Auburn City Council
Meeting #32
June 22, 2006
6:00PM
Roll Call – Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore – Present.
Staff Members Present –John Salomone, City Manager; Thomas Leone, Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk; Nancy Hussey, Assistant Corporation Counsel; Lisa Green, Comptroller; Gary Giannotta, Police Chief
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Mayor asked for a moment of silence.
Presentations and Communications
Chief Paul Spicer – Seneca Cayuga Tribe from Oklahoma.
Mayor Lattimore introduced Chief Spicer. Chief Spicer spoke briefly about the benefits of a partnership between the City of Auburn and the Seneca Cayuga Tribe. He asked the City Clerk to read the letter he sent to the Mayor that outlined his proposal for a travel destination entertainment hotel and casino complex in the City of Auburn.
Chief Spicer asked the Council to pass a resolution at this meeting supporting such a proposal. Mayor Lattimore and Chief Spicer discuss the plan. Mayor Lattimore also asked for a vote at this meeting. Council Dempsey suggested it is too soon to vote.
Mayor Lattimore thanked Chief Spicer for his proposal.
Public Announcements
Mayor Lattimore congratulated his sister County Legislator Michele Sedor for being recognized in Albany for he work with Cancer Awareness.
City Manager’s Report
The City Manager reported the following:
§ The summer program schedule was printed and he distributed copies
§ His plan for the reorganization process was reviewed. He has established four groups; Public Safety, Public Works, Planning, and Finance/Administration. He asked for two Councilors to serve on each committee.
Public To Be Heard
Gary Wheeler, Cayuga Indian Nation of New York and the Turtle Clan Representative to the Cayuga Nation Council. Mr. Wheeler spoke against the proposed plan presented by the Seneca Cayuga Tribe. He read a statement.
Bob Bergan, former City Councilor, and local attorney, spoke to Council in opposition to the proposed casino plan. He outlined various reasons why it was a bad idea. Quoting from various studies on the negative impact a casino can have in a community, he discussed the rise in crime rates, social costs, and economic impact among other issues.
Reverend Brian Bently, spoke Council in opposition to the casino, because he feels gambling is wrong.
Susan Galbraith, recently relocated to Auburn from Madison County. She spoke in opposition to the casino based on the experience of living near the Turning Stone Casino. She said it did not improve the economy.
Richard Talcot, Chairman of United Citizens for Equality, spoke against the casino and referenced high suicide rates.
Earl Staring, 5 McConnell Ave. spoke in opposition to the casino.
Jeremy Ingles, Assistant Pastor of Freedom Baptist Church, spoke to tell Council the casino is a bad idea and would effect the morals of the community.
Reverend Douglas Taylor Weiss 12 Belle Ave., asked Council not to move forward on the casino issue.
Ann Marie Massi, 57 Wall St. spoke in opposition to the casino and commented on addictions and how they effect life.
Tom Raymond, Auburn, spoke against the casinos and talked about the crime problems they bring.
Sean Stanyon, Clymer St. spoke in favor of the Casino.
Norm Davies, Auburn, spoke in opposition to the casino.
Robert Smith, 63 Columbus St., spoke in favor of the casino.
Thomas Feraci, 113 Franklin St., spoke in opposition to the casino.
Jerry Morgan, 22 Pulaski St., spoke in favor of the casino.
Mary Lou Picciano, Cayuga St., spoke about her son’s issue with the Auburn Police Department.
Tom Gabak, CSEA President, spoke to Council about the union’s willingness to look at all options.
Charles Mace, Southfield Apts. – spoke in support of the casino, and asked Council to keep an open mind.
Report of City Officials - None.
Committee Reports – None.
Presentations of Petitions and Communications – The Clerk read.
Ordinances – None.
Resolutions –
Award Resolution #136 of 2006 authorizing award of bid for the 2006 Revolving Loan Sidewalk Program. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #137 of 2006 approving the transfer of monies between Departments and authorizing the Comptroller to effectuate the same. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. Councilor Smith, no. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #138 of 2006 authorizing the City Manager to promote one (1) individual to the provisional position of Maintenance Mechanic in the Water Filtration Plant. No Sponsor
Agreement Resolution #139 of 2006 authorizing the Mayor to execute a successor Lease Agreement with PFI Housing Company of Auburn, Inc., for lease of office space in Boyle Center for the City’s RSVP Program. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Appointment Resolution #140 of 2006 confirming the appointment by the City Manager of John Montone to the Auburn Municipal Power Agency to serve out the term of a vacant position. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #141 of 2006 approving the expenditures presented for payment and authorizing the Comptroller to process the payment of same.
Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #142 of 2006 directing the Mayor to execute any and all documents necessary to accomplish a permit modification with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Resolution #143 of 2006 adopting the 2006 Library District Tax. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Resolution #144 of 2006 adopting the 2006 BID Tax Rate for the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District in the City of Auburn. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Resolution #145 of 2006 (carried in) agreement for Auburn to become a host community for the development and operation of an entertainment and convention center, and casino facility subject to certain conditions. Council discussed. Councilors Dempsey and Smith voiced opposition to a casino in the City. Council amended the resolution to include language that included the City n the decision on a consultant. (Councilors Smith and Dempsey voted no.) Council then voted on the amended resolutions. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, and Mayor Lattimore, aye. Councilor’s Smith and Dempsey – no. CARRIED.
Second Public to be Heard
Earl Staring, 5 McConnell Ave., spoke about various topics.
Jerry Morgan, 22 Pulaski St., suggested that the City implement a tax, similar to the Library tax to help Auburn Memorial Hospital.
Other Business
Tom Leone, Corporation Counsel informed Council that Resolution #138 did not have a sponsor and if it is not passed an individual in the water filtration plant would have to be laid off. .
Mayor Lattimore asked if witness statements from police reports are available under the Freedom of Information Law. Mr. Leone responded that they would not be if the incident was still an open case.
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 9:00pm and returned at 10:15PM.
Council adjourned at 10:20PM.
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