COMMON COUNCIL
of the
CITY OF SYRACUSE
REGULAR MEETING -MAY 19, 2008 / (5/19)
1. /

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

2. /

Invocation - (Delivered by Pastor Joe Coudriet of the Abundant LifeChurch, Syracuse, New York)

3. /

Roll Call - (All Present-9)

4. /

Minutes -May 5, 2008 - (Adopted 9-0)

5. /

Petitions - (Submitted by twenty-four H.W. Smith School Staff members stating their concerns regarding the Superintendent’s current plan to house H.W. Smith students in trailers.)

6. /

Committee Reports - (Finance, Taxation & Assessment)

7. /

Communications - (From the City Auditor, a report on the Cable Franchise Agreement between the City of Syracuse and Time Warner Cable Company)

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NEW BUSINESS
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BY PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ:
8.
9-0 / Resolution - Approving the Appointment of Various Persons as Commissioners of Deeds for 2008. / 15-R
BY PRESIDENT GONZÁLEZ, COUNCILOR RYAN AND COUNCILOR McMAHON:
9.
9-0 / Resolution - To appoint Jan Cohen-Cruz to the Public Arts Commission,to fill a vacancy, for the period to end September 30, 2010. / 16-R
BY COUNCILOR JOY:
10.
9-0 / Authorize - Application to the US Preserve America Communities Program for the City of Syracuseto be recognized as a Preserve America community and to be eligible for grant funds dedicated to cultural tourism and economic development. No cost to the City. / 217
BY COUNCILOR MINER:
11.
H / Authorize - SyracuseCitySchool 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
BY COUNCILOR ROBINSON:
12.
9-0 / Agreement - With P.E.A.C.E., Inc. to provide services and programs: Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program; Family R.O.S.E., Family Resource Center’s Electric; Camperships and Summer Programming for the period of July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007. Total cost not to exceed $76,000 as authorized in the CDBG Block Grant. / 218
13.
9-0 / Amend - Ord.#288 (06/19/06), “Appropriate Funds - From 2006-2007 Community Development Block Grant Funds in the amount of $236,000, for Parks and Public Improvement activities, as specified in Exhibit “A”, as authorized by Ord. #89 (03/13/06) approving the Community Development Block Grant Program.” Amend to extend through April 30, 2009 and re-appropriate $132,593 for the 300 Block of North Salina StreetImprovement Project. / 219
14.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #245 (06/04/07), “Appropriate Funds - From 2007-2008 Community Development Block Grant Funds in the amount of $211,000, for Parks and Public Improvement activities, as specified in Exhibit “A”, as authorized in the Community Development Block Grant Program.” Amend to extend through April 30, 2009 and re-appropriate $123,877for the 300 Block of North Salina StreetImprovement Project. / 220
15.
9-0 / Authorize -The 300 Block of North Salina Street Streetscape Improvement Project to match the “Little Italy” design to include curbing, paver panels, design pavers, sidewalks and trees, on behalf of the Department of Public Works. Total cost not to exceed $256,470 from 2006 and 2007 CDBG funds for public improvements, scattered sites. / 221
16.
WD / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as310 ½ Rowland Street, a vacant lot, to Gloria E. Becker for the total sum of $1,325. / WD
17.
WD / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as135 Oak Street, a vacant lot, to 139 Oak Street LLC for the total sum of $2,325. / WD
18.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as2415 Valley Drive, a vacant lot, to Albert C. and Maureen M. Corrice for the total sum of $3,225. / 222
19.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 207 Niagara Street, a vacant lot, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $1,325. / 223
20.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 405 Ontario Street, a vacant lot, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $625. / 224
21.
9-0 / Sell - All right, title and interest of the City of Syracuse in and to the premises known as 617 Tully Street, a vacant lot, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $2,625. / 225
22.
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 521 Tully Street, a wood house and garage, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $151. / 226
23.
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 715 Tully Street, an unfinished wood house, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $151. / 227
24.
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 615 Gifford Street to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $151. / 228
25.
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 728 Marcellus Street, a wood house and garage, to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $151. / 229
26.
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 406 Otisco Street to Home Headquarters, Inc. for the total sum of $550. / 230
27.
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 216 & 218 Hudson Street to Leah M. Steves-Whitney for the total sum of $550. / 231
28.
T / 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. / T
29.
T / 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. / T
BY COUNCILOR HEAGERTY:
30.
H / 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. / H
31.
H / 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. / H
32.
H / 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 to be held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) / H
33.
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 design and construction of the Fineview Place Bridge Project, PIN 3752.88. Total amount not to exceed $504,000. / 232
34.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #164 (04/22/02), “Authorize - The design and construction of the FineviewPlaceBridge over Renwick AvenueRehabilitation Project, PIN 3752.88. Total cost not to exceed $997,000, with 80% Federal funding, 15% NYS Marchiselli funds and 5% local funding.” Amend the total cost not to exceed $1,501,000, bonding in the amount of $504,000 and Bond Ord.#163-02 in the amount of $997,000 / 233
35.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #165 (04/22/02), Agreement - With the NYS DOT for Engineering Services (Phases I-VI) for the FineviewPlaceBridge over Renwick Avenue Rehabilitation Project, PIN 3752.88. Total cost not to exceed $146,000, with 80% Federal funding, 15% NYS Marchiselli funds and 5% local funding.” Amend the total cost not to exceed $1,501,000. / 234
36.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #50 (02/06/06), “Agreement - With Barton & Loguidice, P.C. for design services for the Temple Street Bridge over Onondaga Creek Project, PIN 3753.13. Total cost not to exceed $200,000, paid on a time and expense basis, with 80% Federal funding and 15% NYS funding and with 5% previously authorized funds. RFQ was recommended by committee.” Amend to include inspection services at a total additional cost of $127,000. Total cost not to exceed $327,000. / 235
37.
9-0 / Authorize - The City of Syracuse to adopt a Negative Declaration pursuant to the SEQR Act for the FineviewPlaceBridge Rehabilitation Project, PIN 3752.88. / 236
38.
9-0 / Authorize - The City of Syracuse to adopt a Negative Declaration pursuant to the SEQR Act for the TempleStreetBridge over Onondaga Creek Project, PIN 3753.13. / 237
BY COUNCILOR HOGAN:
39.
9-0 / Advertise Public Hearing - Relative to the Lease Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power corporation d/b/a National Grid for non-commercial hangar operation at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. (Public Hearing to be on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) / 238
40.
H / Authorize - Lease Agreement with Niagara Mohawk Power corporation d/b/a National Grid for non-commercial hangar operation at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport for the period of five years, June 1, 2008-May 30, 2013 with 1 five-year 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 to be on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 1:00 P.M.) / H
41.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the Rehabilitation of Taxiway “Mike” South Project (Design) project at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $180,000 with 95% ($171,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($4,500) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($4,500) from Aviation Account #04.0.01070.0.000. / 239
42.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the acquisition of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Equipment at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $1,000,000 with 95% ($950,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($25,000) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($25,000) from Aviation Account #04.0.01059.0.000. / 240
43.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the acquisition of Snow Removal Equipment at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $500,000 with 95% ($475,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($12,500) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($12,500) from Aviation Account #04.0.01060.0.000. / 241
44.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the Airfield Signage Replacement Project (Design and Construction) at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $304,000 with 95% ($288,800) FAA funding, 2.5% ($7,600) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($7,600) from Aviation Account #04.0.01061.0.000. / 242
45.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the Rehabilitate Runway Intersection Project (Design) at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $600,000 with 95% ($570,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($15,000) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($15,000) from Aviation Account #04.0.01064.0.000. / 243
46.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the Runway 15-33 Overlay Project (Design and Construction) at SyracuseHancockInternationalAirport. Total project cost not to exceed $6,300,000 with 95% ($5,985,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($157,500) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($157,500) from Aviation Account #04.0.01065.0.000. / 244
47.
9-0 / Authorize - The Commissioner of Aviation to enter into a FAA and NYS DOT Transportation Grant Agreement for the Runway 15-33 Instrument Approach System Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment Project at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Total project cost not to exceed $400,000 with 95% ($380,000) FAA funding, 2.5% ($10,000) NYS DOT funding and 2.5% ($10,000) from Aviation Account #04.0.01062.0.000. / 245
BY COUNCILOR McMAHON:
48.
9-0 / Authorize - Compromise of the back taxes regarding the Kennedy Square complex: 820-900 East Water Street and 1000-1056 East Water Street to cover both City and school taxes as detailed in Appendix “A”. SeparateCounty action required. / 246
49.
9-0 / Authorize - The Department of Assessment to retain appraisers (Christopher Bollinger - 219 Barrett St., 316 Rich St., 728 Marcellus St., 358 Hudson St.715 Tully St. - Edward Pfohl - 615 Gifford St., 129 McLennan Ave.521 Tully St.) / 247
50.
9-0 / Authorize - The Department of Assessment to Retain appraiser, Integra Realty Resources to appraise 126 Harvard Place, 960 and 965 Lancaster Avenue, 116 and 125 Victoria Place for a fee of $7,000 and$125 per hour for trial preparations and testimony for tax litigation for Tax Years 2001/02, 2002/03, 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09. / 248
51.
9-0 / Authorize -The namingof the baseball diamond at Meachem Field the “Danny Russo Baseball Diamond at Meachem Field” in recognition of his of love of sports, his decades of coaching and his dedication to the maintenance of Meachem Field. / 216
BY COUNCILOR SEALS:
52.
9-0 / Accept - From the Rosamond Gifford Foundation, a donation in the amount of $3,850 to be used to underwrite bus transportation expenses to the 2008 Summer Senior Day Camp Program, on behalf of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs. / 249
53.
9-0 / Amend - Ord. #526 (09/10/07), “Application & Agreement - To and with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for funds in an amount not to exceed $75,000 to fund up to 50% of the expenses for the Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs Expanded Recreation Program. The remaining 50% will come from the Parks Department Recreation Temporary Services Account.” Amend to increase the amount from $75,000 to $110,000. All other terms remain the same. / 250
54.
9-0 / Purchase w/c/b - From SWAB Wagon Co., Inc., an animal transport unit for use by the Bureau of Dog Control, Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs. Total cost not to exceed $11,900. / 251
Syracuse Common Council
Adjourned at 1:18 P.M.

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