Council Meeting #11 of 2004
March 11, 2004
Work Session Meeting
Memorial City Hall
6:00 PM
Roll Call – Councilor Jacobs, McNabb, Hunter, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore - Present.
City Staff Present – John Salomone, City Manager; Tom Leone, Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk; Fire Chief Mike Quill, Police Chief Gary Giannotta, Eileen Iannone, Secretary to the Mayor.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Presentations and Proclamations – None
Public Announcements – Clerk read.
Presentation of Petitions and Communication – Clerk read.
Ordinances and Local Laws – First Readings –
The City Clerk read the following:
Ordinance #1 of 2004 authorizing an amendment to the Code of the City of Auburn, Chapter 234, entitled “Public Conduct”.
Ordinance #2 of 2004 authorizing an amendment to the Code of the City of Auburn, Chapter 115, entitled “Bicycles”.
Work Session –
City Manager John Salomone introduced Chief of Police Gary Giannotta to explain the proposed changes to the Skateboard Ordinance. Councilor Jacobs, a member of the Business Improvement District explained the damage being done to downtown buildings by skateboarders. He included damage to trash cans, park benches and fears expressed by senior citizens that live in Boyle Center and Stryker Homes.
Mayor Lattimore acknowledged the many citizens (parents and teens) in attendance representing skateboarders. He asked if any would like to comment:
The following people spoke to council opposed to the expansion of the no skate zone:
Rich Piccano, 32 Cayuga St.
Mike Smart 24 S. Marvine Ave.
Eric Schmit Southgate Dr.
Chris Lull E. Genesee St.
Connie Laxton
Marylou Piccano Cayuga St.
Mike Smart 24 S. Marvine Ave.
Scott Martin 125 N. Lewis St.
Jill Fudo Easterly Ave.
Rick Dushentinsky Wheeler Ave.
Tina Nash Cherry St.
Steve Schmidt
Sandy Craner, 90 Hamilton Ave and Executive Director of the Auburn Business Improvement District spoke to support the expanded zone on behalf of businesses in the area.
Mayor Lattimore asked for a 2 minute recess.
Meeting resumed and the Mayor opened the Public to be Heard for topics other than skateboarding.
Public to be heard –
Jill Fudo, Easterly Ave. – owns home, spoke to Council to express frustration and concern over the absentee landlords, vacant homes and behavior of tenants in her neighborhood.
Other Business –
Councilor Hunter presented information on HUD properties that are foreclosed and resold. He reviewed the purchase of several by one entity that buys them for less than assessment and is now in arrears with taxes approximately $92000. He discussed the HUD money that was used to improve neighborhoods and the irony of them selling HUD homes to negligent owners.
Mayor Lattimore invited home owners in attendance to speak if they wished to.
Jill Fudo home owner on Easterly Ave. spoke about the condition and ownership of property near her on Woodruff Place.
Sherry Cuff, Chedell Place spoke to ask the City not to let the neighborhood go down hill again.
Anne Huff, Easterly Ave. spoke to ask for Councils help in preserving the neighborhood.
Council commented and discussed the issues of this problem.
Mayor Lattimore asked if there was any other business.
Councilor Jacobs asked that downtown parking be monitored for excessive parking by County Employees. BID members are complaining that street spots are taken by them.
Councilor Dempsey asked if something could be done to move traffic on the roads used as detours during the White Bridge construction.
Councilor Hunter reported on the Doubleday’s meeting he attended. The Blue Jays have signed on for another four years. He reported that an extra two great events have been planned for this season.
Chief Quill reported that due to problems with Engine 3 it will be sent for repairs.
Mayor Lattimore reported he will be going to Canada this weekend.
Council adjourned to executive session at 8:25PM; returning at 9:35PM.
Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 9:35PM.
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