Board: Auburn City Council

Met: Monday June 20, 2011

Police move
Issue: The Police Department began relocating to Auburn Hall in March, moving all of the operations to the city building on Court Street. That left the former police station at 1 Minot Ave vacant.
The Scoop: On Monday, Chief Phil Crowell told councilors the move was complete and within the proposed $40,000 budget. Fire Department administration, including Deputy Chief Geoff Low, have also moved. All administration is located on Auburn Hall’s third floor, with patrol and operations in the building’s basement.

City Web page
Issue: Councilors set aside $25,000 two years ago to replace the city’s telephone system. City Manager Glenn Aho said the new system would improve services for city staff but most residents calling Auburn Hall would never notice the difference.
The Scoop:  Aho said it makes more sense to put that money into redesigning the city’s Web site at www.auburnmaine.org, making it more usable and better able to answer residents’ questions. Renee Bogart, the city’s information systems director, said she has received two bids to redesign the Web site, and the lowest bid is within that budget.
Up Next: Councilors will vote on the matter at a future meeting.

Parking
Issue: The city purchased the vacant, four-unit building at 285 Court St. — near the James Street intersection — in 2009 and demolished it last summer, leaving a vacant lot.
The Scoop: Now neighbors, under the name Goff Hill Corporation have offered to purchase the vacant lot for $10,000 to provide off-street parking for their buildings.

If councilors approve, Community Development Director Reine Mynahn recommended using the sale proceeds to create another parking lot at 364 Main St. That lot would be used to create winter parking for downtown residents.

Up Next: Councilors approved the deal by a 3-2 vote, with Dan Herrick and Mike Farrell opposing and Belinda Gerry, Robert Hayes and Ray Berube voting in favor

Liquor licenses
Issue: Local restaurants and bars must reapply for liquor licenses and amusement permits each year. Liquor licenses permit the establishments to serve alcohol; amusement permits allow them to play music, have a DJ, host karaoke or have games on site.
The scoop: Councilors approved a new liquor license for Wing Da Restaurant, doing business as Tin Tin Buffet, 120 Center St.

Next meeting: The next regular meeting of the Auburn City Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.

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