Board: Auburn City Council

Met: Monday night

Webster redevelopment

Issue: Plans call for renovating Webster School and making it a 24-unit residential complex with one- and two-bedroom units. The old school closed in June 2006. It and Lake Street Elementary were replaced that fall by Park Avenue Elementary School. Councilors approved a redevelopment proposal last fall with the Auburn Housing Authority that relies on tax credits from the Maine Housing Authority. The project would be owned by investors who purchase the tax credits, and would be required to pay property taxes to the city.

The scoop: The project didn’t get the tax credits it needs in the first round of funding. However, with new federal stimulus money coming into Maine, the housing authority is applying for an additional round of funding. However, the city’s option agreement is due to expire.

Up next: Councilors approved extending the option, charging the authority a $2,500 fee. Housing officials say they should learn if the project gets tax credits by spring 2010.

Gritty’s patio parties

Issue: Downtown brew pub Gritty McDuff’s plans to host at least two events this summer that will spill out of their restaurant and onto city property. They need city permission for that to happen.

The scoop: The first event, a 90-person banquet for the Dragan Disc Golf Tournament, is scheduled for June 6. The second would be part of the city’s July 4 Liberty Festival.

The restaurant and pub would set up tables between its back deck and the city’s fence along the Riverwalk, near Festival Plaza. Security personnel would be hired for the event and any bands or music would end by 10 p.m.

Mayor John Jenkins said he was worried about letting private groups close off public spaces. That could set a precedent, he said.

Up next: Councilors granted Gritty’s the ability to use that space this weekend. They’ll evaluate that policy June 15.

Garage lights

Issue: The city has received $105,200 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money dedicated for energy efficiency improvements. As of April, councilors were considering using that money for lobby improvements at Auburn Hall, to purchase waste-oil burners for the Auburn shops or a new water heater and windows at the Hasty Armory building.

The scoop: City Manager Glenn Aho said the city will get more for its money if it purchases new LED lights for the Mechanics Row parking garage. The city plans to replace 200 ceiling mounted lights with the money.

Up next: Councilors approved the plan. It should cut energy use in garage by between 40 and 60 percent, Aho said.

Habitat property

Issue: The charity renovations group Habitat for Humanity had planned to purchase an Auburn lot, listed as 0 Brann Ave. off Poland Road. The charity could not get financing for the project and has abandoned its plans. The parcel is a tax-acquired property, owned by the city.

The lot is in the middle of an approved street that was never built and contains marshy wetland areas.

The scoop: Councilors took bids to see if any other residents, especially neighbors or abutters, were interested in buying the parcel. They received bids from five interested parties.

City Manager Glenn Aho asked for more time to have city staff review the parcel.

Up next: Councilors tabled the matter.

Balloon Fest

Issue: The Twin Cities are planning for August’s Great Falls Balloon Festival. Part of that means squaring away requests for city support and planning for road closures during the event. The festival is scheduled for Aug. 21-23 this year.

The scoop: In Auburn, organizers are planning to close streets downtown around Festival Plaza, from Academy and Main streets to Court Street, and around Great Falls Plaza. That includes the areas from Court Street and Turner Street back to the river. They also hope to shut down at least one side of the Longley Bridge, using that for pedestrian access between the Lewiston and Auburn parts of the festival.

Up next: Councilors approved.

Drug bust money

Issue: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency shares proceeds from drug busts with the other police agencies involved.

The scoop: Councilors on Monday accepted a share of $1,569 in seizures stemming from two arrests. The money will go to Auburn police.

Liquor licenses

Issue: Local restaurants and bars must reapply for liquor licenses and amusement permits each year. Liquor licenses let them serve alcohol; amusement permits let them play music, have a DJ or karaoke, or have games on site.

The scoop: Councilors approved a special amusement permit for the Club Texas, 150 Center St.

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