AUBURN - Auburn and YMCA-WEIU officials say it was a good idea to let the private organization handle the summer programming at Casey Park.

Multiple YMCA representatives reported Thursday to the Auburn City Council about this year's lessons, leagues and camps at the pool and indoor lacrosse field.

The council voted earlier this year allowing the YMCA to run recreation programs at the park for one summer.

But YMCA director Kurt Kramer told the councilors the organization is interested in continuing the arrangement.

“The operation ran very smoothly,” Kramer said, later adding “we're looking forward to an even better summer (next year).”

During the season, YMCA staff and volunteers ran swim lessons, a summer swim team and other recreational activities at the pool. They also oversaw men's and women's indoor lacrosse leagues, who played on the artificial turf installed during the spring inside the ice rink.

Multiple day camps and community programs also utilized the facility.

In past years, the park programs were run by the Department of Public Works. But the city and YMCA struck a 10-week agreement through which the city paid $45,900 for the YMCA to take care of the programs. City officials have said Casey Park programs normally cost $45,000 annually.

Another contract would be needed for the YMCA to continue. Representatives said the organization could possibly begin activities like water polo, indoor soccer and even youth programs on the fields at Clifford Park.

Auburn Mayor Michael Quill said Thursday that public works officials have given positive feedback about the setup.

“They said it was almost a flawless summer,” Quill said.

In other news:

* The city will contribute $40,000 annually to the Downtown Auburn Business Improvement District's budget. Councilors unanimously extended an existing agreement for two more years.

The BID helps beautify and maintain cleanliness of the city's downtown business district by hanging potted flowers and removing clutter. The organization also reports regularly to the city about issues facing downtown businesses.

* The council agreed to accept $15,000 from the Stardust Foundation of Central New York for Founders Day expenses. The event took place downtown in June and celebrated the city's history. It is expected to be an annual festival.

* Councilors voted to hold off voting for at least a week on two contracts with companies looking to use the city's landfill. Quill requested that the council withhold approval of the contracts until they receive some clarification on the rates.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.