Though it’s still on a limited basis, citizens of the town of Cicero now have more access to some of their elected officials.
It was announced on Wednesday that Cicero Town Hall would open the following day, May 28, by appointment only, more than two months after municipal buildings across New York State were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two weeks earlier, on May 13, Supervisor Bill Meyer had extended a state of emergency within the town 30 more days, doing so on guidance from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office and based on two sections of New York State Executive Law.
Parts of those regulations remain in place, as town board meetings in May were held without public participation. Also, Cicero Justice Court remains closed except for arraignments and other necessary operations.
At the May 27 Cicero Town Board meeting, town attorney Robert Germain emphasized that the public could still have their say in public hearings through email and social media channels such as Facebook.
“We’re doing the best we can under the laws,” said Germain.
As Onondaga County enters “phase two” of the state’s reopening program on Friday, Cicero’s eight town parks would open up, too. Meyer said that the parks are for walking only, with proper attire (including masks) and social distancing.
Board members decided to table, at least until its June 10 meeting, the Onondaga County Water Authority’s installation of five fire hydrants and a water main extension related to the second phase of the Island Hollow development project on Lunar Drive.
Combined, maintenance of the five hydrants would cost the town more than $350 a year, and Councilor Judy Boyke raised an objection, saying the town should not have to pay for hydrants on private property. Councilor Jonathan Karp said that, even if the hydrants belonged to the developer, the town owns the water pipes and would need to maintain them.
The board did approve the sale of two pieces of Highway Department – a 17-year-old tractor mower and an eight-year old pressure washer for parts – to Auctions International, along with hiring Gwen Proper and Dylan Hammerle as seasonal employees for the Parks and Recreation Department, plus rehiring Joshua Brazell, Jack Doren and Evan Wright for summer positions in the Highway Department.
Correction
In the May 20 edition of the Star-Review, we misstated how the town of Cicero will pay for the East Circle Drive culvert repairs. The majority of the $1.5 million project will be paid for by grants, and the town of Cicero’s share of the total cost is $135,000. The town is taking out bonds to front the money and then will be reimbursed. We apologize for the error.
