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Tweaking truck fines Trustees adjust first, second and third offense fines; public hearing April 15 By Russ Tarby Contributing Writer At its March 18 meeting, the Village of Liverpool Board of Trustees – Mayor Stacy Finney and trustees Melissa Cassidy, Matt Devendorf and Mike LaMontagne – unanimously approved the introduction of a new local law designed to “streamline” the enforcement of the village’s new ban on overweight trucks. Trustee Rachel Ciotti was absent. Last July, the trustees passed a local law prohibiting the operation of trucks weighing more than five tons within the village. The law specifically targets “truck, trailers and tractortrailer combinations.” In mid-January, Liverpool Police began warning drivers of heavyweight vehicles, and by the end of that month the officers began ticketing alleged offenders. The new fines were established as $1,200 for trucks and their loads totaling between five tons and sevenand-a-half tons. For weights between seven-and-a-half tons and 10 tons the penalty would be $1,700. The fines grow progressively higher for increased weights, with the top fine listed as $4,700 for trucks and their loads weighing 22.5 tons or more. Police Chief Jerry Unger believes that the troublesome truck traffic has diminished by as much as 85 percent since the law went into effect, and Finney agrees. Nevertheless, the newest proposed local law – Local Law F – would significantly lower those fines. If the new law is approved, an overweight truck driver initially convicted could draw a fine of not more than $300. A second conviction within 18 months could draw a fine of not more than $600. And a third conviction within 18 months could draw a fine of not more than $1,200. The proposed law states its purpose: “The village evaluated the pen-
Dr. Cody Kelly
Kelly appointed to lead Legislature’s health & Liverpool Mayor Stacy Finney, new police Officer Roberto Lamas and Police human services committee Chief Jerry Unger at Lamas’s swearing-in at the March 18 meeting of the vilMATT DEVENDORF
lage board of trustees. Finney had her head shaved for a St. Baldrick’s Day charitable event on March 15. Finney’s effort raised $1,221 to battle childhood cancer. alty schedule and determined that a more streamlined approach is appropriate the simplify enforcement and the ticketing procedure.” Residents, motorists and local business owners may weigh in on the proposed local law when the trustees conduct a public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, April 15, at the village fall, 310 Sycamore St.
New Officer Roberto Lamas
Also at the March 18 meeting, Finney administered the oath of office to Liverpool’s newest full-time police officer, Roberto Lamas. Unger, who attended the swearing-in, said that Lamas is progressing well at the Central NY Regional Police Academy. He’s expected to graduate on Aug. 9.
Cops busy in February
Unger reported via memo that his officers made 317 traffic stops and
issued 271 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws in February. Four accidents were investigated here last month, and 20 parking tickets were issued. Officers made 39 residential checks and 343 business checks in February, while responding to a total of 791 incidents and calls for service. That’s an unusually high number of monthly calls representing an average of 28.2 calls answered per day. The LPD arrested 51 individuals last month on 55 criminal charges.
Overnight parking ban
From now through April 15 parking along most village streets is banned from midnight to 8 a.m. On village business district streets, parking is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Dr. Cody Kelly, a physical therapist who works primarily with children, was recently appointed as chair of the Onondaga County Legislature’s Health & Human Services Committee for the 2024-2025 term. “I don’t know that physical therapy gets the visibility it deserves within the medical community, so it’s certainly an honor for me to not only have a seat at the table, but to sit in the chair’s seat and work to continue advancing public health in our county” says Kelly. “I can offer real world experience witnessing some of our most pressing public health needs and I will work hard with my colleagues to improve outcomes and access to services throughout Onondaga County.” Kelly represents the Legislature’s 14th District which covers a large portion of the Town of Clay. He was appointed to the legislature by the County Executive in February 2021 and won re-election in November of 2021 and 2023. He’s a graduate of Cicero-North Syracuse High School and SUNY Upstate and at 33, is the one of the youngest members of the legislature. “It was an easy decision to appoint Dr. Kelly as Chair” says the Legislature’s Chairman Timothy Burtis. “His professional experience in healthcare along with his personal demeanor make him a great fit for this role and I know he will do a great job.” The Health & Human Services Committee oversees County l Page 11
NSCSD names Roldan 2024 Teacher of the Year North Syracuse Central School District Superintendent of Schools has announced that this year’s Teacher of the Year award will go to Cicero-North Syracuse High School teacher Lydia Roldan. Roldan now moves on to the statewide program for Teacher of the Year, sponsored by the New York State Education Department. Roldan was part of a group of five outstanding teachers of the North Syracuse Central School District, each of whom were nominated by at least 10 of their District peers. Roldan has worked with the North Syracuse Central School District students as an English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher at both North Syracuse Junior High School and Cicero-North Syracuse High School since 2017. Roldan’s passion for teaching and her commitment to supporting English Language Learners (ELLs) have made a profound impact on our students and staff alike. Throughout her tenure as an ENL teacher, Roldan has demonstrated exemplary dedication and expertise. She
has not only taught ENL grades 10-12 but has also worked tirelessly to coteach content classes and differentiate instruction for classrooms with multilevel learners. She has advocated for improved scheduling practices and implementing appropriate curriculum have led to the creation of a welcoming school environment for ELLs and their families. Roldan’s colleagues overwhelmingly supported her for Teacher of the Year praising her collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to her students’ success. Kimberly Rice, Interim House III Principal at C-NS, commends Roldan for her dedication, collaborative spirit, advocacy, communication skills, and commitment to continuous improvement. Amy Petersen Sagrado, a former colleague of Roldan’s, took time to highlight Roldan’s dedication to her students’ academic and personal growth, as well as her passion for implementing innovative best practices in language pedagogy.
Roldan’s accomplishments and dedication to her students extend beyond the classroom. She has actively participated in various professional development activities, including workshops, conferences and training sessions, to enhance her teaching skills and support her students’ needs effectively. Roldan’s outstanding contributions to our school community have not gone unnoticed. She exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator, including dedication, collaboration, advocacy and continuous improvement. Other nominees in this year’s Teacher of the Year competition were: Karen Seamans at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, Danielle Delfanian at Smith Road Elementary School, Kathy Conese at Allen Road Elementary School and Kathy Krichbaum at Roxboro Road Middle School. Congratulations to Roldan and all our dedicated educators! Many thanks are also due to those who served on the Teacher of the Year Interview Committee: Phil Cleary (Com-
Lydia Roldan mittee Chair), Linda Congdon (Smith Road Elementary School), Lisa Goldberg (SEL Director), Amy Hysick (CNS High School), John Kuryla (NSEA), Colleen O’Connor (Roxboro Road Middle School) and Kathy Wheeler (Cicero Elementary School Principal).
Volume 131, Number 13 The Star-Review is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Periodical Postage Paid at Syracuse, NY 13220, USPS 316060. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Star-Review, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
schools: LCSD gives middle school students planetarium tour.
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schools & scholars: Local students earn accolades.
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