SYRACUSE - The Syracuse Town Council heard several spending requests during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.
Proposals came from the police department, public works and Town Manager Henry DeJulia. Other items of discussion involved the parks department and concerns for the upcoming holiday.
Town Marshal Tony Ciriello approached council with a request to purchase two vehicles for the force. "We have three cars that are over 100,000 miles," Ciriello said. "Of the three that are over, two are in pretty bad shape mechanically. One's a '98, and one's a '99. We've spent close to two-thirds of our repair budget so far on these vehicles."
The vehicles Ciriello recommended to be added to the fleet are a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria with full police package for $22,149.25, and a used 2008 Chevy Impala for $13,000. The Chevy would be used as an administrative vehicle rather than for patrol duty. Council approved both purchases.
In other police matters, officer Jim Smith recently graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy and reserve officer Tara Myers graduated from the Reserve Officer Academy.
Myers received the Philip Hostetler Memorial Award, which was awarded to her by her peers at the academy. This is the first year for this award.
Ciriello announced the Memorial Day Parade will begin lining up at 11:30 a.m. on Boston Street. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. The route is north on Ind. 13 to the stop light in town, then left on Main Street to the cemetery. It is sponsored by the American Legion.
Ciriello stressed the last day of school is May 30, and would like to remind the community to be more aware of kids on bicycles and on foot around town.
DeJulia discussed progress with the proposed industrial park. A meeting with C.B. Ellis, a nationwide real estate agency, will be held to discuss ways of bringing businesses to the park.
DeJulia, along with Josh Weaver of Wightman Petrie, spoke to council regarding work on the water plant. With the exception of some exterior painting and other minor touch-up work, the job is considered done. The recommendation for payment of a final completion certificate of $46,845 was approved by council.
There was discussion regarding the new Syracuse sign. Because of the color and size of the lettering used, there is an obvious visibility problem with the sign when viewed from the road. DeJulia said the problem is bing addressed.
The public works department approached council regarding its outdated meter reading equipment. Replacement of two hand-held reader devices, plus a software package, is $10,800. The other option is a radio controlled drive-by reader system. However, this type of technology would take up to six years to install throughout the entire town, and would be far more expensive. Council did ask for more estimates before reaching a decision.
Chad Johnson, parks superintendent, presented council with the nomination of Nancy Duehmig to fill the park board term of Sarah Morgan. Council approved Duehmig to the post.
In other news regarding the parks, Johnson announced Memorial Day is the official opening for Syracuse Parks and Recreation; construction was approved for the pavilion; and the Music in the Park concert series is scheduled for Thursday nights, 7 p.m., June 19 through August 14.
In other business:
n There will be a June 7 motorcycle poker run, starting in Syracuse and ending back in Syracuse. Proceeds will benefit the National Guard Trust Fund for families. More information will be made available soon.
n Council approved $14,546.79 as the town's share for work on the new fire truck.
n Paid claims of $2,948,287.38 for the month of May, 2008.
Syracuse Town Council members are: Brian Woody, Bill Musser, Cassie Cowan, Larry Siegel and Paul Stoelting.
