Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Common Council held its organizational meeting on January 5, 2026, to elect officers and adopt rules for the 2026-2027 term. All councilors were present. The meeting proceeded with a series of unanimous motions to appoint key positions and set governing procedures. Key Outcomes - City Clerk: Patricia McBride was nominated and unanimously elected as city clerk for the 2026-2027 term. - President Pro Tempore: Councilor Jimmy Mato was nominated and unanimously elected as President Pro Tempore. - Majority Leader: Councilor Rashida Caldwell was nominated and unanimously elected as majority leader. - Majority Whip: Councilor Micho (referred to as "Cho Majou" in the transcript) was nominated and unanimously elected as majority whip. - Council Rules: The council unanimously adopted the rules and procedures of the Syracuse Common Council for 2026-2027. - Official Newspaper: The council unanimously designated the Syracuse Post Standard as the official newspaper for the City of Syracuse for the publication of legal notices during 2026-2027. - Adjournment: The meeting was closed by unanimous vote.

Mayor, DPW Commissioner Jeremy Radically, Fire Chief Mike Mons, and Deputy Police Chief Mark Russ briefed the public on the city's response to a major winter storm that began on the night of December 29, 2025, continuing into December 30, 2025. The mayor stated that over 30 pieces of equipment (large plows, pickup plows, payloaders) were deployed, along with a third-party contractor covering the south side and valley. The New York State Department of Transportation also assisted on major arterials. Discussion Items - DPW Operations: Commissioner Radically reported that the storm came quickly and DPW responded immediately, with about 30 pieces of equipment on the road. Parks, water departments, and NYSDOT are assisting. The mayor noted that the snowplow map is not 100% accurate because some smaller vehicles lack GPS units. - Fire Department: Chief Mike Mons requested residents clear a path to fire hydrants (3–5 feet around) and ensure sidewalks and exits are clear. He urged clearing discharge pipes from fuel-burning appliances to prevent toxic fume buildup and emphasized working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. - Police Department: Deputy Chief Russ warned that vehicles blocking streets may be ticketed and towed. He urged drivers to clear snow entirely from vehicles and to avoid unnecessary travel. - Sidewalk Clearing: The city's sidewalk snow clearing contractor is active. The mayor advised residents to be mindful of health while shoveling heavy snow and to help neighbors. - Lessons Learned: The mayor acknowledged that the previous weekend's storm response was below standards but praised the current response, calling this the largest storm in many years. - Transit: Central NY buses are operating but clearing stops is secondary to route operations. Key Outcomes - No formal votes taken. The briefing outlined ongoing operations and public safety requests. - DPW workers will continue 12-hour shifts around the clock. - Residents are encouraged to stay home if possible and to assist with hydrant and sidewalk clearing.

This meeting of the Syracuse City Board (presumably the Common Council or a city commission) was held on December 23, 2025, with full attendance. The board approved two sets of minutes, extended a sculpture loan agreement, and discussed the potential removal or repair of deteriorating brick pillars at Perseverance Park. The meeting concluded with farewell remarks. Consent Calendar - Minutes from August 4, 2025 and September 8, 2025: Approved unanimously by voice vote. Two separate motions were made and carried without dissent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Extension of Whale's Tail Sculpture Loan: Meg (staff) presented a minor item to extend the agreement with Stone Quarry Art Park for the Whale's Tail sculpture currently at Perseverance Park. The original agreement expired in July 2025, but the art park expressed interest in extending for two more years (through 2027) and possibly swapping the sculpture in the spring. No financial consideration was involved. The board approved the extension unanimously. - Condition of Brick Pillars at Perseverance Park: Commissioner Mike reported that about a month prior, Kate Otwater alerted him that bricks were falling from brick pillars along the parking lot at 109 West Washington Street. The city's masonry foreman, Richard Brinklow, suggested either tearing down the pillars to grade or removing the top five feet and capping them to prevent water damage. Commissioner Mike sought board direction. Council President Hudson raised questions about historic preservation implications and the original design context, noting the old rail line. Another member emphasized public safety and liability concerns, especially with children present. The board discussed the need for further evaluation. A motion was made to: obtain a cost analysis, conduct a historic preservation analysis (consulting Kate Otwater), and authorize skilled trades to make necessary repairs or removal based on their assessment of public safety risk. The motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved: August 4 and September 8, 2025 minutes were approved. - Sculpture loan extension approved: Resolution to extend the Whale's Tail sculpture agreement with Stone Quarry Art Park through 2027 was passed. - Motion on brick pillars passed: The board authorized a cost analysis, historic preservation review, and gave skilled trades discretion to repair or remove the pillars depending on safety risk. The matter will be brought back to the board if further decisions are needed. - Farewell remarks: The Mayor and Council President Hudson thanked Commissioner Canazaro and others for their service, noting this was the last meeting for some members. The meeting adjourned with holiday wishes.

The Syracuse Common Council held its final meeting of 2025 on December 22, 2025, at 5:54 PM. The session included committee reports, votes on numerous ordinances and resolutions, and farewell remarks for three departing council members: President Hudson, Councillor Gathers, and Councillor Hogan. The meeting was marked by unanimous approvals on most items, with a few roll-call votes and significant discussion on fee policies and parking infrastructure. Committee Reports - Public Safety Committee met twice on Friday: the first meeting addressed PAL and youth detention policy; the second covered license fees and an event from the fire department. - Charter, Rules, Procedures and RFP Committee met on December 17 to discuss adopting changes to the Syracuse Common Council rules as they relate to the ten standing committees. Discussion and Voting on Legislation - Item 9: Passed with a 6-3 vote. Councillors Cardwell, Gathers, and Hogan voted no; Councillors Machoke, Paniagua, Nave, Williams, Jones Browser, and Mato voted yes. - Item 10: Adopted unanimously. - Item 11: Councillor Nave argued for a thorough citywide review of all fees rather than targeting Syracuse Match, while Councillor Williams supported the measure as a first step toward a broader review. Roll call: Cardwell (yes), Machoke (yes), Paniagua (yes), Gathers (yes), Nave (abstain), Hogan (no), Williams (yes), Jones Browser (yes), Mato (yes). Passed 7-1 with one abstention. - Item 12: Adopted unanimously. - Items 13-16: Each adopted unanimously. - Item 17: A councillor reminded colleagues of the larger parking issue, noting that $1 million is needed for garage safety and structural integrity, and that one garage is already condemned and will cost a couple million dollars to demolish. Passed unanimously. - Items 18-29: Adopted unanimously, with minor discussion on item 17 only. - Item 30: Resolution to install an honorary sign at Pearl Street and East Belden Avenue designated as “Columbus Bakery Way” in honor of Columbus Bakery (founded 1895). Adopted unanimously. - Item 31: Resolution to recognize Columbus Bakery, read by Councillor Nave, highlighting its 125+ years of operation and induction into the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry in 2022. Adopted unanimously. - Items 32-34: Item 32 held, item 33 unanimous, item 34 held. - Items 35-38: Item 35 held, items 36–38 unanimous. - Items 39-41: Emergency adoption, all unanimous. - Items 42-64: Several items held or withdrawn; all voted items passed unanimously. - Item 65: Held. - Item 66: Rules waived, introduced and adopted unanimously. Farewell Remarks - Council members delivered heartfelt tributes to departing President Hudson, Councillor Gathers, and Councillor Hogan. Many speakers acknowledged their leadership, mentorship, and dedication. - President Hudson thanked residents, staff (especially Carmelita, Nader, Joe Barry, Janet Burke), district and at-large councillors, and the administration. She emphasized service to the people of Syracuse and encouraged continued advocacy. - Councillor Gathers expressed gratitude for the council’s diversity and collaboration through challenges like COVID, and called Syracuse a “comeback city.” - Councillor Hogan thanked colleagues and noted the importance of working together with the new administration. Key Outcomes - Item 9 passed with a 6-3 vote. - Item 11 passed 7-1 with one abstention (Councillor Nave). - All other voted items were adopted unanimously, except those held or withdrawn. - The meeting adjourned after closing remarks.

The Common Council held a study session on December 22, 2025, to review and finalize items for an upcoming legislative session. Council members reported on the status of agenda items 8 through 66, indicating which were ready, held, or withdrawn. A discussion on budget transfers and health insurance projections also took place. No public comments were heard. The meeting adjourned after the item review. Discussion Items - Item Status Updates: Council members reviewed a series of agenda items (8–66). Notable actions included: - Councillor Pania withdrew item 8. - Items 9–29 were reported as ready, with Councillor Gavin noting they were "ready to go." - Councillor Hope held items 32 and 34. First Assistant Corporation Counsel Joe Barry recommended holding item 32 for further legal research on options available to the council and planning commission, with results expected in early 2026. - Councillor Williams held item 35 and thanked Bill Appellito for attending regarding his appointment to the Board of Assessment Review (item 38). - Councillor Jones Rouser listed items 42 (held), 44 (held), 45 (withdrawn), 46 (withdrawn), 47 (held), 49 (withdrawn). Item 55 was initially listed as held but was later moved forward after a conversation; Kayla Hubbard, neighborhood planner, explained the property has heavy fire damage and the goal is to get it through the demolition pipeline to the land bank. - Councillor Martel held item 65; Councillor McJoff reported item 66 as ready. - Budget Transfer and Health Insurance Discussion: Councillor Williams asked Commissioner of Finance (Mike Azera) about budget lines funding certain expenditures. The commissioner noted that approximately $200,000 is being transferred from health insurance to fund other items, requiring possible backfilling later in the fiscal year. The transfer from retirement and traffic camera fees are considered real savings, but health insurance depends on claims and may need a supplemental appropriation around March or April of fiscal year 2026. Councillor Williams requested a comparison of health insurance claims through November of fiscal year 2025 versus fiscal year 2026. The commissioner agreed to provide the data. Key Outcomes - Items Held or Withdrawn: Multiple items (32, 34, 35, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 49, 65) were held or withdrawn for further review or legal research. - Item 55 Moved Forward: After discussion, item 55 was advanced to facilitate demolition of a fire-damaged property. - Budget Oversight: The council is monitoring health insurance costs and will receive updated projections early in 2026. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and carried.

The Syracuse City Council met on December 19, 2025, to discuss a proposed amendment to Chapter 5 of the Revised General Ordinances, which would establish a new article governing pyrotechnics, fireworks, and flame effect displays. The meeting focused on the need to update the current $25 per event fee, which only recovers 8% of the fire department's overtime costs. Fire department officials presented a tiered fee structure to recover actual costs, while council members debated the impact on community events and for-profit entities. Discussion Items - Current Fee Inadequacy: Fire Chief Mondanese and Executive Deputy Chief Elton Davis detailed that the current $25 fee does not cover costs. In 2023, the city issued 44 permits, collected $1,100 in revenue, but spent $13,500 in overtime (8% recovery). In 2024, 66 permits were issued, revenue was $1,650, and overtime costs rose to $21,000 (again 8% recovery). Overtime hours increased 41% from 208 to 293, and costs rose 50% from 2023 to 2024. - Proposed Fee Structure: Three tiers: (1) $75 for low-risk setup-only events (e.g., cold sparklers at weddings); (2) $300 for indoor/outdoor pyrotechnic events (e.g., large fireworks displays) covering up to 4 hours of standby; and (3) actual cost invoicing for extended standby or additional personnel. The $300 fee aligns with the actual cost of one firefighter for four hours ($299.12) and is comparable to Binghamton ($286) and Rochester ($294). - Enforcement: A double fee provision for unpermitted displays was introduced to discourage fly-by-night operators. Chief Davis noted that some events occur without permits, creating safety risks because fire alarms may be disabled. - Community Impact: Councilors raised concerns about potential deterrents to community events. Councilor Paniago asked about cancellations; Chief Davis stated that most cancellations result in rescheduling, not refunds. Councilor Hogan (referred to as "OG") argued that the Syracuse Mets, a for-profit entity owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings, should pay full costs, and noted that the city only recoups $6,700 more under the new fee but the Mets generate significant economic impact. The fire chief emphasized that the department's budget is for life safety, not subsidizing private events. - Application to Venues: The proposal applies to venues like the Landmark Theatre, JMA Wireless Dome, War Memorial, NBT Stadium, and others. The Landmark Theatre, due to lack of fire detection, requires a pyrotechnic permit for any flame effects. The Westcott Theater was mentioned as an ongoing enforcement issue. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the discussion was informational. The legislation is expected to be considered for passage and could take effect January 1, 2026. The council indicated a need to review all city fee structures. The meeting was adjourned without action.

The Syracuse Public Safety Committee convened on December 19, 2025, to discuss two agenda items: the progress of the Police Athletic League (PAL) program and the department's youth policy, including juvenile crime data and diversion efforts. The meeting was chaired by Councilor Pat Hogan and attended by council members Rashida Codwell and Martinave, along with Chief Shov, PAL Director Jimmy Oliver, Deputy Chief Rich Trudell, and Sergeant Brian Grimsley. Discussion Items - Police Athletic League (PAL) Progress – Jimmy Oliver reported that PAL launched in July 2021 with a four-hour camp at Nottingham High School, serving 70 kids. Since then, it has grown to include soccer, basketball, dance, African dance, ninja warriors, salsa, and other activities. Key statistics: 10,000 duplicated participants, 8,900 unduplicated, averaging 2,300–2,400 kids per year. Demographics: 74% male, 86% Syracuse residents, ages 5–16 (11% ages 5–7, 37% ages 8–10, 36% ages 11–13, 15% ages 14–16). Programs include a literacy league with Syracuse University students, STEM camps at SU and ESF, swim lessons (over 400 kids taught to swim), and a March Madness basketball tournament (ages 13–18) with minimal incidents. Funding: $300,000 in ARPA funds for infrastructure (ages 6–12) and a $450,000 grant for ages 14–19 (phase 2). Phase 3 is planned for ages 20–25. Oliver emphasized the need for a dedicated building (estimated $4 million) to offer weekly programming. Councilor Rashida Codwell suggested a collaboration with the fire department (PFAL), which Oliver supported. Oliver also provided copies of a book titled The Police and Me (1,500 copies distributed) and shared a poem written by a PAL participant. - Youth Policy and Juvenile Crime Data – Deputy Chief Trudell presented juvenile arrest data (ages 12–17) from 2020–2024: 2020–2022 saw lower numbers due to COVID; 2023–2024 saw increases driven by TikTok challenges (Kia/Hyundai thefts) and pattern burglaries. 2024 totals: 685 arrests countywide, 368 in the city. Recidivism remains a focus, with a small percentage of offenders responsible for a large share of crime. The department works with the county attorney, district attorney, and family court in biweekly meetings. Family court now has two consistent judges (Judge Cecil and Judge Javalia). Diversion programs include PAL and Trinity (a police-run program with the Salvation Army, offering wraparound services). Sergeant Grimsley noted that the department cannot regulate other law enforcement agencies (e.g., sheriff's department) but has informal conversations and updated its policy on juvenile handcuffing to require parental notification. Regarding truancy, police only intervene when there is a criminal justice nexus, working with the school district. Councilors expressed concerns about the sheriff's department's handling of juveniles and urged further collaboration. Trudell agreed to explore options. Key Outcomes - PAL Director Jimmy Oliver will provide the committee with a schedule of seasonal PAL programs and a breakdown of direct program participants versus event attendees. - The Syracuse Police Department will provide data on the number of youth served by the Trinity program. - The committee directed further exploration of collaboration with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department to align juvenile interaction protocols, though SPD cannot dictate other agencies' policies. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting adjourned on a motion.

The Syracuse Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a meeting on December 18, 2025, at 6:41 PM. The board considered a use variance for a 14th unit at a multifamily property and approved a first-time extension for an area variance for a housing project on South State Street. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made in favor of or against either application. Discussion Items - Use Variance V-24-?? (Property with 13 units): The applicant sought a use variance to add a 14th unit to an existing multifamily property on a lot zoned R1. The property had a pre-existing non-conforming use, with a variance approved in the 1980s for 13 units. A certificate of compliance was issued in 2022 for 13 units, and a violation was issued in June 2025 for the unapproved 14th unit, which was built between 2022 and 2025. Discussion focused on the four criteria for a use variance: (1) financial hardship (no evidence that the property is not financially viable without the 14th unit), (2) unique circumstances (board members debated whether the pre-existing non-conforming use qualifies as unique), (3) neighborhood character (no impact), and (4) self-created difficulty (the unit was built knowing the variance and building permit had expired). The board concluded that only criterion (3) was definitively met, with criteria (1) and (4) unanimously failed, and criterion (2) debatable. - Area Variance Extension V-24-10 (1105-17 South State Street): The Syracuse Housing Authority, represented by Andrew Schuster from Ashland Garrett Architects, requested a first-time 36-month extension for a previously approved area variance. The extension was needed to satisfy lender requirements for construction financing, with construction planned to start in January 2025 and expected to take 24 months, plus a buffer. Key Outcomes - Use Variance: The board voted unanimously to deny the variance application, citing failure to meet three of the four use variance criteria. Following the vote, staff clarified that the certificate of compliance for the property cannot be issued with the 14th unit, and the owner will be ordered to reduce occupancy to 13 units to obtain the certificate. - Area Variance Extension: The board voted unanimously to approve the 36-month extension for V-24-10. - State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR): For the use variance, the board adopted a negative declaration under CEQR, determining no moderate or large environmental impacts. - The meeting was adjourned after the decisions.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met on December 18, 2025, to consider a single application: a request to retroactively approve a completed basement apartment at 98 McDougall Street (part of the 99 McDougall property). The meeting lasted from approximately 5:54 PM to an unknown end time. No decision was reached; the board adjourned to consult legal counsel. Discussion Items - Application for a use variance for a completed apartment unit: The applicant's attorney explained that the apartment at 98 McDougall (the 14th unit of a multi‑building complex) had been built based on approvals originally granted in 2010 for two additional units (14th and 15th). However, construction was delayed, permits expired, and the city deemed the unit non‑compliant. The applicant sought final approval for the already‑completed unit, acknowledging that the 15th unit had not been started. Key points raised: - The original 2010 variance was for two units; only the 14th was built. - The applicant argued that without rental income from this unit, the investment (claiming eight years to recoup) would be unduly burdensome. - Board members questioned the lack of a financial pro forma, the absence of evidence showing the property could not achieve a reasonable return without the unit, and the long delay (over a decade) in completing construction. - The address discrepancy (99 McDougall for the lot, 98 McDougall for the building) was noted, and board members expressed concerns about emergency access and lack of clear building labeling. - Conditions related to parking lot striping and dumpster screening were discussed; the applicant agreed to comply. - Legal discussion: After the public hearing portion, the board voted to adjourn momentarily to confer with legal counsel before making a decision. Key Outcomes - No decision was made on the variance application. The board voted (motion and second) to adjourn briefly for consultation with legal counsel. The meeting transcript ends during this adjournment, so no final ruling is recorded in the provided material.