Jay Rigdon, left, town attorney for Syracuse, gives the oath of office to Jacob Bolen. Bolen has joined the Syracuse Police Department. He was sworn in during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 17. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council waived the public hearing of the 2025 budget during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 17. The budget estimate is $6,611,047 with an estimated civil max levy of $2,788,167.

During other matters, Town Attorney Jay Rigdon swore in Jacob Bolen as a new Syracuse Police Officer. Bolen is a graduate of Trine University and comes to the department from Kosciusko County Corrections.

The council approved an excess levy appeal for the Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory. Joe Cazier, Turkey Creek Township trustee, explained the appeal is to garner more funds for the fire territory’s operations budget. If successful, the appeal will bring an extra $12,563 to the fire department.

Steve Snyder, local attorney, came before the council representing Shore Capital, which is seeking a tax abatement. Shore Capital has purchased the old Polar Kraft facility and intends to rehabilitate the property, potentially investing $4 million.

The goal of Shore Capital is to lease the property for industrial use. It is estimated anywhere from two to four businesses could move in. The property, which is 18 acres, has an assessed value of $1 million. It currently has 30 employees working there but it is estimated up to 200 could be working there once the developer is done.

The council approved the declaratory resolution. A public hearing and confirming resolution will be held at the council’s October meeting.

Ordinance 2024-06, a continuation of the pollinator garden ordinance was again tabled for further review.

Town Reports

In town reports David Wilkinson, town manager, reported a resident on Oakwood Circle Drive asked if another stop sign could be installed at Lake Street, making it a three way stop. The resident has small children and cars go through the area pretty fast.

There was discussion about whether Pearl Street needed to remain one way. Councilman Larry Siegel pointed out he owns two rental properties on Pearl and his tenants park on the street. He suggested looking at the number of one way streets in the area and potentially changing some of those to two way.

Chad Jonnson, park superintendent, told the council the park department would be fairly busy now through the end of October. He is working with the student council from Wawasee High School on the homecoming parade, which will be next Friday. Harvest Fest will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5, the Indoor Garage Sale will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 12.

There will be two events Oct. 26. A Trick or Treat Trail from 1-3 p.m. at the community center and then a haunted trail from 6-9 p.m. at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation property.

Police Chief Jim Layne noted trick or treat hours will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31.

The fire department requested approval to start ground work on its new training center at a cost of $164,643. The council approved the motion.

Councilman Bill Musser asked when the training center project will start. The fire department wants to get the ground work and well work done before winter sets in.

Public Comment

In public comment Aaron Allen, owner of Mootown Snack Shack, presented a petition from local business owners asking limitations be placed on food trucks coming into town as well as limits on what they can offer and where they can set up.

Musser said he agreed with Allen and will continue the discussion with the council. Allen was also referred to Ashley Dillon, executive director of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce for assistance as well.

A school crossing guard for Syracuse Elementary School came to the council reporting drivers are speeding on Kern Road. She requested police officers come in plain clothes so the speeders will be caught easier.

The crossing guard also reported she’s received complaints from parents about their children being bullied on the bus. She was referred to Layne who said he’d get with her for more details.

In old business Musser made a motion to hold council meetings at 10 a.m. the third Tuesday of January. In 2025 by state statute council meetings must be recorded and posted on line. The motion passed with three in favor, one abstaining and one against.