The Auburn City Council approved several resolutions on Thursday including a renewed cable franchise with Verizon New York Inc. and salary increases for housing authority staff. The meeting also featured proclamations honoring National Historic Preservation Month, the Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage, and National Tennis Month.
Verizon franchise agreement renewed following hearing
A public hearing opened the meeting to discuss a renewed cable television franchise with Verizon New York Inc. No residents commented during the hearing. The Council then unanimously passed Resolution #61 of 2025, authorizing Mayor Jimmy Giannettino to execute the agreement.
Verizon’s original franchise deal with the city was signed in 2010 and was set to expire this year. The company formally requested renewal earlier in 2025.
Council approves housing authority pay increases
Resolution #59 of 2025 authorized salary increases for Auburn Housing Authority employees and its executive director, following a prior vote by the Housing Authority’s board on April 7. Executive Director Stephanie Hutchinson attended the meeting, but no questions were raised. City officials confirmed the raises would not affect the municipal budget.
Surplus sales and calendar changes approved
Council members approved Resolution #60 to allow the sale of surplus city equipment under Auburn’s procurement policies. They also passed Resolution #62 to adjust the meeting calendar in recognition of the Juneteenth holiday.
City budget hearing scheduled
Resolution #64 sets a public hearing for the City Manager’s proposed 2025–2026 budget. The hearing will offer residents an opportunity to review and comment on the spending plan.
Mayor issues proclamations for preservation, Tubman events, and tennis
Mayor Giannettino issued three ceremonial proclamations during the meeting:
- National Historic Preservation Month recognized local restoration work, including improvements at the Seward House Museum’s Barn and Carriage House. The project will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting on May 16.
- Harriet Tubman Pilgrimage Weekend was proclaimed for May 16–18. The AME Zion Church event features public programs and speakers including Bishop George Crenshaw, historian Edda Fields-Black, and author Michael Eric Dyson.
- National Tennis Month was declared for May. Councilor Terry Cuddy accepted the proclamation and highlighted local tennis and pickleball expansion efforts. The Auburn High School team, delayed by weather, will be recognized separately.
City infrastructure updates shared
City Manager Jeff Dygert reported that bids are open for HVAC and plumbing service contracts at city-owned buildings. He also noted progress on sidewalk repairs and ongoing work to fix a Chase Street sinkhole caused by a failed storm sewer.
Court rules in Auburn’s favor on watershed case
Mayor Giannettino announced a legal victory in a case involving the state Department of Health’s oversight of local watershed regulations. The court described the state’s position as “arbitrary and capricious,” ruling in favor of Auburn and its partners.
Community events upcoming
The Council also promoted two major community events:
- NJCAA College World Series at Falcon Park from May 24–29. Discounted tickets are on sale through May 19 at the Equal Rights Heritage Center.
- Downtown flower planting day on Saturday.
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