Auburn City Council
Meeting #24
May 4, 2006
6:00PM
Roll Call – Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith and Dempsey, 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; Trish Geer, Secretary to Corporation Counsel; Mike Quill, Fire Chief; Gary Giannotta, Police Chief; Jerry DelFavero, Superintendent Public Works; Frank DeOrio, Superintendent Municipal Utilities; Steve Lynch, Director of Development.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Mayor asked Pastor Brian Bentley from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Auburn and Pastor Jay Sheridon from the House of Miracles in Auburn to lead the Council in a prayer.
Presentations and Proclamations - Mayor Lattimore asked the City Clerk to read his proclamation for National Prayer Day. He presented the proclamation to Larry Maquet.
The City Manager’s Report – None.
Public to be Heard –
Jerry Morgan, 22 Pulaski St. spoke to Council by reading a statement asking if citizens were better off than a year ago.
Karen Georgi, VanAnden St., wife of an Auburn Police Officer, spoke about the issues associated with the elimination of 6 police officers. She asked Council to reconsider elimination of the officers.
Valentine Falfoldi, Baker Ave., spoke about tax issues and suggested the City drop the Manager form of government.
Walt Aikman, 17 Liberty St. spoke to ask Council to reconsider cutting Public Works staff. He commended the Public Works staff for the hard work they do now. He expressed concern for how service would continue with less staff.
Mary Lou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St. spoke to Council about the alleged assault on her son by an Auburn Police Officer.
Jim Slayton, Auburn Police Officer and Secretary of Local Police Union 195 spoke about the police layoffs. He pointed out the 6 officers in the audience that were wearing white shirts to illustrate who will be lost. He went on to explain what will be lost in terms of training, emergency response skills and a K9 trained officer. He urged City Council to reconsider the eliminations.
Public Announcements – The Clerk read.
Committee or City Official Reports – Mayor Lattimore asked Councilor Dempsey if the AIDA meeting that was canceled last week would be rescheduled. Councilor Dempsey said yes, and that they were waiting for new board members to be appointed.
City Manager John Salomone reminded Council that with the resignation of Steve Rich from the Energy Agency there is an opening that needs to be filled.
Resolutions
Council Resolution #80 of 2006 authorizing a public hearing to be held on Thursday, May 11, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. concerning the City Manager’s Recommended Budget 2006-2007. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Award Resolution #81 of 2006 authorizing award of bid for the 2006 Road Program to Paul F. Vitale, Inc. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #82 of 2006 authorizing soliciting for bids for the generator for the Water Treatment Facility. PULLED
Council Resolution #83 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.
Second Public to be Heard –
Jerry Morgan, Pulaski St. spoke to tell Council to get rid of any patronage jobs before anyone gets laid off.
Other Business –
The City Manager presented a power point presentation to discuss the management salary survey that staff did at the request of Council. The survey compared management salaries in cities similar in population and budget. Batavia, Elmira, Ithaca, Jamestown, Newburgh, Plattsburgh, Poughkeepsie, and Sarasota Springs were compared. He also reported that Management personnel have offered not to accept this years 2.75% salary increase in light of the budget problems facing the City. He also offered not to accept a salary increase.
Councilor Smith asked if a Public Safety Commissioner position could be considered after the retirement of either Chief to eliminate one position. Chief Quill and Chief Giannotta responded to this question. Councilor Smith and both Chiefs discussed the pros and cons of the concept.
Council adjourned to executive session at 7:45PM and returned at 8:45PM.
Adjournment – Council adjourned at 8:45PM.
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