SYRACUSE – Tuesday night the Syracuse town council approved $541,000 for renovations to the Huntington Street fire station. The project is for a 3,900-square-foot second floor addition. The vote was split 3-2 along earlier lines of disagreement about the project. Council members Larry Siegel and Paul Stoelting maintained their disapproval, while council President Bill Musser and members Kathy Beer and Brian Woody voted in favor. Although everyone agreed the fire station needs improvements, including men’s and women’s sleeping areas and showers and storage areas, the bone of contention was whether or not all options had been explored. Siegel and Musser disputed that issue, with Siegel claiming there was no concrete evidence in the form of meeting minutes or documents showing such action. Musser and Woody held firm that every possibility was taken into consideration, but Siegel continued, “Kim Cates (current fire territory president) couldn’t find that information in the minutes.” All seats in the meeting room were taken, mostly by residents there to hear about the fire station project. Larry Lane and Rick Williams, both residents of the newly annexed Oakwood section of town, spoke out against the project. Lane explained he was concerned about taxes, and stated he thought council did not fully explore less expensive options. “There hasn’t been a review of the half-million or so cost,” he said. He explained other towns have purchased houses near the stations that did a good job of accommodating firemen and women, saying, “I haven’t seen anything about that.” Lane added that construction of a second story would put “a lot of stress on the foundation.” Williams repeated many of Lane’s arguments, adding his concern that the council was not fulfilling its obligation to spend tax money responsibly. He concluded, “This thing is getting to be a runaway fire truck.” The question of whether or not the fire territory board, and consequently the town council, had fully explored all options, including purchasing a house for $100,000-$150,000, became the main argument. Siegel accused Musser, as a former member of the fire territory board, of not having “done your due diligence.” Musser retorted that Siegel should know, from almost two years worth of discussions, that every option had been discussed. Woody concurred. Musser emphasized that the project had been in the works for years, discussions had taken place, all possibilities reviewed, and the best option was presented. He wrapped up all talk by calling for a vote. “It was time,” he said, addding, “the fire department deserved better accommodations.” In other business, the council unanimously approved next year’s budget after first reading. The budget estimates are $3,331,981, with maximum estimated funds at $1,700,562. The tax levy is $1,750,021, approximately $50,000 below that of the current year. Also, members were given an update on the new industrial park by engineer Brett Konarski. Paving should be finished by next week, he reported, and now is the time to consider landscaping and signs. One other project that needs to be finished is the installation of an antenna pole for the electronics system that notifies utilities of water and sewer use. The parks department will be busy in October. Chad Jonsson, parks director, listed upcoming events including: Oct 12, last day of the farmers market will celebrate with a harvest festival; Oct. 19, fall carnival at the youth center; and Oct 24-26, a haunted trail at Crosson Park. Town paving will begin in early October.
