Board: Auburn City Council

Met: Monday night

Capital work

Issue: Part of the annual budget is adopting the bond package for capital spending. Those are expensive items that will be used for many years. Cities borrow money to purchase those items or do those projects, spreading the costs out over many years.

The scoop: Councilors approved a $6.43 million capital bond package on final reading, agreeing buy new equipment and perform road paving and other work to city buildings and properties.

Up next: The bond package should go out for sale this fall.

Water works

Issue: Federal safety standards are forcing water providers, like the Auburn Water District, to find newer ways to treat water. The Auburn district plans to phase out the old gaseous chlorine treatment system – gaseous chlorine is a poisonous gas – with more benign liquid treatments.

The scoop: Councilor agreed to let the district borrow $500,000 to convert to liquid chlorine and to investigate using ultraviolet light for water treatment.

Up next: Like the municipal bonds, these will go up for sale in the fall. They’ll be repaid with revenues from water fees.

Home grants

Issue: The city has helped low-income residents purchase and refurbish homes downtown, using federal HOME program and community block grant money and loans as well as state grants. Residents who qualify can purchase a home, pay low-interest loans for the mortgage and repairs. Some qualify for low-interest lease to buy programs.

The scoop: City staff recommended creating a $2,500 grant program for people to lease their homes for a while, before buying it outright. It’s designed to help them qualify to purchase their homes more quickly.

Up next:Councilors agreed.

Franklin school sold

Issue: Operators of Brunswick’s Tedford Shelter will open a transitional housing development – with temporary room for six – in the old Franklin School at 22 Pine St.

The scoop: Councilors agreed to sell the old building to Tedford Housing for $35,000. As part of the deal, the group will provide housing for the homeless looking to move up. Despite their tax free status, the group will make annual payments equal to about half the property taxes that would be due on the property.

Up next: The group hopes to bring the development to the city Planning Board this summer. The shelter should be open in 2009.

Public Works open house

Issue: The city opens its 296 Gracelawn Road shops to the public every June to show its equipment.

The scoop: The open house is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, rain or shine. Staff will demonstrate using a city excavator, and will offer educational displays and equipment demonstrations, as well as children’s activities, door prizes and refreshments. It’s free of charge.

Contact government reporter Scott Taylor via phone at 689-2846 or via E-mail at [email protected]