The Auburn City Council unanimously appointed Jennifer L. Haines as city manager last week, moving her start date forward to May 31 following current City Manager Jeffrey Dygert’s planned retirement.
Haines, who has served Auburn in various roles for 31 years, including assistant city manager, will work closely with Dygert until he retires May 30. Her new employment agreement runs through June 2028.
Mayor James Giannettino thanked Haines for her willingness to expedite the start date. “Thank you for agreeing to move up that date,” Giannettino said.
Public comments highlight concerns about Auburn Correctional Facility
During the public comment session, residents expressed growing concern about safety conditions at Auburn Correctional Facility. Last week, Mayor Jimmy Giannettino responded to some criticism of City Council and its perceived lack of action as prison strikes were unfolding.
James Chambers of Swift Street criticized the council’s lack of public response following the firing of 51 corrections officers since early March, after protests about unsafe working conditions at the prison.
“This is not some stupid crusade,” Chambers said, noting officers “just wanted a safer work environment.”
Cindy Church of Catchpole Street, whose son worked at the prison and recently died from cancer, said officers face severe stress and danger, claiming inmates have “more privileges than corrections officers.”
John Gatsby, a retired corrections officer, urged councilors to publicly support officers, stating that dangerous conditions are driven by recent policy changes in inmate disciplinary procedures, known as the HALT Act.
Another former corrections officer, Craig Diego, echoed calls for council support and encouraged action to oppose the HALT Act, which limits solitary confinement.
Vietnam veterans honored on Thursday
Mayor Giannettino presented a proclamation recognizing March 29 as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” Former Mayor Mike Quill and Vietnam War veteran Dale Bush accepted the honor.
“On behalf of all Vietnam veterans, I thank you,” Bush said. “Even though we’re 50 years out, many still suffer from physical and mental ailments.”
Concerns raised about police conduct and proposed armored vehicle purchase
Resident Pamela Cost questioned councilors about an Auburn Police Department proposal to purchase an armored rescue vehicle. Citing recent cases of alleged excessive force involving Auburn police officers, she expressed skepticism about the department’s request.
“Now that said police force wants us to buy rescue vehicles,” Cost said, “I feel the full article should be read tonight.”
Later, Deputy Chief Spingler and Sergeant Angel Gonzalez detailed the department’s plans for the vehicle. Gonzalez clarified the vehicle is intended for rescue operations and critical incidents, including active shooters and natural disasters, and would not be funded by taxpayer dollars. The vehicle, priced using federal forfeiture funds, would provide ballistic protection currently unavailable with existing department vehicles.
Additional council actions and announcements
The council approved meeting minutes from March 13 and March 20. A community Easter egg hunt at Hoopes Park, organized by the Auburn Rotary Club and local sponsors, was announced for April 19. City cleanup days offering free disposal for residents were scheduled for April 19 and May 3 at the city transfer station.
Councilors Terrence Cuddy and Ginny Kent attended the Firefighters Memorial ceremony, praising the moving tribute. Mayor Giannettino also discussed his participation in a school initiative at Auburn Junior High, emphasizing local students’ awareness of community and national issues.
The next council meeting is scheduled for early April at Auburn City Hall.
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