Syracuse Town Attorney Vern Landis, right, swears in Councilman Larry Siegel and Council President Paul Stoelting at the start of the Syracuse Town Council’s January meeting Tuesday night.

After much discussion the Syracuse Town Council approved a resolution to transfer the technology park to the newly formed Redevelopment Corporation to sell the property during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Town Manager Henry DeJulia explained the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission and Syracuse Redevelopment Corporation would negotiate the sale of the lots, but the town council would have the final say in the sale. Town Attorney Vern Landis explained this was the most expeditious way to market and sell the lots in the park.

Council Member Brian Woody expressed concern about the incentive program and the fact no selling price was discussed by the town council. Council President Paul Stoelting, who is also a member of the redevelopment commission, explained the park was appraised and must be sold at market price according to the Economic Development Administration grant. The town can then provide incentives which will offer flexibility in negotiating.

Discussion continued with Stoelting explaining the redevelopment commission went for flexibility in determining the incentives. Woody asked who would sit on the corporation. Stoelting, DeJulia and Council Member Larry Siegel will sit on the corporation along with two members of the community.

In the end the council approved the resolution with a vote of 4 to 4 with Councilwoman Kathy Beer abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

The council also approved a tentative bid of $2,922,600 from R.E. Crosby for the wastewater treatment plant project. Jeremy Sponseller, public superintendent, requested the tentative bid be accepted then negotiate with the bidder to get the cost down to the bond costs. The council approved the bid tentatively. In new business Woody said he would be willing to use economic development income tax funds to make up the difference in costs if negotiating didn’t work.

In the department reports, DeJulia asked the council to approve creating the redevelopment corporation for negotiating sale of the technology park property. The corporation is required by the state. The council approved the creation.

DeJulia reported the town received a $4,500 Harkless Foundation grant for beautification. Regulatory signs still need to be installed in Oakwood Park.

Police Chief Tony Ciriello reported there was a 12 percent increase in calls in 2014 compared to 2013 due to more crashes. Siegel asked how calls outside town limits were logged. Ciriello explained calls for assistance from other agencies are logged under the agency requesting assistance.

Friday Syracuse Police will be assisting with the annual trip to the Shrine Circus in Fort Wayne. This year area third- and fourth-graders are going, since third-graders weren’t able to go last year due to the weather. Ciriello told the council 2,679 students from Kosciusko County would be attending.

Council approved Ciriello purchasing a new Dodge Charger for $27,356 to replace car No. 7.

In the parks report, Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, provided a copy of the 2014 tree report, part of the application for Tree City USA. Siegel asked about trees that were damaged during a tornado last summer. Jonsson reported the bid package for tree removal has already been sent out as tree removal will be handled this spring rather than in the fall.

Winterfest will be Jan. 30-31 with the Kiwanis Soup Supper Friday, Jan. 30. Kiwanis will host the snowmobile races Jan. 31. There will also be a 5K run at the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex and activities at Oakwood including an ice sculpting demonstration, polar bear plunge and live entertainment. The day will end with ice skating at the ice rink at the ballpark.

The skating rink is currently open and being used.

Julie Kline, clerk treasurer, requested permission to pay encumbrances from 2014. Council approved payment.