Auburn public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider an ordinance to update designated winter relief parking areas. The meeting also includes a public forum on a Syringe Service Program and a decision on a poverty abatement case.

• ORDINANCE 08-12152025: Amending Chapter 52 "TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES" regarding winter relief parking
• ORDER 118-12152025: Action on Poverty Abatement case #PA 2025-003
• Acceptance of four asset forfeitures from State of Maine Criminal Courts for the Auburn Police Department
• Appointments of Councilors Butler, Randall, and Cowan to various city committees
• Appointment of City Manager Phil Crowell to the Maine Waste-to-Energy Board

Inauguration

This is a ceremonial inauguration meeting for the Auburn City Council and School Committee, featuring the swearing-in of elected officials and addresses by representatives. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the agenda consists entirely of procedural and celebratory items.

• Administration of the Oath of Office to Mayor Jeffrey D. Harmon and councilors/school committee members by City Clerk Emily F. Carrington
• School Committee Representative Address by Pamela F. Albert
• Mayor’s Inaugural Address by Jeffrey D. Harmon
• Presentation of Colors by Auburn Police & Fire Departments Honor Guard
• National Anthem and musical performances by Edward Little High School students

City Council

The Auburn City Council will hold a workshop on the Syringe Service Program at 5:30 PM, followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 PM. During the meeting, the council will vote on Order 107 to authorize the City Manager to proceed with construction of the Public Safety Facility. Consent items include Order 106 confirming appointments of Election Wardens and Ward Clerks. An update on the Warming Center is also scheduled.

• Workshop discussion on Syringe Service Program
• Warming Center Update
• ORDER 107 – Authorizing construction of the Public Safety Facility
• ORDER 106 – Confirming appointments of Election Wardens & Ward Clerks
• Recognition of Councilors Richard Whiting, Stephen Milks, and Benjamin Weisner

The council voted unanimously to confirm the appointments of election wardens and ward clerks for a two‑year term. They also accepted the minutes from the November 17 meeting. A unanimous vote authorized the city manager to proceed with construction of the new public safety facility. The meeting was adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved Election Wardens & Ward Clerks appointments (6-0)
• Accepted November 17 minutes (6-0)
• Authorized City Manager to proceed with Public Safety Facility construction (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Onboarding

The City Council will hold an onboarding session for three newly elected councilors-elect: Rachel Randall (Ward 1), Mathieu Duvall (Ward 3), and Kelly Butler (Ward 4). The meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers at Auburn Hall.

• Council Onboarding Session
• Onboarding with Councilors-Elect: Rachel Randall (Ward 1)
• Onboarding with Councilors-Elect: Mathieu Duvall (Ward 3)
• Onboarding with Councilors-Elect: Kelly Butler (Ward 4)

City Council

The council will review and vote on several items, including appointments, a liquor‑license hearing, and two major discussion topics. A public safety facility proposal will be presented for council approval of the final design and a voter‑approved bonding limit of up to $45 million. Staff will brief the council on a syringe service program and seek feedback for possible ordinance drafting. The council will also consider a public hearing to grant an on‑premise liquor license to KP’s Place at 245 Center Street.

• ORDER 103-11172025 – Appointment of Thomas Ellis as Constable with firearm for the Auburn Police Department
• ORDER 104-11172025 – Appointment of Ned Claxton as alternate member of the City Ethics Panel (term ends 10/31/2028)
• ORDER 105-11032025 – Public hearing to grant an on‑premise liquor license to Keith Patrick Genest D/B/A KP's Place, 245 Center Street
• Syringe Service Program discussion – staff recommendation to provide feedback for potential ordinance drafting (no budget impact)
• Public Safety Facility update – council must approve final design and bonding obligation not to exceed $45,000,000

The council confirmed Thomas Ellis as a constable with firearm and appointed Ned Claxton as an alternate member of the Ethics Panel, both by unanimous vote. They accepted the November 3 meeting minutes and approved an on‑premise liquor license for KP's Place at 245 Center Street. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Confirmed Thomas Ellis as constable with firearm (order 103-11172025)
• Appointed Ned Claxton to Ethics Panel, alternate member – passed 6-0 (order 104-11172025)
• Accepted November 3 council minutes – passed 6-0
• Approved on‑premise liquor license for KP's Place, 245 Center St – passed 6-0 (order 105-11032025)
• Adjourned meeting – passed 6-0

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop on Maine's Syringe Service Programs to discuss legal frameworks and public health data, with potential ordinance drafting. At the regular meeting, they will vote on an on-premise liquor license for OTTO Pizza Auburn at 730 Center Street and approve a temporary needs analysis for 95 Main Street, 4th floor, to be used as a Police Criminal Investigations Office. Consent items include appointing Tara Paradie to the Ethics Panel.

• Workshop on Syringe Service Programs: legal and public health perspectives, with staff recommendation to provide feedback for potential ordinance drafting.
• ORDER 101-11032025: Public hearing and vote on on-premise liquor license for Golden Crust Auburn LLC, D/B/A OTTO Pizza Auburn, 730 Center Street.
• ORDER 102-11032025: Vote to approve temporary needs and impacts analysis for 95 Main Street, 4th floor, for Police Department Criminal Investigations Office.
• ORDER 100-11032025: Appointment of Tara Paradie to the Ethics Panel for term expiring 10/31/2028.
• Executive sessions to discuss economic development matter and City Manager's quarterly evaluation.

The council appointed Tara Paradie to the Ethics Panel and granted Golden Crust Auburn LLC, doing business as OTTO Pizza Auburn, an on‑premise liquor license. It approved a temporary public safety facility at 95 Main Street and adopted a resolution opposing the proposed 13.15% increase in the Androscoggin County 2026 budget. The council also suspended its rules to add a budget‑related resolve to the agenda and entered two executive‑session meetings.

• Appointed Tara Paradie to the Ethics Panel (7-0)
• Granted Golden Crust Auburn LLC d/b/a OTTO Pizza Auburn an on‑premise liquor license (7-0)
• Approved temporary needs and impacts analysis for 95 Main Street public safety facility (6-1)
• Suspended council rules to add RESOLVE 03-11032025 on the county budget to the agenda (7-0)
• Passed RESOLVE 03-11032025 opposing the proposed 13.15% increase in Androscoggin County 2026 budget (7-0)
• Accepted the October 20, 2025 council minutes (7-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss an economic development matter (7-0)
• Entered executive session for the City Manager’s quarterly evaluation (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will workshop the 50% design stage of the $45M public safety facility, including cost-reduction recommendations from the ad-hoc committee. The meeting also includes a public hearing/second reading on an ordinance to adjust General Assistance maximum benefits and orders on the Lewiston-Auburn 911 Center location and an updated Fund Balance Policy.

• Public Safety Facility Design Approval – review of 50% designs and cost estimates for $45M bond-funded police/fire headquarters at 550 Minot Avenue.
• Public hearing on Ordinance 07-10062025 amending Chapter 24 (General Assistance) to adjust annual maximum benefits.
• Order 98-10202025 regarding location of Lewiston-Auburn 911 Center.
• Order 99-10202025 adopting updated Fund Balance Policy.
• Consent appointments: Jennifer Kimble to Auburn Housing Authority; Julia Bergeron-Smith and Philip Savignano to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.

The council approved the updated Fund Balance Policy and the location of the Lewiston‑Auburn 911 Center. It also amended the General Assistance Program's maximum benefits. All three appointments to the Housing Authority and Parks & Recreation Advisory Board were confirmed.

• Appointed Jennifer Kimble to Auburn Housing Authority (7-0)
• Appointed Julia Bergeron‑Smith to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (7-0)
• Appointed Philip Savignano to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (7-0)
• Amended General Assistance Program benefit maximum (Ordinance 07‑10062025) (7-0)
• Approved location of Lewiston‑Auburn 911 Center (Order 98‑10202025) (7-0)
• Adopted updated Fund Balance Policy (Order 99‑10202025) (7-0)
• Accepted Quarterly Finance Report (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop on the FY24 audit, a revised fund balance policy, the LA911 relocation recommendation (proposing Auburn Hall as new site, estimated $4M), and the Washington Street transportation study. The regular meeting includes consent items, proclamations, and new business: first reading of an ordinance adjusting General Assistance maximum benefits, initiating rezoning of the municipal airport, and authorizing a collective bargaining agreement with the Auburn Fraternal Order of Police Command Unit for 2025-2028.

• LA911 Relocation Recommendation (Auburn Hall, $4M estimated)
• Revised Fund Balance Policy (no change to levels, language clarification)
• Ordinance 07-10062025: Amending General Assistance program (annual adjustment of max benefits)
• ORDER 93-10062025: Initiating rezoning of municipal Airport
• ORDER 94-10062025: Authorizing police command collective bargaining agreement (2025-2028)

The council confirmed Andrew St. Pierre as a constable with firearm for the Auburn Police Department. It amended the General Assistance Program benefits effective October 1, 2025. The council initiated rezoning action for the municipal airport and authorized the City Manager to execute the police collective bargaining agreement. All four measures passed unanimously (6‑0).

• Confirmed Andrew St. Pierre as constable with firearm (6-0)
• Amended General Assistance Program benefit limits effective Oct 1, 2025 (6-0)
• Initiated rezoning action for municipal Airport (6-0)
• Authorized City Manager to execute police collective bargaining agreement (7/01/2025‑06/30/2028) (6-0)
• Adopted corrected September 15 minutes adding Councilor Gerry’s name (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a hearing on a business license denial appeal for a medical cannabis retail store at 65 Washington St N, and public hearings on securing a structure at 67 Minot Avenue. The council will also consider renewals of several auto graveyard/junkyard permits, including one with conditions. Consent items include a constable appointment and routine permit renewals. The meeting includes a workshop on bus route updates and a website demo, and executive sessions for labor negotiations and legal consultation.

• ORDER 87-09152025: Business license denial appeal hearing for a medical cannabis retail store at 65 Washington St N.
• ORDER 88 & 89-09152025: Two public hearings and actions on securing a structure at 67 Minot Avenue.
• ORDER 90-09152025: Auto graveyard/junkyard permit renewal with conditions for Don's No Preference Towing at 940 Washington St N.
• ORDER 82-09152025: Confirming appointment of David Strait as Constable with firearm for the Auburn Police Department.
• Consent agenda includes renewal of auto graveyard/junkyard permits for Randy's Auto, M&P Auto, Prolerized New England, and Isadore T. Miller.

The council voted 7-0 to deny the medical cannabis retail license for 65 Washington St N. It also approved the renewal of five auto‑graveyard/junkyard permits and adopted findings authorizing city staff to secure the building at 67 Minot Avenue. Additionally, the council designated the city manager as the voting delegate for the MMA Annual Business Meeting.

• Denied medical cannabis retail license for 65 Washington St N (7-0)
• Renewed auto‑graveyard permit for Randy’s Auto, 899 Broad St (7-0)
• Renewed auto‑graveyard permit for M&P Auto, Inc., 227 Merrow Rd (7-0)
• Renewed auto‑graveyard permit for Prolerized New England Co., 522 Washington St N (7-0)
• Renewed auto‑graveyard permit for Isadore T. Miller, 79 & 80 Old Hotel Rd (7-0)
• Adopted findings for 67 Minot Avenue, authorizing staff to inspect before securing (7-0)
• Approved renewal of auto‑graveyard permit for Don’s No Preference Towing, 940 Washington St N (7-0)
• Designated Phillip Crowell as voting delegate for MMA Annual Business Meeting (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold second readings and public hearings on two ordinances: one establishing regulations for vacant and abandoned buildings, and another adopting a 180-day moratorium on needle exchange services. The council will also consider amending the Master Fee Schedule to add fees related to vacant buildings. A resident's 100th birthday will be recognized.

• Second reading/public hearing on ORDINANCE 05-08182025 to add Article V 'Vacant and Abandoned Buildings' to Chapter 12 (Housing)
• Second reading/public hearing on ORDINANCE 06-08182025 adopting a 180-day moratorium on needle exchange services effective August 1, 2025
• ORDER 81-09022025 to amend Master Fee Schedule regarding vacant and abandoned buildings
• Recognition of Auburn resident Richard Morhauser's 100th birthday
• Consent agenda includes appointments to the Homelessness Committee (11 individuals)

The council approved a 180‑day moratorium on needle‑exchange services, voting 7‑0. It also amended the housing ordinance to add provisions for vacant and abandoned buildings, and updated the master fee schedule for those buildings, each passing 7‑0. The council entered an executive session for labor negotiations and then adjourned, both with unanimous votes.

• Adopted 180‑day needle‑exchange moratorium (7-0)
• Amended housing ordinance to add vacant/abandoned building article (7-0)
• Amended master fee schedule for vacant/abandoned buildings (7-0)
• Entered executive session for police labor negotiations (7-0)
• Accepted August 18 minutes (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance adopting a 180-day moratorium on needle exchange services in Auburn, effective August 1, 2025. They will also hold a second reading and public hearing on an ordinance removing application and license fees from Chapter 14 (Business Licenses and Permits). Additionally, the council will consider a first reading of an ordinance adding a vacant and abandoned buildings article to Chapter 12 (Housing). The consent agenda includes appointments to the new Homelessness Committee and casting Auburn’s ballot for the MMA Executive Committee.

• First reading of ordinance adopting 180-day moratorium on needle exchange services (ROLL CALL vote)
• Second reading/public hearing on amending Chapter 14 to remove application and license fees
• First reading of ordinance adding vacant and abandoned buildings article to Chapter 12
• Appointments of 11 members (including two resident members) to the Homelessness Committee
• Casting Auburn's ballot for MMA Vice President and three Executive Committee seats

The council appointed eight new members to the Homelessness Committee and cast Auburn’s ballot for the MMA Executive Committee, both unanimously approved. It amended the business‑license fee provision and added a vacant‑building article to the housing code, each passing 7‑0. The council also approved the first reading of a 180‑day moratorium on needle‑exchange services (7‑0); a motion to waive the second reading failed 6‑1.

• Appointed eight members to the Homelessness Committee (consent items)
• Cast Auburn’s MMA Executive Committee ballot (7‑0)
• Amended business‑license fees ordinance (7‑0)
• Added vacant and abandoned buildings article to housing ordinance (7‑0)
• Approved first reading of 180‑day needle‑exchange moratorium (7‑0)
• Motion to waive second reading of needle‑exchange moratorium failed (6‑1)
• Entered and exited executive session (7‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (7‑0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss a housing study by HR&A Advisors and a vacant properties ordinance. The council will also consider fee schedule amendments and a business license fee removal.

• Housing Study: Findings indicate Auburn needs 1,300–1,400 additional homes by 2030
• Order 67-08042025: Waiving $60 Temporary Food License Fee for Age Friendly Community Committee
• Order 68-08042025: Amending the City’s Master Fee Schedule
• Ordinance 04-08042025: Removing application and license fees from Sec. 14-658(e)
• Notice of Denial: Business License Application for MV Auburn dba Marijuanaville at 65 Washington St N

The council waived the $60 temporary food license fee for the Age Friendly Community Committee lobster feed fundraiser. It approved an amendment to the city’s master fee schedule, increasing marijuana fees by 5% instead of the proposed 10%, and adopted an ordinance removing application and license fees for business licenses. The council also approved the city manager’s evaluation and a wage adjustment. All actions were approved by vote, with most passing unanimously.

• Waived $60 temporary food license fee for Age Friendly Community Committee lobster feed (7-0)
• Amended master fee schedule to increase marijuana fees by 5% (6-1)
• Removed application and license fees from business license regulations (7-0)
• Approved City Manager’s evaluation and wage adjustment (6-1)
• Approved minutes from July 21, 2025 meeting (7-0)
• Entered executive session to evaluate City Manager (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and second reading on a zoning amendment for dimensional regulations in GB and MFS districts. The main decision is adopting a revised fee schedule to address a $190,000 budget shortfall, with options including fee increases, service cuts, or a tax levy hike. Other votes include selling tax-acquired property at 145 Eastman Lane and acting on a tax abatement for 27 Beacon Street.

• Second reading/public hearing on zoning amendment (Chapter 60) for dimensional regulations in GB and MFS districts
• Order 64-07212025: Authorize sale of tax-acquired property at 145 Eastman Lane
• Order 65-07212025: Action on tax abatement for 27 Beacon Street (2023-2024)
• Order 66-07212025: Adopt revised fee schedule (Appendix A) to cover $190K budget shortfall
• Workshop discussion on fee schedule, Public Safety Facility update (Engine 2, Kittyhawk, 95 Main St, 911 Center), and Planning & Permitting update

The council appointed Frank Pippin to the Age Friendly Community Committee and Brennan Edwards as student representative. It passed a zoning amendment for General Business and Multifamily Suburban districts with a 7‑0 vote. The council authorized the sale of tax‑acquired property at 145 Eastman Lane (4‑3) and approved a tax abatement for 27 Beacon Street (7‑0). A proposal to adopt a revised fee schedule failed 3‑4.

• Appointed Frank Pippin to Age Friendly Community Committee (7‑0)
• Appointed Brennan Edwards as Student Representative (7‑0)
• Approved zoning amendment for GB and MFS districts (7‑0)
• Authorized sale of tax‑acquired property at 145 Eastman Lane (4‑3)
• Approved tax abatement for 27 Beacon Street (7‑0)
• Rejected revised fee schedule adoption (3‑4)
• Accepted May 2025 Finance Report (7‑0)
• Entered Executive Session to evaluate City Manager (6‑0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and second reading on an ordinance to create a permanent Homelessness Committee (ORDINANCE 02-06162025). The agenda also includes first reading of a zoning amendment for dimensional regulations in General Business and Multifamily Suburban districts, approval of a temporary fire station at 67 Kittyhawk Ave, and revenue changes to the Master Fee Schedule. A workshop will feature updates on the Community Resource Center at 121 Mill St and a partnership with Evergreen Outdoor Education for Tribou Field and the Land Lab at East Auburn Community School. The council will also enter executive sessions for a legal matter, police command labor negotiations, an economic development matter, and the city manager's evaluation.

• Public hearing and second reading on ordinance to create a permanent Homelessness Committee (ORDINANCE 02-06162025)
• First reading of zoning ordinance amending dimensional regulations in General Business (GB) and Multifamily Suburban (MFS) districts (ORDINANCE 03-07072025)
• Order to approve 67 Kittyhawk Ave as a temporary Fire Station (ORDER 59-07072025)
• Order adopting revenue changes to the City's Master Fee Schedule (ORDER 60-07072025)
• Workshop update on Community Resource Center at 121 Mill St and Tribou Field/Land Lab partnership with Evergreen Outdoor Education

The council approved the use of 67 Kittyhawk Avenue as a temporary fire station. It also created a permanent Homelessness Committee, amended zoning districts, and took action on a waste‑to‑energy board representative. A proposal to change the city’s master fee schedule was rejected, and the council entered executive session for economic‑development matters.

• Created permanent Homelessness Committee (Ordinance 02-06162025) – passed 6-0
• Amended zoning districts (Ordinance 03-07072025) – passed 5-1 (Milks opposed)
• Approved use of 67 Kittyhawk Ave as temporary fire station (Order 59-07072025) – passed 6-0
• Adopted revenue changes to Master Fee Schedule (Order 60-07072025) – failed 3-3
• Action regarding Maine Waste to Energy Board Representative (Order 61-07072025) – passed 6-0
• Entered executive session for economic development and city manager evaluation – passed 6-0

City Council

The Council will hold a workshop on a traffic signal at Washington St & Beech Hill Rd, the Androscoggin River FERC relicensing, and water quality standards. At the meeting, they will vote on several orders including a collective bargaining agreement with the Auburn Firefighters Association, the CDBG/HOME action plan, and a first reading of an ordinance to establish a permanent Homelessness Committee. They will also consider waiving a $60 food license fee and confirm constable appointments.

• First reading of ordinance to create permanent Homelessness Committee (ORDINANCE 02-06162025)
• Authorizing collective bargaining agreement with Auburn Firefighters Association, Local 797 (ORDER 57-06162025)
• CDBG/HOME Consortium Action Plan for Program Year 2025, public hearing (ORDER 54-06162025)
• Waiving $60 temporary food license fee for Age Friendly Community Committee concessions at Festival Plaza (ORDER 58-06162025)
• Confirming appointment of five constables for Auburn Police Department (ORDER 53-06162025)

The council confirmed new constables, adopted the CDBG/HOME action plan, and authorized the city manager to sign a three‑year Auburn‑Lewiston consortium agreement. It also submitted district ballots, approved the firefighters' collective bargaining agreement, waived a temporary food‑license fee, and amended an ordinance to establish a permanent Homelessness Committee. The June 2 minutes were accepted.

• Confirmed six constable appointments (5‑0)
• Approved CDBG/HOME Consortium Action Plan (5‑0)
• Authorized city manager to sign Auburn‑Lewiston Consortium Agreement (5‑0)
• Submitted District 5 and 6 ballots to Androscoggin County Commission (5‑0)
• Authorized execution of Collective Bargaining Agreement with Auburn Firefighters Association (5‑0)
• Waived $60 temporary food‑license fee for Age Friendly Community Committee (5‑0)
• Amended Ordinance 02‑06162025 to create permanent Homelessness Committee and add veteran member (5‑0)
• Accepted June 2 minutes (4‑0, Weisner abstained)

City Council

At a 5:30 PM workshop the City Council will review the draft Vacant Buildings Ordinance, which updates fees, definitions and inspection standards. The 7:00 PM council meeting will then consider routine consent items, a second reading of the revised joint purchasing policy (ORDER 28‑03172025), and receive the MUNIS Open Finance update and other reports. Two executive sessions are scheduled—one for fire‑department labor negotiations and one for an economic‑development matter—with no action expected.

• Proposed Ordinance Amendment – Vacant Buildings (draft ordinance)
• MUNIS Open Finance Update
• Executive Session for fire labor negotiations (no action)
• Executive Session for economic development matter (no action)
• ORDER 28‑03172025 – revised joint purchasing policy second reading

The council approved the revised joint purchasing policy on its second reading with a 7‑0 vote. The May 19 meeting minutes and the April 2025 Finance Report were each accepted unanimously. The council then adjourned the meeting by a 7‑0 vote.

• Accepted May 19, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Adopted revised joint purchasing policy (second reading) (7-0)
• Accepted April 2025 Finance Report (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The Auburn City Council will vote on the 2026 municipal budget, authorize $11.76 million in general obligation bonds for capital projects, and hold public hearings on a vacant building ordinance and a credit enhancement agreement for 63 Academy Street. The meeting also includes the adoption of by-laws for a new Community Development Corporation.

• Authorize $11,762,700 in general obligation bonds for FY26 Capital Improvement Program
• Vote on 2026 Municipal Budget (Appropriations Resolve)
• Public hearing on Credit Enhancement Agreement for 63 Academy Street
• Public hearing on Omnibus TIF #33 KLEW Airplane Hangars
• Workshop on Proposed Vacant Properties Ordinance

The May 19, 2025 Auburn City Council workshop and meeting covered a vacant‑properties ordinance draft, a watershed program update, and several agenda items. The agenda listed consent appointments, budget and bond resolutions, and new business items such as a credit‑enhancement agreement, TIF, zoning amendment referral, and CDC by‑law. The minutes do not include any vote totals or indicate whether any of these items were approved, denied, or postponed. Consequently, no definitive council actions are documented in the record.

City Council

The Auburn City Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal budget, the school department budget, and a $11.7 million bond for capital improvements. The meeting also includes a workshop to discuss creating a Community Development Corporation.

• Adopting FY26 Municipal Budget
• Authorizing $11,762,700 in GO bonds for CIP
• Adopting FY26 School Department Budget
• Discussion on creating Community Development Corporation
• Adopting 'Vision Zero' traffic safety plan

The council accepted the April 22 minutes and approved the FY26 municipal budget. It authorized $11,762,700 in general‑obligation bonds to fund the capital improvement program and adopted the five‑year Capital Improvement Plan. The FY26 school department budget and a Vision Zero traffic‑safety plan were also approved. The council removed a sewer‑district trustee and adjourned the meeting.

• Accepted April 22 minutes (6-0-1)
• Approved FY26 municipal budget (Resolve 01-05052025) (6-1)
• Authorized $11,762,700 general‑obligation bonds (Order 40-05052025) (5-2)
• Adopted five‑year Capital Improvement Plan (Order 41-05052025) (7-0)
• Adopted FY26 Auburn School Department budget (Order 42-05052025) (7-0)
• Adopted Vision Zero traffic‑safety plan (Resolve 02-05052025) (7-0)
• Removed Trustee Daniel Bilodeau from Sewerage District Board (Order 45-05052025) (6-1)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

City Council

The Auburn City Council will hold a workshop on the FY26 budget and capital improvement plan. The regular meeting includes consent items such as fee waivers for the Exchange Club's Lobster Festival and Auburn Suburban's concession stand, as well as appointments to the Water District, Housing Authority, and Zoning Board of Appeals. A presentation will recognize Fire Chief Robert L. Chase as 2024 Fire Chief of the Year.

• FY26 Budget / CIP Workshop
• Fee waiver ($60) for Exchange Club of Auburn for Lobster Festival on May 17, 2025
• Fee waiver ($200) for Auburn Suburban Baseball & Softball concession stand for 2025 season
• Appointment of David Lyon to Auburn Water District Board (unexpired term ending March 2026)
• Appointment of Craig Phillips to Auburn Housing Authority (unexpired term ending Oct 2029)

The council approved waivers of licensing fees for two community events and appointed three residents to local boards. All consent items were adopted unanimously. The council also accepted the April 7 meeting minutes and the February 2025 finance report.

• Waived $60 temporary food service licensing fee for Auburn Exchange Club Lobster Festival (6-0)
• Waived $200 food service establishment licensing fee for Auburn Suburban Baseball & Softball concession (6-0)
• Appointed David Lyon to Auburn Water District Board of Trustees (6-0)
• Appointed Craig Phillips to Auburn Housing Authority (6-0)
• Appointed Evan Cyr to Zoning Board of Appeals (6-0)
• Accepted April 7, 2025 council minutes (6-0)
• Accepted February 2025 Finance Report (6-0)

City Council

The Auburn City Council will hold a workshop and meeting to review the Fiscal Year 2026 municipal and school budgets and consider appointments to the Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corporation. The body will also discuss the Safe Streets for All update and authorize the donation of a police vehicle.

• Appointing Cliff Greim to Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corporation
• Appointing Jonathan LaBonté to Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corporation
• Authorizing donation of Auburn Police vehicle (approx. $6,000)
• Approving Annual Reports to Maine State Housing Authority
• Reviewing FY26 Municipal & School Budget

The City Council unanimously approved three appointments to the Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corporation and authorized the donation of an Auburn police vehicle valued at about $6,000 to the Lewiston Regional Technical Center. The council also approved the March 17 meeting minutes (5-2-0) and authorized the City Manager to sign annual housing reports for three Affordable Housing Tax Increment Financing Districts. All actions were adopted by unanimous or recorded votes as noted in the minutes.

• Appointed Cliff Greim to Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corp (unexpired term) – passed 7-0
• Appointed Jonathan LaBonté to Lewiston Auburn Railroad Corp (3‑year term) – passed 7-0
• Authorized Jonathan LaBonté to vote corporation shares – passed 7-0
• Approved March 17, 2025 meeting minutes – passed 5-2-0
• Authorized donation of police vehicle (~$6,000) to Lewiston Regional Technical Center – passed 7-0
• Approved annual housing reports and authorized City Manager signatures for districts #16, #21, #22 – passed 7-0

Budget Workshop

This is a special workshop meeting of the Auburn City Council to discuss the proposed FY26 budget. No votes or decisions are listed; the agenda consists solely of the budget workshop and adjournment.

• FY26 Budget Workshop (link to proposed budget provided)

Budget Workshop

The council will hold a FY26 Budget Workshop to examine the proposed budget linked in the agenda. An update on the Engine 2 fire station design will be presented, noting that value‑engineering has cut construction costs by $300,000. Staff recommends no action on the fire station project at this time. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.

• FY26 Budget Workshop – review of the FY26 proposed budget (link provided)
• Engine 2 fire station design update – detailed design complete, third estimate prepared
• Value‑engineering reduction of $300,000 from construction cost
• Staff recommendation: no action required on the fire station project
• Adjournment

City Council

The City Council will hold a budget workshop on the manager's preliminary FY26 budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan. In the regular meeting, they will vote on consent appointments, approve event liquor licenses for three 2025 signature events, consider omitting sidewalks in the Loring Avenue reconstruction design, and take first reading of a revised joint purchasing policy. Two executive sessions are scheduled for economic development and personnel matters.

• Budget Workshop: Manager's Preliminary FY26 Budget and 5-Year CIP Plan
• Order 26: Approving liquor licenses for Auburn Lobster Festival (May 17), Blues & Brews (Sept 6), New Year's Auburn (Dec 31)
• Order 27: Approving omission of sidewalks in Loring Avenue reconstruction design
• Order 28: Adopting revised joint purchasing policy (first reading)
• Consent items: Appointments to Planning Board (Bilal Hussein), Board of Assessment Review (Elisabeth Collier), and Local Health Officer (Jennifer Edwards)

City Council

The workshop will discuss purchasing thresholds and road assessment, and hold two executive sessions on economic development and labor negotiations. The regular meeting includes votes on refinancing the Hangar #5 loan at 0% interest for 20 years, consolidating to one polling place for the June 10, 2025 school budget referendum, selling 15 Academy Street and 261 Main Street, and directing that final design and costs for the public safety facility project be submitted for council approval.

• ORDER 19-03032025: Authorize refinancing Hangar #5 loan at 0% interest for 20 years.
• ORDER 20-03032025: Consolidate to one polling place for June 10, 2025 School Budget Validation Referendum (public hearing).
• ORDER 21-03032025: Authorize sale of 15 Academy Street and 261 Main Street.
• ORDER 22-03032025: Direct submission of final design and costs for public safety facility project.

City Council

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss updating the tax-acquired property policy, disposal of city-owned lots, and creating a registry for privately owned vacant buildings. The regular meeting will then consider accepting the Homelessness Committee's report, act on a poverty abatement case (#PA 2025-001), and hold a public hearing on the CDBG & HOME Action Plan for 2025. Two executive sessions are scheduled: one on the poverty abatement case and another on an economic development matter.

• Workshop on tax-acquired property policy, disposal of city-owned lots, and privately owned vacant buildings registry
• Acceptance of the ad-hoc Homelessness Committee's report (Order 17-02182025)
• Action on poverty abatement case #PA 2025-001 (Order 18-02182025)
• Public hearing on CDBG & HOME Consortium Action Plan for Program Year 2025
• Executive sessions on poverty abatement (F) and economic development (C)

City Council

The City Council will hold a second reading and public hearing on the Property Tax Assistance Program ordinance, with a roll-call vote scheduled. During the workshop, members will discuss the Lewiston Falls Hydropower relicensing process, an update on the Auburn Resource Center (121 Mill St), and the FY26 budget schedule. The meeting also includes consent items, a city manager update on federal funding impacts, and an order to encumber general funds for fire apparatus.

• Public hearing and roll-call vote on Property Tax Assistance Program ordinance (2nd reading)
• Order to encumber general funds for new fire apparatus
• Appointment of Maureen Hopkins to the Planning Board (term to 1/1/2028)
• Workshop discussion on Lewiston Falls Hydropower relicensing (FERC process)
• City Manager update on potential impacts of federal funding changes

City Council

The City Council will hold a joint workshop with the Planning Board to review a legal opinion on whether new dwellings in the Agriculture and Resource Protection (AGRP) District must be accessory to farming or other principal uses. The regular meeting includes a public hearing and second reading on reappropriating unspent bond proceeds, a first reading on amending the Property Tax Assistance Program ordinance, and a consent item appointing Brian Cullen to the Sustainability and Natural Resources Board. Two executive sessions are also scheduled for economic development and personnel matters.

• Joint workshop with Planning Board to discuss City Attorney's interpretation of AGRP District dwelling requirements
• ORDER 04-01062025: Reappropriating unspent proceeds from 2023 and 2024 General Obligation Bonds (public hearing, roll call)
• ORDINANCE 01-012125: First reading to amend Chapter 2 'ADMINISTRATION' regarding Property Tax Assistance Program (roll call)
• Appointment of Brian Cullen to the Sustainability and Natural Resources Board for unexpired term ending 4/1/27
• Executive sessions for economic development discussion and personnel matter

City Council

The Auburn City Council will hold a regular meeting after a joint workshop with the School Committee. Council members will vote on several consent items, including appointments to the 9-1-1 Committee and the Age Friendly Community Committee, and set the 2025 poll opening time. They will also consider an ordinance amendment, reappropriation of unspent bond proceeds, and a transfer of the properties at 143 Hampshire St and 1.5 Gamage St. An executive session will be called to discuss economic development matters related to those properties and Joatman Estates.

• Transfer of 143 Hampshire St & 1.5 Gamage St – vote required
• Reappropriating unspent proceeds from 2023 and 2024 general obligation bonds – first reading
• Ordinance 23-12022024 text amendments – second reading/public hearing
• Appointment of Patricia Mador and Benjamin Weisner to the 9-1-1 Committee (consent)
• Appointment of Stanley Harmon to the Age Friendly Community Committee (consent)