Auburn City Council approved a construction inspection contract tied to the city’s long-planned Lake Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project during a brief meeting Thursday evening at Memorial City Hall.
Council authorized a supplemental agreement with C&S Engineers in the amount of $1.286 million to provide construction administration and inspection services for the project. The bridge rehabilitation effort is funded in part through a $4.66 million BridgeNY grant awarded by the New York State Department of Transportation.
City officials said the consultant previously completed the design and engineering phases of the project and will now oversee the construction portion, ensuring the work complies with project specifications and state requirements.
Bridge rehabilitation project moves forward
The Lake Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project is one of Auburn’s larger infrastructure initiatives in recent years and involves improvements to the bridge over the Owasco River.
The city previously secured the BridgeNY funding to help offset project costs, with the remaining expenses covered through local financing and other state funds.
Construction inspection services are a required part of federally assisted transportation projects and include oversight of construction progress, materials and compliance with engineering standards.
With the approval of the inspection agreement, the project moves another step closer to construction.
City manager highlights bids and baseball season
During the city manager’s report, City Manager Jenn Haines encouraged residents and contractors to review open bid opportunities posted on the city’s website, including professional services related to the Auburn Police Department’s STRIVE program.
Haines also noted that Falcon Park hosted its first baseball games of the season over the weekend. Cayuga Community College and SUNY Canton both played games at the stadium as part of early-season college matchups.
She also recognized city employee Mark Tazzy for quickly repairing a broken water line in the women’s restroom at Falcon Park before the weekend games.
In addition, the city’s water treatment plant recently received a Century Landmark Award from the New York section of the American Water Works Association for the city’s slow sand filtration facility, recognizing its historic significance and continued operation.
Council thanks city workers
Council members used the “other business” portion of the meeting to acknowledge city employees across multiple departments.
Councilors thanked police officers for recent felony arrests, firefighters for their work responding to emergencies and Department of Public Works crews for filling potholes around the city following winter weather.
Officials also noted ongoing work by water and sewer crews, including responding to a recent water main break.
Proclamations recognize women’s history and music education
Earlier in the meeting, council issued two proclamations recognizing community and educational initiatives.
The council proclaimed March as Women’s History Month in Auburn, highlighting the contributions of women who have helped shape local, state and national history. Officials also pointed to Auburn’s connection to the women’s rights movement and figures such as Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Council also proclaimed March as Music In Our Schools Month, recognizing the importance of music education for students.
Mariela Hernandez, president of the Auburn High School Tri-M Music Honor Society, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city for supporting arts education.
She said music programs help students develop teamwork, discipline and creativity while building friendships and strengthening the community.
Short meeting concludes quickly
With no public comments submitted and only one resolution on the agenda, the council meeting concluded quickly.
Council members joked that the meeting may have been one of the shortest in recent memory before voting unanimously to adjourn.
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