TNT Meeting Minutes August 10, 2016 FacilitatorJeff Wright

Welcome and Introductions

Approval of July2016minutes: Motion by Carl Sharak, seconded by Jim Macallair –motion carried.

Officer Kevin Corcorandiscussed a recent spike in daytime burglaries near Van Duyn (18) with two suspects at large. One neighbor reported seeing somebody casing her house and neighbor’s houses. We need to be sure all doors and access points are locked. Another resident reported a neighbor found an intruder in his kitchen today (Academy Green). He also spoke about the ATV, 4-wheeler, mini-bike issue. SPD cannot pursue them due to liability issues. The mini-bikes are quite common, and are sold at stores like Costco.

Syracuse Common Councilor Susan Boyle:

The city has received new FEMA guidelines. Updated maps were ten years in the works, 876 properties added to the list now requiring flood insurance, probably less than 300 are financially impacted, only those properties under FHA (or any mortgage) and not on empty lots. City of Syracuse got information August 9th on appeals process and any grants available. The map is online @ FEMA, search by zip code. More public meetings are coming up. Premium is based on the home’s value.

Other city issues: DPW has the city’s summer slurry list. All Brighton projects are still on track. The city is now using a “Let’s Talk” app and answerscome within 24 hours.

Committee Reports –

  • Public Safety & Planning –Kathy Stribley reported on the Family Dollar project, having received plans from Heather Lamendola after our July meeting. Double fence plan will create unmaintainable space between the fences. There is an American Sycamore tree near the property line 102’ tall. She called James Thrasher about the tree’s root zone being paved, endangering the healthy tree which is probably older than the city of Syracuse. We have no landmark tree ordinance, no landscape ordinance, but it would be a big expense to remove it. They’re making progress on the building plan.
  • Parks and Beautification – George reported getting 36 perennials from the City greenhouse, and planted 18 at each sign site, east and west. Carl reported on the bench & trash can locations with a map to show existing sites. Sculpture sign, postponed from last year, may be in the works for this year’s funding. Betts Branch library changes are coming, looking at costs for concrete next year. Sue Boyle discussed the tree planting, what kind of tree is wanted, and that plantings are not done in the summer, only spring and fall. She has a list of recommended trees and has already spoken with Steve Harris, the city arborist who will do the planting. The tool lending library is a complex issue, with layers of oversight. OCPL property ownership, staffing expense, operation budgets are shared between the state, the county and the city and will be further discussed at a later meeting.

Facilitator nominations: Elyzabeth Gannon volunteered, and Caroline West nominated Chuck Taylor in his absence, should he choose to continue serving, and she will contact Tina and Marilyn to find out if they want to continue. Carl Sharak, Jeff Wright and Caroline West are willing to stay on the Valley facilitator team if elected at the next meeting.

Announcements

  • Webster Pond Neighborhood Watch meets Thursday, August 11, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. this month for the summer picnic meeting at St. Paul’s Methodist Church
  • Friends of Wildlife at Webster Pond will be having a Spaghetti Dinner at the Legion in September.
  • Meachem Area Parks Association meets next Wednesday, August 17thmeeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Cecile Center.MAPA Anti-Littering campaign has started, on Saturdays - next one is scheduled for August 20th beginning at the Cecile Center at 9:00 a.m.
  • MAPA’s Valley Nature Run will be Saturday, August 13th - run starts at 9:00 a.m. registration at 7:30 a.m.
  • August 27th LeMoyne College freshman students will be working in Heath Park (the Dolphin DIVE)
  • August 27th Plant exchange at OCPL Betts Branch Library.

Next Valley TNT meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at the Cecile Center at 7:00 p.m.

For more information: SyrGov.net/TNT (315) 448-8178