The upcoming Auburn City Council meeting will deal with plenty of fresh issues, including applications and appointments.

The Auburn Fire Department earned a $28,350 grant from the federal Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters grant program. City officials set aside $3,200 in this year's budget to cover the local share to the grant. Councilors are expected to vote to accept this grant Thursday.

Fire Chief Mike Hammon will purchase four thermal imaging cameras with the money. The cost amounts to $32,060, so the city would have to pick up the remaining costs.

The equipment will help firefighters see through smoke to find victims, fellow firefighters and the blaze.

The department also can use the thermal cameras when searching for electrical problems and during hazardous materials emergencies, Hammon stated in a letter of support to the council.

U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri, D-Utica, announced the department was awarded the grant in mid-August.

Also on Thursday, the council will vote whether to apply for a grant from the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

If received, the money would go towards Hoopes Park band concerts. Officials are requesting $2,500. Assemblyman Gary Finch is sponsoring the grant.

Performers and the movies series costs nearly $9,300 but with the grant, the city would pay $6,800, which is included in the 2007-2008 budget.

The city council will also tackle appointments to two committees, the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the Board of Assessment Review.

After its proposal to have equal billing for solid waste collection failed to gain favor, the Solid Waste Committee took a hiatus this summer.

It's meeting again, and pending council's approval, with a new member. Council will vote whether to fill a vacancy on the board with Jean Siracusa.

The committee discusses issues with trash and recycling pickup, familiarizing the public with procedures and ordinances and making recommendations for changes to city council.

Jerry Strayer asked the council to reappoint him to the Board of Assessment Review. His five-year term expires at the end of September.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net

If you go

What: Auburn City Council regular business meeting

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: City Hall, 24 South St. in Auburn

Who: Public is invited to attend. There is a chance for the public to be heard near the beginning of the meeting.