Auburn City Council
Meeting # 42
October 11, 2007
6:00PM
Business Meeting
Roll Call – Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, present.
Staff Members Present – Mark Palesh, City Manager, Debra McCormick City Clerk; Lisa Green, Comptroller; John Rossi, Corporation Counsel.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Mayor Lattimore asks for a moment of silence. Mayor Lattimore asked that Council remember Naomi Fletcher who passed this week.
Public to be Heard
William Gabak, 7 Belle Ave. spoke to Council regarding the new fee for landfill stickers that was increased from $4.00 to $20.00 each. He explained that he found it unfair and hoped Council would look into it. He also commented on a fire on Pulsifer Dr. that he felt had too many fire and rescue vehicles were sent to it in relation to the size of the fire. He also asked Council to look into the high rates on sewer fees.
Bob Hunter, 33 Gaylord St. talked to Council about a recent land sale he felt was done with out regard to the City’s land sale policy. He reported that McGarr St. was transferred for $0 to an individual that owes taxes to the City.
Mary Lou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St., discussed her sons arrest for trespassing in June. She is not satisfied with the treatment he received by Auburn Police.
Joe Savarese, 7239 Owasco Rd. asked the city to investigate cleaning up the Pulsifer Dr. side of the Owasco River.
Presentations and Proclamations
Koester Associates, Inc. – Presentation on Water Taste and Odor
Don Chalnick and Michael Leach representing TrojanUV Technologies, Inc. presented information on how their product could be used to treat and disinfect Auburn water.
Council discussed.
Public Announcements - Mayor Lattimore made several announcements. The Mayor commented on the issues raised during the Public to be Heard portion of the meeting by Mr. Bob Hunter. He asked Corporation Counsel to explain what was done with the McGarr St. property transfer. Mr. Rossi explained that the transaction was done properly and according to the City’s policy. He clarified the situation with Flummerfelt’s delinquent taxes and bankruptcy proceedings. He stated that Mr. Hunter’s information was inaccurate and not factual.
City Manager’s Report – None.
Report of City Officials - Mayor Lattimore asked for explanation regarding notices that are being sent out to property owners regarding water being shut off for late water bill payments. He asked the City Manager to explain.
Mr. Palesh stated that the ordinance allows for shut off if a water bill is not paid. He said approximately 1000 households do not pay. Councilor Smith and Comptroller Lisa Green suggested fine-tuning the ordinance to accommodate individuals that have no past history of being late and have first time delinquencies for reasonable reasons. Ms. Green listed the various issues that arise to complicate the shut off procedures, such as landlords not paying or one tenant paying and the others do not. Mr. Palesh recommended not changing the ordinance at this time and allowing time to see how successful the effort to collect on time payments is.
Committee Reports - None
Presentation of Petition and Communications - The Clerk read.
Ordinances - None
Resolutions
Council Resolution #200 of 2007 authorizing that the City Council meeting of Thursday, October 25, 2007 be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.
VOTE: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. PASSED
Council Resolution #201 of 2007 authorizing per State Legislation excused leave for City Employees up to four (4) hours to undertake a screening for breast cancer and/or prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer and said entire period of leave shall be excused leave and not charged to said employee. VOTE: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. PASSED
Financial Resolution #202 of 2007 approving budget amendments and transfers. VOTE: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. PASSED
Council Resolution #203 of 2007 authorizing the disposal of surplus property. PULLED
Council Resolution # 204 of 2007 authorizing changing the time of the October 18th Council Meeting to 4:00PM. VOTE: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Dempsey and Mayor Lattimore, aye. PASSED
Local Law – None
Tabled Legislation - None
Other Business – Councilor McNabb asked the Comptroller if the cost of drugs using the Canadian plan resulted in saving for the City. She responded that there is a $250,000 estimated savings to date. Ms. Green explained that the City spends approximately $5 million on employee medical cost per year and that the Rx program does save the City money. She reported that only 18% of all employees use majority of funds the City spends. First Niagara the City’s financial consultant recommended and encourages use of the Canadian plan. Ms. Green also reported that an information mailing was sent year ago to retirees explaining the Canadian plan.
Recap - The Clerk read.
Adjournment Council adjourned at 7:50PM.
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