Public Meetings - Syracuse, New York

The Syracuse Common Council met on June 29, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM to conduct routine business, including approval of minutes, committee reports, and adoption of numerous items. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Pastor Dwayne Barkins of Brotherly Love Church. Notable actions included a vote on a water rate increase (item 88) that passed 6–2, and the appointment of Ibrahim Mohammed to the Citizen Review Board (CRB). Opening & Minutes Approval - Council approved the minutes of the June 18, 2026 meeting unanimously. Committee Reports - Councillor reported that the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee met on June 23 to discuss bonds around the Syracuse Housing Strategy Project. - A second committee met on June 29 (the same day) at 11:00 AM to discuss right-of-way and fee violation schedules. Communications - A communication was received from Syracuse University regarding acceptance of terms and conditions of Ordinance No. 225, 2026 (the Graduate Hotel communication). Adoption of Ordinances & Resolutions Council introduced and adopted a large block of items (items 8A, 10–11, 14–46, 61–70, 71–85, 86–89, 92, 93, 95, 96, 98) mostly by unanimous vote. Items held for later consideration included: 9 (withdrawn), 12, 13 (public hearing on June 6 at 5:30 PM – discrepancy noted: date appears prior to meeting), 47–60, 90, 91, 94, 97. Discussion & Vote on Item 88 (Water Rate Increase) - Councillor initially voted in favor of item 88, then moved to reconsider her vote, stating: "I'm watching how we've raised the water rates probably every year for the last four to five years. And I'm just not comfortable to keep tagging on another four percent to the water." She and Councillor Hudson and Councillor Nave voted against. The item passed with a vote of 6–2 (Councillors Codwell, Machot, Aaron, Moore, Jones Browser, Mato in favor; Hudson and Nave opposed). Appointment to the Citizen Review Board (Item 98) - Councillor Majok expressed appreciation to colleagues for holding a seat for a new American on the CRB. He introduced Ibrahim Mohammed to fill the vacant position. The appointment was adopted unanimously. Adjournment The meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Syracuse City Council convened on June 29, 2026, at 4:02 PM EDT. Due to the absence of any provided agenda, minutes, or transcript, it is not possible to identify specific agenda items, speakers, positions, votes, or decisions. This summary is based solely on the metadata that the meeting occurred at the indicated date and time. No public testimony, discussion, or outcomes can be reported. Limitations - No agenda was available. - No minutes were available. - The raw transcript was empty.

During a council work session on June 29, 2026, city engineering and law department staff presented proposed amendments to the right-of-way fee ordinance. The discussion centered on restructuring work zone traffic control and construction staging fees, addressing long-term road closures, bonding requirements, and enforcement capacity. Council members raised concerns about insufficient data on current permit activity, adequacy of proposed fees, potential retroactivity, and the need for better accountability and staffing. No votes were taken; the council requested additional information before reconvening. Discussion Items - Restructuring construction staging and work zone fees: Eric (engineering) explained that the current per-square-foot fee structure for construction staging has been difficult to interpret and monitor. The proposal would replace it with a per-daily rate based on lane closures and road closures, with step increases after 90 and 180 days. Higher rates would apply in business improvement districts (BIDs) like downtown and Marshall Street, reflecting greater impact. Council members questioned whether the BID boundaries were too narrow, citing high-impact areas such as the Inner Harbor or Destiny USA corridor. Eric agreed to explore broader definitions of high-density areas. - Two separate fee schedules: The proposed ordinance creates a distinct schedule for public utility work (retaining some per-square-foot metrics) and a new schedule for construction and development. Mary (law department) clarified that the utility schedule has worked well and would remain; only the general construction schedule needed revision due to unintended consequences. - Long-term road closure approval: Current policy allows DPW to approve 90-day closures, with council approval required beyond that. The proposal would require council authorization from day one for closures anticipated to exceed 90 days, providing long-term certainty to lenders and developers. It would also mandate quarterly compliance reporting and include a revocation process for uncured violations. Council members expressed concern about losing control if projects overrun their timelines; Eric noted that extensions would still require council approval. - Bonding for refundable fees: The current ordinance requires cash, check, or money order for refundable fees. The proposal introduces the option to post a bond, which Eric argued would help contractors with multiple city projects maintain liquidity. A council member cautioned that bonding must remain in effect until work is completed satisfactorily. - Fees for sidewalk closures, advertising signs, and violations: The proposal includes a flat fee for advertising signs, a tiered fee for sidewalk closures (assessed every 14 days based on proximity to curb line), and updated violation penalties. Some council members deemed the stop-work order and reinspection fees too low to serve as effective deterrents; others thought the reinspection fee might be too high for encouraging prompt corrections. - Staffing and enforcement capacity: Eric noted a vacancy for a right-of-way construction manager and ongoing discussions about adding inspectors. He suggested cross-training other department inspectors to identify right-of-way violations. Key Outcomes - No motions were made or votes taken. The council directed Eric to prepare a report with complete data on permits issued under the current ordinance (from both old and new databases) and revenue generated. The council also asked Eric to revisit specific fee amounts (e.g., public utility trailer fees, violation fees) before the next session. The meeting was adjourned with plans to reconvene for further discussion after the data is compiled. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the work session.

The meeting on June 26, 2026, was a special event honoring Coach Rick Brunson, a Syracuse native and father of NBA champion Jalen Brunson. The session featured a conversation with Coach Brunson about his journey, his son's championship, and his roots in Syracuse. No formal city business or votes were conducted. Key Outcomes - Coach Brunson was celebrated as a hometown hero, with speakers emphasizing his connection to Syracuse and his family's legacy. - The meeting highlighted the importance of hard work and discipline, with Brunson quoting his son's mantra \"the magic is in the work.\" - No formal decisions or referrals were made.

The Joint School Construction Board (JSCB) met on June 25, 2026, to receive reports on financial activities, project progress, and diversity compliance, and to authorize payments and a change order. The board also entered executive session for legal discussions on the project labor agreement and the Elms contract closeout. Consent Calendar - Acceptance of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from May 21, 2026. (Unanimous) - Resolution 14‑2026 – Monthly Payments to Contractors: Authorized monthly payments to all JSCB contractors, including the Program Manager, at a cost not to exceed the specified amount. (Moved, seconded, all in favor) - Change Order for Elms Close‑out: Approved a change order of $135,000 to close out the Expeditionary Learning School (Elms) project, finalizing Phase II. (Unanimous) Reports Secretary’s Report - Audit: The city and school district are engaging the Bonadio Group for the annual audit; the JSCB’s audit will be a separate report in November. - Bond Refunding: The JSCB successfully closed on a bond refunding on June 17, 2026, saving approximately $5 million. A similar refunding is planned for 2027 if market conditions remain favorable. - Executive Session: The board was informed of two legal items requiring executive session: the Elms close‑out and negotiations on the Project Labor Agreement (PLA). Program Manager’s Report - Nottingham Project Timeline: Schematic design documents were received from the Nottingham team. The construction manager will perform an estimate, and the package will be submitted to the State Education Department (SED) by late July/early August (on schedule). Design development submission is planned for November 2026, construction documents in Q2 2027, and bid/construction start in Q3 2027. - Public Input: Three public input sessions were held at the three “A” buildings (Webster, CMOR, Nottingham). Feedback was generally positive; concerns about traffic flow at Webster (kitchen/cafeteria) and at CMOR (drop‑off/dismissal) were noted and will be addressed in designs. Another input session is planned for September 2026. - CM Services: A kickoff meeting was held, and monthly meetings with SED continue. Diversity Officer’s Report (Sherelle Pace, Assistant Director, Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact, City of Syracuse) - Overview: Ms. Pace described her office's support for the project’s diversity plan, including reviewing the plan, workforce training, and procurement compliance. All utilization plans for professional services (PM, A/E, CM) have met or exceeded the 30% MWBE goal. - Workforce Training: Conversations focus on creating a direct pipeline from training programs to project employment, rather than only increasing the pool of trained individuals. - EEO Data (Hours): - Total hours to date: 871,000 (corrected from initial misstatement of 104,8007). - Minority hours: 18,544 (17.68% vs. 18% goal). - Women hours: 15,359,000 (15,359 hours? The transcript says "15,359,000 hours" but context suggests 15,359 hours – likely a recording error; reported as 14.65% vs. 12% goal). - City of Syracuse resident hours: 18,866 (17.99% vs. 20% goal). - Syracuse City School District (SCSD) resident hours: 15,743 (15.01% vs. 2% goal – well above target). - Utilization Data (Dollars): Approved payment applications were used; for firms with approved pay apps, actual payments to MWBE subcontractors were reported. Some firms had N/A due to no payment applications yet. The board requested headcount data in addition to hours. - Discussion on SCSD CTE Programs: A board member suggested leveraging current Career and Technical Education (CTE) students as a pipeline for internships and future employment on the project. The district will provide contact information to start that conversation. Key Outcomes - Bond Refunding: Completed with $5 million savings; second refunding planned for 2027. - Project Schedule: Nottingham project remains on track; public input incorporated. - Diversity Compliance: Met or exceeded goals in multiple categories; reporting will be expanded to include headcount and more detail as construction begins. An independent compliance officer will be brought in during the construction phase. - Executive Session: The board moved into executive session (after open‑session items) to discuss legal matters regarding the PLA and Elms close‑out. They returned to open session to approve the change order. - Next Meeting: Likely to include further reports on the PLA and diversity progress.

The Syracuse Landmarks Preservation Board met on June 25, 2026, to review a major site plan modification for exterior color changes at 311 Gannett Drive, conduct a public hearing on a door replacement at 310 Highland Avenue, and acknowledge the departure of board member Julia Marshall. The meeting included unanimous approval of the June 4, 2026 minutes and a discussion of board member transitions. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the June 4, 2026 meeting as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - For the public hearing on CA-2611 (310 Highland Avenue), the applicant, Mary Ann Hussein, testified that the door replacement was necessitated by a lead hazard and a safety risk to her three-year-old son, who had a blood lead level of 5. She stated that the lead paint and broken glass around the door led to the removal of the original leaded glass and door. One letter of opposition to the replacement door was received by the board and reviewed. Discussion Items - Major Site Plan Review – 311 Gannett Drive (Exterior Color Change): The applicant presented revised color schemes for the building, moving from blue accents to various gray and off-white colors. The board noted that the renderings appeared different across screens and requested the applicant provide paint color samples (Sherwin-Williams) to staff. The board also discussed the need to consider the color of coping and metal panels at the penthouse level. The board commented that the colors were compatible and thanked the applicant for returning with revisions. No vote was taken as this was a review item. - Public Hearing – CA-2611 for 310 Highland Avenue (Door Replacement): The applicant described replacing the original wooden door and leaded glass sidelights/transom with a steel or fiberglass six-panel door and solid white panels due to lead paint and broken glass. The board expressed concern that the work removed distinctive historic materials (leaded glass, wood door) and did not follow preservation standards. Board members noted that the proper protocol would have been to encapsulate the lead paint and repair or replace in kind. The board determined the changes were incompatible with the James Street Preservation District. Key Outcomes - Denial of CA-2611: The board voted to deny the application as submitted, based on Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation numbers 2, 5, 6, and 9. The denial was without prejudice, allowing the applicant to return with a revised design that is more compatible with the historic character of the house. Staff will work with the applicant to develop a compliant proposal. - Board Member Transition: Julia Marshall attended her last meeting. Members thanked her for 17 years of service, including her work on the preservation ordinance rezoning. The board will need to elect a new chair (vice chair will serve as interim) and fill the architect seat. Recommendations for a preservation architect living in the city are requested.

The Syracuse Common Council convened on June 24, 2026, to consider a lengthy agenda covering honorary namings, infrastructure contracts, public safety technology, water rates, land-use permits, and numerous routine departmental agreements. Many items were discussed in detail, with several held for further committee review or clarification. Discussion Items - Honorary Naming (Items 10-13): The council discussed naming a new concession stand after Mr. Gunn at Mountain View Park and a basketball court after Dennis Barnett. Parks staff reported that the concession stand bid documents are nearly final, with bidding expected within eight weeks. - West Side Trail Shared-Use Path (Items 16-18): City Engineer Mary Robison presented a TIP-funded project adding right-of-way acquisition fees (not to exceed $50,000) for a path adjacent to West Fayette Street. - Axon License Plate Readers (Item 22): Discussion centered on camera ownership (city-owned) and data privacy. The item was held pending further information, with a note that Flock cameras had been disabled as of June 22. - Water Department Agreements (Items 26-40): Deputy Commissioner Beth Smith presented numerous contracts for intake cleaning, SCADA monitoring, emergency welding, and a proposed 4% water rate increase effective July 1 (no increase last year). Councilors inquired about lead detection and algae monitoring. - Parks and Recreation Bonds (Items 47-60): A bond ordinance for Burnett Park improvements ($450,000) and other items were held for a parks committee meeting. The West Side Pump Track funding source was questioned; the mayor’s office clarified it is a city project, not funded by police. - Schiller Park Funding: Councilor noted $11.5 million in state funding from Assemblymember Magnarelli, Assemblymember Hunter, and Senator May for park improvements. - Tree Pit Enhancement (Items 61-62): A bond ordinance for tree pit improvements (not to exceed $2 million) was discussed. Councilor raised concerns about tree pruning near power lines and suggested planting fruit trees. - Roller Skating at Clinton Square: Commissioner announced free roller skating from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, with evening hours on Thursday and Friday, weather dependent. - ShotSpotter Renewal (Item 76): Deputy Chief Rich Trudell presented a renewal for the South Side deployment ($250,817). Councilor requested data on effectiveness, conviction rates, and community sentiment. The item was not voted on; data to be provided. - Funeral Procession Tickets (Item 86-87): A discussion arose over automated enforcement tickets issued to funeral processions. Leah Whitmer (Municipal Violations Bureau) explained that business rules are being revised; police will not require escorts but may require flags on all vehicles. Councilors expressed concern about empathy and community impact. The item was held for a committee meeting. - Fire Department Items (Items 77-85): Fire Chief Mike Mons presented agreements for EMT certification funds, fitness equipment maintenance, Jaws of Life repairs, and fire truck parts. No votes recorded. - Water Rate Increase (Item 88): The 4% increase, already approved in the adopted budget, was effectuated. Average increase of about $7 per year. - Destiny USA Appraisal (Item 89): Commissioner of Assessment requested an amendment to expand appraisal scope for 12 additional properties on Solar Street, per court order. No vote recorded. - AG’s Office Funds (Item 91): Proposal to accept $765,000 from the Attorney General for emergency repair and community ambassador programs. Held for clarification on account setup and fund designation. - Climate Action Plan (Item 92): Held for further discussion. - Special Use Permits (Items 93-95): - Item 93 (222 Messina) – neighborhood market; no opposition at planning commission. - Item 94 (500 Oakwood) – held after councilor expressed concerns about proximity to Dr. King School and past violations (tobacco, cannabis). The store cannot sell tobacco. - Item 95 (commissary kitchen) – approved for food trucks to dump gray water, with conditions; discussion about enforcement of hours and parking. Key Outcomes - Several items were voted on or advanced, but the transcript does not record explicit roll-call votes. Many items were held for committee meetings or further information. - The water rate increase of 4% was effectuated effective July 1, 2026, as part of the adopted budget. - The council agreed to hold meetings on the following: parks bonds (Items 47-60), funeral procession ticket policy, climate action plan, and the AG’s office fund acceptance. - Data on ShotSpotter effectiveness will be provided to the council. - The special use permit for the commissary kitchen (Item 95) was moved forward; Items 93 and 94 were held.

This special meeting of the Syracuse Common Council was held on June 18, 2026, to adopt a local law extending the budget process and to approve two budget amendments for fiscal year 2026-2027. The meeting began with a moment of silence, roll call, and communications from the City Clerk. Discussion Items - Local Law to Extend Budget Process (Item 4): First Assistant Corporation Counsel Joe Barry explained that the Mayor had issued a message of necessity, allowing the tabling process to be waived with a two‑thirds vote (six votes). The local law temporarily amends the city budget process, extending it from June 1 to June 30 for this year only, so that the council can adopt two amendments submitted by the Budget Director. Upon adoption, the amendments will be incorporated into the final city budget effective July 1. The Mayor will still hold a public hearing on the local law next week and must sign and deliver it to Albany by July 1. - Budget Amendments (Items 5 and 6): Two budget amendments were introduced and moved for adoption. Councilor Williams thanked the Governor and the state delegation for providing approximately $107 million in state aid to Syracuse for fiscal year 2026-2027, noting that municipalities across New York face mounting financial pressures. He emphasized that this additional state support is critical for maintaining essential services, infrastructure investments, and a responsible fiscal path. Key Outcomes - Item 4 (Local Law): Adopted unanimously (all present voted in favor). - Item 5 (Budget Amendment): Adopted unanimously. - Item 6 (Budget Amendment): Adopted unanimously. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent following the votes. Note: No public comments or consent calendar items were presented.

The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) Board of Directors met on June 16, 2026, at 11:55 AM to consider three agenda items: five local access policy waivers for the North Side Genesee project (The Rosie), three waivers for the Swanson Fulton Street project (311 Gannett), and an extension of the agency's agent appointment for the 250 Harrison Street project. All requests were approved unanimously. The board then entered executive session to discuss litigation and adjourned without further action. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting held May 19, 2026. Discussion Items North Side Genesee Project (The Rosie) – Five Waiver Requests - Item Presented By: Sue (SIDA staff) and Otis de Luca, Huber Brewer Construction (project sponsor). - Overview: The project, located on East Genesee Street and now called "The Rosie," is a large mixed-use development covering an entire city block. Leasing is scheduled to begin July 1, 2026, with project completion targeted for that date. The sponsor requested five waivers from SIDA's local access policy, totaling approximately 2.5% of total project costs. - Waiver 1 – Applied Coatings (West Winfield, NY): Spray-applied fireproofing for structural steel. Contract amount: $259,900 (0.4% of project costs). No local company can handle the scale. Local MWBE RH Fire confirmed lack of capacity. - Waiver 2 – Certified Commercial Installations (New Jersey): Residential cabinets and countertops. Contract amount: $988,336 (1.5% of project costs). Five bids received; two local bids did not cover the full scope. Local cabinet makers were not interested in partnering for the knockdown-style units. - Waiver 3 – Upside Innovations (Ohio): Prefabricated canopies for entry doors. Contract amount: $47,910 (0.1% of project costs). No local company was identified for this work. - Waiver 4 – Valiant Products (Ithaca, NY): Trash chutes and waste compactors. Contract amount not explicitly stated; approximately 0.4% of project costs. No local company provides this specialty equipment. - Waiver 5 – Wilcox Building Specialties (Ithaca, NY): Toilet, bath, and mail specialties (division 10 items such as toilet paper holders, mailboxes). Contract amount not stated; the five waivers collectively total 2.5% of project costs. No local companies are active in this specialty. - Votes: Each waiver was moved and seconded (Ken and Ricky) and approved unanimously. Swanson Fulton Street Project (311 Gannett) – Three Waiver Requests - Item Presented By: Sue (SIDA staff) and Lowell Niemitz (project sponsor, address 640 Fellows Ave, Syracuse). - Overview: Historic renovation of the building at 311 Gannett. Work includes abatement, demolition, and rough-in of mechanicals. - Waiver 1 – Rai Gone Foundations (Waterford, NY): Cast-in-place concrete foundations and slabs. Contract amount: $457,926 (2.2% of project costs). Only one of two bids covered the full scope; local contractors were saturated due to the I-81 and Micron projects. - Waiver 2 – CFE Roofing (Endicott, NY): New roofing, insulation, membranes, wood blocking, and parapet walls. Contract amount: $682,626 (3.4% of project costs). Four bids received; the lowest local bid did not include full scope. CFE was most competitive and the only bidder to capture all roof components. - Waiver 3 – Erie Contracting (Lancaster, NY, WBE-certified): Historic and non-historic windows, storefront glass and glazing, skylights. Contract amount: $889,874 (4.4% of project costs). Three bids; only Erie bid the full scope including historic windows at a cost meeting budget. - Votes: Each waiver was moved and seconded (Ricky and Ken) and approved unanimously. 250 Harrison Street – Extension of Agent Appointment - Item Presented By: Sue (SIDA staff). - Request: The project sponsor requested an extension of their appointment as SIDA's agent for completing the project. The current deadline is June 30, 2026; the extension would go through December 31, 2026. No additional financial assistance is requested; a small amount of sales tax exemption remains. - Rationale: Without a PILOT agreement, leases are tied to the construction period. Extending the leases to year-end allows SIDA to retain its interest so the sponsor can continue acting as agent. - Vote: Motion by Dirk, seconded by Ken. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All waiver requests approved without opposition: Five waivers for North Side Genesee (The Rosie) and three waivers for Swanson Fulton Street (311 Gannett). - Agent appointment extended for 250 Harrison Street through December 31, 2026. - Board entered executive session to discuss litigation, with no further action expected except adjournment. - Next steps: Projects to proceed with approved out-of-area contractors; The Rosie leasing begins July 1, 2026.