Syracuse Town Councilman Larry Siegel, left, shares a laugh with Councilwoman Cindy Kaiser while Council President Nathan Scherer reviews some paperwork prior to the March town council meeting Tuesday night, March 19. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Syracuse Town Council introduced a tax increment finance bond for Rabbit Ridge Development during its regular meeting Tuesday night, March 19.

Rabbit Ridge Development will be located behind Syracuse Family Physicians, north of town.

The bond will provide 80 % of the income from the TIF district to Rabbit Ridge and 20% to the town for 20 years. Dr. Larry Allen, the owner of the property, will purchase the bond for an estimated value of $1.6 million.

Funds from the TIF are to be used for engineering of the development and infrastructure costs. After 20 years proceeds from the TIF will revert back to the town and other taxing entities.

The Syracuse Redevelopment Commission approved the TIF during its meeting, held earlier Tuesday night. The Economic Development Commission will hold a public hearing on the matter before the Syracuse Town Council meets in April. The council is expected to pass the ordinance during its April meeting.

In the town manger’s report, David Wilkinson started a conversation regarding designated outdoor refreshment areas. These areas are designated geographical areas around at least one establishment with an alcohol license. Within a D.O.R.A., patrons may walk freely on the street and into other businesses with alcoholic beverages. Patrons would be limited to taking two drinks out of an establishment. The town is limited to having seven D.O.R.A.s.

As the only boundary limitation, a D.O.R.A. may not be established within 200 feet of a church wall, Signage designating the entrance and exits of a D.O.R.A. must also be installed.

After some more discussion, Councilmen Larry Siegel, Paul Stoelting and Councilwoman Cindy Kaiser said they would like to learn more while Councilman Bill Musser stated he was opposed to the idea.

Kaiser asked about the legal description of the Dolan Street property the town gave to the Syracuse Public Library.

Town Attorney Jay Rigdon explained the legal description is over 100 years old and since it was first drafted, slivers of the property have been shaved off over the years. A new survey is being done to ensure the town is giving the library what its entitled to give.

The town is shooting to have Pearl Street parking lot done yet this year. Mark Aurich, public works superintendent, hopes to let bids in May with the work starting in September. Siegel asked to have a hitching post.

Police Chief Jim Layne told the council the department is in the middle of hiring a police officer to replace one that has left. Chelsea Goodyear has taken over the police matron’s job.

The town of Syracuse has been named Tree City USA for the 23rd year in the row. It also received a Growth Award for the 18th year.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, March 23, 10-11 a.m. Children ages 0-3 will have their hunt at 10 a.m.; ages 4-6 will have their hunt at 10:30 a.m. and those ages 7-10 will have their hunt at 11 a.m.

Work is continuing at Ward Park. The old restrooms and storage building have been demolished. Plans are to seed the area. Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, said he’s looking at adding a hitching post and more parking spots.

The roof of the community center is slated to be replaced starting April 1.

Jonsson is still researching charging for parking for out of town visitors.

Siegel asked about lifeguards. Chad sent notices out, but has not received any response offering $15 an hour.

After some discussion, the council approved allowing Jonsson to offer $20 an hour.

Aurich reported the Oakwood Force Main work is slated to start next week while painting and clean up work on the North Water Tower is to start April 1.

The council approved the fire department purchasing four automated external defibrillators for $14,389.

In new business, Musser asked about moving the town council meeting to 6 p.m. Rigdon has a meeting in Cromwell and said he hasn’t figured out how to be in two places at one time.

Nathan Scherer asked if a different day would work better. The matter was tabled for further discussion. Rigdon suggested he send his schedule to Scherer so he could see if an alternative day or time could be found.