Auburn City Council approves several projects at meeting
CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN
AUBURN — The Auburn City Council took the following actions at its second regular meeting in June:
- Approved an emergency repair cost for a storm sewer sinkhole. The council approved an emergency repair in the amount of $72,355 for materials and services needed to repair a storm sewer sinkhole. The repair was warranted due to the gravity of the situation as the sinkhole continued to sink rapidly and was located in the middle of the roadway on West Glenn Avenue.
- Authorized an amendment to the Boykin-Donahue Campus Project. The council authorized an amendment in the amount of $119,000 to the Boykin-Donahue Campus Project that will allow for additional services needed that include design revision of the restroom building, construction administration and bidding and negotiation included in the project.
- Approved the sale of industrial property to Leehwa SCM, Inc. and a tax abatement for the company due to its acquisition of an existing building and new equipment needed for its expansion in the Auburn Technology Park South. The company anticipates hiring 18 new employees with a capital investment of about $3.35 million.
- Approved the purchase of two vehicles for the Auburn Police Department’s Detective Division. The vehicles are 2024 Ford Edges that will be purchased at a total cost of $71,457.
- Approved a subscription renewal for Auburn FixIt. The City Council authorized a contract for a three-year subscription renewal for the platform on which Auburn FixIt is built. The total cost for the three-year subscription is $46,648.20. Auburn FixIt is a mobile app, also accessible via desktop, that allows residents to report non-emergency concerns directly to City staff. It has been in operation since February 2020 with nearly 6,000 requests made. To access FixIt, download the app on your mobile device or create an account online at auburnalabama.org/fixit.
- Announced one vacancy on the Greenspace Advisory Board with a term beginning on Aug. 8 and ending Aug. 7, 2028. An appointment will be made at the July 16 City Council meeting. To learn more or to apply, visit auburnalabama.org/boards.
Meeting minutes and a video of the meeting will be posted at auburnalabama.org/agenda. Mayor Ron Anders’ recap of the meeting will be posted @CityofAuburnAL on social media.
The next regular council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 2, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber, located at 141 N. Ross St. in the Public Safety Building.
Opelika City Council Recap
BY EMILY WRIGHT | FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council assembled for its regular meeting on June 18. The Council recognized Opelika student Michael Swanson as a Middle School Track National Champion, and recognized the Opelika Diamond Youth Baseball 7U All Stars team as State Champions. The Opelika Character Council recognized Aaron Bushey, owner of Almost Anything in downtown Opelika, as a Citizen of Excellent Character. The Character Trait for this month is cooperation, the process of working together to the same end.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
- Micah Melnick was appointed to the Board of Zoning Adjustments for a term to expire on Feb. 11, of 2025.
- Opelika City Administrator Joey Motley gave the monthly building report for May 2024.
- The council approved a request by Opelika Parks and Recreation for a fireworks and pyrotechnics display on July 3, as well as a downtown street closure for a Red Clay Brewing Food Truck event on July 25.
- An ordinance to repeal of Section 22-5 of the City Code of Ordinances remained tabled;
- An amendment to Zoning Ordinance: Section 7.3C was approved;
- A petition by Antione Harvis for the annexation of 48 acres at 2051 AL Highway 169 was approved;
- and a tabled resolution for the demolition of the 401 N. 16th Place, Oak Ridge Apartment buildings was removed from the agenda.
The following resolutions and ordinances were approved during the meeting: - amendment to Resolution 068-24 to authorize payment of annual subscription fees to Leaf Capital Funding LLC.
- amendment to the pay range for Pay Grade 18 and reclassification of certain jobs
- a sidewalk use license agreement with SMBEASY LLC for construction of a wrap-around balcony for a building located at 1 N. 8th St.
- a temporary construction easement agreement with East Alabama Health Care Authority.
- weed abatement assessments for 15 Dover St. and 2102 S. Long St.
- a special appropriation to Opelika Parks & Recreation for the Diamond Youth Baseball 7U All Star Team and
- a temporary suspension of time-in-grade and minimum required service years for promotions within the OFD.
