Auburn City Council
Meeting #33
Thursday July 28, 2005
9:00AM
Work Session Meeting
Roll Call – Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Jacobs, Dempsey and Hunter; present.
Staff Members Present – Thomas Leone, Corporation Counsel and Acting City Manager, Nancy Hussey, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk; Marie Nellenbeck, Treasurer; Steve Lynch, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Bill Lupien, Superintendent Engineering Services; Mike Long, CIP Manager, Police Chief Gary Giannotta.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor Lattimore announced that he received word from Senators Clinton and Schumer that the City would receive $2 million in federal funds for the Connector Rd. Project.
Presentations and Proclamations – None.
Public Announcements – The Clerk read.
Presentations of Petitions and Communications – None.
Ordinances and Local Laws – FIRST READING – None.
Work Session
Delinquent Taxes
Council discussed delinquent property tax installment plans and subsequent enforcement issues. Mr. Leone, Acting City Manager recapped Section 62 of the Charter as it stands now. Marie Nellenback, Treasurer, Councilor Jacobs, and Corporation Counsel brought up the following issues in discussion:
§ Enforcement would address default taxpayers, mostly owners of multi unit dwellings and more than one property.
§ As of 6/30/05 there is over $2 million in delinquent taxes owed to the city.
§ Councilor Jacobs met with the Treasurer and Corporation Counsel to identify issues and recommend amending the current ordinances.
Council discussed and agreed that the law should be amended. Staff will come back to Council with suggestions. Mr. Leone thanked Ms. Nellenback, Councilor Jacobs and Nancy Hussey for their help on this discussion.
Nuisance Ordinance
Council discussed the City’s nuisance ordinance relative to enhancing enforcement alternatives. Chief Giannotta, Mr. Leone and the Mayor discussed suggested changes in the language of the existing ordinance that would allow the City to take action when activity in a residence warrants it. They looked at similar ordinances in Binghamton and Rochester to duplicate.
Public To Be Heard –
Sally P (inaudible), 6 North Fulton St., formerly from Connecticut, spoke to Council regarding various issues she has observed since moving to Auburn New York. She commented on the high cost of electricity. She asked that a crosswalk for pedestrians be installed on North Fulton St. She asked for help with a feral cat problem in her neighborhood. She asked for more signs on North Fulton St. to indicate it is one way.
Jerry Morgan, Pulaski St., Auburn – spoke to Council about being notified by the Code Enforcement Department that his Certificate of Occupancy expired. He stated he was not happy, would not comply and felt he was singled out.
Mary Lou Picciano, Cayuga St. – spoke to Council to ask questions about the function of SROs in schools.
Cindy Bishop, 6-8 Bellevue Place, (owner occupied duplex) – asked Council if the vacant property at 7-9 Bellevue that is to be auctioned for delinquent taxes, could be purchased by her for taxes owed. She would like to keep the neighborhood owner occupied and avoid another absent landlord.
Bob Smith, 63 Columbus St. spoke to Council about skateboard issues. He wants to see the ordinance changed to reduce the size of the no skate zone. He gave each Councilor a map of the area. He asked if they would modify the law. Councilor Dempsey asked that a revision be brought to Council for a vote. Mayor Lattimore agreed.
Jill Fudo, 27 Easterly Ave. owner of 6 Woodruff Place spoke to support Cindy Bishop’s desire to purchase the property on Bellevue.
Jerry Morgan stood to ask for a response to his concerns. Mr. Leone commented. A discussion regarding Code Office procedure developed.
Martha Hahn, 1 Bellevue Place spoke to Council about Bellevue Place and asked if trees could be planted on her street. She commented on how the City’s Web site has helped her gain easy access City Codes.
Catherine Morgan, 22 Pulaski St. spoke to Council regarding her and her husband’s issues with Codes.
Other Business –
Councilor McNabb commented on the trash left out at certain addresses days before trash pick up is scheduled.
Councilor Jacobs added that trash cans should be brought in off the curb in a timely way.
Councilor Hunter asked for an update on the cable franchise issue, and the employee handbook.
Councilor Hunter asked about the letter to Owens/Illinois regarding water and sewer service. He asked for a work session on this topic. Mr. Leone agreed.
Council adjourned to executive session at 11:20 AM returning at 11:45 AM.
Meeting adjourned at 11:45PM.
| 
