Auburn City Council approved two resolutions Thursday related to infrastructure and legal settlements, while also receiving updates on community projects, cleanup events, and public safety initiatives. Acting Mayor Christina Calarco led the session in the absence of Mayor Jimmy Giannettino.
What did City Council do?
Council approved a resolution authorizing a professional services contract with Odyssey Controls, Inc. of Byron, New York, to provide Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) services for Auburn’s Municipal Utilities Department.
The contract allows Odyssey Controls to assist with programming, repair, and upgrades to the city’s SCADA network, which monitors pumps, motors, and alarms across municipal utility facilities. The agreement covers an initial two-year term with the option to extend up to three additional years.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to join national settlements with eight opioid manufacturers totaling $1.1 billion. Corporation Counsel Nate Garland said the settlement involves “mid-level opioid manufacturers” and will provide Auburn with its pro rata share of funds distributed among municipalities nationwide.
The firms listed in the settlement include Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun Pharmaceutical, and Zydus Pharmaceuticals. Garland said the city has participated in several prior settlements connected to the opioid crisis.
Both resolutions passed unanimously.
City manager gives update on various projects
City Manager Jennifer Haines reported that Auburn’s Standart Avenue widening project has been completed, calling it “a long time coming.” She thanked the city’s engineering staff for their work.
Haines also presented data from the October 18 fall cleanup day, where 167 vehicles brought in 13.99 tons of refuse, including 132 electronic items, 16 Freon appliances, 89 tires, and four loads of yard waste, generating $720 in revenue for the city.
Updates were also given on water safety monitoring, noting four consecutive non-detect results for harmful algal blooms at the city’s water intake, and continued monitoring through the end of the season.
Regarding lead service line inventory, staff have verified over 1,000 lines, identifying 839 as non-lead and confirming 191 previously marked for replacement as safe. Residents with unknown or galvanized lines will soon receive letters with updates.
Haines reported that six new Auburn Police Department recruits have graduated from the Oswego County Police Academy. Officers Weaver and Lamascolo earned awards for emergency vehicle operation and firearms performance, respectively. All six will begin a 16-week field training program before joining active duty in February.
Other announcements and reports from the meeting
The council announced upcoming community events:
- Fall Cleanup Day: Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the city transfer station.
- Community Tree Planting Day: Nov. 1 at 8 a.m. at Casey Park. Volunteers aim to plant about 60 trees, with a total of 140 trees planned citywide this fall.
- Public Meeting: Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. at Seymour Public Library, 176 Genesee St., for public input on the Community Development Block Grant Program annual action plan.
Councilor Overstreet-Wilson shared appreciation from a resident who thanked city staff for recent paving work on North Street. Councilors Calarco and Kent also discussed their participation in the “Home Run Halloween” event at Falcon Park, calling it well-attended.
The meeting concluded without an executive session request.
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