At the most recent Select Board meeting, members heard from Rockland Road residents about the above-average levels of truck traffic in their neighborhood. Many residents voiced their opinions and displeasure of the alleged violations of the amount of truck/trailer traffic that passes by their homes. A concerned resident stated that there was to be a strict limit on the number of these large vehicles per hour allowed to use the roadways. 

The Board also conducted Zoning Board Associate Member interviews. Mr. Mark Binnall was the only candidate of the three listed on their agenda who showed up in person. Candidates Catherine Burke-Kolodny and John Shea were not in attendance. The Board then voted to re-notify the absent candidates to appear at their next meeting in order for a final candidate to be voted on.

An Auburn Fire Department (AFD) representative reviewed the next phase of the new AFD building to be constructed at 10 Prospect Street reviewing proprietary-specified items necessary so all locations were in compliance of using the same equipment as in other facilities, specifically their security system, vehicle exhaust extraction system, as well as instrumentation and controls for their heating, ventilation, and cooling systems. The Board was also advised that the new station’s progress was on track, on time, and on budget. The town’s Department of Public Works was praised for its hard work on the AFD’s new building site thereby saving taxpayers between $350,000-$400,000. Groundbreaking was expected to be held in early May 2026 with final occupancy expected in 2027.  Furniture specifications are now in process of review.

Town Manager Dori Vecchio advised the Board that Tuesday, May 5, would be the date for the Spring Annual Town Meeting and the Board then voted to open the town warrant effective January 12 and to close the warrant effective February 23, a six-week period. Vecchio stated that the town budget should be delivered to the Finance Committee by February 25.

A discussion was then held regarding a possible Board vote to create a committee to investigate what is needed for the town of Auburn to cap the growth in annual residential property assessed value in a similar manner to laws in California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, and Nevada. After much debate it was decided to table the voting until after the new fiscal year begins in July.