Liz Allen

The board discussed several initiatives including the rebranding of the notable trees project to Arboretum in the Streets, participation in the Chestnuts Across Maine project, and educational opportunities with the Auburn PAL Center involving street tree inventory mapping to deter vandalism. New business items addressed a vandalized nursery sign, upcoming invasive species awareness activities, ash tree treatment plans regarding Emerald Ash Borer, successful Project Canopy grant acquisitions for tree planting and inventory updates, progress on Tree City USA certification, and website upgrades for the Lewiston municipal site.

The City Council meeting included a budget presentation for the school department, discussions on Opioid Settlement Funds, and various administrative orders such as appointing election clerks and beer and wine license approvals. Key agenda items involved adopting a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, authorizing an amendment to a municipal airport loan agreement, and reviewing zoning ordinances related to farmland and natural resource protections. Additionally, the council addressed a municipal parking ordinance and conducted executive sessions for labor contract negotiations concerning the Police Department Patrol Unit and Public Works Department.

The agenda focuses on discussions regarding automated collection for solid waste and recycling, including an update on extended producer responsibility, the 2025 sustainability scorecard, and an update on the Littlefield Dam. Additionally, the meeting will feature a presentation on dark skies and reports from the board's various working groups.

The board meeting covers several environmental and management topics, including updates on automated collection for solid waste and recycling, progress with extended producer responsibility, and a review of the annual sustainability scorecard. Additional discussion items include an update on the Littlefield Dam, a presentation regarding dark skies, and reports from various internal working groups, including those focused on natural products, agriculture, conservation, and community forests.

The meeting included an FY27 Budget Workshop and an Open Session where speakers presented updates on the Property Tax Relief Task Force, raised concerns regarding Flock Cameras, and discussed rent freezes and eviction moratoriums. Reports were provided regarding the Maine Mill building progress, upcoming School Committee budget deliberations, the release of the 2025 Auburn Annual Report, and upcoming traffic light advertisements. Additionally, the Council held an executive session to discuss an economic development matter concerning the disposition of City-owned property.