focused community centers (Wilson Park, West Moreland Park) due to limited staff and safety. He proposed a committee meeting to discuss location alternatives. The project sponsor (Okra) and Chief Mons emphasized that the grant (Department of Energy) requires kiosk installation by Q1 2026 to secure additional funding for fire department training and a battery sorting facility. Kris from Okra explained that kiosks have operated for 20 years with no incidents and include fire-protective materials. Commissioner Byrd noted that the grant does not include additional compensation for park staff. The discussion also touched on the broader safety benefit of keeping batteries out of trash compactors. - Parking Lease (Item 25): Commissioner of Assessment Matt OJ presented a lease at 220 South for 400 parking spaces for public safety employees near a new facility. The price is $3,750 per month per space. Councillors raised concerns about space count and snow storage, but the commissioner confirmed that payment would only be for spaces provided. The lease is part of a multi-layered approach to parking, with longer-term plans for a train track lot. Key Outcomes - Item 13 (battery kiosks) was held by motion for a committee meeting to further discuss location and staff impact. - Items 14, 15, 22, 30 were withdrawn. - Items 23, 27, 36, 37, 38 were held for committee or further review. - Item 40 (public hearing advertisement) was held in connection with Item 38. - All other consent calendar items were approved as ready. - Council agreed to hold a committee meeting on Item 13 between the session and 1:00 PM.
The board met on January 8, 2026, to consider several agenda items including a continuation of a certificate of appropriateness for a historic property, a major site plan review for a new apartment building, a demolition request for a historic property, and a window replacement proposal. The board also approved minutes from the previous meeting. Consent Calendar - Minutes of December 11, 2025 were adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - For the first item (1010 East Washington Street): No public comments for or against after applicant presented. (Board discussion followed.) - For the second item (201 South Krauss Avenue): No public comments as it was review and comment only. - For the demolition item: Caitlin Wright from Greater Syracuse Land Bank presented, explaining the building's severe deterioration and inability to find a buyer. She noted that a salvage vendor is allowed to remove elements. No public comments from others. - For the Parkview Hotel window replacement: Applicant not present, so no public testimony. Discussion Items - Continuation of Certificate of Appropriateness 2543 (1010 East Washington Street): The applicant, Dave Mosier, presented two options for an accessible lift: Option 1 at the front facade and Option 2 at the rear where a non-contributing solarium was removed. The board favored Option 2 as it preserved the front facade and provided better accessibility. Conditions included adding a water table element, fenestration for natural light, and material samples. The board voted to approve Option 2 with conditions. - Major Site Plan Review 2531 (201 South Krauss Avenue): The board reviewed updated plans for a five-story apartment building adjacent to the protected site. Changes included adjusted front facade windows to match side windows, addition of a stone water table, and sidewalk connection to the historic house. The board praised the improvements and voted to send a positive recommendation to the planning commission. - Demolition of 2601 Onondaga Avenue: The board considered whether to initiate landmark designation for the property. After discussion, the board voted not to pursue designation, citing structural instability (the building is beyond repair) and not meeting the criteria for landmark designation. The motion carried. The board noted the historic significance but acknowledged the building's deteriorated condition. - Minor Site Plan Review for 713 East Genesee Street (Parkview Hotel): The applicant was absent. The board reviewed the proposal to replace double-hung wood windows with fixed sash units. The board expressed concern that fixed windows would alter the building's historic character, and recommended exploring fixed windows that appear as double-hung. Additionally, the board decided to initiate the process to designate the property as a local protected site, given its significance and location in the context of the I-81 removal project. - Update on Proposed Ordinance: Amber reported that the application for a zoning ordinance exemption is still pending a SEQR review, which has not been received. No further progress. Key Outcomes - Approved Certificate of Appropriateness 2543 for 1010 East Washington Street (Option 2 rear lift) with conditions (water table, fenestration, material samples submitted to staff). - Approved and forwarded positive recommendation for Major Site Plan Review 2531 for 201 South Krauss Avenue to the planning commission. - Voted not to initiate landmark designation for 2601 Onondaga Avenue; demolition allowed to proceed with documentation. - Directed staff to prepare a local protected site application for the Parkview Hotel at 713 East Genesee Street. - Noted that the window replacement proposal for the Parkview Hotel requires further information; board will comment to zoning. - No action on the proposed ordinance.
The Syracuse Common Council met on January 7, 2026, to consider a variety of items including contracts, grants, land use, and public safety measures. Several items were discussed at length, with some held for further committee review or withdrawn. Discussion Items - Financial Empowerment MOU (CFE/United Way): The council discussed a memorandum of understanding with the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) and United Way to provide financial counseling and legacy planning services. The program had been paused and is now being restarted. Council members requested data on services provided, promotion efforts, and language accessibility. The MOU language was distributed late but mirrors a previous agreement. - Item 11 – Emergency Signal Preemption System Contract: Adjustment to change vendor name from GTT to MyoVision (with GTT as DBA) and extend contract to five years with a five-year renewal option. The council clarified the name change and contract terms. - Items 12-17 – Parks and Recreation: - 12: Agreement with Elite Gaming for eSports programming at Southwest and Wilson parks. Commissioner praised the program and discussed expansion to other parks. - 13: Battery recycling program with OCRRA. Concerns were raised about fire safety, overnight storage, and potential for improper disposal. OCRRA staff explained safety measures, education, and collection schedules. Council suggested a pilot at City Hall. - 14-15: Withdrawn for further work. - 16-17: Annual licensing agreements with ASCAP and SESAC for music in parks. - Item 18 – Micro Mobility Program Extension (VO): Discussion on extending the agreement with VO. Council held the item for a committee meeting to allow further questions and input from constituents. - Items 19-22 – Fire Department: - 19: Agreement with Kraus Health for Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for firefighters. Chief described the need for mental health support. Council requested usage data. - 20: Agreement with WellNow for fire physician services (physicals, respirator exams). Extension of existing contract. - 21: Renewal of overtime reimbursement agreement with ATF for two task force officers. Council clarified it is a renewal. - 22: Withdrawn. - Items 23-26 – Assessment, Parking, and IT: - 23: Held for update on progress. - 24: Assessment roll corrections for two properties. - 25: Lease of 100 parking spaces at Geddes Street shopping plaza for police headquarters. Council expressed concerns about capacity and congestion. - 26: Transfer of an IT position from Parks to IT department with associated funds. - Items 27-35 – Code Enforcement and Land Bank: - 27: Held pending state meeting. - 28-29: Technical corrections. - 30-35: Property transfers to land bank. Item 30 withdrawn due to internal discussions. Director noted that properties still have redemption periods. - Items 36-39 – Various: - 36: Held. - 37: Held for committee meeting on Parkside Commons. - 38: Executive session for legal advice. - 39: Establishment of a Muslim funeral home at 4400 South Salina Street. Council discussed the zoning use and site improvements. Key Outcomes - Items 14, 15, 22, 30 were withdrawn. - Items 18, 23, 27, 36, 37 were held for further committee discussion or updates. - An executive session was approved for legal advice. - No formal votes were recorded on the remaining items; most were discussed and will be acted upon in future meetings.
The Syracuse CRB held its regular monthly meeting on January 6, 2026, with six board members present, establishing quorum. The board approved the minutes from December 2025, heard an administrator's report detailing December activities, discussed ongoing vacancies, and planned future engagements. Public comment encouraged data tracking and outreach to the new public safety chair. The meeting concluded with a decision to attempt an executive session despite the absence of legal counsel. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2025 meeting (motion by Chair, seconded by Peggy). Public Comments & Testimony - Barry (community member): Missed December meeting due to a grant deadline. Inquired about board case investigation training and other anticipated board training. Suggested tracking the number of calls and emails month-to-month separately from events to demonstrate the CRB's return on investment, given past attacks on the CRB. Urged developing a relationship with the new public safety chair and educating them about the CRB's benefits and limitations. Also offered to assist with community presentations on interactions with police, a program he helped the CRB develop previously. Discussion Items - Staff Update: The investigator position remains vacant after the previous candidate declined; the chair is exploring alternatives. - Administrator Report (Adonia): - December activities included a quarterly safety meeting with the council, the Manion Senior Fair, and a collaboration with West Calvin Post Office ($300 donation, serving 15 families with Christmas baskets). - Community engagement: Networking event at Harvey's Garden with Senator Rachel May; represented CRB at On-Point Career Slam; invited back to present at the Center for Community Alternatives. - Data analysis: Chris improved case tracking by location and officer, organized historical data from 2012 to present, and created maps (to be shared at the next meeting). - Case progress: 35 new cases, 52 letters of correspondence (6 closing letters, 11 new complaint letters), 21 cases completed in December. Backlog from 2024 is on track to be cleared by February. - Staffing: Don Johnson continues training and cross-training; Julie handles correspondence and intakes. - Old Business (Board Member Mike): - Next CRB meeting in February will be held at the North Side Learning Center (constituency of a board member). - Need to schedule a second educational training (first was incomplete); proposed February or early March on a Saturday. - Committee formation: Drafting committees, to be sent to members within two weeks, with each committee to select a chair and secretary. - Police Relations Committee (Mike, Linda, Elise) has its first quarterly meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 13, 1:30 PM, with the new police chief. They plan to meet beforehand at noon to discuss cases. - Legal Counsel Absence: The board discussed the need for legal counsel during executive session. The chair initially stated they cannot go into executive session without counsel. Member Mike suggested proceeding and seeking forgiveness. The administrator noted they lack a room key (usually opened by counsel). They decided to try to find a security guard with a key to access a room. Key Outcomes - December 2025 minutes approved. - Backlog deadline reaffirmed: All 2024 cases to be completed by February 2026. - Next meeting location: February 2026 meeting set for North Side Learning Center. - Police Relations Committee meeting: Scheduled for January 13, 2026, 1:30 PM, with pre-meeting at noon. - Committees to be formed: Chair will draft committee assignments within two weeks. - Executive session: A motion was made to enter executive session (no vote recorded in transcript); the board attempted to find a room to proceed despite missing legal counsel.