Auburn City Council
Meeting # 22
May 24, 2007
Business Meeting
Roll Call: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, and Mayor Lattimore, present.
Staff Members Present: Staff Members: City Manager, John Rossi, Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel, Debra McCormick City Clerk, Mike Long, Acting City Manager, Bill Lupien, Superintendent Engineering Services, Police Chief Gary Giannotta, Fire Chief Mike Hammon, Jenny Haines, Director of Planning.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag – All stood for the Pledge.
Moment of Silence – Mayor Lattimore asked for a moment of silence.
Public to be heard –
Marylou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St. spoke to Council about her son and his experience with the Auburn Police Department.
Tom Gabak, Washington St. and President of the CSEA spoke to Council about the proposed layoffs in the budget. He asked Council to find another way to save money.
Earl Starring, 214 Woodlawn Ave. – spoke to Council about trees, casinos, graves, trash and police.
Kerry Smith, King Ferry spoke to Council about ordinance prohibiting engine brake use in the City. He said it’s a safety issue if they are not used when needed and not a noise issue. He encouraged Council to reconsider the law.
Sam Giangreco, 81 North Lewis St. spoke to Council to invite them to the Relay for Life for Cancer Walk next weekend. He also spoke about the recent surgery he had and the great experience he had at Auburn Memorial Hospital.
Coleen Raymond, 2832 Longhill Rd. – spoke about the engine brake issue. She said it is a safety issue not a noise issue. She said because traffic laws are not enforced in Auburn truck drivers need to be able to use the brakes to stop.
Public Announcements – Mayor Lattimore reminded everyone about the Memorial Day parade scheduled for Monday at 11:00am.
City Manager’s Report
Sitting in for the City Manager, Mike Long reported the following:
ü Drilling at the Auburn Police Department building for geothermal installation has begun.
ü 185 Cottage St. has had a sanitary sewer situation that is being taken care of.
ü The Downtown Street project has begun.
ü East Genesee St. construction agreements are in place and excavation will begin next week.
ü Mr. Palesh has gone to Utah to bring his family back to Auburn.
ü The Mayor accompanied him to Albany to do a presentation on hydro and geothermal energy.
Report of City Official – None
Communications – The City Clerk read.
Resolutions
Council Resolution #111 of 2007 authorizing the Mayor to accept a Byrne Grant from Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, in the amount of $30,000 to fund Neighborhood Watch Program, initiate a Community Business Survey and Alive at 25 Program at Auburn High School. ~Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Agreement Resolution #112 of 2007 authorizing the Mayor to enter into an Agreement with First Niagara Benefits Consulting, in the amount of $30,000, to be charged to Account #9060.841. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED. Prior to voting Lisa Green, Comptroller explained the reasons for this service. The City spends 4-5 million dollars on insurance. This consultant/broker will serve many purposes, for example audit claims. First Niagara had the best price and most to offer.
Sidewalk Resolution #113 of 2007 authorizing the financing of sidewalks for a Downtown Improvement Project area property owner to pay for in conjunction with his taxes on the Revolving Loan Sidewalk Program. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Sidewalk Resolution #114 of 2007 authorizing the financing of sidewalks for property owners to pay for in conjunction with their taxes on the 2006 Revolving Loan Sidewalk Program. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Land Sale Resolution #115 of 2007 authorizing the sale of 21 Parker Street to Homsite Fund, Inc. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Land Sale Resolution #116 of 2007 authorizing the sale of City property contiguous to St. Mary’s Church lands. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Land Sale Resolution #117 of 2007 authorizing the sale of McGarr Street to John and Priscilla Flummerfelt. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
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Council Resolution #118 of 2007 authorizing a public hearing to be held on Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, regarding the City Manager’s Recommended Budget for 2007-2008. ~Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #119 of 2007 authorizing changing work hours at City Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. year round commencing Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Motion to amend by Councilor Graney, seconded by Councilor Smith. Amendment: to end new hours after Labor Day weekend. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED. Vote on Resolution as amended. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #120 of 2007 declaring the City’s official intent to reimburse expenditures made in connection with a landfill gas utilization project and approving an application for issuance of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds to pay the costs thereof, in the amount of $3,500,000. ~Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #121 of 2007 declaring the City’s official intent to reimburse expenditures made in connection with a digester project and approving an application for issuance of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds to pay the costs thereof, in the amount of $5,400,000. ~~Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution # 122 of 2007 authorizing rescinding Local Law #4 of 2007 adopted on or about May 20, 2007. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution #123 of 2007 determining that the City of Auburn City Council is “Lead agency” for the Regionally Significant Project being developed by Nutrition Bar Confectioners, LLC. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Council Resolution # 124 of 2007 authorizing the Mayor to execute three proposed Sewer Easement Agreement s on behalf of the City. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
LOCAL LAWS
Local Law #4 of 2007 designation a regional significant project within the City of Auburn Empire Zone. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey, Mayor Lattimore aye. CARRIED.
Other Business~
Councilor Dempsey commented on the negotiations regarding a sales tax agreement with the County. He suggested that there be a meeting scheduled with all Councilors and the pertinent County Legislators to discuss the agreement.
Mayor Lattimore asked for an update on the status of the watershed inspector position. Andy Fusco, Corporation Counsel reported that there has been no change. He reported that the Town of Owasco and City of Auburn are waiting for the County to take action. Council discussed.
Councilor Smith asked if the City Manager would look at eliminating the permit fees for roofs, porches, steps, and one room remodeling.
Councilor Smith reported that he talked to the City Manager about eliminating health insurance coverage for newly elected officials.
Mayor Lattimore asked if the Manager could review the position in the Manager’s office that is scheduled for elimination. He suggested that a position be created to fill in when people are out sick or on vacation.
Councilor Smith congratulated former Auburn Lacrosse Player Matt Foster for his success playing for LeMoyne College.
Council adjourned at 8:00PM
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