Syracuse Councilman Larry Siegel and Council President Cindy Kaiser chat prior to the start of the May town council meeting held Tuesday, May 16. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — As Council President Cindy Kaiser asked for approval of the minutes, Councilman Larry Siegel requested discussion during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, May 16.

What is typically a formality during the council meeting turned into a lengthy discussion as Siegel said things were “taken out of context” regarding the discussion about water fees that took place during the April council meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Virginia Cazier said she would make the correction. Siegel then claimed there were other issues, but admitted he had not had “an opportunity to proofread” the document, saying he just got the amended minutes sometime Tuesday.

Kaiser turned to Councilman Paul Stoelting, asking what his motion covered, the original minutes, the amended minutes or both. Stoelting noted he did not have a recorder in his head, but the minutes with changes is what he remembered taking place at last month’s meeting and that was his motion.

Cazier told the council she transcribed them exactly as they were recorded. Councilman Bill Musser called a second on Stoelting’s motion. The vote was four in favor of accepting the minutes with Siegel voting against the motion.

Chris Harrison from Commonwealth Engineering, the town’s engineering firm, reported he has not been able to get pricing for the Oakwood Project, which includes replacing a lift station and the Lakeside Drive water main loop. He told the council he expects a quote within the next few weeks.

Harrison told the council there is a revised cost estimate for the reconstruction of Railroad Street at Oak Street. The new estimate is now $21,778 with $15,000 for aggregate, concrete and asphalt and $5,000 for maintenance and traffic control. The project is set to start after school lets out for the summer and is expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

In the town manager’s report, David Wilkinson told the council the expected closing on the Harkless property by The Frog Tavern will be June 9. Kaiser asked Wilkinson if he has attended the ribbon cuttings at Urban Oaks apartments. He said he did.

Councilman Nathan Scherer asked about the Dr. Allen and Oakwood housing projects. Wilkinson said he will be meeting with both developers in the next few weeks, as they are eager to move forward.

In the parks department update, Chad Jonsson, public works superintendent, reported the Arbor Day celebration was moved from April 28 to May 3 due to weather. The opening of the baseball park on April 29 went well. The Artisans and Farmers Market opens Saturday, May 20. The market will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 2 in Veterans Memorial Park at Crosson Mill.

Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, requested the council approve $29,040 for a new pump for the West Pickwick Life Station. The council also approved $50,000 for new solar street lights in the technology park.

Fire Chief Mickey Scott reported the first Super Sitter Class will be held Saturday, May 20. The department conducted CPR classes for town employees this week.

The council approved a request for $40,598.27 for a new boat for the department. The department worked with a local engineer. It will be ready to go into service next Friday.

In new business, Larry Siegel announced he is retiring from the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission (see related article) and nominated Scherer to replace him. The council approved the nomination.