Auburn’s City Council is set to vote on new appointments to the city’s Public Art Commission and award a construction bid for police department upgrades during its meeting Thursday night.
Also on the agenda: settling two opioid-related lawsuits and a presentation from the police chief on a state-funded gun violence initiative.
Art commission nominees up for approval
Four new members are being considered for three-year terms on the city’s Public Art Commission. If approved, Arthur Hutchinson, Janie Anderson, Sam Giannettino, and Blake Chamberlain would serve through September 2028.
The commission, established in 2017, helps guide public art projects and programs in Auburn. Appointments require both the mayor’s nomination and majority approval from the council.
Police building to get new windows
Council members will also vote on a $59,000 contract to replace 28 windows at the Auburn Police Department building. MJ Field Construction of Weedsport submitted the lowest of four bids for the job.
The project is part of ongoing renovations at the department’s detective and ID bureau, initially approved through a bond in 2021. The upgrades aim to improve office space and energy efficiency.
Opioid settlements head to council
The city is expected to approve its participation in two major settlements related to the opioid crisis. One involves Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family, and the other targets Sandoz, a Swiss pharmaceutical company.
According to the city attorney’s office, Auburn will receive a share of the payouts over several years. This follows similar agreements the city has accepted in the past.
Police chief to give GIVE update
Police Chief Matthew Androsko will present an update on the city’s work under the GIVE grant — a state program that funds strategies to reduce gun violence.
Auburn received $182,517 from New York State for 2025. Most of the funds support extra patrols in high-crime areas, as well as equipment, investigations, training, and community events.
Androsko’s report highlights tangible results over the last two years, including 280 targeted details, 30 firearms seized, and 13 gun-related arrests. Officers also engaged with the public through events like National Night Out and Juneteenth celebrations.
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