Auburn City Council approved a state cybersecurity agreement Thursday after a weeklong delay, authorizing outside assessment and monitoring of the city’s publicly accessible technology systems.
The unanimous vote followed Councilor Craig Diego’s discussions with city technology staff about questions he raised when the proposal first came before council.
The council also approved a vehicle maintenance partnership with Cayuga Community College, renewed three maintenance contracts and received updates on parking improvements and upcoming public planning meetings.
Cybersecurity agreement clears review
The agreement provides services through the state Office of Information Technology Services and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. It covers identifying vulnerabilities in systems such as public-facing servers, internet domains, cloud services and network equipment.
The service is provided at no cost to Auburn in exchange for sharing cybersecurity information generated through the program with the New York Security Operations Center.
Auburn remains responsible for reviewing the information, responding to identified problems and securing any necessary third-party permissions.
The initial term is three years, with automatic annual renewals subject to the agreement’s funding and approval provisions. The resolution does not independently authorize spending beyond the city’s approved appropriations.
Diego said his questions had been answered and that he had no remaining issues with the agreement. He noted that some details were better addressed outside the public discussion because they concerned protecting city systems.
The council had postponed the agreement Nov. 5 to allow additional review.
City will maintain college vehicles
A separate unanimous vote authorized Auburn to provide routine vehicle maintenance for Cayuga Community College.
City Manager Jennifer Haines described the arrangement as an opportunity to generate revenue using existing city resources. Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson said the college has approximately 13 vehicles.
The agreement covers work such as oil changes, fluid service, brakes and tires. The college will reimburse actual staff time at rates reflecting wages and benefits, along with the acquisition cost of parts and materials without a markup.
City fleet needs take priority, and Auburn may defer or decline college work because of staffing, workload or other operational constraints.
Diego questioned whether the city could take on additional work while its head mechanic position remained vacant. Haines said staff had reviewed capacity and could accommodate the agreement.
He also questioned language preventing separate charges for disposal fees. Leeson said costs included in the city’s purchase bill would be reflected in what the college reimburses, rather than billed as a separate fee.
Maintenance contracts and insurance payment approved
The council unanimously approved annual maintenance agreements with Knapp Electric of Auburn, Emcor Services Betlem of Rochester and Siracusa Mechanical of Auburn.
The contracts cover electrical, heating and cooling, geothermal and plumbing work, including routine service, emergency repairs and requested improvements. Each runs from Nov. 13, 2026, through Nov. 12, 2027, with an option for a one-year extension.
Haines said the agreements replace expiring contracts. When Diego asked whether the electrical contract was prompted by the absence of the city’s electrician, she said it covers additional work and is a typical city agreement.
The council also accepted $4,781.36 in insurance proceeds for damage to a police vehicle, adding the money to the appropriate revenue and vehicle maintenance accounts.
- Auburn approves firefighter contract 3-2 as budget worries divide council
- Haines says Auburn is already stretched thin as rising costs threaten budget recovery
- Auburn council revisits rejected firefighter contract as staffing and budget pressures persist
- Auburn Council approves YMCA lease, labor deal, and grant bid
Parking kiosks installed as public planning meetings approach
During her report, Haines said four additional parking kiosks had been installed in response to public feedback: two on East Hill, one near the Liberty Store and one in the Dill Street parking lot.
Diego reported that he had met with Haines, the mayor and other city staff to discuss potential shared services, including the possibility of seeking proposals related to trash collection. The report did not establish a change in service or award a collection contract.
Residents will have two opportunities next week to help shape other city priorities.
A Community Development Block Grant meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Seymour Public Library, 176 Genesee St. The program supports housing, community improvements and services benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.
The second public workshop for Auburn’s Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, in the Casey Park Elementary School cafeteria, 101 Pulaski St.
City Clerk Chuck Mason also reminded residents that Thanksgiving week will bring an altered trash schedule. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday routes will be collected one day early, while Friday collection remains on Friday. There will be no collection on Thanksgiving Day.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.