Dan Liedka, who ran unopposed for mayor in the March village elections, was sworn in to serve his second term at the April 6 East Syracuse Village Board meeting. Judge Donald Benack, and trustees Jodi Gehrke-Turner and Chad Tolhurst were also inducted. Officials will serve four-year terms.
Special guests at the ceremony included Fifth Judicial District Administrative Judge James C. Tormey III, Town of DeWitt Justice David Gideon, Town of DeWitt Counselor (and former East Syracuse village mayor) Lorene McCoy Dadey and EAVES Vice President Liz Barrett.
Public hearing set
The East Syracuse Village Board will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday April 20 concerning a proposed local law about the licensing of pawnbrokers in the village of East Syracuse.
Liedka said the village is working with Village Attorney Robert Germain and Police Chief Don Morris for a way to address the situation in the village. The reason the village has pawnshops, Liedka added, is because the village has no laws regulating their activities.
“As it stands, a criminal could steal something, and bring it to the shop,” Liedka said. “They can turn around and sell it immediately. This isn’t the norm elsewhere, and is the reason why they are in the village in the first place. They saw the opportunity, and took advantage of it.”
According to the minutes, Morris has reported numerous instances when stolen items were brought to the pawnbroker and sold within hours.
The proposed law will required items be held for a period of time and identify the person that turned in the item.
“We need to have a law that protects the property owner,” Liedka said. “It is working in other areas, we need it to work in East Syracuse. The law will protect the property owner, the shop owner and not the thief.”
Mayor’s report
Appointments for open terms on the recreation; revitalization and economic development; and revitalization and beautification committees have not yet been filled, according to Liedka. The committees may continue to meet as usual but Liedka said he would be looking to restructure.
Sen. David Valesky has appropriated $22,000 for village clock renovations. Community Development is funding $50,000; there will be no burden on village residents. Local businesses have also come forward to help with materials and services, according to the meeting minutes.
Liedka also addressed residents’ concerns pertaining to the completion of the Vision Planning process for Main Street. Liedka said he fully expects support from the state and other agencies, and while it may take a few years before the village sees change, it was essential to take initiative.
In other matters
The board awarded Potter & Perrone over Blanding Plumbing to work on the Hanlon Pool sewer repairs. Bids opened in March. Potter & Perrone’s estimate cost was $14,747 estimate, Blanding Plumbing was more than $10,000 higher at $25,250.
The board unanimously voted to hire Paula Lynch as part-time police department administrative assistant. She will work less than 20 hours a week at $19 per hour.
The board unanimously accepted Tim Marcely’s resignation as building maintenance supervisor. His last day of work was April 10.
The board approved to correct the wage rate for DPW employee Dawn Cramer to $14.64 an hour from $14.06, effective immediately. Liedka said the reason behind the increase is due to additional duties related to building and maintenance.
The final Vision Planning Workshop is set for Tuesday April 21 at St. Matthew’s
Earth Day Cleanup will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday April 25. Participants are to meet at the Village Deli.
