COMMON COUNCIL
of the
CITY OF SYRACUSE
REGULAR MEETING - JUNE 2, 2008
1:00 P.M. / (6/2)
1. /

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag - (Led by Hon. Bethaida Gonzàlez, President of the Syracuse Common Council)

2. /

Invocation - (Delivered by Pastor Joel Pena of the Seventh Adventist Church, Syracuse, New York)

3. /

Roll Call - (All Present-9)

4. /

Minutes - May 19, 2008 - (Adopted 9-0)

5. / Public Hearing - Relative to Agenda Item #36, “Authorize - The 2008/2009 Unimproved Street (Slurry Seal) Program for the streets listed on Appendix “A”, cost thereof to be charged to the premises fronting thereon. Charge to the proceeds from the sales of bonds, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $578,000.” (Public Hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) (NO APPEARANCES)
Public Hearing - Relative to Agenda Item #50, “Authorize - Lease Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid for non-commercial hangar operation at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for the period of five years, June 1, 2008-May 30, 2013 with 1 five-year renewal option. Total annual rent for the first term is $24,823, to increase annually on June 1 in an amount equal to the CPI or 5%, whichever is less, for the term of the agreement.” (Public Hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) (NO APPEARANCES)
6. /

Petitions - (none)

7. /

Committee Reports - (none)

8. /

Communications - (Jennifer Korn, U.S. Department of Justice, rejecting the Common Council’s request for information regarding procedures for investigation under the Patriot Act; City of Syracuse Debt Statement prepared as of May 16, 2008 for filing in the Office of the City Clerk on May 29, 2008 by David J. DelVecchio CPA, Commissioner of Finance, City of Syracuse; From Eric L Beattie, Director Campus Planning, Design and Construction, on behalf of Syracuse University, a letter accepting terms and conditions of Ord. #185 (05/05/08)

9. / UNFINISHED BUSINESS WHICH MAY BE CONSIDERED:
BY COUNCILOR ROBINSON:
a.
9-0 / Local Law – Of the City of Syracuse to convey all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as a Portion of Bartlett Street, to Robert Doucette for the total sum of $19,750. / LL
b.
9-0 / Local Law - Of the City of Syracuse to convey all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as a Portion of Homer Street, to Robert Doucette for the total sum of $19,775. / LL
------
NEW BUSINESS
------
BY PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ:
10.
9-0 / Resolution - Approving the Appointment of Various Persons as Commissioners of Deeds for 2008. / 17-R
BY COUNCILOR JOY:
11.
9-0 / Authorize - The City of Syracuse to adopt a Negative Declaration pursuant to the SEQR Act for the Restore NY Near Westside Initiative Project. The City of Syracuse is acting as Lead Agency for the project. / 252
BY COUNCILOR RYAN, PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ & ALL COUNCILORS:
12.
9-0 / Resolution - Memorializing the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly and the New York State Governor to support the New York State “Bigger Better Bottle Bill.” / 18-R
BY COUNCILOR RYAN:
13.
H / Amend - Ord. #437 (07/30/07), “Appropriate Funds - From Unallocated cash capital account #07.01101 in the amount of $959,000 to an account to be established by the Commissioner of Finance for equipment and motor vehicles, as specified in Schedule “A” on behalf of the Police Department.” Amend Schedule “A” to add a 15-passenger van. Total cost not to exceed $23,885. Total amount remains the same. / H
14.
9-0 / Agreement - With (2) Fire Department Chaplains for the period of July 1, 2008 –June 30, 2009. Total cost of $2,600 per chaplain, not to exceed $5,200. If only the current chaplain, Father Dan O’Hara, is available, he is to be reimbursed the entire amount. / 253
15.
9-0 / Agreement - With Timothy J. Downes for services provided for the ongoing training program for the Fire Department for the period of July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Total cost of $25 per hour, not to exceed $21,600. / 254
16.
9-0 / Agreement - With John DePasquale for services relative to fire suppression review service, code analysis and enforcement, fire safety aspects concerning major developments and training programs for the Department of Fire, for the period of July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Total cost of $12.50 per hour not to exceed $4,944. / 255
17.
9-0 / Agreement - With Dr. Joseph Markham M.D. to provide emergency medical services for the Department of Fire for the period of July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Total cost not to exceed $5,000. / 256
18.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From Jerome Fire Equipment, MSA Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, equipment and repair parts, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Fire. Total cost not to exceed $42,000. / 257
BY COUNCILOR MINER:
19.
H / Authorize - Syracuse City School District use of fund balance in the amount of $2,000,000 to balance the District’s 2007-2008 budget at $326,960,130 for expenses as detailed in Exhibit “A”. / H
20.
9-0 / Lease Agreements - With Boys and Girls Club, 2100 E. Fayette Street, no charge, Dunbar Center, 1453 South State Street, no charge, for the period of September 1, 2008-June 30, 2009, for Homebound Instruction Programs on behalf of the Syracuse City School District. / 258
21.
9-0 / Lease Agreements - With P.E.A.C.E., Inc., 211 Bassett St, no charge - Syracuse Housing Authority, 203 East Castle St., $25 per month - St. Vincent’s Church, 1103 Burnet Ave., $821 per month, for Pre-Kindergarten Programs for the period of September 1, 2008-June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Syracuse City School District. / 259
22.
9-0 / Lease Agreements - With Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, 228 Davis St., $300 per month - Holy Trinity Church, 501 Park St., $5,628 per month, for the period of July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009 - Elmcrest Children’s Center, 960 Salt Springs Rd., $12,827 per month, and North Area Athletic & Education Center, 507 Pond St., no charge for the period of September 1, 2008-August 31, 2009, for various programs on behalf of the Syracuse City School District. / 260
BY COUNCILOR MINER, PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ & ALL COUNCILORS:
23.
9-0 / Resolution - In recognition of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Day to be celebrated on Saturday, June 7, 2008 in the City of Syracuse. / 19-R
BY COUNCILOR ROBINSON:
24.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 110 Elmhurst Avenue, a vacant lot, to Allen Munro for the total sum of $1,325. / 261
25.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 1232 S. State Street, a vacant lot, to Brotherly Love of C.O.G.I.C. for the total sum of $2,525. / 262
26.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 179 and 181 W. Corning Avenue, a wood house and garage, to Anthony & Catina McFarland for the total sum of $11,475. / 263
27.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 652 Gifford Street Rear, a vacant lot, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $1,025. / 264
28.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Vacant Structure for Non-Profits Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 224 Fellows Avenue, a wood house and garage, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $151. / 265
29.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Vacant Structure for Non-Profits Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 2327 S. Salina Street, a wood house and garage, to People’s AME Zion Church for the total sum of $151. / 266
30.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Small Residential Vacant Lot Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 136 John Street to Belay Girma for the total sum of $550. / 267
31.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Small Residential Vacant Lot Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 137 Randall Avenue to Allan Munro for the total sum of $550. / 268
32.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Small Residential Vacant Lot Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 410 Tioga Street and Fabius Street to Irene C. Benton for the total sum of $550. / 269
33.
9-0 / Sell - Through the Small Residential Vacant Lot Program, all right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 131 W. Matson Avenue to Doris Wagner for the total sum of $650. / 270
BY COUNCILOR HEAGERTY:
34.
9-0 / Authorize - Memorandum of Understanding with the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway and the Binghamton, Syracuse and New York Railroad to provide the framework for cooperation relative to the design, construction and maintenance of the Syracuse Bridge Improvements on Auto Row Project, PIN 3753.96. / 271
35.
9-0 / Bond Ordinance - Authorizing the issuance and sale of bonds of the City of Syracuse to be used to defray the cost of the 2008/2009 Unimproved Street (Slurry Seal) Program for the streets listed on Appendix “A”. Total amount not to exceed $578,000. / 272
36.
9-0 / Authorize - The 2008/2009 Unimproved Street (Slurry Seal) Program for the streets listed on Appendix “A”, cost thereof to be charged to the premises fronting thereon. Charge to the proceeds from the sales of bonds, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $578,000. (Public Hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) / 273
37.
9-0 / Agreement - With State University of New York, on behalf of the Upstate Medical University, for 50 monthly parking spaces in the Madison Irving Parking Garage, based on availability, for the term of one year, October 1, 2007-September 30, 2008 at the monthly market rate of $75, including sales tax, per space, and rescind Ord. #225-93, Ord. #105-99, Ord. #93-00, Ord. #62-01 and Ord. #113-01. / 274
38.
9-0 / Authorize - A waiver of concrete surfaces pursuant to Chapter 24, Article 9 entitled “Sidewalk Construction” Section 39 (3) of the Revised General Ordinances of the City of Syracuse, to allow an alternative surface of flexi-pave to properties located at 507, 515 and 517 Tully Street. / 275
39.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From Northeast Signal, traffic signal controllers, cabinets, repair parts and services for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Departments of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $70,000. / 276
40.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From Ber National Controls, Inc. Revenue Control Equipment for Parking Garages, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $75,000. / 277
41.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From Telvent Farradyne, Inc., personnel training & software support, Time & Materials Contract, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $20,000. / 278
42.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From Parkeon and Duncan Meters, parking meter parts, replacements and communications, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $300,000. / 279
43.
WD / Purchase w/c/b - From Parkeon and Duncan Meters, parking meter fiber optics repairs, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $100,000. / WD
44.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - Disposal of various items of solid waste such as tires, miscellaneous debris, scrap metals, construction debris and other waste products, for the period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $150,000. / 280
45.
9-0 / Agreement - With Fisher Associates to provide Construction Inspection Services for the Streetscape Improvements to 800-900 blocks of North Salina Street Project, PIN 3754.07, on behalf of the Department of Engineering. Total cost not to exceed $120,000, to be paid on a time and expense basis, with 80% federal funds and 20% local funds. Bond Ord. #262 (06/06/05) of $750,000 and Bond Ord. #180 (05/05/08) of $648,000 previously authorized. Total bond amount of $1,398,000. / 281
46.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #138 (04/10/06), “Bond Ordinance - Authorizing the issuance and sale of bonds of the City of Syracuse to be used to defray the cost of the Scoping and Preliminary Design Phases of the Syracuse Bridge Improvements on Auto Row Project. Total amount not to exceed $260,000.” Amend to increase the amount not to exceed from $260,000 to $700,000. / 282
47.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #139 (04/10/06), “Agreement - With the NYS DOT for The Scoping and Preliminary Design Phases of the Syracuse Bridge Improvements on Auto Row Project, on behalf of the Department of Engineering. Total cost of $260,000 to be 100% Federal reimbursement through the Transportation Improvement Program.” Amend the total cost not to exceed from $260,000 to $700,000. / 283
48.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #140 (04/10/06), “Authorize - The Scoping and Preliminary Design Phases of the Syracuse Bridge Improvements on Auto Row Project, on behalf of the Department of Engineering. Total cost not to exceed $260,000. 100% Federal reimbursement through the Transportation Improvement Program.” Amend the total cost not to exceed from $260,000 to $700,000. / 284
49.
9-0 / Permission - To Destiny USA to install maintain and operate two 10” Sanitary Force Mains across Hiawatha Boulevard Bridge over Onondaga Creek in the City right-of-way and tie them into an existing County sanitary manhole within the Van Rensselaer Street right-of-way. Upon completion, the ownership and operations will be turned over to the Onondaga County Department of Water Environment Protection. / 285
BY COUNCILOR HOGAN:
50.
9-0 / Authorize - Lease Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation d/b/a National Grid for non-commercial hangar operation at Syracuse Hancock International Airport for the period of five years, June 1, 2008-May 30, 2013 with 1 five-year renewal option. Total annual rent for the first term is $24,823, to increase annually on June 1 in an amount equal to the CPI or 5%, whichever is less, for the term of the agreement. (Public Hearing held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) / 286
BY COUNCILOR McMAHON:
51.
9-0 / Authorize - The Department of Assessment to retain appraisers (Christopher Bollinger - 212 Bruce St., 179 W. Corning Ave. & 116 Hartson St. - Edward Pfohl - 219 Barrett St., 274 Rider Ave. & 230 W. Pleasant Ave.) / 287
52.
8-0
Miner-abstain / Authorize - The Commissioner of Finance to correct the 2008/09 Assessment Roll to reflect the changes in veterans’ exemptions as detailed in Appendix “A”. / 288
53.
9-0 / Contract - With Progressive Expert Consulting (PEC) for web programming, on behalf of the Bureau of Information Systems, for the period of one year, June 9, 2008-June 8, 2009. Total cost of $50 per hour not to exceed $9,900. / 289
BY COUNCILOR ROBINSON:
54.
T / Local Law - Of the City of Syracuse to amend the Charter of the City of Syracuse - 1960, as amended in 1994, Section 5-203, relative to the salary of the Mayor and amend the budget of the City of Syracuse to increase the salary of the Mayor to $115,000, effective January 1, 2008. / T
BY COUNCILOR DENNO AND PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ:
55.
9-0 / Resolution - To reappoint Timothy A. Fay to the Living Wage Commission Advisory Committee, recommended by the Labor-Religion Coalition, for the term of January 2008-January 2010. / 20-R
56.
9-0 / Resolution - To reappoint Jeremiah Dennis and Gertrude Danzy to the Living Wage Commission Advisory Committee, recommended by the Greater Syracuse Labor Council, for the term of January 2008-January January 2010. / 21-R
57.
9-0 / Resolution - To appoint Dr. Maritza Alvarado, William Andrews, Lee Davis and Bruce Connor to the Living Wage Commission Advisory Committee, representing the Syracuse Common Council, for the term of January 2008-January January 2010. / 22-R
Syracuse Common Council
Adjourned at 1:18 P.M.

7