The Auburn City Council on Thursday paused its regular business to recognize the final meeting of Councilor Ginny Kent, drawing extended public comment and remarks from colleagues before moving on to a full agenda of approvals involving city property, planning, and intermunicipal services.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino called the meeting to order at Memorial City Hall and asked those present to remember Orme King, a former member of the Cayuga County Legislature and Auburn City Council.
What city announcements were made?
City officials announced holiday-related changes to trash and recycling pickup schedules. Because Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on Thursdays, residents with Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday pickup days were advised that collection would occur one day earlier during the final two weeks of the year.
What did the public say?
The public comment portion of the meeting was devoted almost entirely to tributes marking Kent’s final council meeting. Former elected officials, community leaders, and residents spoke about her service on the Auburn City Council and her involvement with organizations including Leadership Cayuga, the Cayuga Community College Foundation, and the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council.
Speakers consistently cited Kent’s preparation, attention to detail, and mentorship, as well as her willingness to make difficult decisions while serving in elected office.
Council members and city staff later echoed those remarks, referencing Kent’s role in city planning initiatives, water quality efforts, and her involvement in the city’s comprehensive planning work.
What actions did City Council take?
After public comment, the council proceeded with agenda items.
Council members approved a resolution authorizing a public hearing on the city’s proposed 2026–2027 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan. The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. and will be advertised in the city’s official newspaper.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property at 34 Franklin St. for $20,500. The property, acquired through tax foreclosure in August 2023, consists of a multi-family building with commercial space. The purchasers indicated plans to renovate the commercial portion for a cleaning business and convert the remaining space into residential rental units.
Council members approved a resolution authorizing agreements with the New York State Department of Transportation related to the acquisition of small portions of city right-of-way needed for roadway reconstruction projects along Grant Avenue, Standart Avenue, and North Street. The city will receive $6,180 in compensation.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of Aurelius for ambulance services. Under the one-year agreement, Auburn City Ambulance will continue to serve the town beginning Jan. 1, 2026, in exchange for an annual fee of $60,000.
Additional resolutions approved during the meeting authorized agreements for comprehensive planning services, cybersecurity services with New York State, acceptance of vacant rental program funding, leasing office space within Memorial City Hall to economic development agencies, and a memorandum of understanding with the Finn Institute related to the STRIVE grant program.
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