Jesse Chehovich

The key discussion centered on two applications. One application (123-135 Dunning Ave.) was tabled again because the applicant is still awaiting requested information for a re-hearing. The second application (128 S. Seward Ave.) involved a request for an area variance concerning the orientation of a privacy fence, specifically allowing the finished side to face inward instead of outward as mandated by code. The board discussed the contractor's errors and the owner's difficult position before ultimately granting the variance.

The meeting included a public comment session where a resident discussed senior citizen property tax exemptions. Key discussions involved an open bid opportunity for city-owned real estate marketing and brokerage services. City officials provided reports recognizing employees for extensive work resolving significant water main breaks under severe weather conditions. The agenda featured the first reading of Ordinance #1 of 2026, authorizing the issuance of $3,134,500 in serial bonds for the reconstruction of the Lake Avenue Bridge over the Owasco River. Additionally, Council Resolution #17 of 2026 was adopted, approving the submission of the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Staff also presented on project findings related to Federal IRA Tax Credits for Biosolids and WWTP Improvements. Other business included discussing measures against fraudulent invoicing received by planning and zoning board applicants and reviewing the availability of Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemptions information online.

The meeting involved the review of several applications. One application for 123-135 Dunning Ave requested a re-hearing, but the applicant indicated they were still obtaining required documents, leading to its continuance. An application for 50 Wallace Ave, requesting a Use Variance for a non-residential adult day program, could not proceed as a quorum was not present. Consequently, the applications for 50 Wallace Ave and 123-135 Dunning Ave were tabled. No applications were approved or denied during this session.

The City Council meeting addressed several key legislative and administrative items. Discussions included attention to a Request for Proposals for real estate services and the financial implications of raising income limits for senior citizen property tax exemptions. Mayor Giannettino reported on an anticipated temporary increase in AIM funding from the state budget, providing potential relief for the upcoming fiscal year. The Council adopted Ordinance #1 of 2026, authorizing the issuance of $3,134,500 in serial bonds for the reconstruction of the Lake Avenue Bridge. Several resolutions were passed, including awarding 2025 Opioid Settlement Funds to the Auburn Police Department, Auburn City Ambulance, and Nick's Ride for Friends, and approving an agreement with Auburn Correctional Facility for parking space leasing in exchange for use of their training range. Additionally, Financial Resolution #20 of 2026 was amended and adopted to authorize budget transfers for FY 2025-2026. The Council also awarded Change Order #1 to Baker Tilly for additional financial services related to securing Federal IRA Tax Credits for the Biosolids & WWTP Improvement Project, and awarded the construction bid for the Lake Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project to Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, Inc. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss an employment matter and three collective bargaining agreements.

The meeting included public comments regarding senior citizen property tax exemptions and real property reassessment. Key agenda items involved staff and vendor presentations, including an update on the Lake Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation project, which is currently out to bid with a revised bid opening date. A presentation was also delivered covering the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 2nd Quarter Grants Update, highlighting the status of General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer Fund, and ARPA projects, noting that the ARPA program is nearing closeout. Additionally, detailed budget performance reports through December 31, 2025, were presented for the General Fund, Landfill Fund, Power Utility Fund, Water Fund, and Sewer Fund, noting various revenue shortfalls and expenditure variances across departments, such as lower than anticipated property tax collection and issues with Power Utility Fund transfers to the General Fund.