Auburn City Council
Meeting #43
Thursday October 6, 2005
5:00PM
Council Meeting
Staff Members Present – John Salomone, City Manager; Thomas Leone, Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk
Roll Call – Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Dempsey and Hunter; present. Councilor Jacob’s absent.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor Lattimore asked for a moment of silence.
Presentations of Petitions and Proclamations
The City Clerk read a proclamation from the Mayor recognizing October 9 – 15 as Fire Prevention Week.
Mayor Lattimore introduced Marion E. Balyszak, Director of the Finger Lakes Institute. Ms. Balyszak discussed the institutes research work, education resources, and outreach work they do with local and state governments.
Mayor Lattimore thanked Ms. Balyszak for her time and work.
Mayor Lattimore asked Gary Valerino to speak. He represented Any and Deluxe Taxi owners. They are requesting that the city amend the Taxi ordinance to allow for an increase of rates. Mr. Valerino spoke to explain the need for his clients to charge more.
Michele Chism, Oakcreek Apt. was allowed to address council as an unhappy consumer of the taxi company. She sited service and safety concerns as a citizen that relies on taxi service for transportation.
Council discussed the issue of safety and the ordinance to increase the rate.
Mayor Lattimore introduced Mike Long, Auburn’s Capital Improvement Manager. Mr. Long, reviewed the history of various water projects including the Hydro Power project. He then introduced, Rogert Bason, of E3 Inc. Mr. Bason and his partners presented council with a review of their research for the Auburn area water systems. Council discussed the results and possible impact of further studies. Mayor Lattimore thanked the group and commented.
Mayor Lattimore asked the clerk to read a letter from him addressed to “All Concerned with Auburn’s Future” and titled Mayor Lattimore Urges Consideration of Municipal Electric Distribution service, References a “Cost of Service” Approach.
Public Announcements – The Clerk read.
City Manager’s Report –
The City Manager reported that staff is looking at the possibility of decreasing hours at the landfill on Saturdays. Council discussed this.
Public to be Heard –
Jerry Morgan, 22 Pulaskii St. – asked the Mayor to explain to the public what net metering is. Mayor Lattimore responded. Mr. Morgan also asked if anything had been done about his request for a crossing guard at he corner of Pulaski and State St. The City Manager responded that Chief Giannotta was expected to report at next weeks meeting.
Report of City Officials
Councilor Hunter reported on the recent meeting of the Auburn Community Baseball committee. He reported that the Auburn Doubleday’s had a successful year.
Committee Reports - None
Ordinance – FIRST READING
In the interest of time, Mr. Leone asked the City Clerk to read portions of Bond Ordinance #13 of 2005 of the City of Auburn, New York, authorizing the issuance of $l,000,000.00 serial bonds to finance the cost of improvements to the City’s landfill. He stated that the entire Ordinance would be read at the next meeting.
Resolutions
Council Resolution #140 of 2005 authorizing the Fire Chief to apply for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant in the amount of $38,457 and for the Mayor to accept said grant. VOTE: Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Hunter and Dempsey, aye. Councilor Jacobs, absent. PASSED
Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Program Resolution #141 of 2005 authorizing the financing for the repair/replacement of a water and sewer lines on the Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Program. VOTE: Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Hunter and Dempsey, aye. Councilor Jacobs, absent. PASSED
Sidewalk Resolution #142 of 2005 authorizing the financing of sidewalks on the 2005 Revolving Loan Sidewalk Program to be charged back to the owner over a five (5) year period and to be charged to Account #HA 5947-440-001. VOTE: Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Hunter and Dempsey, aye. Councilor Jacobs, absent. PASSED
Council Resolution # 43 of 2005 authorizing an amendment to ARTCLE VIII of the Council Rules and Procedures to include a “Moment of Silent Prayer or Reflection” at all City Council Meetings. Council discussed and asked Corporation Counsel to give his opinion in regard to First Amendment issues. Mr. Leone explained the requirements and restrictions for such an agenda item at a public meeting. He advised Council how to proceed without violating the First Amendment. VOTE: Mayor Lattimore, Councilors McNabb, Hunter and Dempsey, aye. Councilor Jacobs, absent. PASSED
Second Public to be heard – None
Other Business –
Councilor Hunter asked Mr. Leone about the status of the Employee Handbook. Mr. Leone reported that he had given a draft to Council for feedback and had heard from Councilor Jacobs. Councilor Hunter requested that the consultant that worked on the handbook visit Council to review edits and updates. Mr. Leone agreed to arrange it.
Councilor McNabb asked that a retreat be schedule in 6 to seven weeks to discuss the City budget.
Recap – The Clerk read.
Council adjourned to executive session at 7:45PM and returned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00PM.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00PM.
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