City Council

IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 6 Mayor Harmon called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Auburn Hall and led the assembly in the salute to the flag. All Councilors were present. Student Representative Abdulahi was absent. I. Consent Items On request of a citizen, the item appearing on the Consent Agenda was moved to New Business. II. Minutes – January 21, 2024 Regular Council Meeting Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Motion passed 7-0. III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions • City Manager Update on Federal Funding Impacts – City Manager Crowell addressed recent Executive Orders from the White House suspending funds for certain projects and initiatives. The City is continuing to monitor to see which projects should be allowed to continue; the City is not expecting major changes regarding funding for transportation and EMS services. IV. Open Session Evan Cyr, Granite St Dina Chapman, Auburn Arlo Driggs, Auburn V. Unfinished Business 1) ORDINANCE 01-012125 – Property Tax Assistance Program (2nd reading). Second reading/public hearing. ROLL CALL VOTE. Councilor Gerry moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Walker. Mayor Harmon opened the item for public comment. There was no comment. The motion passed 7-0 on a roll call vote. VI. New Business 1) ORDER 09-020325 - Approval to encumber from the General fund for Fire apparatus. Passage requires majority vote. Motion for passage by Councilor Weisner, seconded by Councilor Cowan. There was no comment. Motion passed 7-0. 2.) ORDER 08-020325 – Appointing Maureen Hopkins to the Planning Board for a term that expires 1/1/2028, as nominated by the Appointment Committee. This item was moved from the Consent Agenda on request of a citizen. Councilor Gerry moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. The following spoke: David Trask, Partridge Ln Anita Chapman, Auburn Dina Chapman, Auburn Evan Cyr, Granite St  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 7 Councilors discussed ward representation on the Planning Board which is not a current requirement in City ordinance. Councilors discussed the process of appointments. Motion passed 4-3 (Walker, Milks, Weisner). VII. Reports a. Mayor’s Report - Mayor Harmon thanked Mr. LaBonte and Mr. Cousens for coordinating the Airport Master Planning session. Attended the opening of Chairlift 3 at Lost Valley. Gave a brief update on the Comp Plan Committee. Gave a brief update on FY26 budget process. Submitted testimony regarding several bills before the Legislature via the MMA LPC. b. City Councilors’ Reports - Councilor Whiting gave an update on the audit process. Councilor Cowan gave an update on the SNRB asking for members to join the Working Groups. The Homeless Committee has finalized a report for the Council expected to come forward at the February 18 meeting. Councilor Weisner attended the Airport Master Planning session. Councilor Platz gave an update on the School Dept; announced the School Committee has released the State of Schools report and the protocol released by the Superintendent if U.S. ICE federal officers should enter buildings of the School Department. c. Student Representative Report - Thanked all District 2 Festival participants at ELHS. d. City Manager Report – The City revaluation inspections began today on behalf of the Assessor’s office. Attended the Maine Waste to Energy meeting with Councilor Walker. VIII. Open Session - Evan Cyr, Granite St X. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Councilor Weisner, seconded by Councilor Whiting. Motion passed 7-0. Councilor adjourned at 8:41pm. A TRUE COPY ATTEST Emily F. Carrington