City Council

IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING AUGUST 4, 2025, VOL 38 PAGE 39 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. I. Consent Items None II. Minutes – July 21, 2025, Regular Council Meeting Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Weisner. Motion passed 7-0 III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions • Notice of Denial was presented to the Councillors (MV Auburn dba Marijuanaville, 65 Washington St. N. • Mayor Harmon read out the Proclamation – National Night Out. This event will be held August 5, 2025, at Festival Plaza. IV. Open Session Charles Soule, Lewiston, spoke regarding the on-line newspaper he edits. V. Unfinished Business None VI. New Business 1) ORDER 67-08042025-Waiving the Temporary Food License Fee ($60) for Age Friendly Community Committee Lobster Feed fundraiser event occurring on August 9, 2025. Councilor Platz motioned for passage. Councilor Gerry seconded. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment. There was no comment. Motion passed 7-0. 2) ORDER 68-08042025 – Amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule (APPENDIX A). Councilor Whiting motioned for passage. Councilor Platz seconded. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment. Mr. Chapman Eastman Lane spoke in opposition to the order. The motion passed 6-1. (Milks opposed) The City Council had a robust discussion of the Order. Councilor Whiting moved to amend the order as follows: Marijuana fees to have a 5% increase in the fee schedule rather that the proposed 10% increase. Councilor Walker seconded. The motion passed 6-1. (Milks opposed)  IN COUNCIL WORKSHOP & MEETING AUGUST 4, 2025, VOL 38 PAGE 40 3) ORDINANCE 04-08042025 – Amending Chapter 14, “Business Licenses and Permits”, Sec. 14-658(e) to remove: Application and license fees.” Councilor Gerry motioned for passage. Councilor Platz seconded. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment. There was no comment. Roll Call Vote the motion passes 7-0. 4) ORDER 69-08042025 – Approval of City Manager’s Evaluation and Wage Adjustment. Councilor Walker motioned for passage. Councilor Platz seconded. Mayor Harmon opened this item for public comment. There was no comment. Councilor Gerry asked if this would change the City Manager’s contract. The Mayor responded that it does not. The motion passed 6-1. (Councilor Gerry opposed) VII. Reports a. Mayor’s Report – The Comp Plan public in-person input sessions have been completed. Citizens can still go to the city website to register input. b. City Councillors’ Reports - Councilor Gerry spoke in support of National Night Out and encouraged all to attend. Councilor Weisner spoke in support of the LA Balloon Festival and encouraged all to attend. Councilor Walker also spoke in support of the Balloon Festival. Councilor Platz noted the School Committee would meet Wednesday August 6th at 6pm. c. Student Representative Report – Student Representative Brennan spoke on the Edward Little Youth Forum taking place on August 8th and encouraged people to visit the Edward Little booth at the Balloon Festival. d. City Manager Report – The City Manager encouraged citizens to attend the Blues, Brews and Cruise event August 16th Noon to 5PM Festival Plaza. VIII. Open Session None IX. Executive Session as scheduled was held at the end of the 5:30PM workshop. Motion by Councilor walker to enter Executive Session pursuant to 1 MRSA Section 405 (6)(A) for evaluation of the City Manager. Seconded by Councilor Milks. Motion passed 7-0. Entered Executive Session at 6:05 PM and exited at 6:42 PM. X. Adjournment Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Walker, seconded by Councilor Cowan. Motion passed 7-0. Council adjourned at 7:55 pm. A TRUE COPY ATTEST Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk