AUBURN – Councilors got a glimpse Monday of the price the city pays for living among hills.

Councilors toured the city as part of Monday’s workshop meeting, getting a firsthand look at places they’ll be discussing at meetings over the next few months.

Part of the discussion involved a retaining wall, built in the side of Auburn’s hills to keep roads and houses in place.

Councilors first visited a newly replaced retaining wall along 30 feet of Highland Avenue, just south of the Western Promenade intersection. The new concrete wall cost the city $294,000, according to Public Works Director Bob Belz.

“Some of the old stone walls in this area have started to show damage from frost heaving,” he said. The foundations of some homes are tied into the retaining walls. If the wall fails, the home will, too.

Next, councilors visited a wooden retaining wall on South Main Street south of Broadway.

The city is designing a replacement for that wall.

Councilors also visited the newly completed stair walkway between the Riverwalk and Court Street. The city has scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony there this Saturday, according to acting City Manager Laurie Smith.

Councilors also visited the newly renovated Auburn police building. It features a smaller, more secure lobby with cameras and telephone linked to the 911 call center. It also includes a staff briefing room, reorganized desks and a more efficient use of space.