On the agenda: Auburn Agenda — Automated License Plate (Sep 21)

City Council Workshop & Meeting
Agenda
September 21, 2026
Auburn Hall, Council Chambers
5:30 PM Workshop
• Solid Waste Status Report & Ordinance Revision

7:00 PM Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance & Roll Call - Roll call votes will begin with Councilor Cowan
I. Consent Items – All items with an asterisk (*) are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion.
There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council member or a citizen so requests, in which
event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the
agenda. Passage of items on the Consent Agenda requires majority vote.
1) ORDER 78-09212026– Appointing members to City Boards & Committees, as nominated by the
Appointment Committee.
2) ORDER 79-09212026 – Approving the renewal of an Auto Graveyard/Junkyard permit for
Randy’s Auto, 899 Broad St.
3) ORDER 80-09212026 - Approving the renewal of an Auto Graveyard/Junkyard permit for M&P
Auto, Inc., 227 Merrow Rd.
4) ORDER 81-09212026 - Approving the renewal of an Auto Graveyard/Junkyard permit for
Prolerized New England Company d/b/a Radius Recycling, LLC., 522 Washington St. North.
5) ORDER 82-09212026 – Nominating City Manager Phil Crowell to be appointed the
Androscoggin County Budget Committee (District 5) for an unexpired term ending 2028.
II. Minutes – September 8, 2026, Regular Council Meeting
III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions
•
•

Littlefield Dam Update with Conservation Working Group - Presentation
Memo: Denial of Auto Graveyard/Junkyard license for 79 & 80 Hotel Rd.

IV. Open Session – Members of the public are invited to speak to the Council about any issue directly related
to City business or any item that does not appear on the agenda.

Page 1 of 2

V. Unfinished Business
VI. New Business
1) ORDER 83-09212026 – Accepting the 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant (JAG) for
the Auburn Police Department. Passage requires majority vote.
2) ORDINANCE 15-09082026 – Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Ordinance. Proposed by
initiative petition filed July 30, 2026. First reading. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires majority vote.
3) ORDINANCE 16-09082026 – Amending Chapter 60, “Zoning”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances
regarding eliminating the number of people employed in sawmills within the Agriculture and
Resource Protection zoning district. First reading/public hearing. ROLL CALL VOTE. Passage requires
majority vote.
4) ORDER 84-09212026 – Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement
between the City of Auburn and the Maine State Employees Association – Service Employees
International Union Local 1989 covering 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2029. Passage requires majority vote.
5) ORDER 85-09212026 - Authorizing the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement
between the City of Auburn and the Teamsters Local 340 for Auburn Public Works covering
07/01/2026 to 06/30/2029. Passage requires majority vote.
VII. Reports
a.
b.
c.
d.

Mayor’s Report
City Councilors’ Reports
Student Representative Report
City Manager Report

VIII. Open Session - Members of the public are invited to speak to the Council about any issue directly
related to City business or any item that does not appear on the agenda.
IX. Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (E) for consultation between the City and its
attorney concerning the legal rights and duties of the City. No action to follow.
Executive Session pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (D) for discussion of labor contracts and proposals
and meetings between the City of Auburn and Public Works Mechanics Union. No action to follow.
X. Adjournment

Page 2 of 2

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026
Author: Scott Holland, Public Works Director
Subject: Solid Waste and Recycling Updates
Information: The City has implemented the budgeted changes to the solid waste and recycling programs and
continues to resolve issues and challenges as they arise. This presentation is intended to provide a general
update on the process, keep the Council informed on challenges being addressed and learn of any concerns
that the Council may hear from constituents. Further discussion topics regarding the next steps in the
implementation process include additional ordinance amendments, leaf pickup changes, recycling
contamination, accommodations on narrow/private streets and waste reduction through composting.

City Budgetary Impacts: TBD based on feedback and public response.
Previous Meetings and History: May 18, 2026 CC Meeting
City Manager Comments:
Attachments:

Page 1 of 1

Sec. 44-1. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly
indicates a different meaning:
Residential Properties means all properties where four or fewer single-family residences
and/or multi-family residential units are located on a single parcel. Residential properties
means any property, located in the city, upon which is situated a residential structure
containing between one and three dwelling units and/or owner-occupied apartment
buildings containing between four and seven dwelling units. To qualify as an owneroccupied apartment building, the owner would need to demonstrate through ownership
documents and vehicle registration, driver's license or some other acceptable forms that
he/she does in fact own the building and resides at that address.
Multiple-unit apartment propertybuilding means a property with an apartment building or
buildings withof fivefour or more dwelling units on a single parcel.

Sec. 44-21. Residential collection; fees.
(a) The city will provide for the collection of household solid waste and recyclable material
from all residential properties as defined herein.
Fees for residential waste collection shall be in accordance with city costs on a per unit
basis.
Sec. 44-22. Collection from apartment and commercial buildings; fees.
The city will collect solid waste and recyclable material from residential properties and will
not collect from multiple unit apartment buildingsproperties with more than four units. for
only those
buildings owned by applicants who complete, submit and receive approval of an
application to continue this service. All multiple unit apartment buildings, nonresidential
or commercial users shall provide adequate carts or dumpsters for the weekly garbage
generated by the business conducted on the premise. The owner shall provide a secured
container or containers with closeable covers to prevent the stacking and spreading of the
garbage generated at the premises. The containers shall be stored and the waste
collected on private property and not placed in the right-of-way, street or sidewalk. The
cost of collecting commercial waste is the property owners responsibility.
All residential properties containing four to seven units, excluding owner-occupied, will be
assessed a fee per unit for solid waste and recycling collection and disposal. To qualify for

owner-occupied exemption the applicant must show proof of building residency. Fees per
unit will be assessed and billed in accordance with the city's fee schedule. Failure to pay
fee will result in termination of service. The city reserves the right to determine whether to
provide this service and may adjust the fee annually to reflect the city's costs.
Sec. 44-30. Right of city to refuse to collect certain waste.
The city may refuse to accept for collection any waste that has been put out for collection
in a manner that does not comply with the requirements of sections 44-24 through 44-28,
including sharp objects that could protrude from waste containers, such as broken glass
and other sharp objects such as razors, hypodermic needles, etc., which materials shall
be contained in a puncture-resistant container. The owner of such waste shall transport it
or cause it to be transported to the municipal solid waste disposal facility at their own
expense.
Repeated violations may result in citations and legal action pursuant to Chapter 2, Article
VIII, Citation System of Code Enforcement. In addition to the issuance of citations, the City
may initiate a land use complaint pursuant to 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4452 et seq. as amended,
and M.R. Civ. P. 80K and/or permanently discontinue solid waste collection service for the
property in violation.

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDER 78-09212026

Author: Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk
Subject: Appointments to Boards & Committees
Information: On September 8, 2026, the Appointment Committee (Councilors Gerry, Platz, Duvall) met to
consider applications received for various Boards & Committees. The attached order puts before the Council
the nominations made by the Appointment Committee for appointment.
City Budgetary Impacts: N/A
Staff Recommended Action: Motion for passage.
Previous Meetings and History: Appointment Committee meeting held 9/8/26.
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature:
Attachments: ORDER

Page 1 of 1

ORDER 78-09212026

City Council Order
ORDERED, the following be and hereby appointed for the respective terms, as nominated by the
Appointment Committee:

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDERS 79-81-09212026

Author: Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk
Subject: Automobile Graveyard/Junkyards – Annual Renewals
Information: This is an annual renewal of currently existing Automobile Graveyard/Junkyards in
Auburn. Reminder letters and applications were sent out 08/15/2026. Council approval is required for
renewal of these licenses which expire 9/30/26. The three listed below are renewals without conditions
and do not require a public hearing. Issuance of the license will be dependent upon passage of Code
Enforcement inspection.

•
•
•

Randy’s Auto Parts, Inc., 899 Broad Street
M & P Auto, Inc., 227 Merrow Road
Prolerized New England Company, LLC. d/b/a Radius Recycling, 522 N Washington St.

City Budgetary Impacts: N/A
Staff Recommended Action: Motion for passage.
Previous Meetings and History: Last renewal before Council held on 9/15/25.
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature:
Attachments: ORDERs

Page 1 of 1

ORDER 79-09212026

City Council Order
ORDERED, that the City Council hereby approves the annual renewal request for an
Auto Graveyard/Junkyard permit for Randy’s Auto Parts, Inc., 899 Broad Street.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

ORDER 80-09212026

City Council Order
ORDERED, that the City Council hereby approves the annual renewal request for an Auto
Graveyard/Junkyard permit for M & P Auto, Inc., 227 Merrow Road.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

ORDER 81-09212026

City Council Order
ORDERED, that the City Council hereby approves the annual renewal request for an
Auto Graveyard/Junkyard permit for Prolerized New England Company, LLC. d/b/a
Radius Recycling, 522 N Washington St.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDER 82-09212026

Author: Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk
Subject: Replacing District 5 Representative to Androscoggin County Budget Committee
Information: Former Councilor Richard Whiting was the County Commission District 5 municipal official
appointed to serve on the Androscoggin County Budget Committee for 2026/2027/2028. This order authorizes
City Manager Phil Crowell to serve as the replacement for this term as a municipal official within CC District 5.
Following passage of the order, the City Clerk will notify the County Administrator and the Androscoggin County
Budget Committee will take action on the nomination at their next meeting scheduled on September 23, 2026.

City Budgetary Impacts: N/A
Staff Recommended Action: Motion for passage.
Previous Meetings and History: N/A
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature:
Attachments: Budget Committee Meeting schedule, ORDER

Page 1 of 1

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY
2026 BUDGET SCHEDULE (2027 BUDGET)
Budget Committee Meeting
Wednesday – September 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
1B

2B

Budget Committee Meeting
Wednesday – September 30th at 6:00 p.m.
3B

4B

Budget Committee Meeting
Wednesday – October 7th at 6:00 p.m.
5B

6B

Budget Committee Elects Chair and Vice Chair
BC Appoints Members from Vacant Districts
BC Approval of Minutes – Oct 22nd 2025
Approval of (Combined) Budget Schedule
Presentations:
11100-Emergency Management (E.M.A.)
11555-Superior Court
11530-Restitution Specialist
11550-District Attorney
11562-District Attorney - Joint Budget
11570-Victim Witness Advocate Grant
16065-Registry of Deeds
18070-Registry of Probate
12020-County Administrator/Commissioners
12021-Human Resources
12025-Finance/Treasurer
10000-County
12040-Auditing
12030-Interest
12050-Employee Benefits
12060-Insurance
Reserves
Capital Plans
13060-Information Technology (I.T.)
14040-County Building/Facilities
15050-Jail/Support of Prisoners
17074-774 Center Street
17076-Civil Process
17075-Public Safety
17077-Law Enforcement Survivor Compensation
17078-Communications
19205-Twin County Extension Service
19235-Androscoggin Valley Soil Conservation
19220-Western Maine Transportation Services

Budget Committee Meeting
Thursday – October 8th at 6:00 p.m.

Contingency Day

Budget Committee Meeting
Wednesday - October 28th at 6:00 p.m.

Budget Committee PUBLIC HEARING
Budget Committee Finalize the Preliminary Budget

Androscoggin County, 2 Turner Street, Courtroom #2, Auburn, ME 04210
Page 2 of 2

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY
2026 BUDGET SCHEDULE (2027 BUDGET)

Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday September 9th at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioners Regular Meeting followed by a
PUBLIC HEARING to Finalize the 2027
Preliminary Budget & Send to Budget Committee

Commissioners Meeting
Wednesday – November 18th at 5:30 p.m.

Commissioner PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioners Finalize the 2027 Budget (Final Vote)

0B

.

Androscoggin County, 2 Turner Street, Courtroom #2, Auburn, ME 04210
Page 1 of 2

ORDER 82-09212026

City Council Order
ORDERED, the nomination of City Manager Phil Crowell to the Androscoggin County Budget
Committee (District 5) for an unexpired term ending 2028.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Meeting
September 8, 2026
Mayor Harmon opened the meeting and led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilor Cowan was absent. Student Representatives Robinson and Edwards were
absent.
I. Consent Items
II. Minutes – August 17, 2026, Regular Council Meeting
Councilor Walker moved for approval, seconded by Councilor Gerry. Motion passed 6-0.
III. Communications, Presentations and Recognitions
IV. Open Session
Quentin Chapman, Eastman Ln
Kevin Dean, Auburn resident & business owner
V. Unfinished Business
VI. New Business
1) ORDER 73-09082026 – Approving the Stetson Road Apartments Municipal Development
and Tax Increment Financing District #34. Public hearing. Passage requires majority vote.
Mr. Glen Holmes, Business & Community Development Director, presented the application
before the Council. The developer (not present) indicated that some assistance was
needed, hence the application for a TIF before the Council. It is unknown if the project
could move forward without the TIF.
The benefits for the City of Auburn were outlined: The City would be able to work towards
their adopted housing goal. Having a developer install and maintain utilities and roads
would save the City money by expansion of sewer and water lines and other utilities.
Workforce housing assistance is a value to the City. Part of the City’s TIF funds would be
able to provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.
Mayor Harmon opened this item for public hearing. Seeing no comment, the public
hearing was closed.
Councilor Platz stated support for this project.
Councilor Randall spoke in favor of the project but not in favor of the CEA as proposed:

Councilor Platz moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Walker.
Motion passed 5-1 (Randall).
2) ORDER 74-09082026 – Authorizing the Finance Director to carryforward the remainder of
the FY26 Property Tax Assistance Program account from fund balance into the FY27
Property Tax Assistance Program account. Passage requires majority vote.
Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Platz.
Mayor Harmon opened this item for comment; there was no comment from the public.
Motion passed 6-0.
3) ORDER 75-09082026 – Initiating Zoning Map Amendment regarding Pownal Road.
Passage requires majority vote.
Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Duvall.
Mayor Harmon opened this item for comment; there was no comment from the public.
Motion passed 6-0.
4) ORDER 76-09082026 – Authorizing the use of EMS Capital Reserve Funds for the purpose
of purchasing supplies and equipment required to meet DEA regulations for the storage
and distribution of medications and controlled substances for EMS.
Councilor Walker moved for passage, seconded by Councilor Randall.
Mayor Harmon opened this item for comment; there was no comment from the public.
Motion passed 6-0.
ORDER 77-09082026– Business License Appeal Hearing (Websters Trading Co, 150 Minot
Ave). Public hearing & action. Passage requires five affirmative votes.
Mayor Harmon opened the hearing. Clerk Carrington provided background on the license
denial. Shawn Copeland (business owner and tenant) and Floyd Jenkins (landowner) were
present to speak on the property condition.
Mayor Harmon suggested postponing this item until October 5, 2026 to give the property
owner time to obtain answers and work to obtain the required permit(s).
Councilor Walker moved to postpone to 10/5, seconded by Councilor Platz.
Motion passed 6-0.

VII. Reports
a. Mayor’s Report - Provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan Committee schedule;
Planning Board & Council will be invited to attend a joint workshop for a presentation of the
draft Comprehensive Plan. A public meeting will be held in October.
b. City Councilors’ Reports – Councilor Gerry left the meeting at 8:24pm. Councilor
Randall announced the annual block party to be held at the Library. Councilor Duvall gave
an update on the Appointment Committee and recent vacancies and encouraged residents
to apply. Councilor Butler gave an update on the Airport Committee and Parking & Traffic
Safety Committee. Councilor Walker provided an update on the Age Friendly Committee’s
recent events; filled care packages for veterans and homeless. Councilor Platz provided an
update on the School Committee – every school principal provided a report on their school;
enrollment and attendance is high.
c. Student Representative Report – None.
d. City Manager Report – Construction is on track for the new public safety building;
renovations occurring at Auburn Hall. 911 Communication transfer plan has been
communicated; 67 Kittyhawk is complete and the admin and Fire team will be relocating to
67 Kittyhawk and 911 will be locating to Auburn Hall. 9/11 Remembrance will be held at
Festival Plaza on Friday, 9/11. Blues & Brews Fest will be occurring on Saturday, 9/12.
VIII. Open Session
None.
IX. Executive Session

X. Adjournment
Councilor Walker moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Platz.
Motion passed 5-0. Adjourned at 8:32pm.

A TRUE COPY ATTEST

Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk

City of Auburn, Maine
Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk

60 Court Street | Auburn, Maine 04210
www.auburnmaine.gov | 207.333.6601

Prolerized New England Co, LLC
c/o Schnitzer Accounts Payable
PO Box 10636
Portland, OR 97296
Prolerized New England Co, LLC
d/b/a Radius Recycling
Attn: Licensing
10850 Gold Center Dr., STE 350,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
September 17, 2026
NOTICE OF DENIAL OF AUTO JUNKYARD/GRAVEYARD/RECYCLING BUSINESS LICENSE
The City of Auburn received renewal business license application for Radius Recycling located at
79 & 80 Old Hotel Road, Auburn, ME 04210 on August 25, 2026. The $100.00 license fee was
paid. Upon request to the applicant for additional information regarding the application, it was
disclosed by the applicant that the site has been inactive since 2015 and the license was applied
for each year to maintain the standard of nonconforming use stated in Chapter 14 of the City’s
Code of Ordinances:
Sec. 14-74. - Administration
(d) Nonconforming Uses: Any automobile graveyard or junkyard in existence and for which a
valid permit was in effect on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article derives
may remain in operation in its present location, pending the expiration of such permit, so long
as such use complies with the provisions of 30 M.R.S.A. § 3751 et seq. Thereafter, such
automobile graveyard or junkyard shall be required to comply with all the provisions of this
article except those compliance standards contained in subsections (c)(3), (4), (5), (7), (8) and
(10) of this section. Any expansion of such junkyard or automobile graveyard beyond the size
which existed and for which a valid permit was in effect on the effective date of this article shall
comply with all provisions of this Article.
However, within Chapter 60, Zoning, of the City’s Code of Ordinances, there is an ordinance
regarding parcels of nonconforming use where activity has been discontinued:

Sec. 60-81. - Abandonment.
If any nonconforming use of a building or portion thereof or of land or portion thereof be
discontinued for a period of 12 consecutive months' duration or more or is voluntarily
discontinued, it shall be presumed abandoned, such use shall not be resumed, and only a use
conforming with zoning provisions in the zoning district in which located shall thereafter be
made of such building or land, except as may be permitted otherwise under section 60-79(4)
and (5). A use shall be deemed to be discontinued when the principle activity ceases. A use that
is voluntarily discontinued shall be deemed to have ceased when a written statement containing
the name of the owner of the property, the name of the business or use, the nature of the use
being discontinued and the date of the discontinuance is reviewed by the municipal officer
charged with enforcement.
Therefore, the business license applied for an Auto Graveyard/Junkyard at this location has
been denied based on the following standards outlined in Sec. 14-38:
(7) The proposed licensed premises or its use fails to comply with zoning or other land use
ordinances;
(8) The proposed licensed premises or its use fails to comply with any municipal ordinance or
regulation;
In compliance with the ordinance, in case an application is disapproved, the city clerk or
designee shall then notify the applicant in writing of such denial and shall refund the fee paid in
($100.00). The city clerk or designee shall also notify the city council of such action at the next
regularly scheduled meeting of the city council.
Appeal Process
You have the right to appeal this denial.
(a) Except as otherwise provided, appeals shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with
the office of the city clerk or designee within 30 days of the date of any such denial to the
council in writing, whereupon a hearing will be scheduled, at which time the applicant shall
have the right to be heard. It shall be the duty of the city clerk or designee to notify such
applicants who have appealed, of the time and place of the hearing.
Sincerely,

Emily F. Carrington
City Clerk
City of Auburn, Maine

Page 2 of 2

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDER 83-09212026

Author: Jason D. Moen, Chief of Police
Subject: 2026 Byrne JAG Grant Funding – Auburn Police Department
Information: The Auburn Police Department has been awarded a FY2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance grant in the amount of $18,337.00. The formula grant application will provide for the purchase of a
mobile message board with built-in speed radar unit.
The grant requires certifications and assurances by the Chief Executive of the applicant government.
City Budgetary Impacts: None
Previous Meetings and History: None
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature ____________________________________________________
Attachments: ORDER

Page 1 of 1

ORDER 83-09212026

City Council Order
IN COUNCIL

ORDERED, that the City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Jeffrey D. Harmon, on behalf of the
City of Auburn, to execute the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY2026 Local
Solicitation – Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant
Government document to be submitted with the grant application.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDINANCE 15-09212026

Author: Emily F. Carrington, City Clerk
Subject: Proposed Ordinance – Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Ordinance
Information: On July 30, 2026, a petitioners committee (created June 4, 2026) returned 89 pages of signatures
for certification for a proposed ordinance by initiative titled “Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
Ordinance”. The City Clerk completed the certificate of sufficiency for the returned petition on August 13,
2026, and the City Council was notified at the last regular meeting held on August 17, 2026. The proposed
ordinance is before the City Council this evening for consideration of adoption, according to the process
outlined in the City’s Charter Sec. 9.6:
“Action by city council. When an initiative or referendum petition has been fully determined sufficient, the city
council shall promptly consider the proposed initiative ordinance, order, or resolve in the manner provided in
article 2…. If the city council fails to adopt a proposed initiative ordinance, order, or resolve without any change
in substance within 60 days ….it shall submit the proposed or referred matter to the voters of the city.
Submission to voters. The vote of the city on a proposed or referred ordinance, order, or resolve shall be held
not less than 120 days and not later than six months from the date of the final city council vote thereon. If no
regular city election is to be held within the period prescribed in this subsection, the city council shall provide
for a special election; otherwise, the vote shall be held at the same time as such regular election except that
the city council may, in its discretion, provide for a special election at an earlier date within the prescribed
period. Copies of the proposed or referred matter shall be available for view at the polls.”
City Budgetary Impacts: Not yet determined.
Staff Recommended Action: Consideration of the proposed ordinance.
Previous Meetings and History: Notice at the August 17, 2026 meeting
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature:
Attachments: Certificate of Sufficiency, Proposed Ordinance

Page 1 of 1

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDINANCE 16-09212026

Author: DeCarlo Brown, Planning and Permitting Director
Subject: Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment – Number of Employees in Sawmills
Information:
OVERVIEW
The Agriculture and Resource Protection zoning district allows commercial uses to operate that are compatible
with traditional agriculture and use of nature resources. This draft ordinance proposes edits that increase the
number of employees allowed to operate sawmills in the Agriculture and Resource Protection District in order
to strengthen the economic viability of a natural resource processing use.
The current ordinance restricts the number of employees operating a sawmill to 4 people. This includes
operators, administrators, mechanics, and drivers. These restrictions would prohibit the establishment of any
modern commercial sawmill in the district. The draft ordinance proposes to remove the employee restriction
for the operation of sawmills. No additional changes are proposed.
RELEVANT SECTIONS
Chapter 60 Section 145 (b) lists Sawmills as a Special Exception Use which requires a review and approval of any
land seeking to establish a sawmill. It lists a number of conditions for the use including the following:
b.Wood processing operation shall be located no closer than 75 feet from any river or perennial stream, 250
feet from any zoning district boundary or residential dwelling and shall be limited to four persons employed.
While the provision includes location and proximity standards of the use, it also includes a user-based
restriction. The employee provision is unrelated to the former location and proximity restrictions of land use.
The proposed amendment seeks to eliminate the restriction on the number of people employed in sawmills as
it has no direct relationship to the use of the land.
There is an expectation that this use is appropriate for the Zone. The current locational restrictions are
sufficient to not affect the public health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City of Auburn
RELEVANT ACTIONS
The Planning Board held a public hearing on August 27, 2026, to receive comments on the proposed
amendment. Following the public hearing, the planning board voted 7- 0 to recommend the City Council adopt
the amendment.

Page 1 of 2

City Budgetary Impacts: None
Staff Recommended Action: Hold a public hearing and first reading to approve the proposed text amendment
pursuant to Chapter 60, Article XVII, Division 2, Charter, Article II, Section 2.6.(C), and Title 30-A, §4352
Previous Meetings and History:
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature:
Attachments:
Draft Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment

Page 2 of 2

ORDINANCE 16-09212026

City Council Ordinance
IN CITY COUNCIL
BE IT ORDAINED, that Chapter 60, Article IV, Division 2, Section 60-145 of the Code of
Ordinances, City of Auburn, Maine, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 60-145. Use regulations.
(b)

Special exception uses. The following uses are permitted by special exception after approval by the planning
board in accordance with the provisions of division 3 of article XVII of this chapter:
(1)

Sawmills and their customary accessory land uses and buildings incidental to the harvesting of forest
products, subject to the following conditions:
a.

Sawmill and accessory activity shall not be detrimental to the neighborhood or the city by reason
of special danger of fire or explosion, pollution of rivers or perennial streams or accumulation of
refuse.

b.

Wood processing operation shall be located no closer than 75 feet from any river or perennial
stream and 250 feet from any zoning district boundary or residential dwelling and shall be limited
to four persons employed.

c.

Where natural vegetation is removed, it shall be replaced within six months with other
vegetation which will be equally effective in retarding erosion and will preserve natural beauty.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDER 84-09212026

Author: Denis D’Auteuil, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City
of Auburn and the Maine State Employees Association – Service Employees International Union Local 1989
covering 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2029
Information:
The following is a summary of the changes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

FY 26 4% market adjustment and 2% performance on wage scale effective 7/1/26; FY 27 Cola 3% and
2.5% performance on 7/1/27 and FY 28 Cola 3% and 2.5% performance on 7/1/28;
Added Recreation Specialist to clothing allowance article;
Updated language Article 15 Holidays;
Updated language on Article 17 Personal Days;
Increased HRA amounts under Article 28;
Added Paid Family Medical Leave language;
New language on Union employee orientations;
New language on Labor Management Committee;
Updated classifications list.

City Budgetary Impacts:
Staff Recommended Action: Staff recommends the City Council vote for passage of this Resolve.

Previous Meetings and History:
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature: _______________________________________
Attachments: MSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, ORDER

Page 1 of 1

ORDER 84-09212026

City Council Order
IN CITY COUNCIL

Ordered, ORDERED, that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the Collective

Bargaining Agreement with the Maine State Employees Association-Service Employees International
Union local 1989 effective 07/01/2026.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One ,
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026

ORDER 85-09212026

Author: Denis D’Auteuil, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Authorization for the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City
of Auburn and the Teamsters Local 340 for Auburn Public Works covering 07/01/2026 to 06/30/2029
Information:
The following is a summary of the changes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

FY 26 4% market adjustment on wage scale effective 7/1/26; 1/1/27 Cola 3%; FY 27 Cola 4% on 7/1/27
and FY 28 Cola 4% on 7/1/28;
Added Paid Family Medical Leave language;
New language on bereavement leave;
New language on OT and on-call duties;
Comp time bank maximum increase;
New Parks/Laborer wage scale
Moving Inventory Tech position from this unit to the PW Mechanics unit.
Language updated on Class A requirements and out of class pay;

City Budgetary Impacts:
Staff Recommended Action: Staff recommends the City Council vote for passage of this Resolve.

Previous Meetings and History:
City Manager Comments:
I concur with the recommendation. Signature: _______________________________________
Attachments: Teamsters Local 340 Collective Bargaining Agreement, ORDER

Page 1 of 1

ORDER 85-09212026

City Council Order
IN CITY COUNCIL

Ordered, that the City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute the Collective Bargaining
Agreement with the Teamsters Local Union 340 effective 07/01/2026.

Rachel B. Randall, Ward One ,
Kelly L. Butler, Ward Four
Belinda A. Gerry, At Large

Timothy M. Cowan, Ward Two
Leroy G. Walker, Sr., Ward Five
Jeffrey D. Harmon, Mayor

Mathieu L. Duvall, Ward Three
Adam R. Platz, At Large
Phillip L. Crowell, Jr., City Manager

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026
Subject: Executive Session
Information: Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (E) for consultation between the City and its attorney
concerning the legal rights and duties of the City.
Executive Session: On occasion, the City Council discusses matters which are required or allowed by State law to be considered in
executive session. Executive sessions are not open to the public. The matters that are discussed in executive session are required to be kept
confidential until they become a matter of public discussion. In order to go into executive session, a Councilor must make a motion in public.
The motion must be recorded, and 3/5 of the members of the Council must vote to go into executive session. An executive session is not
required to be scheduled in advance as an agenda item, although when it is known at the time that the agenda is finalized, it will be listed on
the agenda. The only topics which may be discussed in executive session are those that fall within one of the categories set forth in Title 1
M.R.S.A. Section 405(6). Those applicable to municipal government are:
A. Discussion or consideration of the employment, appointment, assignment, duties, promotion, demotion, compensation, evaluation,
disciplining, resignation or dismissal of an individual or group of public officials, appointees or employees of the body or agency or the investigation
or hearing of charges or complaints against a person or persons subject to the following conditions:
(1) An executive session may be held only if public discussion could be reasonably expected to cause damage to the individual 's reputation or the
individual's right to privacy would be violated;
(2) Any person charged or investigated must be permitted to be present at an executive session if that person so desires;
(3) Any person charged or investigated may request in writing that the investigation or hearing of charges or complaints against that person be
conducted in open session. A request, if made to the agency, must be honored; and
(4) Any person bringing charges, complaints or allegations of misconduct against the individual under discussion must be permitted to be present.
This paragraph does not apply to discussion of a budget or budget proposal;
B. Discussion or consideration by a school board of suspension or expulsion of a public school student or a student at a private school, the cost of
whose education is paid from public funds, as long as:
(1) The student and legal counsel and, if the student is a minor, the student's parents or legal guardians are permitted to be present at an executive
session if the student, parents or guardians so desire;
C. Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or the use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or
interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economic development only if premature disclosures of the information would
prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency;
D. Discussion of labor contracts and proposals and meetings between a public agency and its negotiators. The parties must be named before the
body or agency may go into executive session. Negotiations between the representatives of a public employer and public employees may be open
to the public if both parties agree to conduct negotiations in open sessions;
E. Consultations between a body or agency and its attorney concerning the legal rights and duties of the body or agency, pending or contemplated
litigation, settlement offers and matters where the duties of the public body's or agency's counsel to the attorney's client pursuant to the code of
professional responsibility clearly conflict with this subchapter or where premature general public knowledge would clearly p lace the State,
municipality or other public agency or person at a substantial disadvantage;
F. Discussions of information contained in records made, maintained or received by a body or agency when access by the general public to those
records is prohibited by statute;
G. Discussion or approval of the content of examinations administered by a body or agency for licensing, permitting or employment purposes;
consultation between a body or agency and any entity that provides examination services to that body or agency regarding the content of an
examination; and review of examinations with the person examined; and
H. Consultations between municipal officers and a code enforcement officer representing the municipality pursuant to Title 30-A, section 4452,
subsection 1, paragraph C in the prosecution of an enforcement matter pending in District Court when the consultation relates to that pending
enforcement matter.

Page 1 of 1

City of Auburn
City Council Information Sheet

Council Workshop or Meeting Date: September 21, 2026
Subject: Executive Session
Information: Pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6) (D) for discussion of labor contracts and proposals and
meetings between the City of Auburn and Public Works Mechanics Union.
Executive Session: On occasion, the City Council discusses matters which are required or allowed by State law to be considered in
executive session. Executive sessions are not open to the public. The matters that are discussed in executive session are required to be kept
confidential until they become a matter of public discussion. In order to go into executive session, a Councilor must make a motion in public.
The motion must be recorded, and 3/5 of the members of the Council must vote to go into executive session. An executive session is
not required to be scheduled in advance as an agenda item, although when it is known at the time that the agenda is finalized, it will be listed
on the agenda. The only topics which may be discussed in executive session are those that fall within one of the categories set forth in
Title 1 M.R.S.A. Section 405(6). Those applicable to municipal government are:
A. Discussion or consideration of the employment, appointment, assignment, duties, promotion, demotion, compensation, evaluation,
disciplining, resignation or dismissal of an individual or group of public officials, appointees or employees of the body or agency or the investigation
or hearing of charges or complaints against a person or persons subject to the following conditions:
(1) An executive session may be held only if public discussion could be reasonably expected to cause damage to the individual 's reputation or the
individual's right to privacy would be violated;
(2) Any person charged or investigated must be permitted to be present at an executive session if that person so desires;
(3) Any person charged or investigated may request in writing that the investigation or hearing of charges or complaints against that person be
conducted in open session. A request, if made to the agency, must be honored; and
(4) Any person bringing charges, complaints or allegations of misconduct against the individual under discussion must be permitted to be present.
This paragraph does not apply to discussion of a budget or budget proposal;
B. Discussion or consideration by a school board of suspension or expulsion of a public school student or a student at a private school, the cost of
whose education is paid from public funds, as long as:
(1) The student and legal counsel and, if the student is a minor, the student's parents or legal guardians are permitted to be present at an executive
session if the student, parents or guardians so desire;
C. Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or the use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or
interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economic development only if premature disclosures of the information would
prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency;
D. Discussion of labor contracts and proposals and meetings between a public agency and its negotiators. The parties must be named before the
body or agency may go into executive session. Negotiations between the representatives of a public employer and public employees may be open
to the public if both parties agree to conduct negotiations in open sessions;
E. Consultations between a body or agency and its attorney concerning the legal rights and duties of the body or agency, pending or contemplated
litigation, settlement offers and matters where the duties of the public body's or agency's counsel to the attorney's client pursuant to the code of
professional responsibility clearly conflict with this subchapter or where premature general public knowledge would clearly p lace the State,
municipality or other public agency or person at a substantial disadvantage;
F. Discussions of information contained in records made, maintained or received by a body or agency when access by the general public to those
records is prohibited by statute;
G. Discussion or approval of the content of examinations administered by a body or agency for licensing, permitting or employment purposes;
consultation between a body or agency and any entity that provides examination services to that body or agency regarding the content of an
examination; and review of examinations with the person examined; and
H. Consultations between municipal officers and a code enforcement officer representing the municipality pursuant to Title 30-A, section 4452,
subsection 1, paragraph C in the prosecution of an enforcement matter pending in District Court when the consultation relates to that pending
enforcement matter.

Page 1 of 1