Town of Auburn

The meeting commenced with public comments addressing concerns regarding salary discrepancy for a town hall position versus the hiring of a new police officer, and inquiries about ICE detainees, to which the Selectmen clarified their jurisdictional limits and the rationale for the new hire. The Consent Agenda, which included step increases for full-time police officers and appointments to the 2026 Duck Race Committee, was unanimously approved. During New Business, a public hearing was held regarding the Safety Complex generator replacement; the Board unanimously approved accepting a $31,000 Emergency Management Performance Grant to match a $31,000 local contribution ($62,000 total) to replace the diesel generator with a propane unit, authorizing the Fire Chief to sign related documents. The Board also unanimously approved SOP #118 for EMS Mayday and discussed the waste management contract, noting a new state surcharge fee and agreeing the contract extension was worthwhile. The Town Administrator provided updates on the town report, the Griffin Mill Bridge project engineer selection, ongoing interviews for the land use administrator position, and the immediate filling of Camp Adventure registration.

Key discussions included feedback regarding the Memorandum with ICE, officer training status, and support for the library expansion warrant article. The Lieutenant's report noted reduced activity due to weather, details on K9 deployments, OHRV calls, and a pursuit incident. There was a discussion concerning guidance on inspection stickers, specifically relating to uninspected vehicles and potential AG/EPA issues. The Neighborhood Watch update covered meeting productivity, plans for revamping resident notifications via a survey and an Open House event in April, and changes in leadership structure. In Old Business, budget sheets for 2026 were reviewed before entering a non-public session. In New Business, the Commission approved step increases for Full-time Officer Trevor Gardner (Step 6 to Step 7) and Lieutenant Kevin Cashman (Step 15 to Step 16) based on satisfactory evaluations.

The meeting was convened as a workshop session to prepare for the upcoming deliberative session. The Board reviewed the warrant, discussed how to present and explain each article, and reviewed talking points. Each Selectman is designated to present and handle questions for 3-4 articles. Additionally, the Board voted to unseal the non-public minutes from January 9, 2012, and January 23, 2012.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of members, including the activation of an alternate member. General business included the release of the escrow for the self-storage facility at 404 Hooksett Road upon completion of work. During the public hearing section, the Board discussed proposed zoning amendments related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and parking space requirements, which were reviewed by town counsel. Specific changes regarding landscaping requirements for detached ADUs were noted, clarifying that regulations cannot be stricter than those for single-family dwellings. The Board debated provisions concerning the conversion of non-conforming lots into ADUs. Ultimately, the Board moved to recommend both proposed and amended zoning amendments for submission to the town vote, scheduled for the March ballot. The meeting concluded with an adjournment.

The Public Hearing agenda focused on a continuation of Dawn Hobbs' application for minor site plan review at 33 Bunker Hill Road, proposing to retain existing single-family use and add an auto sales business via special exception. Revisions presented included dumpster location adjustments, lighting details, and ensuring explicit access to the fire pond. A key discussion point regarded a requested waiver for wetland delineation; following discussion about the 125' buffer and potential impact on seasonal snow storage, the Board approved the waiver request, stipulating that the 125' no further construction buffer must be noted on the plan and referencing the wetland protection ordinance.