Auburn officials set rates for new stormwater tax

The estimated $122,352 the fees are projected to generate in city revenue will be used to repair and improve city infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems, as well as correct flooding issues. The city has a five-year plan that includes 14 projects to be completed using stormwater taxes.

Passing the ordinance keeps the city in compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations, which are part of the federal Clean Water Act.

Also, Auburn adopted its FY2011 $4.7 million budget. The city’s fiscal year runs October 1–September 30.

In other business from last week’s meeting, Auburn officials learned about a cost savings of an additional $110 per month on the city’s cell service as reported by City Clerk Rafael Avalos, making the total savings recently negotiated with Verizion Wireless $220 per month.

Avalos also told the council last week plans are underway to allow residents to make credit card payments for city services is in its final stages.

Chief Fred Brown awarded chief’s commendations to two Auburn Police employees for going “above and beyond” in their duties.

Cpl. Tony Lafreniere was recognized for implementing a canine program and for his efforts to “diligently fight drug crime.” Donna Marie Wall, agency coordinator for support services, was commended for consistent superior support of the department and for obtaining GCIC certification.

Brown also told the council that Cpl. Katrina Johnson’s testimony in a recent child molestation case tried in Pensacola, Fla. helped gain a conviction for the perpetrator, who was given three life sentences. text messages and conducted initial interviews while the perpetrator and his victim were living in Auburn; both were instrumental in securing the conviction, Brown said.

New library manager Julia Simpson reported to the council that she spent her first month on the job “settling in and meeting the community.” New, longer hours go into effect September 3, with the library staying open from 1-5p.m. on Friday and Saturday and several free educational seminars are being offered at the library in September.

During his report to the council, Public Works Director David Hawthorne said his department is trying a new chemical treatment that should cut down on the hours spent mowing city grass. The chemical “tricks the grass into staying green and not growing,” he said. He also reported that Parks & Leisure director Tommy Duncan, a certified CPR instructor, recently recertified all public works employees, which save the city the cost of bringing in an outside instructor.

The Auburn Harvest of Art festival will be Saturday at “The Cottage,” home of the GA Piedmont Arts Center, 1396 3rd Avenue. 25 vendors are signed up. Shrimp boil will be offered at the September 15 Farmer’s Market. Downtown Development Coordinator Sherrie Miller said the Wednesday markets, held from 4 -7 p.m. have been “really successful.”

The council voted to renew the “Drinking Water Testing and Related Services Contract” with the GA Dept. of Natural Resources, an expense of $5,950 per year for three years, up from $5,400 per year paid during the three years contract. Public works Director David Hawthorne told the council the testing is mandatory and the state offers the only testing.

A new brick walkway in the Roy E. Parks playground was completed by Parks & Leisure staff.