Auburn City Council
Meeting #19
Thursday May 22, 2008
Business Meeting
6:00PM
Roll Call - Councilors Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, present.
Staff Members Present – Mark Palesh, City Manager; Debra McCormick City Clerk; Lisa Green, Comptroller; John Rossi, Corporation Counsel; Crystal Purcell, Planning & Economic Development Program Manager; Michael Hammon, Fire Chief; Karen Green, Human Resource Director; Mike Talbot, Sanitation Supervisor; Jerry DelFavero, Supervisor of Public Works; Robert Gauthier, Treasurer; Mike Long, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Laurie Turo, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Quill.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Moment of Silent Prayer or Reflection – Mayor Quill asked for a moment of silent prayer of reflection.
Public to be Heard –
Ron Quill 5 Case Ave. – spoke to Council regarding the Alternate Side Parking Ordinance. He stated he favors year round alternate side parking for the public safety aspects of it. He referenced emergency vehicle traffic access as one good reason. He recommended that it be in place 7 days a week versus the 5-day limit in the ordinance.
John Montone, Chair of the Auburn Public Power Agency, reminded Council and the public of the Sustainable Energy Summit scheduled for May 31st at Cayuga Community College. He reported that it is sponsored by the City of Auburn and Cayuga County.
Stan Connolly, representing a dealer/vendor that sells landfill compactors, spoke to Council about the award resolution on the agenda for a vote. He stated that if the bid requirements were less rigid that more bids could be considered and the city could save money.
Mary Lou Picciano, 32 Cayuga St., spoke to Council about District Attorney records and her son’s issue from an arrest several years ago.
Reverend Paul Carter, Manager of the Harriet Tubman Home (Historic Site) announced the weekend events to honor Ms. Tubman. The “NYS Underground Railroad and Agri-Heritage Tourism Exhibition” will be on display and Mayor Quill will be presenting a proclamation to designate May 24th as “Harriet Tubman Day in the City of Auburn”. Visitors are expected from as far away as Africa and as close as Rochester.
Tony DeTomaso, Ross Place, spoke to Council regarding the naming of the Arterial and the 64th Anniversary of D Day this June 6th.
Presentations and Proclamations
Dan Schuster, Executive Director of the Auburn Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), presented Council with his monthly update on what is happening in downtown Auburn via the BID efforts.
* 65 large black flowerpots have been placed around downtown, 51 paid for the City of Auburn and the remainder by BID. All will be maintained by the BID. Also 50 hanging pots will be put on street light polls by BID.
* BID and the Auburn Beautification Committee are caring for Freedom Park on North Street.. Cornell Cooperative Extension is sending a Master Gardener to advise on landscaping.
* Market St. Park is being cared for by BID.
* Private Businesses are putting out flowers of their own. Wegman’s, Nash’s, Eliminator Auto, Genesee Mall are leading the way.
* Appreciation went to Jerry DelFavero, City Public Works Director for the efforts by him and his staff to get downtown ready for the Memorial Day festivities. IGNITE volunteers also helped with clean up and were appreciated.
* Various Memorial Day events were reported, including the annual Kiwanis Duck Derby.
* Summer concerts, art and cultural events were previewed.
Public Announcements –
Mayor Quill presented City Clerk Debra McCormick with an award as a “2008 Municipal Clerk Honor Roll” honoree. The Mayor nominated her, with the assistance of Deputy Clerk Michele McNabb and Laurie Truro, Administrative Assistant to the Mayor. Ms. McCormick accepted and thanked the Mayor.
City Manager’s Report –
The City Manger reported that Moody’s gave the City of Auburn a “Baa1” rating with no outlook comment. This is an improvement for the City. Moody's removed the negative outlook that was added the previous time.~
Mr. Palesh reported on the new Streamline schedule that is going out to each household. He handed out samples to Council.
Report of City Officials - None
Committee Reports - None
Presentation of Petition and Communications - The Clerk read.
Ordinances
Ordinance #5 of 2008 authorizing amendment to Auburn City Code Chapter 297, Section 40 entitled “Water Service”. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. PASSED
Ordinance #6 of 2008 authorizing amendment to the Auburn City Code Chapter 297, Section 24 entitled “Water Service”. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. PASSED
Ordinance #7 of 2008 authorizing amendment to the Auburn City Code Chapter 285 entitled “Vehicles and Traffic”. Vote: Councilor Graney, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. Councilor McNabb, no. PASSED
Resolutions
Financial Resolution #52 of 2008 authorizing a budget amendment for the cost of repairing the North Division Street Dam. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. PASSED
Council Resolution #53 of 2008 classifying project and declaring desire to be lead agency pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act for the Biodigester Project. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. PASSED
Council Resolution #54 of 2008 memorializing the New York State Governor, Senate and Assembly to pass and enact into Law a Bill amending the Highway Law designating the Arterial East and West at the “299th Engineer Combat Battalion Memorial Highway”. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. PASSED
Award Resolution #55 of 2008 authorizing award of bid for a 2008 Caterpillar Landfill Compactor to Milton Caterpillar of Batavia, New York, in the amount of $537,158.00 plus $50,000 for warranty package to be charged to Account #EL 8162.250.FJ. Motion to Table, Councilor McNabb, seconded by Councilor Graney. Vote: Councilor Graney, McNabb, Smith, Brower and Mayor Quill, aye. TABLED.
Local Law - None
Tabled Legislation – None
At 7:30PM, Council took a brief recess and reconvened at 7:40PM
Other Business
Budget – FY-2008-09
Lisa Green, Comptroller reviewed remaining sections of the Budget with Council.
Councilor Smith announced that he will ask for reductions to code fees and he is not in favor of funding a security guard for City Hall.
Recap – The Clerk read the recap.
Council adjourned to Executive Session at 8:05 and returned at 8:10PM.
Adjournment – Council adjourned at 8:10PM.
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