Auburn City Council
Meeting #16
Thursday May 1, 2008
Work Session Meeting
6:00PM
Roll Call – Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill – Present.
Staff – Mark Palesh, City Manager, Debra McCormick, City Clerk, John Rossi, Corporation Counsel, Lisa Green, Comptroller, Gary Giannotta, Police Chief, Mike Hammon Fire Chief
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag – All stood for the pledge.
Moment of Silent Prayer or Reflection – Mayor Quill asked for a moment of silence.
Presentations and Proclamations – The City Clerk read the Mayor’s proclamation to designate May 1, 2008 as Law Day in the City of Auburn. Mayor Quill then introduced City Court Judge Michael McKeon who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Cayuga County Bar Association. Judge McKeon thanked the Mayor and briefly spoke about the origination of Law Day.
Public Announcements – Mayor Quill congratulated Lisa Green on receiving an award from the Finger Lakes Girl Scouts as one of Cayuga County’s Women of Distinction.
Mayor Quill announced the upcoming Sustainable Energy Summit cosponsored by the City and opened to the public, scheduled for May 31st at Cayuga Community College.
The City Manager reported that the Stardust Foundation is having the Kalet Building assessed to determine if it can be restored. He reported the cost of the assessment could be up to $10,000 which is being funded by the foundation.
Presentation of Petition and Communications
Mayor Quill introduced Ann Moore, a teacher for the New Visions Environmental Studies Class. Ms. Moore introduced her class. Each member participated in the presentation to Council. The students proposed a 15-cent surcharge on plastic bags that are used by citizen at local retail stores such as grocery stores. They presented facts and figures as to the negative impact disposal of plastic bags are having on the environment locally and globally. They explained that the user fee or bag tax would be a deterrent to people and reduce the use of plastic bags. They sited other cities, such as San Francisco that have implemented a user tax and significantly reduced plastic bag use.
Councilors discussed the issue with the class. Mayor Quill thanked them for the information and congratulated them on the good job they each did presenting this to Council.
Mayor Quill asked that the Council take a short 5-minute break while the students leave.
Council reconvened at 6:50PM.
Mayor Quill called the meeting back to order.
Mayor Quill commented and congratulated the Auburn Lacrosse team on their win against West Genesee School.
There were no Ordinances or Local Laws.
Work Session –
City Manager Mark Palesh presented Council with a copy of the 2008-09 City budget. He gave a brief overview of it. He reported there is no proposed tax increase. He invited Council to review it in the next two weeks and contact him with any questions. He reported that May 14 and 22 are Council meetings that are scheduled for detailed review sessions of the budget and that a Public Hearing is scheduled for June 5th. He commented that the Budget vote could be at that meeting or on June 12th whichever Council preferred.
Other Business
Councilor Smith asked the City Manager to look into fees that are charged at the Landfill for dropping off clear plastic bags of grass clippings.
Recap – None read.
Adjournment – Council adjourned at 7:00PM.
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