What We Are Watching In Committee This Week - 12/8/2025
December 8th 2025
This Week’s Overview
The final session of the year brings a full slate of committee meetings at the Legislature. Here is a breakdown of what each committee will discuss, organized by date and time. We’re going to discuss board appointments at committee this month instead of straight to session, but there’s a complete agenda for this session and a lot to discuss. Here are some of the things we’ll be discussing.
Public Safety Committee
Tuesday, December 9th at 9a.m. at 420 Electronics Parkway
This meeting will take place at Emergency Management located at 420 Electronics Pkwy, Liverpool, New York 13088
1. District Attorney Office: Advanced Step Placement Request
The District Attorney Office is requesting authorization to hire a Victim Assistance Supervisor at a higher salary step. The office cites recruitment challenges and the need to stay competitive for a position that responds at all hours and works closely with families of homicide victims.
The salary adjustment would move the role from Grade 31 Step 3 to Grade 31 Step 6.
2. School Bus Stop Arm Camera Program Update
Security staff will provide an informational update on the automated camera program used to enforce violations when drivers illegally pass stopped school buses.
3. Emergency Management: Tour of the Mobile Command Vehicle
Committee members will participate in a walkthrough of the Mobile Command Vehicle which is used for on scene coordination during emergencies.
County Facilities Committee
Tuesday, December 9th at 11:30 a.m.
1. Facilities Transfer Resolution
Facilities Management is requesting a transfer of funds to cover rising costs in janitorial services, trash services and utilities. Some of the cost increase is tied to the STEAM school. Savings from salary vacancies and fringe accounts will be reallocated to cover the shortfalls.
2. Purchase of Otisco Lake Park Parcels
The county is seeking authorization to purchase 4.21 acres from OCWA for one dollar. This land will consolidate county ownership of Otisco Lake Park. A SEQR review found no adverse environmental impact associated with the transfer.
3. Onondaga Historical Association Presentation
OHA will provide an informational update on plans for the 250th commemoration of the American Revolution.
1. Resource Recovery Agency Reappointments
Two members are up for reappointment: Elizabeth Bough Martin and Vincent Mangan. They resumes were included with the agenda packet.
Environmental Protection Committee
Tuesday, December 9th at 1:00 p.m.
2. Sanitary District Improvements the Oak Orchard Municipal Expansion Project
This is the major item of the week, maybe the year. I have no doubt this will also be discussed at Ways and Means, this is potentially the most expensive project the legislature has ever considered but, the Legislature will consider:
Approval of improvements connected to the Oak Orchard Municipal Expansion Project with a maximum cost of $549,500,000 dollars
Authorization for the county to issue $515,000,000 dollars in bonds to finance the project
A public hearing has been completed and SEQR review has been conducted
3. Personnel Resolution
A standard staffing related item from the Personnel Department.
Planning Committee
Tuesday, December 10th at 9:00 a.m.
1. Cultural Resources Trust Reappointments
Two members are up for reappointment:
Nathaniel J. Stevens
Leslie Garcea
The Cultural Resources Trust helps support arts cultural initiatives and preservation throughout the county.
2. Planning Board Reappointment
The County Executive requests confirmation for another appointment. This time it’s for the reappointment of Michael La Flair to the County Planning Board. I actually serve on the board of the Greater Syracuse Land Bank with Mike, and I think he’s a real asset to our community on this board and others. I may co-sponsor this on the floor depending on how conversations go with the caucus.
3. Shape Up for Veterans Budget Amendment
A proposal is on the agenda to allocate 150,000 dollars from the General Fund to support Shape Up for Veterans. This program provides home improvement assistance to local veterans.
Health and Human Services Committee
Tuesday, December 10th at 12:30 p.m.
1. Reappointment of the County Health Commissioner
The County Executive has reappointed Dr. Kathryn Anderson to serve another four year term as Health Commissioner from 2026 through 2029. Dr. Anderson and I haven’t formally sat down and discussed priorities, but I am hoping now that we have majority, I can have a better relationship with their department.
2. Local Law to Update Health Department Fees
A local law will be discussed that updates various Health Department fees including fees for food service permits petroleum device inspections ice manufacturing and mobile food vendors. These changes update older fee schedules established in 2002 and 2025.
3. Opioid Funding Update
The Health Department will present information on opioid settlement funds and their current uses
How You Can Stay Engaged
Watch the livestreams of the committee meetings on Youtube if you are able.
Reach out with any questions about these items.
Share this update with neighbors who care about public safety, clean water and services for families.
If you want to see these meetings as they happen, head over to the Onondaga County Legislature’s Youtube page. All meetings are streamed there, and it is a great way to stay connected to what your county government is doing.
My goal will be to to keep you informed and to make county government as transparent and accessible as possible.