The Auburn City Council approved a new three-year landfill disposal contract and welcomed new leadership in city government and public safety during its meeting on Thursday.
Councilors voted unanimously to award the contract to Casella Waste Management for solid waste disposal services, beginning July 1. The meeting also included ceremonial recognitions, including the swearing-in of the city’s new manager and two fire lieutenants.
Casella Waste Secures Landfill Disposal Contract
Following a formal bid process, the council approved a resolution authorizing a three-year agreement with Casella Waste Management of Rutland, Vermont, totaling $612,500 annually. Casella’s proposal was selected over Waste Management of New York, whose bid included annual cost increases.
City Manager Jennifer Haines explained that Casella’s facility in Ontario County will receive Auburn’s waste. The decision comes after the city’s landfill reached capacity and closed in 2020, requiring Auburn to outsource waste disposal.
The contract includes two optional one-year extensions if both parties agree. Officials noted that Seneca Meadows, the city’s current landfill provider, did not submit a bid for the new contract.
“This is a reputable firm we’ve worked with for decades,” said City Engineer Bill Talbot, who noted Casella also handles Auburn’s recycling. He added that while the city received only two bids, the flat-rate pricing from Casella provided long-term financial predictability.
New City Manager Sworn In
Jennifer Haines was officially sworn in as Auburn’s new city manager during Thursday’s meeting. Haines, a longtime city employee, succeeds former manager Jeff Dygert.
In her remarks, Haines expressed gratitude to her family, coworkers, and community partners. “We hit the ground running together,” she said, referencing the recently adopted city budget. She pledged to focus on efficient service delivery, strategic development, and long-term financial stability.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino praised Haines’ decades-long career with the city, calling her appointment the “crown jewel” of her service. “I was extremely happy that you were willing to take that seat,” he said.
The moment marked a milestone, as council members acknowledged that Haines’ appointment coincides with Auburn’s first female-majority council.
Fire Department Promotions Celebrated
The council also recognized two members of the Auburn Fire Department—Timothy Stevens and Christopher Wood—who were officially promoted to fire lieutenants. A swearing-in ceremony was held during the meeting, with family members and department leaders in attendance.
“We are a service of tradition,” said a fire official during the pinning ceremony. “Their service and dedication got them to this position.”
Council members praised both lieutenants for their contributions and welcomed them to their new roles.
Public Updates: Infrastructure, Events, and Funding
During the city manager’s report, several announcements were made:
- 120 Genesee Street: City staff continue to monitor progress at the site, where the building’s owner is addressing code violations and structural concerns. The city has issued written communications and plans to invoice for fencing and lost parking revenue.
- Schine Theater: Officials toured the historic Schine Theater alongside a representative from the State Historic Preservation Office to help guide its future marketing strategy.
- Open Bids: Projects currently out for bid include a culvert on Bridget Street, North Street intersection upgrades, and renovations to the Auburn Police Department’s cell block.
- Civil Service Portal: A new online job application portal is live on the city’s website, allowing candidates to apply for municipal jobs more easily.
- State Grant Workshop: The Auburn Public Theater will host a Consolidated Funding Application workshop on Tuesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. Representatives from Empire State Development will attend to discuss funding programs ahead of the July 31 application deadline.
Upcoming Community Events Highlighted
City staff also promoted a slate of summer events, including:
- Hoopes Park Concert Series: The series kicked off last week and will continue with Sons of Grunge performing on Tuesday, June 24.
- Auburn Civic Band: A special performance is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the State Street Event Plaza.
- Summer Rec Preview: A full overview of Auburn’s summer recreation programming will be shared at the next council meeting on Thursday, June 26.
Public Comment Spotlights Circus Convention
During the public comment period, Auburn resident William Kennedy informed the council and residents of the upcoming 63rd Annual Circus Model Builders Convention, taking place June 24–26 at the Fingerlakes Mall Convention Center. The free event will feature over 40 detailed miniature displays and memorabilia from across the country, honoring local and national circus history.
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