SYRACUSE – Syracuse town Attorney Mike Reed swore in two new police officers Tuesday.
Neil Likens has replaced Officer Justin Curtis who transferred to the Warsaw Police Department, and Michael Bumbaugh will start Monday in place of Office Ben Hostetler, who resigned.
In an update on the new industrial park, engineer and plan designer Ken Jones with Wightman Petrie reported good progress on excavation and sewer line installation. He praised the work of Cripe Excavation, noting that they are “moving this along” despite anticipating an extra cost of around $2,074 in changes to the lines’ depth.
Town Manager Henry DeJulia questioned why the required depth was not known at the beginning of the project, and council member Brian Woody agreed, stating, “They should have known.”
Jones assured them that such changes are not uncommon, and explained that adjustments had to be made at one particular geographical location where another contractor, Kinder Morgan, placed gas lines. Jones concluded, “What we have here is a changing condition.”
The council agreed, and DeJulia added, “The contractors are really on top of it.”
The 2013 budget was approved despite a couple comments on the tax rate hike. Council president Larry Siegel voted yes but with the disclaimer, “I personally have a lot of difficulty raising the tax rate, especially in these difficult times.”
Resident Sharon Fowler also asked why this happened when so many people were hurting. Clerk Julie Kline explained that although the rate rose from that of 2011, property assessments are now much lower, so adjustments had to be made. The council unanimously approved the budget.
The council also approved a property swap at the old industrial park with Polywood. No money was exchanged in the real estate agreement that traded small pieces of property. Polywood would pay real estate taxes, however.
In other business council heard that hydrants will be flushed soon. Public Works Director Jeremy Sponseller will let residents know the date.
Contracts were approved for installation of decorative lights along Main Street. L&M Electric, Goshen, was given the go-ahead to install three lights north of Dolan Drive, and seven south of that location, for a price of $17,794. Ritter Electric, Syracuse, will be replacing lights in the town hall for a cost of $12,992.36.
Dick Pelletier has been in charge of raising funds for the new Youth Athletic Complex, and praised local charitable organizations and businesses for their contributions. He wanted to let the council know, though, that more funds are needed in order to take advantage of a matching grant available.
An individual has offered to match $60,000 if the other $60,000 is raised. Pelletier said some money is coming in, but more would be needed.
Councilman Woody expressed his interest in using cigarette tax money to help this cause. He asked if the purpose of this particular account wasn’t for helping kids. There is currently more than $51,000 in the account.
The next regular town council meeting will be Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
