Auburn City Council addressed mostly routine business during its Oct. 8 meeting. A separate article will address Dottie Holliday’s concerns with the Auburn Airport Authority.
Council members approved the reappointments of Auburn State Bank and First National Bank of Johnson as Official Depositories for city funds.
A representative with JEO Consulting Group discussed the West P Street Culvert Project which involves replacing a bridge on P Street with a box culvert. It was noted that the Board of Public Works’ waterline is currently under the creek flow line and there are three options as to coordinating the culvert with the waterline. These options include reconstructing the waterline in the vicinity of the box so the crossing can be identified in case of a break; relocating the waterline around the end of the box culvert to maintain access; and relocating the waterline to go overtop of the box culvert with casing and insulation to prevent freezing of it. A decision will be made following receipt of additional information.    
A public hearing was held for a Mid-Project review of Project #10-DTR-105 Downtown Revitalization — Phase II Grant as part of a Nebraska Department of Economic Development Community Development Block Grant. A review of the project showed a total of $350,000 in CDBG funds were awarded to the City of Auburn: $333,000 to commercial rehabilitation and $17,000 for general administration activities. No one from the public spoke during the required hearing.
A second hearing concerned setting the final property tax request for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 for the City of Auburn. The rate approved by resolution remained the same as last year at .475377, while the property tax request rose from $580,122.97 to $584,467.78.
The council approved a petition for a small subdivision plat involving Robert and Sondra Helms and Roger and Patti Meyer. City Attorney Angelo Ligouri reported the Meyers want to build garage on the property in question and all of those involved have “signed off on it.” The parcel includes portions of Blocks 40 and 39, and vacated property in Calvert Addition on the City’s south edge.
A revision was approved to an ordinance governing the preservation of landmarks and historic districts within the corporate limits. Ligouri explained the process and the timing of it.
Only briefly, the council discussed a request for funding for a project which will revitalize Nebraska’s Centennial Mall in Lincoln near the State Capitol. While it was noted that $1,000 and up in giving are encouraged, a check of Nebraska communities found few approving financially supporting the work, according to Mayor Scott Kudrna.
Resolutions were approved authorizing water liens and sewer liens against real estate on delinquent accounts with the Auburn Board of Public Work. The votes passed 5-1, with Councilman Mitch Bishop voting no.   
Reports/Recommendations
Reports and recommendations from department heads and committee chairs were the final order of business that night.
Street Commissioner Harry Bridgmon reported mostly routine chores and having assisted with work at the swimming pool.
Fire Chief Randy Bennett said the volunteers answered four calls during September, including one controlled burn and had another controlled burn planned for mid-October.
Library Director Heather Koeneke said about 100 people attended the first fall Preschool Storytime and there was a good attendance for the Grand Opening of the Children’s Addition. The storytimes began Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. and will continue each Tuesday for six weeks.
Police Chief Kris Baker provided the department’s monthly activity report which included a large increase in hours spent on animal control—29 hours in September 2012 compared to five hours during the same month last year. The number of citations written and warnings issued declined somewhat, while arrests were constant at 14. Police investigated six traffic accidents last month, compared to 13 during September 2011.
Treasurer Joe Casey’s sales tax report for fiscal year 2011-12 totaled $424,316.21, compared to the budgeted amount of $390,000 and last fiscal year’s actual collections of $408,209.16. It was also reported that $25,000 had been put in the Fire Department Sinking Fund, considerably more than the $8,000 which went into that account last year.
Committee Chair Reports
Councilman Larry Holtzman reported the Street Department had been busy tarring streets and the like.  
Bishop reported for the Keep Auburn Beautiful committee that Terry Fulton’s “spec house” on 11th Street was progressing nicely.
Councilwoman Katy Billings said Auburn Development Council continues to discuss a program to develop knowledgeable leaders in the community.
Councilwoman Mary Kruger reported on the status of trees in the City’s green spaces such as Legion Memorial Park and the Recreation Complex, including some which require removal when practical.