Auburn City Council
Meeting #13
March 22, 2007
6:00PM
Business Meeting
Public Hearing on Local Law #3 of 2007
Roll Call – Councilor Graney, Councilors McNabb, Smith and Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore - Present.
Staff Members Present – Mark Palesh, City Manager; John Rossi, Acting Corporation Counsel; Debra McCormick, City Clerk; Gary Giannotta, Police Chief; Mike Long, CIP Manager.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Mayor asked for a moment of silence.
At 6:10PM Mayor Lattimore opened the Public Hearing on Local Law #3 of 2007. He asked anyone wishing to speak on the proposed amendment to the City Charter regarding meeting days for City Council to come forward.
Earl Starring, 214 Woodlawn Ave., spoke to Council about his concern over Council not having open meetings.
Greg Rigby, 124 Osborne St. spoke to express his opinion that all Council meet should be televised on local cable.
John Hogan, Dexter Ave., spoke of his concern that the new public to be heard format is censoring the public.
After determining there was no one else wishing to be heard during the Public Hearing, Mayor Lattimore closed the Public Hearing at 6:25PM.
Public to be Heard –
Earl Starring, 214 Woodlawn Ave. spoke regarding the budget, running for Mayor and police issues.
Mayor Lattimore commented on Council meeting locations and times. He suggested that some work sessions be scheduled for other public places, such as senior centers.
Presentations and Proclamations
Jill Harvey from Senator Schumer’s Office postponed her visit.
Mayor Lattimore introduced Assemblyman Gary Finch. Assemblyman Finch announced three grants that the City will receive through his office. $5000 for computer software for the Auburn Police Department, $5000 for Auburn Fire Department, and $15000 for Streetscape work on the North Street Historic Cemetery. Mayor Lattimore thanked Assemblyman Finch.
Public Announcements – The Clerk read.
City Manager’s Report
The City Manager reported the following:
§ He met with representatives of the Town of Owasco, and Cayuga County to work out an agreement to fund the position of Watershed Inspector for Owasco Lake. It was tentatively agreed that the position would pay $60,000 of which 85% would be funded by the City and 15% funded by the town of Owasco. The person would work under the direction of the County. Cayuga County will provide in-kind support. This would be finalized in a 2-year contract.
Councilor Dempsey commented on the Watershed Inspector agreement.
Report of City Officials and Committee Reports – None.
Presentations of Petitions and Communications – The Clerk read.
Ordinances –
Amended Bond Ordinance #5 of 2007 of the City of Auburn, New York, authorizing the issuance of an additional $350,000 Serial Bonds to finance the costs of improvements to City Buildings. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Local Law #3 of 2007 amending the City Charter to provide for Council Meetings on a designated day each week during the first four weeks of each month. ~Vote: Councilor Graney, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. Councilor McNabb, no. CARRIED.
Resolutions –
Council Resolution #66 of 2006 authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all necessary agreements, contracts, and funding documents with New York Power Authority (NYPA) to implement Energy Conservation and the Geothermal Project. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #67 of 2007 amending the Rules & Procedures for the City Council, Article I – Regular Meetings. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED. Prior to voting Council briefly discussed the City Managers request to not televise work session meetings. Councilor Smith and Dempsey expressed their desire to continue televising all Council meetings in the interest of informing the public. Mayor Lattimore and Councilor Graney agreed to televise only business meetings for the time being to see how it works.
Council Resolution #68 of 2007 amending the Rules & Procedures for the City Council, Section VIII, “Order of Business”. Mayor Lattimore sponsored and there was no second. NOT CARRIED.
Council Resolution #69 of 2007 rescinding Council Resolution #67 of 2006 and returning the authority to the City Manager to review and approve transfer of monies between departments. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Program Resolution #70 of 2007 authorizing financing for repair/replacement of a water line on the Sewer-Water Repair/Replacement Program. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Agreement Resolution #71 of 2007 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for Payment in Lieu of Taxes with DePaul Properties, Inc., for properties located at 355 Clark Street and 63-65 Belmont Avenue. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
~Appointment Resolution #72 of 2007 confirming the appointment of Dennis H. Zach of 97 N. Lewis Street, Auburn, New York to the Auburn Municipal Power Agency. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Land Transfer Resolution #73 of 2007 authorizing the Mayor to execute any and all documents to effect the transfer of 41 Mary Street from the City of Auburn to Patricia Tallcott. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. CARRIED.
Other Business
Councilor McNabb proposed that the City require that property bought at auction from the City be improved with in a 6 month time period.
Councilor Graney asked the City Manager to look into why 4 properties that are half demolished have been left for so long.
Mayor Lattimore commented on a newspaper article he read regarding cable franchise agreements. He asked when the City and Time Warner would be finalizing agreements. Mr. Palesh reported that a meeting is scheduled for April 5th with Time Warner.
Councilor Dempsey asked Jerry Morgan to address Council regarding the meetings of the Trash Committee. Mr. Morgan updated Council on the Committee’s work.
Council adjourned to executive session at 7:20PM and returned at 7:35PM.
Council adjourned at 7:35PM.
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