SALAMANCA — After nearly three decades working in the city, Cindi Franklin has retired as Salamanca’s assessor.

Franklin was recognized Wednesday, May 14 for her 28 years of service prior to her retirement that Friday. Mayor Sandra Magiera and the Common Council presented Franklin with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers at the regular council meeting.

In part, the plaque read, “You have made a positive impact on your customers, co-workers and community. We will miss your smile, your soft touch and caring ways.”

Magiera said Franklin had been considering retiring for a couple of years and understood it was a difficult decision.

“Twenty-eight years is a big thing. Not too many people last that long at a job anymore,” the mayor said. “We appreciate all that you’ve done.”

Former city Industrial Development Agency director Ruthe Riehle, who retired in 2021 and was in attendance for the presentation, said she worked with Franklin from the beginning.

“I’m the one who pushed her into being assessor,” she said.

Franklin thanked the mayor, council and many city department heads who attended the meeting for the recognition.

“It’s time now, and I’ve left it in really good hands,” she said. Cindy Smith was appointed the new city assessor effective Monday. “I know she’ll do well. There’s no doubt about it.”

Franklin was hired in June 1997 and appointed to Assessor on Aug. 11, 2004.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the council approved the appointments for 24 individuals as personnel for the youth bureau’s summer playground and Arts Alive programs, as recommended by the recreation commission.

For the playgrounds, returning employees are Alicia Fiske as Recreation Leader and Emily Benjamin, Brock Johnson, Dominick Hill, Sawyer Miller, Andrew Herrick, Jacob Herrick, Kailyn Pierce and Kruz Coustenis as recreation attendants. Newly hired playground staff are Knox Johnson, Logan Abrams, Cory Hollerman, Gavin Elliot, Max Kalyan and Gage Mullin.

For the Arts Alive program, returning employees are Brandon Milanowski as Recreation Leader and Janette McClure, Hannah Klusek, Tristen Duhan and Norah Clayson as recreation attendants. Newly hired Arts Alive staff are Talyn Wyatt, Alyssa Wilson, Rowan Brown and Jadyn Nevins.

The Arts Alive theater program will run for eight weeks from July 1 through Aug. 22, and the playground program will run for six weeks from July 7 through Aug. 15.

Arts Alive is open to all children entering first grade through 12 grade in the fall 2025–26 school year. Participants will learn about all aspects of theater in a fun and engaging environment and be involved in a final performance that will be open to the public. Registration is required prior to participation.

Supervised playgrounds will operate Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1–3:30 p.m., for youth ages 5–15. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the park program will be cancelled for the day. Playground sites include South Avenue (Youth Center), Erie Street, School Street, Pine Street and Highland Avenue.

Parents should be advised that the summer youth programs are not intended as a substitute for appropriate childcare arrangements.

For more information about the youth bureau’s summer programs, contact Markie Phillips, youth bureau director, at (716) 945-1311.

ALSO OF NOTE, the city encourages residents to participate in the annual citywide cleanup days, scheduled for June 9–20. Cost is $40 per household, due June 5.

A program to help those who want to participate but may be unable to afford it is open again, accepting donations to sponsor a home in need. In 2024, this program helped sponsor 57 people and further clean up the city.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Alderman Barry Smith, R-Ward 3, at basmith@salamancany.gov.