Auburn City Council approved multiple resolutions Thursday evening, including a construction contract for the police department, appointments to the Public Arts Commission, and settlements in ongoing opioid litigation. The council also heard public comments related to utility concerns and received an update on gun violence prevention efforts through a state grant program.
Police department window project awarded
The council unanimously approved a resolution awarding a $59,000 contract to MJ Field Construction of Weedsport to replace 28 windows at the Auburn Police Department. The project is part of ongoing renovations authorized in the city’s 2021 Capital Improvement Program and is funded through a previously approved bond ordinance.
Police Chief Matt Androsko told councilors that interior renovations are underway, with rooms painted and cabinets being installed. Flooring is the next step, followed by creating a new conference room. Regarding the windows, Chief Androsko said they are located on the south, west, and north sides of the building and that replacements will improve energy efficiency. “This is going to be great for the utility bill,” he said.
Settlement accepted in national opioid litigation
By a unanimous vote, the council approved a resolution authorizing the city to accept settlement agreements involving the Sackler family, Purdue Pharma, and Sandoz, resolving legal claims related to their roles in the opioid epidemic.
Corporation Counsel Nate Garland noted that a clerical error in the resolution was corrected on the floor to strike the phrase “regional pharmacies.” Garland described Purdue Pharma as “the one entity most blame[d]” and said the settlement accounts for complications in Purdue’s pending bankruptcy proceedings. Payments to the city will be distributed over a number of years.
Four appointed to Public Arts Commission
The council also approved a resolution appointing Arthur Hutchinson, Jeannie Anderson, Sam Genentino, and Blake Chamberlain to the Auburn Public Arts Commission. Their terms will extend through October 30, 2028. The commission was originally established by ordinance in 2017, and appointments are made by the mayor with council approval.
Public concerns raised on odor and lead piping
Two residents addressed the council during the public comment period.
Janet Leonard, who lives near the wastewater treatment plant, raised concerns about potential odors from a newly constructed tank located closer to nearby homes. Mayor James Giannettino, Jr. advised Leonard to provide contact information to the police chief so that the city manager and Seth Jensen, Director of Municipal Utilities, could follow up.
Kevin Burke, speaking on behalf of his daughter, Erin Ford, reported water line issues affecting her property just outside city limits. Burke said her home, located in the Town of Sennett, receives water through a shared lead line that runs through multiple properties, complicating repairs. He noted the line was originally damaged during contracted excavation work. The mayor directed Burke to share his contact information as well and said the issue would be reviewed by city staff.
City manager outlines infrastructure updates
City Manager Jenny Haines reported that paving on North Street was scheduled to begin the following day, Friday, September 26, with completion expected by Tuesday, September 30, weather permitting. Milling had already been completed in advance of paving and micro-surfacing work.
Haines also shared updates on E-bike enforcement, noting that two police supervisors attended a training course in Plattsburgh. Additionally, the city clerk released a social media post educating the public about E-bike laws, using material from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
Water quality tests showed 0.8 parts per billion of contaminants in raw water samples, but no detection in finished water. Haines stated that monitoring would continue.
Gun violence grant program reviewed
Chief Androsko provided a detailed presentation on the city’s participation in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) grant program, awarded in July 2023 and renewed in 2025 for $182,517. The grant supports hotspot policing, equipment purchases, investigations, community engagement, and officer training.
Androsko outlined collaboration between local and state law enforcement agencies and described community outreach initiatives, including partnerships with Booker T. Washington Community Center, Champions for Life, and Auburn Housing Authority. Events have included game nights, sports activities, and outreach at public housing sites.
The chief also cited tangible results: 280 targeted patrol details over two years, 30 firearms seized, 13 gun-related arrests, and 52 search warrants executed. Officers assigned to GIVE are selected for their suitability and undergo specialized training.
Councilor Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson commended the program’s community engagement component and inquired about mentorship opportunities for high school students. Chief Androsko said the department partners with agencies to connect individuals on the “VOIDD” (Violent Offender Identification Directive) list to job opportunities and is exploring mentorship strategies.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].