City Council

IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING MARCH 17, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 14 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. Councilor Milks and Councilor Weisner were absent. Student Representative Abdulahi arrived late at 7:08 P.M. Consent Items 1) ORDER 23-03172025* – Appointing Bilal Hussein to the Planning Board (Associate Member), for an unexpired term ending 1/1/26, as nominated by the Appointment Committee. 2) ORDER 24-03172025* – Appointing Elisabeth Collier to the Board of Assessment Review for a term ending 4/1/28, as nominated by the Appointment Committee. 3) ORDER 25-03172025* – Appointing Jennifer Edwards as the Local Health Officer for the City of Auburn with a term expiration of 4/4/2028. Motion for passage by Councilor Gerry, seconded by Councilor Walker. Motion passed 5-0. II. Minutes – March 3, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Motion to accept the minutes by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Platz. Motion passed 4-1-0. (Councilor Cowan abstained due to absence at the last meeting). III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions IV. Open Session None. V. Unfinished Business VI. New Business 1) ORDER 26-03172025 - Approving event liquor license for the 2025 Signature Events: Auburn Lobster Festival, Saturday, May 17; Auburn Blues & Brews, Saturday, September 6; New Year’s Auburn, Wednesday, December 31. Passage requires majority vote. Motion for passage by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Cowan. There was no comment from the public. Motion passed 5-0. 2) ORDER 27-03172025– Approving the omission of sidewalks in the Loring Avenue reconstruction design. Passage requires majority vote. Motion for passage by Councilor Gerry, seconded by Councilor Cowan. The following spoke:  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING MARCH 17, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 15 Jeremiah Barlett, Chair of Complete Streets Committee Maury Galarneau, Loring Ave Mike Adler, Loring Ave Dana Staples, Greenfield Dr Dan Goyette, Engineering Director, gave a history of the street. Councilor Platz inquired about the safety history on this City and the guidance from the City’s Comprehensive Plan. City Manger Crowell explained that the Complete Streets Committee is working to enact the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan; however, in the case of a discrepancy or difference between staff and the Complete Streets Committee, it is to come to Council. There is no major safety concern on the street currently without sidewalks. The will of the public is to not support the sidewalks and staff agrees with the neighbors’ majority opinion to not include sidewalks. Motion passed 5-0. 3) ORDER 28-03172025 – Adopting the revised joint purchasing policy. First reading. Passage requires majority vote. Motion for passage by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Cowan. There was no public comment. City Manager Crowell explained the School Committee will be voting on this at their next meeting, and this item will come back for second reading to the Council with the School Committee’s recommendation. Mayor Harmon asked for a definition of “local vendor” be included for second reading. Motion passed 5-0. VII. Reports a. Mayor’s Report – Attended the Androscoggin County Commissioners Workshop focused on the Sheriff’s facility on Center St and gave an update on the future of this facility. Attended screening at USM of Beyond the Bridge; about 85 people attended. Mentioned upcoming Town Hall Budget meetings upcoming on March 27 and March 29. b. City Councilors’ Reports - Recognized Rep. Egge who received an honor with skiing. Councilor Platz gave an update on the School Committee’s budget process; has started sitting on the School Facilities committee. c. Student Representative Report – Rep. Abdulahi mentioned non-profits opening to support kids and Rep. Egge said Happy St. Patrick’s Day and congratulated the high school sports teams on their recent win.  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING MARCH 17, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 16 d. City Manager Report – The City’s CIP proposal was presented to the Planning Board at their last meeting, as required by the City’s Charter. Discussed initiatives with our local congressional representatives and noted that some projects will not be getting funded. VIII. Open Session John Cleveland, Davis Ave IX. Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (C) for an economic development matter. Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (A) for a personnel matter. 1) ORDER 29-03172025 - Removing Daniel Bilodeau from Water District Board of Trustees. Motion for passage by Councilor Whiting, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Motion passed 5-0. X. Adjournment Councilor Platz moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Walker. Motion passed 5-0. Council adjourned at 9:17pm. A TRUE COPY ATTEST Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk