Editor's note: this story was updated Feb. 19 to correct scope of parks project and identify bid winners for building and fire station improvements. Arbor Day Farm's Mark Canney was misidentified in the earlier version.


SYRACUSE – The Syracuse City Council approved purchase of equipment to clean firefighting gear and advanced a playground grant at its meeting Wednesday.

Firefighter Keith McWilliams explained the need for a washer to remove carcinogens from gear worn by firefighters. He said certain particles, when breathed in, are known to cause cancer.

The council approved purchase of a $13,463 extractor machine, which is intended to better clean gear and in less time.

Sonni Graves of the parks department explained that the city’s Project Playground did not receive a $300,000 matching grant from Nebraska Game and Parks. She said the grant application was ranked sixth, but only four grants were awarded.

Graves said the playground committee decided to use the $380,000 raised through donations to reach out for bids.

 Project Playground Facebook photo

Graves also updated the city council on Syracuse becoming a designated tree city.

Graves has been working with the Arbor Day Foundation, Mark Canney and Rachel Hrabik on making Syracuse a tree city.  The city of Syracuse has lost many trees in the past years, either due to storms or disease.  In making Syracuse a tree city, this will help Syracuse to receive grants.

There are four steps to receiving the Tree City award, three of those steps have been completed, the final step is the celebration.  Syracuse will be hosting an Arbor Day celebration in April, more details to follow.

Graves was awarded approval of the work needed to complete the updates at the Syracuse complex on 2 of the 4 ball fields, also a bullpen for a total of $54,830.

Mannschreck Masonry, Midwest Door & Hardware and Langfeldt Overhead Doors are working on the city building south of Syracuse and fire station  for $26,463.

Melissa Juilfs, Syracuse Librarian, reported that over 50 people attended the seminar about Jesse James. February 16th Charlotte Endorf will speak on the Orphan Train in Nebraska. The Otoe County Museum of Memories will be providing refreshments. On Match 16 that 1:30 p.m. Dan Holtz will present Nebraska History through Music.

BMG certified public accountant for the city of Syracuse submitted their report. Finding an increase of up to $26,000 from the previous year in park expenses, this increase was related to the pickle courts construction.

Electrical expenses are up by $260,000 over the past year. primarily due to ore capital expenditures in 2024.

Sewer revenue is up by $46,000 for the year due to new sewer rates that went into effect in 2024.