The Auburn City Council approved two financial resolutions Thursday while also hearing updates on upcoming initiatives at the Seymour Public Library and the Auburn YMCA.
The business session opened with announcements about weekend events, including “Art in the Park” at Hoopes Park and the Mass Riot 5K organized by Prison City Brewing. Both will bring temporary street closures in the downtown area.
Road work and infrastructure updates
City Manager Christina Selvek reported that milling and paving will begin Sept. 22 on North Street, with Northern Asphalt contracted to resurface the roadway from the arterial west to the city line. The project is expected to take less than two weeks, with one lane of traffic maintained in each direction throughout construction. Selvek also said city leaders recently reviewed final design plans with the state Department of Transportation for the arterial reconstruction project, scheduled for bid in April 2026.
Water samples taken at the treatment plant earlier in the day showed non-detectable levels in finished water after a trace detection of 0.88 parts per billion in raw water. Staff will continue monitoring.
Council concerns over e-bikes
Council members raised concerns about the growing use of electric bicycles and scooters in the city. Councilor Ginny Kent noted that many operators appear to be under 16 and ride without helmets or reflectors, posing safety risks on Auburn’s hilly streets. Councilors suggested looking at how other municipalities regulate e-bikes and asked whether Auburn police could enforce “street legal” standards in the meantime. Selvek said the issue would be discussed with the police chief.
Budget transfers approved
The council unanimously approved Resolution 113, authorizing operating budget transfers for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson explained the action was routine year-end “cleanup” to cover unanticipated expenses without tapping fund balance.
A second measure, Resolution 114, authorized transfers for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Adjustments included $5,000 to purchase police training software, $65,000 for a replacement water department truck, and $85,000 for a skid steer needed in public works. The truck being replaced is 15 years old and in poor condition, officials said.
Library referendum approaching
Seymour Public Library Director Lisa Carr outlined the institution’s progress under its strategic plan, highlighting expanded partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and health providers. Recent renovations include upgrades to the children’s room, west lobby, and elevator, along with Wi-Fi extensions funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
The library has also invested in digital preservation tools, allowing residents to convert photos, film, and audio into modern formats, and developed “History Forge,” a database linking census data with historic maps.
Looking ahead, the library will hold its 2026 budget referendum and trustee election on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at its Genesee Street location. Voters in Auburn, Owasco, and parts of Sennett and Fleming within the Auburn Enlarged City School District will decide on a $1.14 million spending plan, of which $1.09 million would come from property taxes. One trustee seat representing Fleming is on the ballot.
Carr also noted that 2026 will mark the library’s 150th anniversary, with celebrations and historical programming planned.
YMCA outlines expansion
Scott Sincerbeaux, president and CEO of the Auburn YMCA, presented a wide-ranging update on programming and capital projects. The YMCA currently serves 3,400 members and nearly 200 children daily in its Early Learning Center, with partnerships extending across Cayuga County school districts.
This summer, Camp Y-Owasco hosted 768 campers and provided more than 3,600 meals. In aquatics, the YMCA offers learn-to-swim classes, water fitness, and manages the Casey Park pool, which drew more than 6,600 visitors this season.
Capital improvements underway include a toddler playground, a new group fitness room, and security upgrades at the William Street facility. Plans for 2026 call for a major renovation of the Early Learning Center, expanding capacity from 199 to over 300 children and adding the YMCA’s first infant rooms.
Sincerbeaux said the YMCA is pursuing state grants and foundation support to finance renovations at both the city facility and Camp Y-Owasco, stressing that expanded child care is essential for local families and economic growth.
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