Auburn city government could lock in a significantly higher electricity supply rate for the next four years while also advancing a $190,000 stream restoration project at Hoopes Park and acting on two police grant proposals when City Council meets tonight.
The council’s business session begins at 5 p.m. at Memorial City Hall. The agenda also includes a proclamation marking the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and details of a public remembrance ceremony scheduled for Friday morning.
Among the most immediate financial decisions is a proposed 48-month electricity supply agreement with ENGIE covering the city’s 106 electric meters. Auburn’s current supply price is generally around 6.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, while the proposed new rate is 9.089 cents per kilowatt-hour from Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2030.
City staff says the longer contract is intended to stabilize costs in what it describes as a rapidly increasing electricity market, but the agreement would still represent a substantial increase from current pricing.
City considering four-year electricity contract
The city worked with energy consultant NextEra Energy to solicit fixed-price electricity proposals for terms ranging from 12 months to five years.
ENGIE submitted the lowest prices among the options included in the packet for 12-, 24-, 36- and 48-month contracts. Its proposed rates decline as the contract term gets longer, from 9.697 cents per kilowatt-hour for 12 months to 9.089 cents for 48 months.
The city currently has groups of accounts paying roughly 6.482 cents, 6.555 cents and 7.014 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Using the 6.555-cent rate cited by city staff as the current contract price, the proposed 9.089-cent rate would be about 39% higher.
Staff is recommending the four-year term because of concerns that electricity prices will continue rising. The resolution would authorize the city manager or a designee to execute the agreement with ENGIE.
The city does not provide an estimate in the agenda packet of how much the higher rate would add to annual electricity expenses.
Hoopes Park stream and culvert work could move forward
Council will also consider an agreement with the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District for a $190,000 restoration project at Hoopes Park.
The work would stabilize the stream corridor between the Walnut Street culvert and Hoopes Park Pond, address erosion and replace a deteriorating culvert near the pond.
The existing crossing would be replaced with a reinforced concrete bottomless arch designed to improve water flow while supporting park maintenance vehicles and emergency equipment, including ambulances.
The project documents describe years of stormwater runoff and high-velocity flows contributing to bank erosion, channel instability, sediment buildup and loss of streamside habitat.
Planned improvements include reshaping steep streambanks, installing biodegradable coconut-fiber logs, adding rock protection in higher-stress areas and planting native vegetation. No-mow buffer areas could also be established along parts of the stream corridor to reduce erosion and filter runoff before it reaches the stream.
The project would also use grade-control structures such as rock riffles or similar natural-channel features to slow water, reduce erosion and stabilize the streambed.
The new culvert is intended to address another problem: the existing crossing restricts stream flow and contributes to upstream ponding and downstream erosion.
Its proposed bottomless design would preserve the natural streambed beneath the crossing, improving passage for fish and other aquatic organisms while increasing the structure’s ability to carry stormwater.
The Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District would manage the project and coordinate design and construction with Auburn’s engineering and public works departments.
Of the $190,000 total project cost, $166,250 would come through Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition funding and Auburn would contribute $23,750 through in-house labor and equipment rather than a direct cash payment.
Any change increasing the city’s contribution beyond that amount would require further council approval.
Auburn police could receive $29,400 for traffic enforcement
Another resolution would accept a $29,400 grant already awarded to the Auburn Police Department through the state Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
The funding would reimburse police personnel costs for additional traffic enforcement between Oct. 1, 2026 and Sept. 30, 2027.
The state award includes $4,200 for seat belt enforcement and $25,200 for regular Police Traffic Services enforcement.
Police intend to use the funding for statewide campaigns including “Buckle Up New York” and “Click It or Ticket,” along with targeted enforcement in areas identified through crash and traffic data.
The program focuses on behaviors including speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving.
The grant requires no local match and does not fund equipment purchases.
Unlike a grant application, this funding has already been awarded. Council action tonight would formally accept the money and authorize the department to administer the program.
Department could seek another $40,000 for protective equipment
Council will separately consider authorizing the Police Department to apply for up to $40,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The department wants to purchase rifle-rated ballistic vests, ballistic helmets and rifle-rated ballistic shields.
Police Chief Matthew Androsko said in the agenda packet that the equipment would be intended for members of the department’s Crisis Negotiation Team and drone operators during critical incidents involving weapons capable of defeating standard patrol body armor.
The grant program opens Oct. 8 and would require no local match.
Council approval tonight would authorize the application and allow the city to accept an eventual award of up to $40,000 if the request is successful. It would not mean Auburn has already received the funding.
Auburn to mark 25 years since Sept. 11 attacks
Tonight’s meeting will also include a Patriot Day proclamation ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Mayor James Giannettino is expected to proclaim Sept. 11 as Patriot Day and a Day of Service and Remembrance in Auburn.
The city will hold a public wreath-laying ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday at the Sept. 11 memorial on the south lawn of Memorial City Hall.
Guest speakers are expected to include VFW Post 1975 Commander Luke Netti, retired Auburn firefighter Terry Winslow and Cayuga County Veterans’ Services Agency Director Kevin Swab.
The Old Wheeler Bell atop Memorial City Hall will toll throughout the morning at times corresponding with major events from the attacks, beginning at 8:46 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower, and concluding at 10:28 a.m., marking the collapse of the North Tower.
Tonight’s City Council meeting also includes the regular public-comment period, City Manager’s report and reports from council members.
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