Auburn City Council addressed a light agenda for its Feb. 11 regular meeting.
Lee Conner with Auburn Eagles Aerie #3767 presented a request for the Auburn Eagles/Auburn Fire Department July 4th fireworks display on property located at both Irvin Park and south of Auburn Middle School/High School contingent upon receiving approval from the City of Auburn and School District No. 29 Board of Education.
Conner said the display will be similar to the last several years with public seating on the school practice fields and the city park area east of the ball fields. The Thursday display is insured by Premier Pyrotechnics, the Eagles’ fireworks distributor, and the request was being made early to take advantage of a 10 percent discount on purchases for advance orders. It was mentioned that a Saturday, July 6 rain date has been scheduled in case of inclement weather on the Fourth.
Conner explained that clean-up would begin about 9:00 the morning following the show. The chairman said any help with cleaning up of the property on the day after would be welcomed.
It was noted that the District 29 Board had approved the public fireworks display during its monthly meeting held earlier that Monday evening.
Council members approved the request and thanked the Eagles for providing the much appreciated public fireworks display.
Mel Greenwade had asked to speak to the council about a lawsuit against his business for tree trimming work performed in conjunction with a house moving in the community about one year ago. Greenwade advised that he had been sued by Louie Ligouri of the Ligouri Law Firm in Auburn for tree trimming which he had done. Greenwade explained that Ryan Baltensperger had received a permit from the City of Auburn authorizing the house move from near the Auburn Christian Church to 10th Street. The work was done for Dave Pieters, according to Greenwade’s letter.
Mayor Scott Kudrna said he didn’t see any reason why the matter was being brought to the attention of the city council. He commented, “This appears to be a matter between Louie Ligouri and Melvin Greenwade.”
After only minimal discussion, the mayor moved on to the next agenda item.
The council approved a survey to extend “S” Street south to the corporate city limits and adoption of Resolution No. 4-13 in action that will officially clear up the road right of way on the abandoned railroad right of way. The matter was initially discussed last fall, but the council couldn’t act officially until after a survey had been done. Catlett Surveying Inc. completed the requested surveying services at a cost of $300 to the city.
A resolution was adopted authorizing the city’s chief elected official to execute a Housing Rehabilitation Management Services Contract not to exceed $21,854 and a Lead Paint Hazard Clearance Examination Contract not to exceed $10,500  between Southeast Nebraska Development District and the City of Auburn. The city has received $224,868 in Community Development Block Grant funds for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation work.
The council approved Drawdown #10 on Downtown Revitalization Projects as follows: Phyllis Hemmingsen, for replacing windows at 921 Central Avenue, an $8,625 grant ($2,875 owner match); Nemaha Valley Museum for replacing upper story windows at 1423 19th Street, a $15,000 grant ($5,000 owner match); and Charles Nelson for replacing windows, door and masonry repairs at 923 Central Avenue property, a $42,562 grant ($14,188 owner match).
Council members approved resolutions authorizing water liens and sewer liens dated January 8, 2013 for October through December 2012 statements against real estate on delinquent accounts with the Auburn Board of Public Works.
Purchase of a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado two-wheel drive pickup for the Street Department at a cost of $17,216 from the Husker Auto Group of Lincoln was approved. Street Commissioner Harry Bridgmon noted that buying locally would be preferential, but the Auburn dealer was unable to provide as attractive of a bid. However, the new vehicle can be served at the local dealership.
The council approved the mayor’s appointment of John Billings to the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department. Kudrna advised that he didn’t have an appointment ready as of that evening for the Board of Public Works Board of Directors, but he would advise once he has a name ready for the council to consider.