Auburn City Council
Meeting #7
Thursday, February 2, 2006
6:00PM
Council Meeting
Staff Members Present – John Salomone, City Manager; Thomas Leone, Corporation Counsel; Michele McNabb, Deputy City Clerk; Nancy Hussey, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Steve Lynch, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Jennifer Haines, Planning & Economic Development Program Manager; Gary Giannotta, Police Chief; William Lupien, Superintendent of Engineering Services; Frank DeOrio, Director of Municipal Utilities.
Roll Call – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, and Mayor Lattimore - present
All stood for the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor Lattimore asked for a moment of silence.
Mayor Lattimore asked that we remember Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., as she passed away earlier this week.
The Mayor also commented on the recent news of Bombardier announcing to close their Auburn plant.
Presentations and Proclamations – John Montone, Superintendent of the Village of Solvay Electric Department, spoke briefly on Public Power. Mr. Montone introduced Andy McMann from Massena Electric. Mr. McMann detailed how Massena formed their Public Power Authority. Council then asked Mr. McMann questions. Mr. McMann responded. Robert Bergan, member of Auburn’s Municipal Power Agency, addressed Council in regards to his skepticism with going to Public Power.
Public Announcements – The Mayor stated that there would be a Task Force meeting for Bombardier workers on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 11AM in Council Chambers.
City Manager’s Report – Mr. Salomone passed out the facilitator’s notes from last Saturday’s work session concerning the budget. Mr. Salomone suggested that Council have a work session at next Thursday’s meeting to wrap up all concerns from last Saturday’s meeting. Councilor Dempsey asked that the Comptroller give Council potential cost savings from the bullet items on page 2 of the facilitator’s notes. He would also like Corporation Counsel to determine what can or cannot be done legally in regards to potential cost savings.
Public to be Heard –
Bob Hunter, 33 Gaylord St., asked Mr. McMann from Massena questions in regards to Massena’s Public Power. Mr. McMann responded.
Mike Villano, 63 Fleming St., spoke to Council about increase in taxes, sewer rates, water rates, etc. He feels that Council is discouraging people from coming to Auburn because of all the fees the taxpayers in Auburn are paying. Mr. Villano also spoke in favor of Public Power.
Mary Lou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St., spoke to Council about issues regarding the City of Auburn Police.
Report of City Officials – None
Committee Reports - None
Presentations of Petitions and Communications – The Clerk read.
Ordinances – None
Resolutions –
Council Resolution #14 of 2006 authorizing approval of the 2006-2007 CDBG Action Plan. Councilor Dempsey thanked Jennifer Haines, Planning & Economic Development Program Manager, for all her hard work in regards to CDBG. Councilor Smith asked Ms. Haines questions regarding the CDBG program. Ms. Haines responded. Vote: Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, and Mayor Lattimore - aye. CARRIED
Council Resolution #15 of 2006 supporting an amendment to Chapter 421 of the New York Real Property Tax Law. Vote: Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, and Mayor Lattimore - aye. CARRIED
Council Resolution #16 of 2006 authorizing the Mayor to accept a Grant – Kayak Park Vote: Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, and Mayor Lattimore - aye. CARRIED
Local Laws – None
Tabled Legislation –
Council Resolution #13 0f 2006 adopting the New York State Minimum Wage. No Sponsors.
Public to be Heard – None
Other Business – Councilor Smith would like staff to provide Council with financial data regarding the exact breakdown of the 2.7 million dollar budget deficit.
Councilor Smith would like the City Manager and Corporation Counsel to bring a resolution to Council in two weeks allowing Council to have input on any hiring. He would like the resolution to include making it a super majority vote in order for Council to hire.
Mayor Lattimore asked the City Manager questions in regards to the Fire Department Pension Plan. The City Manager responded.
Councilor McNabb commented on the new assessment values. He has had several taxpayers approach him regarding their concerns with the way the new assessments will affect their property taxes.
Recap – Clerk Read
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:22PM and returned at 8:57PM.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:58PM.
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