The previously controversial issue of sewage acceptance in the city of Oswego was revisited briefly Monday night by the common council.

Councilor Michael Joyce, R-7th Ward, made a motion to table a resolution that would clarify the terms of a Feb. 25 sewage resolution. The earlier resolution stated that the city would not accept any more sewage from the town of Oswego except from single-family homes and no single-family homes shall be tied into the city’s sewer lines without council approval.

However, Monday’s amended resolution went into additional details, stating that because SUNY Oswego is its own entity and has a contract to dispose its waste into the city’s west side plant, it would be excluded from the previously passed resolution. The college is building new town houses for students and until the council clarifies the sewage resolution, the city has no obligation to accept waste from the town houses.

Connie Cosemento, D-1st Ward, is the only councilor to vote against tabling the resolution. Mayor Randy Bateman vetoed the resolution Feb. 27 and his veto was overridden by the common council March 10.

The February resolution was proposed by Councilor Mike Myers, R-2nd Ward, because of his concern for overflow that is dumped into Lake Ontario during wet weather on the city’s west side and his desire to save the remaining capacity at the city’s Westside Waste Water Treatment Plant for the future development of the Port City.

At last week’s Physical Services Committee, Bateman explained that SUNY Oswego is a state entity even though it is located in the town of Oswego. The mayor further stated that when it comes time for the city to expand the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, the college plans on paying whatever percent of the bill that is equal to its usage.

In other business Monday night:
• The council approved the posting of sign in Montcalm Park notifying the community that violators of the leash law are subject to arrest. At last week’s Physical Services Committee, Cosemento said, “Montcalm Historical Park, it is becoming a site for more and more people coming to let their dogs run loose.” Cosemento said that there are many children playing and people out walking with the arrival of the nice weather. She noted there are “some streets in the 1st Ward where dogs are not on leashes and we’ve had some attacks.”

Cosemento informed the public that she would be working with the police department to enforce the law. She urged the community to keep their dogs and people in the wards safe by putting their pets on leashes.

• With a 6-1 vote, the council approved the purchase of a new 2008 Quint Platform Truck and two Typhoon Pumper Trucks from Absolute Emergency Vehicles and Equipment, LLC. Councilor Bill Sharkey, R-6th Ward, cast the only “no vote.” In January the Oswego Fire Department received more than $700,000 in grant money from the Department of Homeland Security for the acquisition of a new quint.

“I just want to thank the Fire Department Truck Committee,” Bateman said. “They did a great job on this. I know a lot of the equipment over there is ancient.” Bateman noted that the three new trucks will help bring the fire department in the 21st century and should hopefully last for a while.

• The council approved the use of the Cullinan Skating Rink for Robert Hensel for him to break his own Guinness world record of the longest wheelchair wheelie and for a fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation of Central New York. Hensel will use the rink three hours a day, three days a week to practice for his record-breaking attempt in early October.

Hensel’s wife, Amy, was at the meeting Monday night to address the common council. “My husband and I wish to thank the common council and the city of Oswego for their continued support throughout all of my husband’s endeavors,” she said.

“I think it’s great Mr. Hensel has the record now and that someone in Oswego is trying to make a new one. I wish him all the luck in the world,” Bateman said.

• Bateman said there is a new link on the city’s homepage for the Bridge Street Bridge Project progress. He also said the new structural steel for the bridge will be installed today, Friday and Saturday.

• Bateman also announced that the Oswego Police Department is continuing its quality of life campaign which resumed in late April. Including last weekend, the police department has made a total of  79 arrests and appearance tickets.