City Council

City of Auburn City Council Meeting May 18, 2026 Mayor Harmon called the meeting to order and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Student Representative Mubarik Abdulahi was absent. I. Consent Items 1) ORDER 48-05182026 – Appointing Katie Boss and Mayor Jeffrey Harmon to the Casco Bay Trail Board of Supervisors. Motion for passage by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Cowan passed 7-0. II. Minutes – May 4, 2026 Regular Council Meeting Correct item 3: Vote 5-2 not 5-0 (Gerry, Walker). Motion passed 7-0. III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions • Reminder: June 9, 2026 Maine Primary & School Budget Validation Referendum; Absentee ballots available at City Hall through June 4. All polling places open June 9 from 7:00am- 8:00pm. • Proclamation recognizing National Public Works Week; read by Mayor Harmon • Monthly Grant Program Update, presented by City Manager Phil Crowell IV. Open Session Gary Tetreault, Hazel St V. Unfinished Business 1) ORDER 41-05042026 – Authorizing the City’s general obligation bonds in the principal amount not to exceed $11,200,000 to reconfigure the Auburn Middle School (AMS) to construct an addition and other renovations and improvements to accommodate Grade 6 classrooms and other education space. Second reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires five (5) affirmative votes. Councilor Platz moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 5-2 (Walker, Gerry) on a roll call vote. 2) ORDER 42-05042026 - Authorizing the City’s general obligation bonds in the amount of $11,776,000 to finance the City’s FY27 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Second reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires five (5) affirmative votes. Councilor Platz moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 5-2 (Walker, Gerry). 3) RESOLVE 02-05042026 – Adopting the 2026-2027 Appropriations Resolve (Municipal Budget). Second reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Platz moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Duvall. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 5-2 (Walker, Gerry). VI. New Business 1) ORDINANCE 09-05182026 – Amending Chapter 52, “Traffic and Vehicles”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding parking changes respective to solid waste collection. First reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Cowan moved as amended, seconded by Councilor Butler. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 4-3 (Walker, Gerry, Randall). 2) ORDINANCE 10-05182026 – Amending Chapter 44, “Solid Waste”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances related to solid waste collection services. First Reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Duvall moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 4-3 (Walker, Gerry, Randall). 3) ORDER 49-05182026 - Waiving the $60 temporary food license fee for the Age Friendly Community Committee to hold concessions during the Community Concerts events in Festival Plaza. Passage requires majority vote. Motion for passage by Councilor Gerry, seconded by Councilor Walker. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 7-0. 4) ORDER 50-05182026 – Approving poverty abatement case # PA 2026-001. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Randall moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Walker. Motion passed 7-0. 5) ORDER 51-05182026 – Real estate purchase on Hotel & Merrow Road. Passage requires majority vote. Mayor Harmon introduced this item. Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 7-0. VII. Reports a. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Harmon thanked staff and everyone for attending Lobster Festival; provided an update on Comp Plan upcoming meetings; provided a scheduling update on policy issues – draft ordinance for SSP and workshop on 6/1 and draft ordinance for mobile home parks on workshop for 6/15. b. City Councilors’ Reports – Councilor Cowan provided an update on the Homelessness Committee; Councilor Platz provided an update on upcoming School Committee meeting. c. Student Representative Report – Last week of School for ELHS; graduation on 5/30; spring sports are ongoing. d. City Manager Report – A report from the Communications department will be coming forward to recap the success and data of the Lobster Festival. VIII. Open Session None. IX. Executive Session X. Adjournment Councilor Walker moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Randall. Motion passed 7-0; adjourned at 7:24pm. A TRUE COPY ATTEST Emily Carrington, City Clerk