Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

On August 25, 2025, the Syracuse City Council held a work session to discuss the proposed ambulance services agreement between the city, the Syracuse Fire Department (SFD), and American Medical Response (AMR). The meeting was led by Council members Hogan, Nave, President Hudson, and Johannes Rouser, joined by Chief Mann, Deputy Chief Downs, Deputy Chief Pagano, Craig Whitmer from API, and Bill McGarrity, AMR Regional Director. The presentation covered the national and local context for EMS challenges, the history of AMR in Syracuse, the RFP process, and the key terms of the proposed contract, including performance metrics and accountability mechanisms. Discussion Items - National and Local Context: Craig Whitmer presented data showing a nearly 30% increase in 911 calls in Onondaga County from 2023 to 2024, a lack of transportation access for 30% of residents, a challenging EMT labor market, and increased ER wait times. These factors led to concerns about overreliance on mutual aid, which peaked at 10% of calls in 2022. - AMR and SFD Background: AMR has operated locally for over 70 years (through predecessors Eastern Ambulance and Rural Metro). SFD began a 24/7 ambulance service in 2021, but the cost recovery has never matched service expenses. The RFP was launched in spring 2023, and AMR was the sole respondent. The RFP committee unanimously voted to proceed with AMR's proposal in July 2024. - API Engagement: API was engaged in March 2024 to help develop service level agreements and allow SFD to focus on core functions. Since September 2024, API worked with AMR to reconcile resident needs and establish reporting mechanisms. - Shared Objectives: 12 of 13 shared objectives (e.g., quarterly command staff meetings, staffing reporting, dispatch reconciliation, rehab protocols, joint training) are addressed in the contract. - Performance Management and SLAs: The contract focuses on the most critical (echo) calls: response time from call placement to care delivery must not exceed 8 minutes 59 seconds more than 10% of the time per month. Mutual aid reliance is capped at 3% of total call volume per month. Recent months have seen mutual aid below 2%, except for one brief period in February. - Accountability Mechanism: Instead of fines, the contract uses a three-tier escalation process: weekly meetings, then broader stakeholder involvement, and finally a public meeting requirement. - Contract Highlights: Three-year contract with two-year renewal option, no cost to the city. AMR will provide two scholarships per training class, visit high schools, establish a complaint hotline, maintain ambulances no older than 3–5 years, and allow SFD to deploy its own ambulances when needed. - Staffing and Deployment: AMR currently has 300 employees in Syracuse, deploys about 25 ambulances per day in the city, and handles 130–140 calls daily. The contract requires daily staffing reports to SFD. - Call Handling and Translation: The 911 center (Onondaga County) codes calls and dispatches AMR and SFD simultaneously. The county recently added AI translation capabilities. SFD first responders arrive within 3–4 minutes for serious calls, while AMR has a 9-minute target due to longer transport times (average 60 minutes per call turnaround). - Council Questions and Concerns: Council members raised issues about response times, the role of the 911 center, equitable deployment across neighborhoods, translation for non-English speakers, the impact of hospital offload delays, and the need for public reporting of performance data. Councilor noted a past incident where delayed response may have contributed to a death. Councilor questioned how GPS and new streets are addressed. Key Outcomes - No formal vote was taken; the work session was informational and preparatory for a study session scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2025. - The proposed contract includes specific performance metrics (8:59 min for echo calls, 3% mutual aid cap), monthly reporting, and a complaint hotline for residents. - Council members requested that the reporting component be made publicly accessible, possibly via a dashboard. The city and API agreed to explore this. - The contract is the first binding agreement between the city and AMR, providing oversight and transparency that did not exist previously. - Further discussion will occur at the upcoming study session, with additional questions expected from council members not present.

The Governance Committee of the Syracuse Housing Strategies Corporation met on August 20, 2025, to discuss the future of the Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) and to receive updates on the Neighborhood Block Challenge program. Key decisions were made regarding program eligibility and clarifications on allowable expenses. Discussion Items - Resident Advisory Committee (RAC): Michelle (staff) presented an update on the RAC, explaining that legal advice from the corporation counsel indicated that ethics provisions applicable to board members and staff would also apply to RAC members, preventing them from applying for funds during their term and for two years after. Two options were discussed: (A) dissolve the RAC and continue informal community engagement through Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD), or (B) keep the RAC with explicit disclosure of the restrictions. Several committee members, including Councilor Caldwell and Don, expressed concerns about duplication of efforts with existing neighborhood associations and the need to ensure broad community engagement. Caitlin noted that the council could revisit the enabling legislation. The committee agreed to seek further clarification from corporation counsel before finalizing a decision. - Neighborhood Block Challenge Program Updates: Michelle provided updates on the program rollout, including the application opening date (Friday of the meeting week), the team requirement (minimum of three homeowners, with at least one visible from the applicant's property), and the 50% reimbursement model (up to $2,500 per property). The program has a $70,000 budget for the current year. Discussion included concerns about potential oversubscription and the need for additional funding. The committee discussed program terms and clarifications. Key Outcomes - Resident Advisory Committee: The committee will circle back with corporation counsel to determine whether the enabling legislation can be amended to allow a more flexible approach (option A) or whether the current restrictions require formal appointments (option B). A decision will be made within the next week. - Block Challenge Program – Hazard Tree Removal: The committee agreed to allow removal of trees deemed hazardous, provided documentation is submitted. No support for removal of healthy trees. - Block Challenge Program – Project Completion Deadline: The committee approved a universal extension for applicants to complete their projects by June 2026, instead of the standard 90-day window, due to weather constraints. - Block Challenge Program – Ineligible Expenses: The committee agreed to prohibit the installation of newly enclosed front porches (but allowed improvements to existing enclosed porches). The removal of a front porch without replacement was also prohibited (with replacement required to be in-kind or same size). The committee did not reach consensus on restricting front yard fences; the proposal was dropped, so fences remain eligible under current program terms. - Block Challenge Program – Approval Process: It was confirmed that teams meeting program terms do not require individual board approval; deviations from terms will be brought back to the board. The program will be administered on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, with the board to be convened if oversubscription occurs.

The Syracuse Planning Commission met on August 18, 2025, to consider a range of land use applications including zoning text amendments, subdivisions, special use permits, and site plan reviews. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for former member Dr. Ruben Cowert. Commissioners approved multiple items, held one application for further review, and took action on two three-mile limit cases. Consent Calendar - Minutes of July 28, 2025: Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Lafayette Hills Estate Project (MASPR-25-13): Kathleen Stribley (316 Monasolo Drive North, Syracuse) spoke in opposition, citing concerns about stormwater pond lining, water table issues, traffic impacts, and segmentation of the project. She noted the project's density and potential impacts on the Valley neighborhood. Another speaker, Jim Calasharino (140 Lafayette Road), expressed concerns about water pressure and traffic congestion. The applicant responded, stating they would line the ponds, work with the city on traffic, and address water pressure. - Taste of Brooklyn Restaurant (4141 South Salina Street): Multiple speakers spoke in favor, including Councilor Peter Pani Awa (at-large), Bernard Alex (National Action Network), and members of the Minority Entertainment Coalition who highlighted the need for black-owned businesses, job creation, and community investment. Opponents included Kathleen Stribley, Robin Baker (123 Fillmore Ave), and Rhonda Visi (117 Seneca Drive), who cited noise, late-night hours, and past problems with the previous bar. The applicant, Chanel Pickard, expressed willingness to meet with neighbors and address police recommendations. Discussion Items - Text Amendments Z-2880 (Rezoning): The commission reviewed updated language for the PID section and other changes. A motion was made to approve the package of text amendments with the exception of Table 2.15G, which would remain unchanged. The motion passed unanimously, sending the amendments to the Common Council. - Resubdivision R-25-3 (500 Seymour Street): Catholic Charities seeks to subdivide a parcel into two lots: one for a residential building (to be sold) and one for a commercial building (retained). The commission approved the subdivision after a negative SEQRA declaration, with a condition to file within 62 days. - Special Use Permit SP-25-19 (2000 South Ave): The applicant sought a special use permit for a certificate of use for an existing building with six residential units (four vacant) and a commercial space. The commission approved the permit with five conditions, including no tobacco sales, no window signage, and sidewalk repair. - Municipal Parking Lot Project (SP-25-22 / MASPR-25-17, 1171 West Fad Street): A 100-space municipal parking lot for police and fire departments. Commissioners added a condition for bicycle parking (one rack per six spaces). Approved with six conditions. - Lafayette Hills Estate Master Plan (MASPR-25-13, 555 Lafayette Road): A 263-unit first phase of a lifestyle community on the former golf course. After a detailed SEQRA review led by staff, the commission issued a negative declaration and approved the master plan. The project will return for future site plan reviews for each phase. - South Av Apartments (MASPR-15-16 / R-25-40, 680 South Av): An 8-unit lot combination to create 51 mixed-income units. The commission conducted a SEQRA review and issued a negative declaration but held the application pending a Board of Zoning Appeals decision on a building length variance. - Icon Lofts (MASPR-25-1-2, 311 Ganant Drive): A 75-unit rehabilitation of a historic building with 73 parking spaces. The commission approved the site plan with four conditions, including landmark preservation approval and coordination with DOT for the I-81 project. - Taste of Brooklyn Restaurant (4141 South Salina Street): The applicant proposed a restaurant (no alcohol) with hours 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. (takeout after 10 p.m.). Police SEPTED recommendations were not fully addressed. After extensive public comment, the commission chose to hold the application to allow the applicant to meet with neighbors, revise the SEPTED response, and reconsider operating hours. - Three-Mile Limits: Two cases were approved: 3S-25-08 (4774 Cleveland Road / 4848 West Seneca Turnpike, Town of Onondaga) and 3S-25-10 (500-02 Old Liverpool Road, Town of Salina). Both had city engineer approval. Key Outcomes - Text Amendments Z-2880: Approved and forwarded to Common Council. - Resubdivision R-25-3: Approved with condition to file within 62 days. - Special Use Permit SP-25-19: Approved with five conditions. - Municipal Parking Lot SP-25-22 / MASPR-25-17: Approved with six conditions. - Lafayette Hills Master Plan MASPR-25-13: Approved after negative SEQRA declaration. - South Av Apartments: SEQRA negative declaration issued; application held for BZA action. - Icon Lofts MASPR-25-1-2: Approved with four conditions. - Taste of Brooklyn Restaurant: Application held for further work by applicant. - Three-Mile Limits: Both approved. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:55 p.m.

On August 14, 2025, Mayor and city officials held a community briefing covering summer health concerns, a significant reduction in crime statistics, updates on traffic enforcement and school zone cameras, the launch of an online permitting portal, worker safety improvements from the new trash/recycling cart system, and a call for CDL drivers. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were taken during the briefing. A Q&A session with attending media covered pedestrian safety during construction and the status of increased police presence in Armory Square. Discussion Items - Health Update (Summer 2025): Dr. Katie Anderson and the Onondaga County Health Department reported two residents hospitalized for mosquito-borne illnesses (Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus), increased reports of rabies from animal bites (bats, cats, dogs), no measles cases in Onondaga County but cases elsewhere, and peak season for tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease). Residents were urged to use EPA-approved repellents, remove standing water, stay up to date on MMR vaccines, and check for ticks. - Crime Statistics (ComStat): Mayor reported year-over-year reductions: homicides down 33.3%, violent crime down 18%, property crime down 29.2%, stolen vehicles down 51.7%, and overall Part I crime down 27%. Compared to the 5-year average, Part I crime down 11.3%, violent offenses down 25.7%, property crime down 7.1%. Nationally, Syracuse outperformed averages: homicides down 33% vs. 17% national, aggravated assaults down 22% vs. 10%, motor vehicle thefts down 52% vs. 25%. Chief Cecil added that shooting victim numbers (killed or injured) are two lower than 2024's record low of 46, and are 50% below the 5-year average of 88 and 45% below the 10-year average of 81. Proactive policing (e.g., 76 COPER curves and 191 self-initiated stops in the past week) and community violence intervention were credited. - Mayor's Office to Reduce Gun Violence: Director Latif Johnson-Kinsey described three coordination coalitions (city-county, faith-based, and outreach), expanded canvassing by SNUG (doubled in hotspot areas), and custom notifications for youth (ages 14-15) involved with gun violence. He asked parents to call the office if guns are in the home. - Traffic Safety & School Zone Enforcement: Mayor announced that bus stop arm cameras are already operational. School zone speed cameras and red-light cameras will begin rollout on September 3, 2025, with a 60-day warning period before $50 fines (plus $25 penalty if unpaid). The program is a major undertaking involving multiple city departments. - Online Permitting Portal: Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens announced the launch of an online portal for residential and commercial building permits, allowing 24/7 access, document upload, fee payment with credit card, and download of permit placards. Right-of-way and zoning permits will follow later. - Trash & Recycling Cart Safety: Data showed shoulder injuries in the Division of Sanitation dropped from 41% of all city shoulder injuries (17 incidents, 7 requiring time off) in 2020-2022 to 3% (2 incidents, $257 total cost, no time off) in 2024, attributed to the new cart system. - CDL Driver Recruitment: Mayor announced a call for CDL drivers to work for the city, especially at DPW for snow plowing. Interested individuals can visit syr.gov/workforsyracuse. Training opportunities are available. - Q&A Responses: - Pedestrian safety during construction: Chief Cecil and Mayor outlined plans including public awareness campaigns, outreach to NYS DOT and construction companies, alternative routes, and a Vision Zero plan pending Common Council adoption. - Armory Square police presence: Chief Cecil confirmed that an increased detail (including SPD and other agencies) has eliminated early-morning block parties and remains in place; the size is reviewed weekly and will not be reduced prematurely. Key Outcomes - Continued coordination among city, county, state, federal, and community partners to sustain crime reductions. - School zone speed cameras and red-light cameras to begin September 3, 2025, with warnings for 60 days. - Online permitting portal launched; additional permit types (right-of-way, zoning) to follow. - CDL driver recruitment campaign initiated to address shortages before winter. - Armory Square police surge to continue until conditions allow reduction.

The Syracuse Common Council met on August 11, 2025, presided over by President Hudson. The meeting opened with an invocation and roll call. The Council approved the minutes of the prior meeting, received a committee report on the DPW committee meeting about VO bikes (August 5th at 2 p.m.), and a communication from the City Auditor titled "Following the Fire: Analysis of 2024 Vacant Structure Fires." The Council then voted on a series of agenda items, including multiple unanimous approvals, holds, and withdrawals. Key discussion items centered on resolutions honoring Dr. Reuben P. Kohart and Council President Hudson. Consent Calendar - Items 9A (held), 9B, 10, 11–16, 19–22, 24, 27–29, 30–31, 34, 38, 40–41, 42–44, 52–53 were adopted unanimously, with the following exceptions: - Items 17, 23, 25, 26, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 39 were held for committee or pending letters. - Items 18, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 were withdrawn. - For Item 43, Councillors Jones Rouser and Monto abstained due to board membership; the item passed unanimously with the abstentions noted. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded. Discussion Items - Resolution 52 (Item 52): Honoring Dr. Reuben P. Kohart – Councillor Caldwell introduced a resolution to honor the late Dr. Reuben P. Kohart for his trailblazing efforts in community healthcare. The resolution highlighted his founding of the Syracuse Community Health Center in 1977, which now employs over 450 people and serves approximately 65,000 patients annually, making it Onondaga County's largest community health organization. The Council unanimously adopted the resolution. - Resolution 53 (Item 53): Honoring Council President Hudson – Councillor Caldwell proposed a resolution to honor President Hudson with a street sign. Councillor Nader noted that this is the first time the Council has voted to honor a sitting member in this way. Councillors Machok, Paniagua, and others expressed deep appreciation for President Hudson's leadership, mentorship, and dedication to the community. The resolution was adopted unanimously. Key Outcomes - All items listed in the consent calendar were approved as indicated, with holds and withdrawals as noted. - The Council adjourned following the adoption of the final items.

The Syracuse City Council met on August 11, 2025, to review and act on a wide range of agenda items, including waivers, contracts, resolutions, and public works projects. Councillors held several items for further discussion or committee review, withdrew others, and approved numerous resolutions and contracts. Key discussions centered on emergency park repairs, contract renewal terms, and a street naming resolution. Discussion Items - Item 9A (Welch Terrace meeting): Held pending a meeting with residents. - Item 9B: Declared ready for approval. - Item 10: Declared ready. - Items 11–18: Item 17 held; Item 18 withdrawn; Items 19, 20, 21, 22 declared ready. Item 23 held for a committee meeting on the city’s ambulatory operation. - Item 13 (Parks Monuments and Fountains): Commissioner Burr raised concerns about using local vendors for the emergency repair of a collapsed vault at Hanover Square. Parks Commissioner stated cash capital is exhausted for fiscal year 2025, and the request is an emergency repair. A committee meeting will be scheduled. - Items 30–35: Items 30 and 31 declared ready; Items 32 and 33 (companion pieces) held; Item 34 declared ready; Item 35 held. - Items 36–41 (Waivers and RFPs): Councillor Williams presented these items. Councillors expressed concern about the lack of an RFP process for renewals, particularly for IPS (Item 39), which is critical for daily codes department operations. Corporation counsel Joe Barry explained that the council cannot unilaterally change contract terms without the mayor’s consent. Councillors sought one-year terms without renewal options. It was agreed to discuss further and decide by 1:00 p.m. whether to hold or pass the items. - Items 42–44: Approved. Item 42: agreement with assessment commission; Item 43: agreement with Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today; Item 44: home ownership development agreement. - Items 45–51: Withdrawn to allow more outreach to affected families. - Items 52–53: Resolutions. Item 52: honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Ruben Cole. Item 53: requesting Onondaga County Department of Planning to name a new street in honor of Helen D. Hudson. Corporation counsel explained the process. Both resolutions were unanimously approved. Key Outcomes - Held: Items 9A, 17, 23, 25, 26, 32, 33, 35, and pending decision on Items 36–39. - Withdrawn: Items 18, 45–51. - Approved (declared ready): Items 9B, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 42, 43, 44, and Resolutions 52 and 53. - Next steps: A committee meeting will be scheduled for Item 23 (medical transport response) and for parks-related discussions. Further outreach will be conducted on Items 45–51. A decision on Items 36–39 is expected by 1:00 p.m. on the same day.

The Citizen Review Board held its regular meeting on August 7, 2025, at 5:32 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, election of a vice chairman, discussion on accessing police body camera footage, updates from the administrator, planning for community outreach, action on board attendance, and establishment of a bylaws review committee. Consent Calendar - None (the approval of June and July minutes was done as separate motions, not as a consent calendar). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to comment. Discussion Items - Approval of June and July Minutes: The board ratified the June meeting minutes (motion passed unanimously). The July meeting minutes were also approved (motion passed unanimously). - Election of Vice Chairman: Peggy was nominated and elected as the new vice chairman. She accepted the position. - Board Secretary Position: The duties were not known; the matter was tabled until the next meeting. - Accessing Evidence.com: A major discussion about purchasing a license for evidence.com to access police body camera footage directly, rather than going through Internal Affairs. The board voted to authorize exploring the cost and to bring back information for a future decision. The motion passed. - Administrator Report (Nolita): Reported on July activities: tabling at Wine and Jazz Fest, meeting with Police Chief, attending mayoral candidates forum, training on PeopleSoft and Chronos, hiring of Julie Bonifest as legal secretary, and plans for further hiring. Referral made to Sergeant Grimsley regarding Lexapol and Evidence.com. - Upcoming Outreach Events: Board discussed tabling at upcoming events: New York State Fair (Pan African village) – on waiting list; Hispanic event on August 16 in Clinton Square – will contact organization. Need Spanish-language literature. - Meet and Greet: Board members proposed a meet and greet event at the office; members will suggest dates. - Attendance and Board Membership: A board member missed more than four consecutive meetings. A letter to councilman Choke and Marty was approved to request removal. Two vacancies exist (one district, one at-large); letter will be sent to council to fill them. - Bylaws Review Committee: Extended discussion on whether to create an external advisory board or a committee to review bylaws and legislation. Ultimately, the board voted to establish a bylaws committee of seven members, to include the director. The motion passed. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Approval of June and July minutes: passed unanimously. - Election of Peggy as Vice Chairman: passed. - Motion to explore evidence.com: passed. - Motion to send letter regarding removal of absent board member: passed. - Motion to establish a bylaws committee of seven members (including director): passed. - Directives: - Chair to send letters to council about board member removal and vacancies. - Members to submit three possible dates for the meet and greet. - Administrator to follow up on evidence.com cost and Lexapol/Evidence.com contacts. - Board members to review bylaws and propose names for the bylaws committee. - Next Steps: The board will reconvene in executive session after adjournment.

The Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board met on August 7, 2025, to consider two certificates of appropriateness: a window replacement project at 350 Montgomery Street (continuation from a previous meeting) and a new exterior color scheme at 108 Circle Drive. Both applications were approved unanimously. The board also discussed an upcoming project at 330 DeWitt Street. Discussion Items - 350 Montgomery Street – Window Replacement (CA-25-17): Michael Forsino, the applicant’s representative, presented the project. The board had previously closed public comment. After deliberation, the board noted the work appeared to be the best possible option and praised the outcome. A motion to approve as submitted was made and seconded, and passed unanimously. - 108 Circle Drive – Exterior Color Scheme (CA-25-19): Jody Upton and Matt Kisling, the homeowners, proposed painting the house body dark blue with white trim, shutters, and windows, and a bird’s-eye maple door. No painting of brick or stone. No public comments were offered in favor or opposition. The board praised the house and the color choice. A motion to approve was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Future Project – 330 DeWitt Street: Board member Kate Awitter reported that a contractor had contacted her about replacing wood siding (clapboard) on a house in the Sedgwick district. The board discussed the need to inspect the existing siding condition to determine if full replacement is necessary. Awitter will arrange a site visit for interested board members on a Monday or Friday. Key Outcomes - Approval of CA-25-17 (350 Montgomery Street): Certificate of appropriateness granted for window replacement. Motion passed unanimously. - Approval of CA-25-19 (108 Circle Drive): Certificate of appropriateness granted for the new paint scheme. Motion passed unanimously. - Site Visit Planned: Board will conduct a site visit at 330 DeWitt Street to assess siding condition before a formal application is submitted.

The Syracuse Common Council held a regular session on August 6, 2025, to discuss and act on a wide range of legislative items including donations, grants, contracts, and land transfers. Several items were held for further information, particularly around data privacy, vendor RFPs, and compliance reporting. Key speakers included Commissioner Saisha Byrd (Parks), Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, and various council members. Discussion Items - Parks and Recreation (Items 11–16): Commissioner Byrd presented a donation from Syracuse University of used water coolers (value ≤ $1,000), a grant application for HVAC upgrades at three community centers, a bond ordinance not to exceed $150,000 for fountains, and contracts for veterinary and pet cremation services. Council members questioned the use of bonding vs. cash capital for fountains; the item was held pending budget information. - Police Department (Items 17–20): Chief discussed contracts for Sydney Irving (national anthem singer) – held due to council preference for city residents; a payment for Jimmy Oliver’s summer camp ($2,500) approved; emergency advertising for civil service tests (cost $12,000) approved, with a future plan to submit legislation twice a year for routine recruitment. The Chief also highlighted recruitment efforts targeting minority candidates and updated the maximum hiring age to 43 (state change). - Citizens Review Board (Items 21–22): Nalita from CRB requested funding for legal services (≤ $25,000) and investigation services (Virgil Hudson). Council members asked about board training; CRB plans to cross-train staff and will hire a legal secretary. Items were approved. - Fire Department – AMR Contract (Item 23): Fire Chief presented a contract with AMR for ambulance transport at no cost to the city. The contract includes performance metrics, monthly meetings, a complaint resolution process, and limits AMR to turning back only 3% of calls. Council President Hudson raised concerns about 911 response delays; the Chief promised to follow up with the county. The item was held pending delivery of AMR call data to the council by Monday. - Deputy Mayor – CNY Works (Item 24): Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens requested $50,000 for administrative costs for workforce development programs. Council members asked about pension credit for youth participants; it was noted that youth are employees of CNY Works (a 501c3) and not eligible for state pension. The item was approved. - School Zone Traffic Enforcement & Vision Zero (Items 25–27): COO Connor Muldoon presented a revocable permission agreement for school zone speed cameras. Council members expressed concerns about data privacy and potential sharing with other government agencies. The item was held until a global data policy is developed. Items 26–27 (Vision Zero plan and Safe Streets grant application) were also held for further discussion. - Lighting Expo & Park Closure (Items 28–29): In-kind donation for lighting expo in Chicago and extension of Billings Park closure (to May 31, 2026) were approved. - Land Sales & Zoning (Items 30–35): Commissioner Matt O’Jean (Assessment) presented items to rescind a lease for Eastwood Heights and authorize sale, along with a zone change for bus drop-off near STEAM School and revocation of a special use permit for a store on E. Calvin St. due to illegal cannabis sales. Many items were held for public hearings or further coordination. - Software Contracts (Items 36–40): Director of Digital Services Vinny Scipione sought waivers for software renewals. Council members pressed for information on when each was last put out for RFP. The items were held pending a report. - TNT Funding (Item 42): A $100,000 funding request for TNT (The Neighborhood Things) was discussed. Council members requested a compliance report on how funds were used; the item was held until the report is distributed. - Affordable Housing & Land Transfers (Items 44–51): Deputy Commissioner Marcel Slipanski presented a grant application (≤ $1 million) for 27 townhomes with Home Headquarters. Council noted a prior budget allocation of $1 million; split 50/50 between this project and urgent care was discussed. Items 45–51 involved transfer of foreclosed properties to the Land Bank; council members noted low amounts owed and requested additional outreach to current residents before transferring. Key Outcomes - Approved: Donation of water coolers (Item 11), grant application for HVAC (Item 12), bond for fountains (Item 13) – pending budget clarification, veterinary and pet cremation contracts (Items 15–16), Jimmy Oliver camp payment (Item 19), emergency advertising for civil service test (Item 20), CRB legal and investigation services (Items 21–22), CNY Works administrative funding (Item 24), lighting expo donation (Item 28), Billings Park closure extension (Item 29). - Held for More Information: Sydney Irving contract (Item 18), AMR contract (Item 23), school zone camera agreement (Item 25), Vision Zero plan (Item 26), Safe Streets grant (Item 27), software waivers (Items 36–39), TNT funding (Item 42), affordable housing grant (Item 44). - Directives: Chief to provide AMR call data before next meeting; administration to develop a global data policy; software RFPs history to be supplied; TNT to submit compliance report; outreach to residents in foreclosed properties before land transfer votes.