Waste Management recently raised rates to city residents, citing increased fuel costs for the need for more revenue, Mayor Roche told the council at Monday's monthly meeting.
*Auburn's purchase of new Jaws of Life equipment got final approval this week when Mayor Dewey Roche signed the paperwork with Auburn Banking Company to borrow the final $6,000 needed for the purchase.
Bob Stanley, who is chairman of the board of Auburn Rural Fire Department, had offered for his group to pay $3,000 of the costs, but city fire chief Gary Lee felt it was better for Auburn Fire Department to have sole ownership.
Jaws of Life equipment is used to extricate accident victims from disabled vehicles.
*The city council started the process to amend the water/wastewater ordinance to say that credit will be given for water leaks just once every six months, and that only after the leak has been repaired by a qualified plumber.
Kathy Rust, who accepts payments in that department, said that was previously the city's policy, but when it became a part of the Consolidated Infrastructure Management Authority, the wording is now ambiguous about how often the city can grant such credits.
CIMA has split up, with Auburn and Russellville operating their own water/wastewater systems now.
Roche said CIMA can't officially be dissolved because it still faces litigation.
He noted that the state budget calls for a $200,000 grant to CIMA, which he believes will be divided with Auburn getting 18 percent of it, or $36,000. He said he also believes there will be some money left to return to Auburn when CIMA officially is dissolved.
He also talked briefly about rate discussions involving the Logan/Todd Regional Water Commission, which supplies water to Auburn and East Logan. He said work is underway to be find new customers bases, and that board members, including him, will do everything they can to keep from raising rates.
Steve Pendleton reported to the council on the activities of the water and wastewater plants.
The council granted the request of the David Williams family to run a larger, permanent water line for homes they are building on the east side of the city between Federal Grove Bed and Breakfast and Irl Scott Road. Roche said the Williamses have been good to work with and have also agreed to pay for the materials.
"We deal with a lot of families who want everything given to them, and this family is willing to do its share," Roche said.
The Williamses had given permission to run a temporary line for other hookups in the area, but one of the homes being built for family members is being located over that temporary line. "It won't be a big expense and not a lot of work," Roche said about running the permanent water line. "Besides, we're looking for more customers."
Tim and Cindy Williams attended the meeting along with David Williams.
*Roche told council members he would like to set up a tour of area retirement villages so it can be determined if the city wants to aggressively pursue the location of such an area in Auburn.
"I want to make sure we're all on the same page about this," he said.
*The council approved contracting with Auburn builder Jim Moore to repair the roof on the office being rented from the city by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The former attorney's office between the new and old city halls is being used by Auburn native Kenneth Bunton, who is the supervisor for much of the First Congressional District for Court Designated Workers.
The roof has been leaking extensively.
*At the end of the meeting Monday, Officer John Hancock asked the council if the rumor going around that the police department will be downsized is true. Roche said the council should go into executive session to discuss it.
Auburn currently has a three-man police force- Chief George Lockhart along with Officers Steve Whittlesey and Hancock.
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