SYRACUSE – Syracuse Police Chief Tony Ciriello informed town council Tuesday night of a new “safe zone” provided to residents for business transactions. Citing recent news about safety issues associated with people buying and selling on such sites as Craigslist, Ciriello said the police department was providing a safe zone where there would be a officers “within sight” of transactions. The times and locations are yet to be determined, but he said those details should be completed within the week. Anyone who wishes to meet their buyer or seller at this location should call the police station to find out when a policeman would be available. Ciriello also reported that January was a pretty quiet month for service calls. He said there were four arrests, all misdemeanors. He said maybe this was attributable to the cold weather, and that February could be the same. Town manager Henry DeJulia congratulated Ciriello on his recent award, Sagamore of the Wabash. He was nominated by the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. DeJulia also reported the town received an award for town beautification, and that the technology park signs are now working. Town clerk Julie Kline said that because weather has prevented the reading of meters, the electric bills this month will be estimated. This is the second month in a row for estimates, she said. In other business, council: • Awarded a bid to remove trees to D H Tree & Stump, North Webster, for $8,925. • Heard that the two Easter egg hunts will be March 27 for middle school students and March 28 for young children. The first will be after the middle school dance and the participants will use flashlights in their search. Gift certificates will be the prizes for older students. • Heard that 309 more people used the new fitness center in the community center than at this time last year. The Municipal Building Corporation held a brief annual meeting Tuesday ahead of council. They reviewed finances for the past year and compliance requirements for taxes and loan payments. Officers are Dave VanLue, president; Henry DeJulia, vice president; Julie Kline, secretary; and Chad Jonsson, park superintendent.
