Auburn City Council
Meeting #4
Thursday, January 19, 2006
5:00PM
Council Meeting
Staff Members Present – John Salomone, City Manager; Thomas Leone, Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk; Nancy Hussey, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Lisa Green, Comptroller; Steve Lynch, Director of Planning and Economic Development; Chief Quill, Fire Chief; Jennifer Haines, Planning & Economic Development Program Manager; Mike Long, CIP Manager; Trish Geer, Corporation Counsel Secretary; Bill Lupien, Engineering Services Superintendent.
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.
Presentations and Proclamations
Councilor Dempsey introduced Maxine Alberici Chair of Auburn’s Historic & Cultural Sites Commission. Ms. Alberici gave a brief presentation concerning the mission of the Commission.
Mike Long, CIP Manager, briefed Council on Harriet Tubman activities.
Councilor Dempsey asked the City Manager to see if the budget for Historic Sites Commission can be increased by at least $2500.00. Councilor Smith commented that when a city places value on history it helps lead to the success of the city.
Public Announcements – The Clerk read.
City Manager’s Report
Mr. Salomone commented on the property reassessment notice that was sent to property owners last week. He advised property owners to contact the Assessor’s Office if they have any questions. The process to appeal would start as an informal meeting with the Assessor’s Office, if the property owner is not satisfied, they would then request a formal hearing. The final step would be to go to court.
Mr. Salomone kicked off the budget today by giving department heads their worksheets. Draft of the budget will be given to Council by the end of March or beginning of April then Council will hold hearings in April and May.
Budget Work Session is scheduled for this Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 10am to 3 or 4pm. This is an open meeting. The meeting will consist of Staff, Council and a Facilitator.
Federal review process for E. Genesee St. Project has been completed and approved. Now the plan has to be submitted to the State for approval. Hopefully we will be taking bids starting in the spring. The plan is similar to the W. Genesee St. construction.
Mr. Salomone gave a brief update on the Connector Road.
The Mayor asked questions regarding the assessments. City Manager responded.
Public to be Heard
Bob Hunter, 33 Gaylord St., thanked City Staff for the copy of the letter from Bond, Schoeneck & King concerning municipal bonding. Mr. Hunter attended the Public Power Authority meeting this morning and advised the City Manager against merging with the County if it goes to Municipal Power.
Jerry Morgan, 22 Pulaski Street, spoke in opposition of the new assessments that were sent to property owners.
Mary Lou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St., spoke to Council about issues regarding the City of Auburn Police.
Report of City Officials – None.
Presentations of Petitions and Communications – The Clerk read.
Ordinances – First Read. The City Clerk read Ordinance #1 of 2006 authorizing amendment to the Code of the City of Auburn, Chapter 104 – Animals.
Resolutions –
Financial Resolution #7 of 2006 authorizing the City Manager to make an advance of one-half of the 2006-2007 Seymour Library tax levy in the amount of ~$180,067.39. VOTE – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – yes. CARRIED
Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Resolution #8 of 2006 authorizing financing for the repair/replacement of a water line on the Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Program. VOTE – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – yes. CARRIED
Agreement Resolution #9 of 2006 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Industrial Medical Associates, P.C. to provide testing services in accordance with the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. VOTE – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – yes. CARRIED
Council Resolution #10 of 2006 authorizing and directing the Mayor to submit an application to the New York State Department of Health to obtain a Municipal Certificate of Need. VOTE – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – yes. CARRIED
Resolution #11 of 2006 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to accept a $241,000 grant for the Combined Heat and Power Project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. ~~VOTE – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – yes. CARRIED
Local Law – None.
Tabled Legislation – None.
Public to be Heard –
Valentine Falfoldi, 9 Baker Ave, spoke to Council regarding taxpayer fund programs such as grants.
Other Business –
Tom Leone, Corporation Counsel, informed Council that Comptroller, Lisa Green, reviewed the logs for the pension system. Ms. Green gave Council an update on the impact to the pension system.
City Manager discussed with Council the minimum wage for part-time/seasonal employees. He asked Council if they would like a resolution to raise minimum wage. The raise in minimum wage would equate to approximately $35,000.00 per year. Council agreed that they would like a resolution on this issue.
Recap – Clerk Read
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 7:05PM and returned at 7:58PM.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00PM.
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