Public concerns over surveillance technology, neighborhood safety and the elimination of a school crossing guard took center stage Thursday as Auburn residents pressed city leaders on several quality-of-life issues during a City Council meeting that also included police promotions and approval of major infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
Several speakers used the public comment period to raise concerns about decisions they say directly affect safety and daily life in the city, with criticism focused on the city’s Flock license plate reader camera network, recurring dog attacks in one neighborhood and a budget-related decision to eliminate a crossing guard near the Auburn YMCA.
Residents raise concerns about cameras and neighborhood safety
Auburn resident James Reichert urged city officials to reconsider the city’s participation in the Flock camera network, describing the technology as an invasion of privacy and part of a broader trend toward increased surveillance.
Reichert said he believes the cameras represent a growing erosion of personal liberties and questioned whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks associated with a nationwide database of vehicle information. He encouraged council members to conduct their own research and determine whether the program remains in the best interest of Auburn residents.
Chapman Avenue resident Pamela Kusick returned to council chambers to report what she described as another dog attack involving animals running at large in her neighborhood. According to Kusick, the incident occurred Tuesday evening and involved a family with two children.
The comments came just one week after Kusick raised concerns about animal control enforcement. She urged city officials to take additional action to address what she believes is an ongoing public safety problem.
Frequent council speaker Andy Bishop also addressed the council, continuing his criticism of city spending priorities and water quality management related to Owasco Lake.
YMCA urges city to restore crossing guard position
The most detailed appeal of the evening came from Auburn YMCA CEO Scott Sincerbeaux, who asked city leaders to reconsider the elimination of a crossing guard position near the organization’s Early Learning Center.
Sincerbeaux thanked the city for recently accepting a donation from the YMCA and Wegmans that helped ensure the Casey Park pool would open this summer. He then turned his attention to the crossing guard position at William Street and Westlake Avenue, saying he learned earlier this week that the position had been eliminated.
According to Sincerbeaux, the YMCA’s Early Learning Center serves more than 135 children each day between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old. He said the crossing guard provides a critical layer of protection for children and families navigating the busy intersection and questioned whether the estimated $10,000 annual savings justified the potential safety risks.
“The crossing guard will be there when the kids come back in the fall,” Sincerbeaux said, indicating the YMCA intends to ensure coverage remains in place. He urged council members to revisit the decision and restore the position.
Police officers recognized during ceremony
Before the business portion of the meeting, Mayor Jimmy Giannettino administered oaths of office to several members of the Auburn Police Department.
Luke Parker was promoted to sergeant, while Andrew Henderson and Nicholas Ginn were promoted to detective. Six new officers were also sworn into service: Nicholas Weaver, Malik Atkins, Robert Quigley, Luke Lukowski, Andrew Stark and Sal LaMascus.
Police Chief Matt Androsko congratulated the officers and praised them for completing the police academy and field training process. Giannettino highlighted the importance of public service and reminded the officers of the responsibility they accepted through their oath of office.
Council advances infrastructure and downtown initiatives
Council members approved several resolutions aimed at supporting infrastructure improvements, economic development efforts and downtown operations.
Among the most significant actions was approval of a resolution declaring the city’s intent to serve as lead agency for environmental review of the Franklin Street Reservoir and transmission main improvement project. City officials are preparing to pursue up to $5 million in state Water Infrastructure Improvement Act funding while exploring additional financing through federal drinking water programs.
The project could include rehabilitation of the Franklin Street Reservoir, improvements to the transmission main and lower pump station, installation of new mechanical and electrical equipment, and construction of a new water storage tank in the Town of Sennett.
Council also approved a bond ordinance authorizing up to $2.8 million in borrowing for improvements to municipal buildings, including upgrades to geothermal HVAC systems serving City Hall, the police station and ambulance headquarters.
Additional actions included approval of agreements with the Auburn Downtown Partnership for downtown beautification efforts and continued operation of the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center. Council also approved the sale of city-owned property at 55 Parker St., adopted a new revolving loan policy intended to support economic development projects and approved financing for those loan programs.
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