Common Council - Regular Meeting

Good afternoon, everyone. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance and remain standing for the invocation to be delivered by Molly Hammerhand of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Central New York.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,

Good morning. I invite all to join me in the spirit of prayer or meditation as it's appropriate for you and your tradition. Spirit of life, spirit of love, spirit that moves among us, between us, and within us, that reminds us of our connection to one another. Awaken us to your presence. We call upon you spirit to be present in this space as our community leaders make decisions for this place and for its people. Bring to their minds the clarity that they need to choose with care and with affection for the least of these as much as for the greatest. Be with us in moments when we understand that representing our community is an act of all of us together in all of our infinite shades of diversity. And the more we can include, the greater we become and the more we are enriched by the presence of all. Let us remember on the eve of Pride Month as it begins that there are infinite ways to live, to express oneself, to be a person in this world. Let us know that each of us is a blessed and beloved child of the universe and of God, however we understand. Let us know that being in this room is a privilege. May we be thankful and grateful for the wisdom and clarity brought here by those we have chosen from among us as our leaders and from those who remind us of the foundations on which we stand, of the community where we ground ourselves and the places that we come from. With all of these things in our minds and in our hearts, we offer gratitude Amen. And blessed be.

Thank you, Molly. Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Yes, President. Pro Temp. Councilor Codwell. Present. Councilor Machoke. Here. Councilor Enright.

Here.

Councilor Hudson. Here. Councilor Nave. Here. Councilor Moore. Here. Councilor Williams. Here. Councilor Jones-Rouser. Present. Councilor Montauk.

Here. All present. I have a motion to approve the minutes of the May 18th, 2026 meeting. So moved. Second? Second. All in favor? Aye. Are there any petitions?

No.

Are there any committee reports? Hudson. Hudson.

We actually had a committee report on the 21st, amending an agreement with Mosaic Consulting Group for software implementation services.

Anybody else? On behalf of President Paniagua. Communication. Oh, communications, sorry.

Yes, President Pro Temp.

We got a committee report still?

Councilor Moore.

I'm sorry.

Back to committee.

No, Councilor Moore, your committee report.

Oh, I apologize. I was looking at something. The Public Safety and the Finance Committee held a meeting on Thursday, May 28th at 10.30 to talk about the updates on automated enforcement.

Thank you. Communications.

Yes, President Prochaz. I have one from Honorable Alex Marion, City Auditor, an adult report on licensing. shelter and control, from Empire State Development, a general project plan for New York State Urban Development Corporation, from a current constituent regarding hazardous conditions of sidewalk, and a resolution number 76 in support of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad New York Senate byway nomination and quarters management plan adoption.

Thank you. On behalf of President Paniagua, I have item number eight. I will introduce it and urge its adoption. Are there any objections? Any discussion? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Councilor Caldwell.

Thank you, Pro Tent. My blessings to all today. I have items nine through 13. I would like to introduce them and urge their adoption.

Item number nine, are there any objections? Any discussion? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item number 10, are there any objections? Communications? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 11, any discussion? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 12, any discussion? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Councilor Majoke. Thank you, Portem. I have item 13 to 26. Item 13, 14, 15, 16 will be held. Item 17 to 24 are ready. Item 25 will be held. Item 26 is ready. I would like to introduce them and urge the adoption.

Council Member Joke, 25 will be introduced in table, correct?

Table, yes.

Introduce in table, correct. Item 13 will be held. Item 14 will be held. Item 15 will be held. Item 16 will be held. Item 17, is there any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll. Aye. Item 18, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 19, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 20, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 21, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 22, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 23, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 24, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 25 will be introduced and tabled. Item 26, any discussion? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Shenanigans.

Councillor Ehrenreich.

Thank you. Mr. Pro Tem. I have items 27 through 42. I would like to introduce and urge their adoption.

Item 27. Any discussion? Objections?

Please call the roll. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Shenanigans. Hey, Joe. I have to go back to 25 for Councillor Machoke to introduce and... Introducing table the local law President pro temp did say it would be introduced in table.

Okay item in 28 any discussion Objections, please call the roll all in favor.

Aye opposed.

I am 29 in a discussion Objections, please call the roll all in favor. Aye opposed Any discussion objections, please call the roll. Aye favor aye opposed unanimous item 31 any discussion objections please call the roll item 32 any discussion objections please call the roll item 34 any discussion objections Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? It's unanimous.

Item 35, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? It's unanimous.

Item 36, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? It's unanimous.

Item 37, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? It's unanimous.

Item 38, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 39, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 40, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll. All in favor?

Aye. Opposed?

Synonymous. 41, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor?

Aye. Opposed?

Synonymous.

42, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye.

Opposed?

Synonymous. Councillor Hudson.

Thank you. I have items 43 through 53. Item 43, 44, 45, 46 are being held. 47, I'd like to introduce an urgent adoption. Item 48 is being held. 49 is being held. Item 50, I'd like to introduce an urgent adoption. 51 is being held. 52, I'd like to introduce an urgent adoption. And 52 is ready. 53 is ready. I'd like to introduce an urgent adoption.

Item number 43 will be held. Item 44 will be held. Item 45 will be held. Item 46 will be held. Item 47, any discussion? Objections, please call the roll Item 48 will be held and 49 will be held item 50 any discussion Objections, please call the roll 51 will be held item 52 any discussion Objections, please call the roll Item 53 any discussion Objections, please call the roll

All in favor? Aye. Opposed?

It's unanimous. Councillor Nabe. Thank you, President Pro Tem. Today I have item 54, a resolution I will ask for its adoption. I'm gonna read the resolution, then after the meeting, I will present it. It's a resolution to recognize and celebrate Tilly's Touch for outstanding contributions to the city of Syracuse, whereas in 2009, Dale Johnson, founded Tilly's Touch, a Northside-based nonprofit organization that is committed to empowering underserved youth through mentorship, education, athletics, leadership, development, and meaningful community engagement. And whereas with its mission rooted in compassion, opportunity, and inclusion, Tilly's Touch has become a beacon of encouragement, positivity, and inspiration for children and families throughout the city of Syracuse. And whereas Tilly's Touch has created a safe, welcoming, and uplifting environment where youth are empowered to build lasting friendships, strengthen teamwork, and discipline, and discover a true sense of belonging, both on and off the field, and whereas through youth soccer programming, academic support, mentorship initiatives, and community-centered activities, Tilly's Touch has provided young people with opportunities to grow, not only as athletes, but also as confident, respectful, and resilient individuals and whereas Kelly's Touch has played an essentially meaningful role in supporting refugee, immigrant, and new American youth and families throughout the city of Syracuse by posturing inclusion, building confidence, strengthening English language skills, and helping young people feel more connected to their community and whereas the dedication and heart demonstrated by Kelly's Touch continues to uplift neighborhoods, inspire hope, and strengthen the social fabric of Syracuse communities by investing in the next generations of leaders and whereas organizations as Tilly touched remind us of the incredible impact that kindness, mentorship, and community support can have in transforming lives and creating brighter futures for all. Now therefore, be it resolved that the City of Syracuse as duly elected representatives of the proud citizens of the City of Syracuse Dubai honor and recognize Dale Johnson as Kelly's Touch for outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to empowering youth, supporting families, and promoting unity, opportunity, and hope throughout the city of Syracuse, and we proudly celebrate the positive difference Kelly's Touch continues to make.

Well, that's probably the nicest thing I think anybody's ever said about me, so I appreciate that, Marty. I, you know, just real quick, if you're not aware, come on up, boys. These guys are pretty excited. They got to get out of school a little early today. We just hit McDonald's on the way here, so they're pretty excited. But, you know, it's... It's funny that what I'm doing now is great because I get to spend my days with these guys every day of the year now, including working with the Syracuse City School District. It's crazy because when I was a kid growing up, I didn't want to leave my house because I thought my dad would beat the heck out of my mom, so I wanted to be there. in case anything really happened. So now here I am today, making sure that these guys, you know, get to school, get to school on time, be accountable for their actions. And it's all because of using soccer as that golden nugget. So we can accommodate that. And, you know, this is, I'm living my dream. I am. I'm living my dream. This is the best job in the world, spending time with these guys. So I appreciate your recognition. I'm going to give you some brochures, if that's okay, for everybody. I know Rashida and Marty very well. Some of the other folks, I know a couple of you guys, but we would love that. Our door is open all the time. We're at 211 Catawba Street, Tilly's Touch Community Center. We'd love to have you any time you want to stop by. The door is open, and, you know, you can check us out and see what we're doing on a daily basis. So I appreciate your time. I appreciate your colleges. You're welcome.

Thank you. And also, June 12th.

Yeah, Friday, June 12th, we're having our open house fundraiser. It's our first annual fundraiser. We're showing off our space. We're well connected in the community. We're right in the heart of the north side, and that's where most of our kids live. They have a safe space to come every night of the week, including Fridays and Saturdays. This past Saturday, this past weekend, we just spent the weekend in Lake Placid in a soccer tournament where our 2013s won their tournament. These guys placed, and they came in second. So thank you again very much.

And we'll present the resolution after the meeting, okay? Okay, thank you. Thank you.

Hold on one second.

Item 34, any further discussion? Item 54?

Yes, thank you. The discussion is yesterday was my birthday, and I had a phenomenal cake brought in. Thank you to Eric and to President Paniagua. I'd like to share it with the kids today. So it's coming to the back of the council chambers in a couple of minutes, just in case anybody is hungry. Thank you.

Pro Tem, I'd like to say maybe a few words. Mr. Johnson, as somebody that grew up playing soccer, you know, as refugees, soccer is life. And, you know, not to belabor this any more than it is already, when we're in camp, you know, you could be hungry, but when that soccer... thrown at you, you show up. That hunger exits. And coming here as well, trying to make yourself acquainted with the community, especially for refugee kids, soccer become that bridge as well. So I just want to say thank you for doing this for them, because it means a lot to them and their families. And to be used as well as an introduction to this community as well. So thank you so much with everyone that you work with to give opportunity and life to these kids.

Thank you, Pro Temp. Dale, I just want to say you are amazing. And I thank you for the work that you put into the community. Yes. I think Cho wants to play soccer against the kids. I think they got something for them. Y'all got something for them, right? But from the time I met you and the time everything I see you, I see you. And I see the greatness you do. Your heart is of gold. You want so much for the children. And you won't stop. When I say he won't stop, he won't stop until he gets it, right? All the way from preparing, making sure they have the basic needs and helping families out in a deeper way. Well, I won't go so deep. and exposing that, but I thank you, and I see you, and I appreciate everything you do, and I appreciate your commitment to the community.

Thank you, Marty. Thank you.

Thanks, Marty.

Thank you, colleagues. Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Anonymous. Councilor Moore.

Thank you, Pro Temp. I have items 55 and 56 I would like to introduce and urge their adoption.

Item 55, is there any discussion? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Item 56, is there any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Councillor Moore.

A resolution to read in recognition of May 30th being Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day in the City of Syracuse. Once I'm done reading, I'm going to invite Anne Marie Johnson to come up and say a few words. Whereas multiple sclerosis is a chronic and unpredictable, often debilitating neurological disease which affects the central nervous system in millions of individuals worldwide, including many residents and families in the city of Syracuse. And whereas symptoms and progression of MS can vary greatly person to person. and it can create significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for those living with the disease. And whereas MS Awareness Day provides an opportunity for increased awareness and public education of the disease, helping foster better understanding, increased compassion and inclusion, and recognition of the strength and resilience displayed daily by those who live with MS. And whereas MS Awareness Day goes beyond those affected by the disease, It is a platform to champion the caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, community advocates, and various organizations whose unrelenting efforts provide support, resources, treatment advancements, and hope. And whereas through continued education, advocacy, and investment in research, communities can help improve accessibility, encourage early diagnosis and treatment, and work toward a future free from the challenges posed by multiple sclerosis. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Syracuse Common Council, as duly elected representatives of the proud citizens of the city of Syracuse, do hereby declare May 30th, 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day, and do hereby reaffirm our commitment to supporting residents and families impacted by multiple sclerosis while raising awareness throughout the community. I would like to ask, thank you. I met Anne Marie while I was campaigning, and we've had some really wonderful conversations, and I admire her strength and her courage facing this disease herself. So Anne Marie, if you'd like to come up and say a few words.

I've been going to PT, so I'm trying out not using my cane. Okay, I wrote things down because I'm a talker and I'll go beyond the three minutes. So, again, my name is Anne Marie Johnson and my colleague here, Laquana Brown, we are both MS Ambassadors for the National MS Society and we would first like to thank the Council for this resolution in recognition of MS Awareness Day in the City of Syracuse. As told earlier, MS is a neurological disease which Your own body attacks itself, covering your brain and your spinal cord, and much of that leads to a multitude of symptoms like fatigue, numbness, tingling, mobility issues, and vision problems. While there is no cure, various treatments can manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Getting an accurate and early diagnosis is a major focus of global healthcare initiatives in order to improve healthcare We are approximately representation of the three million people living worldwide with MS, and here in the United States, one million people. Every five minutes, someone somewhere in the world is diagnosed with MS. Here in Syracuse, A Blue Cross Blue Shield study revealed that Syracuse has the highest prevalence of MS in the nation. However, there are members of our community, for example, Upstate Neurological Center of MS Comprehensive Care, the National MS Society, MS Resources of Central New York, and Q's MS Warriors who have been working tirelessly to increase the awareness of MS in Central New York. We're challenging common myths about MS and helping more people understand the role that evidence-informed lifestyle choices can play along medical treatment, support and community. Together, we are sending out a message to those living with MS that you are not alone. and to promote awareness and improve our community health outcomes. Because after all, MS may be a diagnosis, but it's not a destiny. If you are looking at how you could possibly get involved, the National MS Society is still collecting donations for the MS Walk. Most of the donations go directly to research and patient supports and advocacy. Please see Walk MS and donate to Team Q's MS Warriors, Upstate Neurology, because together we could put an end to MS. Thank you.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. Thank you.

Thank you so much. Thank you. Give it to Nader.

Item 57, any further discussion?

Yes. Pro Temp. I am a, I would like to believe I am anyway, a good friend of Anne Marie's and a great admirer of Anne Marie. She has exposed me to many of the issues that individuals with MS deal with, opening my eyes to some of the things that my own nephew, has been going through and possibly will go through as an individual with MS, him and his father, actually. I was a part of the MS walk, thanks to Ms. Anne Marie. And also, Anne Marie coming to Syracuse brought life, I believe, brought life to the awareness of people not just African Americans dealing with MS, but for everyone who's dealt with MS. I think that her drive to get the information to the community is vital. She's done an excellent job in spreading the word, making awareness to what's going on and how to combat some of the issues that individuals face. So, Ann Marie, I appreciate you, and I look forward to the walk this year.

Any further? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Councillor Williams. Thank you, President Pro Tem. On behalf of myself and Councillor Caldwell and the remainder of the Common Council, I'd like to introduce and urge the adoption of Item 58. Any discussion? Yes. President Pro Tem. So despite the fact that three of our last five items have been resolutions, that's not normal around here. This is a very celebratory day and we're glad to have folks representing Chili's Touch, MS Awareness, and also the Ed Smith coyotes in the room. We are here to celebrate the page flippers. And I guess I will apologize to our younger visitors today. Our agendas aren't usually this long either. We usually would have been out of here about 20 minutes ago. But you chose a very busy day. So typically what we do, as you observed, Councillor Nave and Councillor Moore, read the resolution that came from the Common Council. We thought it would be appropriate that a team called the Page Flippers could probably read to the Common Council their own resolution. And so...

Yes, yes.

I know there's a lot of kind of... silly punctuation and there's a lot of big words in here but if the page flippers want to give it a shot we'd love to we'd love to hear why we're honoring you and what really special things you did so Commissioner OJ you want to help with the

Oh, they have to resonate?

Whereas, during this year's Battle of the Books, Ed Smith Pre-K-8 school was represented by third grade students Mira Girardi, Theodore OJ, and Albert White, and were called the Page Flippers, and...

Whereas, the Page Flippers worked incredibly hard to prepare for the competitions through extra reading, studying support of one another, and displaying sportsmanship every step of the way, and...

Whereas they demonstrated remarkable teamwork, determination, curiosity, and love of reading, and their enthusiasm helped them advance through competitions at their school, through the Syracuse City School District, and at competitions where they earned first place, securing a spot in the Super Regionals and

Whereas the Page Flippers are an example of what can be accomplished through teamwork, through preservation, imagination, and a passion for learning, and their success has brought tremendous pride and excitement to Ed Smith Pre-K School, the Syracuse State School District, their teachers, classmates, family, and the entire Syracuse community, and

Whereas the Common Council wishes to celebrate not only their academic achievement, but also their joy, confidence, friendships, and inspiration. they have shared with others through their love of books and learning.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Syracuse Common Council's duly elected representatives of the proud citizens of the city of Syracuse do hereby congratulate the Page Flippers Battle of the Books team for their extraordinary accomplishment. And we applaud Mira Gurari, Theodore OJ, and Albert White for sharing that big dreams, bright minds, and teamwork can lead to amazing success.

Mr. Protem?

You gentlemen did a much better job than we do. Any further discussion on 58?

Yes. I just want to congratulate everyone and your phenomenal librarian and teachers. You have done an excellent job digging into reading and we are very proud of you. Thank you for joining us today.

Thank you. Wow, stop crying. But that was phenomenal. Albert, Mira, and Theodore, you three are amazing. I want you to know that. The sky's the limit. And you guys read almost better than me over here. It's like people are just flowing. But thank you, thank you, thank you for coming. Thank you for representing your school. And keep dreaming big. Keep reading. Keep just doing all the great things because it's here. You guys got it. And we appreciate you. And we got something for you, too. The council has something for you. Thank you.

Anybody else? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Synonymous.

Councillor Williams.

After all the excitement, thank you. I've got items 59 through 69. I'd like to introduce and urge their adoption. We're going to hold 68 and 69, Councillor?

Yes. Oh, pardon me. Yes.

Thank you. Item 59, any discussion?

Objections, please call the roll Item 6 any discussion objections, please call the roll 61 any discussion objections, please call the roll Item 62 any discussion objections, please call the roll Item 63 any discussion

Objections, please call the roll Item 64 any discussion objections, please call the roll Item 65 any discussion any objections, please call the roll Item 66 any discussion objections Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Anonymous?

Item 67, any discussion? Yes, President Pro Tem. Councilor Williams.

Thank you. In the name of economic development, tax abatement agreements are given out to help a project's finances and to ensure its completion. Each time these tax breaks are given, they're accompanied by a promise that after 10 or 15 years, these properties will be added back to the tax roll. This project is another example of this promise being broken, and it challenges the logic of providing financial incentives that focus on the short-term benefit to the community. The finances of this project did not work for its construction 15 years ago without some type of deal. And now, due to changes in the market, the finances will not work out again without a different agreement. Some will argue that something is better than nothing regarding this property and its contributions to the city's tax base. While this may be true, it is this exact logic that leads to a shrinking tax base as the operational costs of our city continue to increase. The residents of this city deserve better. Any objections?

Please call the roll.

All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Aye. Just one opposed. Okay. Okay. All right. Say it.

No. I said no. Individualism.

Right. The item passed with seven to two. Williams and Montauk. Opposed? No.

Item 68 will be held. Item 69 will be held. Councillor Jones-Rouser.

Thank you, President Pro Temp. I have items 70 and 71. Both items are being withdrawn.

70 will be withdrawn. Item 71 will be withdrawn. Councillor Montau.

Thank you.

I have items 72 through 75. I'll introduce and urge the adoption of 72 and 75. 73 and 74 will be withdrawn. 72, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

Aye.

73 will be withdrawn. 74 withdrawn. 75, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

Aye.

Council Member Joke.

Thank you, Pro Tem. I would like to make a motion to waive the rules for items 76, 77, and 78. A little early, but I second that. Thank you, I would like to introduce item 76 and urge for its adoption 76 any discussion objections please call roll Councillor Moore He already made the motion right So I would like to

Make a motion to... You don't have to make the motion, Councillor.

The motion... Oh. The motion have already been made to waive the rules from 76 to... All right.

I'd like to introduce and urge the adoption of 77, please.

Item 77, any discussion? Objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor?

All right.

Opposed?

Announcement. Councillor Jones-Rouser.

Thank you, President Pro Temp. I have item 78. I'd like to... introduce an urgent adoption.

Bill 78, any discussion? Any objections? Please call the roll.

All in favor?

Aye. We have concluded our meeting. I will take a motion to adjourn. Second? Second. All in favor? Aye.