Auburn City Council moved forward Thursday with a series of decisions affecting public safety, parks, infrastructure, and downtown improvements. Councilors approved construction at Wall Street Park, financing for a new fire engine, a grant to replace planters downtown, and a change order for police headquarters renovations. The board also authorized the sale of a foreclosed property, adopted minutes from August, and recognized September as International Underground Railroad Month.
Wall Street Park Phase II
Council awarded the Phase II construction bid to Paul F. Vitale, Inc. for $116,348.53, with a $6,000 project contingency funded by Community Development Block Grant dollars. Work includes a basketball court rehab and a climbing structure at 152 Wall St. The award is contingent on execution of the city’s 2025 CDBG agreement.
Fire pumper lease-purchase
Council authorized a seven-year lease-purchase with Real Lease for a 2025 KME Panther pumper, quoted at $790,000, replacing a 1993 Spartan engine. The lowest financing offer totals an estimated $943,607.14 over the term, with repayments beginning in January 2027.
APD renovation change order
Council approved Change Order No. 1 for the Auburn Police Department renovation, adding $22,330 for closets, ceiling work, a partition removal, and a contingency, bringing the contract with MJ Field Construction to $177,330.
$75,000 CREST grant for self-watering planters
Council accepted a Dormitory Authority of NYS CREST grant to replace aging downtown hanging baskets and planters with self-watering models. City staff noted no local match is required.
12 Arch St. sale
Council approved selling 12 Arch St., a foreclosed single-family home, to Iryna Salyha for $25,000. Conditions include delivery of a quitclaim deed, buyer-paid closing costs, and obtaining required permits within 30 days of closing.
City manager report
The city announced Standard Avenue will close starting Monday, Sept. 8, for an intersection-widening project. Water samples taken Thursday showed raw water microcystin at 0.66 µg/L and finished water non-detect. Staff reported leaks discovered on the Franklin Street transmission main and recommended engaging an engineering specialist and delaying the raw-water intake extension until costs are clear.
Minutes and proclamation
Council approved minutes from Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. The mayor issued a proclamation designating September as International Underground Railroad Month, honoring local history and the legacy of Kate and Harry Freeman.
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