City Council

IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING JULY 7, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 33 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 Platz was absent (excused). I. Consent Items II. Minutes – June 16, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Councilor Whiting added he was in attendance of the Adult Education graduation ceremony. Councilor Whiting moved to accept the minutes with the addition, seconded by Councilor Walker. Motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilor Cowan abstained). III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions • Welcome to Summer Interns – Mubarak Abdulahi, Safiya Mohamed, Abdi Adow • Nomination petitions available from the City Clerk’s office starting today, 7/7; must be returned by August 21. • Communication: Septic Inspections for Tier II - Copy of Notice • Mayor Harmon recognized today as the 76th anniversary of Ofc. Philbrick’s death while in the line of duty. IV. Open Session Matt Harris, Turner St – asked about the decrease of trash & waste pick up services, deteriorated buildings that present as a fire hazard, and the vehicle replacement schedule with Police and Fire. V. Unfinished Business 1) ORDINANCE 02-06162025 – Amending Chapter 2, “Administration”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances, to create a permanent Homelessness Committee. Amended and passed first reading June 16, 2025. Public hearing/second reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Gerry moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment. There was no comment. Public hearing was closed. Motion passed 6-0 on a roll call vote. VI. New Business 1) ORDINANCE 03-07072025 – Amending Chapter 60, “Zoning”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances, pursuant to Sec. 60-307, Dimensional regulations, in the General Business (GB)  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING JULY 7, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 34 and Multifamily Suburban (MFS) Zoning Districts. First reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment, there was no comment. Motion passed 5-1 (Milks opposed). 2) ORDER 59-07072025 – Approving the use of 67 Kittyhawk Ave as a temporary Fire Station for the City of Auburn. Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Whiting. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment, there was no comment. Motion passed 6-0. 3) ORDER 60-07072025 – Adopting revenue changes to the City’s Master Fee Schedule (APPENDIX A). Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Gerry moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Walker. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment, there was no comment. Motion failed 3-3 (Gerry, Weisner, Milks). The City Manager will bring this item for a workshop on July 21 with schedules showing prior fees and proposed changes. 4) ORDER 61-07072025 - Action regarding Maine Waste to Energy Board Representative (Mid-Maine Waste Action Corporation). Passage requires majority vote. Councilor Whiting moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment, there was no comment. Motion passed 6-0. VII. Reports a. Mayor’s Report – Provided an update on the manufacturing facility tours; toured the Maine Mill construction in September. Provided an update on the Comp Plan Committee’s upcoming community outreach sessions. b. City Councilors’ Reports - Councilor Gerry and Councilor Walker asked the City Manager for a copy of the policy on the City’s Cooling and Warming centers. Councilor Whiting noted that Maine Mill will be having a fundraiser upcoming for people to see the new construction. Councilor Gerry asked about the memorial bench for John Jenkins along the  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING JULY 7, 2025 VOL 38 PAGE 35 bridge; City Manager Crowell noted that due to safety concerns this was not included in theplanning, however, other considerations are being made to include a memorial bench elsewhere. Councilor Walker noted that Maine Waste to Energy’s Executive Committee meeting is tomorrow at noon, all Councilors are welcome to attend. c. Student Representative Report – Thanked everyone for their support and encouragement as summer intern. d. City Manager Report – City Manager Crowell noted on some upcoming events - welcomed Nutty Netties who will be having a ribbon cutting tomorrow afternoon, all are welcome to attend. July 17 will be the 2nd movie in the park in Festival Plaza; the Police Department will be hosting National Night Out on August 5th. VIII. Open Session None. IX. Executive Session – Motion to enter Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (C) for an economic development matter (continued) and Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (A) for city manager’s evaluation. Motion made by Councilor Gerry, seconded by Councilor Walker. Motion passed 6-0. Council entered executive session at 7:45pm. X. Adjournment Council adjourned immediately following Executive Session. A TRUE COPY ATTEST Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk