[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6094661,"mediaKeyId","2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3","parentId",2842219,"title","Residents and students debate trans visibility and library materials at Auburn council public forum","audioSeconds",1000,"startMs",5990000,"endMs",6990000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3&start=5990&end=6990","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3/thumbnail_5990000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6094661/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Residents-and-students-debate-trans-visibility-and-library-materials-at-Auburn-council-public-forum","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094661-499667018bae49afb2285319c0f0022e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023817&Signature=EvG3vWuAIJolOYcBco6W~5stNhw2aSOLExoTkhh4uDr-u7sPZFarsiHBDpO0CztSWHetde0sySD-YzYtS3mY3FLhqtygJoPHbugd52vr0w5UUgm5vbpzOwUCc3-fIAsu7NiVU0~ViWjIThuGhpE5twSZ9O3cEdR6wDwa5R5c6rj-Il-INMfl7S18wM-9K2NuBhF4Lt4fMZaMRdni9zSODM88TWMi6YZvNoARrYPXnLfzPI5vv-8g80wjDJ51vqhD2hN5EhORQyfXHOsr292pPW8XgaxZ99WEkdk87zRK8sBW2jzL8O9qfqAuPP57JS4kak7Ni7KLCq75yRoILZ7EYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Auburn City, AL","date","2025-04-01T20:56:22Z","article","A vigorous exchange took place during citizens' communications at Auburn's April 1 meeting over a recent Trans Day of Visibility event at Auburn High School and the content of materials held by the Auburn Public Library.

Martha Shout told the council she was \"urging parents\" to contact school leaders and decried materials she called \"inappropriate\" in the library's collection. In contrast, Jeff Walker identified himself as the father of a senior who participates in the club and described what he called the students' \"courage\" in working with school administration: \"They have worked with the administration and the teachers, the superintendent, and the school board to earn their right like every other club at Auburn High School,\" Walker said.

Several speakers defended the students' right to expression. Gabriel Dunham summarized Trans Day of Visibility as \"an annual day ... dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of transgender and gender expansive people while raising awareness of the work that is still needed to combat discrimination and violence.\" Miranda Bachelor cited the 1969 U.S. Supreme Court decision Tinker v. Des Moines, noting that case protects students' speech rights in public schools.

Other residents urged compassion and inclusion. Sarah Collins thanked the library staff for serving \"every member of the community, not just a religious view,\" and Deborah Beal described the consequences for a family member who delayed coming out because of fear of rejection.

Council members listened and at least one councilmember spoke from the dais to condemn misinformation and to state support for residents and students who \"want to be who they want to be.\" The council did not take any formal action on school or library policy during the meeting; city officials reiterated that some matters (school policies and library collection decisions) fall under the authority of the Auburn City Schools or the library administration rather than the city council.

Speakers who addressed the council reflected sharply different views on public schools, library holdings and student speech. The council's public record shows the comments were delivered under \"citizens open forum\" and that attendees were asked to provide name and address for the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Auburn City Council Meeting April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple speakers used the open forum to dispute coverage of a student 'Trans Day of Visibility' event and library materials. Some speakers condemned the event and library holdings; others defended student speech, cited Tinker v. Des Moines and urged inclusion and protection of students.","taxTitle","Auburn, Lee County, Alabama","taxId",4270,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094667,"Auburn council approves consent agenda, zoning items and contracts; grants and capital work move forward",1434,2030000,3464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3&start=2030&end=3464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3/thumbnail_2030000.jpg","/articles/6094667/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Auburn-council-approves-consent-agenda-zoning-items-and-contracts-grants-and-capital-work-move-forward","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094667-55000c4cb5e6024fb2195d43185f3995/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023817&Signature=dnbHME-piDGqH9wRGmLhn~55G9ZzpTWxRHI9npBwrHuH4nYhr5C2Hgeuwq4ST63HwE-dCO62zX795Ves2wJ0TmlAYLmyhGninoqrza54fN7PeYhCOC6QRbVaSqUlGLBy8lk050Dy2EEocQL2vS3KmUCYIpEqXvB6GQU3HYarU027NiprKidEVe7JPI3IbmJBv-Gte24mzSBGmGmITVnBkFGHLrA9p9tDdYApvWbnENFuGNgtYhAUYTY-6tA3suRMHO3Br4DCWTcMazCp35Zy4rSjsm8bMUNI~x8zM6b5rBhCDnNBfrZm34ruPnl0ezr4q5b3I21T8xJeQIlHNAApgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Auburn City Council on April 1 approved the consent agenda and a slate of resolutions, contracts and conditional‑use requests covering public works, development and city facilities.

Key formal actions included authorization to purchase a 2025 Ford Explorer for Inspection Services ($39,936); award of a $198,000 contract to WW Compton Contractor LLC for insulation work at the Boykin Gymnasium (funded with block grant dollars); acceptance of public easements for Rockhouse Farm Subdivision; and a request to submit an Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Program grant application for $3,400,000 to build an industrial access road. The council also authorized task‑order work on the Northwest Lift Station and a FY25 roadway patching contract with James Paving Company.

On land use and development, the council approved conditional‑use permits recommended by the Planning Commission: a road‑service (auto/golf cart sales) use at 453 Opelika Road for a low‑speed vehicle/golf‑cart sales and rental business, industrial manufacturing use for DK Dynamics LLC at 2471 Innovation Drive, a subdivision amenity (a 6,500+ square‑foot clubhouse with fitness, collaborative space and a pool) at Tiger Crossing, and two additional residential units in the Vintage expansion mixed‑use development at 2240 East University Drive.

The council voted to vacate a public drainage and utility easement at 900 Annabrook Drive and approved a lease consent for a temporary construction laydown/parking area with Brasfield & Gory for Auburn Water Works. All items were adopted by motion; several were approved by unanimous consent where staff had negotiated terms.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Item 8C3: Authorize purchase of a 2025 Ford Explorer for Inspection Services, $39,936 — approved (motion carries).
- Item 8C4: Contract with WW Compton Contractor LLC for Boykin Gymnasium insulation, $198,000 — approved.
- Item 8D1: Accept public easements and rights‑of‑way for Rockhouse Farm Subdivision — approved; developer responsible for improvements or bonding.
- Item 9A1 & 9A2: Gatewood Place no‑parking zone; McKinley/Alice restricted parking (7:30–9:30 a.m.) — approved by unanimous consent.
- Item 10A1: Conditional use for road service / golf‑cart sales at 453 Opelika Rd — approved after public hearing.
- Item 10A2: Conditional use for industrial manufacturing (DK Dynamics) at 2471 Innovation Drive — approved.
- Item 10A3: Conditional use for Tiger Crossing subdivision amenity (clubhouse, pool, pickleball, trails; clubhouse ~6,500 sq ft) — approved; clubhouse amenity will be limited to neighborhood residents while some trail connections will be public per city requests.
- Item 10B: Vacation of drainage/utility easement at 900 Annabrook Drive — approved; easement relocated per developer.
- Item 10C: Authorize submittal of ALDOT Industrial Access Road & Bridge Program grant application, $3,400,000 — approved; if awarded, construction funded without general‑fund impact.
- Item 10D1: Modification to task order with Barge Design Solutions for Northwest Lift Station and force main — increases contract to $489,030 — approved.
- Item 10D2: Contract with James Paving Company LLC for FY25 roadway patch project, $293,367 — approved.

Council members asked clarifying questions on several items (for example, the fire/inspection vehicle and how the fire/inspection teams use vehicles). City staff explained inspection workflows, the expected operational need for a second full‑time fire inspector vehicle and procurement checks that occur in the budget process.","At its April 1 meeting the council approved the consent agenda and a suite of resolutions and contracts including a vehicle purchase for inspection services, gym insulation at Boykin Gym, multiple conditional‑use permits and a $3.4 million ALDOT grant application for an industrial access road.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094670,"Council approves morning parking restrictions on McKinley and Alice after neighbors complain of student overflow",374,2421000,2795000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3&start=2421&end=2795","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3/thumbnail_2421000.jpg","/articles/6094670/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Council-approves-morning-parking-restrictions-on-McKinley-and-Alice-after-neighbors-complain-of-student-overflow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094670-8b4fe3981962c9370e69dda053dce1cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023817&Signature=iVcEzA8tR12iQLWOGR2HFjZyo4m5-5jdoAIfEfHzUDd55m3ouPmtAIyCIJYF6MpLK~bx0xJI~JHYAzmR1QyuAd~1FHInbQKfPLxUsqbOcvjhGk8Si3Ov7E4NT6Y81GGaT-aMbw4wdzbhAFFo8yHKqMZeItyg0GDHgegLkQSOaKTOIhtLXfQWcNMwfP~Rzs3cf~UfN82Ytf8qxsWTbqujp8FqHIk7tNdDPJJFuTpCEoylUFGWRUinZfTSolIS8XLdCxXPWDVXNeCtQESpq2m0daCQFeNRmH2O6srI8zt99AJ3FDy-1Dtggg1IHUb82V6WbLi8fVtt~xpZm5vq6AHGtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Auburn City Council unanimously approved two ordinances April 1 that restrict parking near Auburn High School after residents reported students parking on neighborhood streets, loud music, litter and, in at least one instance, vehicles blocking a fire hydrant.

Resident Cody Warren, who lives at 1436 McKinley Avenue, told the council that students \"are playing loud music, they are using profanity\" and that some cars had parked near a fire hydrant, raising safety concerns. \"We really don't mind the cars there as long as they don't block our driveway,\" Warren said.

Council and staff said the restrictions are meant to reduce all‑day student parking in small residential streets while still allowing residents and service providers access outside the restricted hours. The ordinance enacted for McKinley Avenue and Alice Street imposes a no‑parking window of 7:30–9:30 a.m.; the Gatewood Place measure establishes a no‑parking zone near neighborhood mailboxes.

City Manager Megan Crouch and staff described enforcement as ticketing by Auburn police and said officers would monitor the area when signs are first installed. Brandy (staff) told the council the 7:30–9:30 a.m. timeframe had been used successfully in similar neighborhoods and was selected as a compromise that would discourage students from parking all day while still allowing residents' guests and lawn services to access driveways outside the restricted hours.

Council members also discussed school policies in which tenth graders are not eligible for campus parking permits and other family choices that can drive off‑campus parking. Ms. Witten noted that while the high school has \"adequate parking for who is available to park,\" school rules and permit limits can push some students into nearby streets.

The council voted to adopt both ordinances by unanimous consent. Staff said the measures can be revisited if they do not achieve the intended effect or if neighbors request further changes.","After residents said high‑school students were parking, littering and blocking a fire hydrant, the council approved time‑limited parking restrictions on McKinley Avenue and Alice Street (7:30–9:30 a.m.) and a no‑parking ordinance for Gatewood Place near mailboxes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6094672,"Auburn council asks staff to draft options to give applicants time to present before public hearings",1292,188000,1480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3&start=188&end=1480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842219-902da44226ccf2f983de29540ae1adc3/thumbnail_188000.jpg","/articles/6094672/Auburn/Lee-County/Alabama/Auburn-council-asks-staff-to-draft-options-to-give-applicants-time-to-present-before-public-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6094672-867e18b40b00d251689b97e0d115a96b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771023817&Signature=H~g6PchnX5FM96ofY8UYhGGUA828GJer2FiujMdlc1NCr-1nzYMfmBbR3lVveSu55vWVhiFsoei4gI8suBLIcqsOLYjmtFZCV4TQFMDCZNeCnESnBXWxHuqmAkhvIg-PRMpidLSBLSBGP6465i47JgnlI58u~uYln9aqEn~SLWJ9QObFBlnkEtdyejT3IX4-L~F-IggmAtof2GuUFvLgTA54id2Nc8MOmf9yr-YKk-B3AdaRr6gcc9bXG3lYNFaqYz~to0KIX3BX-5DrgpCeg~RaikoqDsPextkHqJxy7c52Bb2KK4pcqTFL-AbwIeiuOYaUzoPaOtAO8yaLHVO-oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilman Kelly Griswold asked the Auburn City Council on April 1 to consider revising its citizen‑input procedures so applicants can present more fully before the public‑hearing portion of agenda items.

Griswold said his \"objective is to ensure that the applicant has sufficient time to present his proposal or development or whatever it happens to be in detail prior to going into the public hearing,\" and proposed a specific, limited period (he suggested 10 minutes as a starting point) for an applicant or the applicant's representative to present outside the standard public‑comment window.

City Manager Megan Crouch told the council that the current document governing comment timing is the council's adopted \"citizen input procedures for agenda items other than public hearings,\" and that the council has the authority to change its own procedures. Crouch noted the 5‑minute limit for non‑hearing agenda items and said staff could provide options for the council to consider.

Several council members said they supported the idea of staff drafting options rather than adopting an immediate change. Some members suggested limiting any new presentation window to public‑hearing items only; others said further discussion in a work session would be useful. Councilmember comments also noted that the council already can ask applicants questions at any time and call them back for additional testimony.

By the end of the discussion the council directed staff to prepare draft language and alternatives for the council to review; council members also suggested the possibility of a short work session to go over options before placing a proposal on a formal agenda.

City Manager Crouch and staff agreed to prepare draft language and comparative examples from other municipalities for the council's review, and the council left the matter open for further consideration.","Councilman Kelly Griswold proposed allowing applicants to present outside the public‑hearing window (suggested limit: 10 minutes). The council asked City Manager Megan Crouch to prepare options and suggested a possible work session for further review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents and students debate trans visibility and library materials at Auburn council public forum

Auburn council approves consent agenda, zoning items and contracts; grants and capital work move forward

Council approves morning parking restrictions on McKinley and Alice after neighbors complain of student overflow

Auburn council asks staff to draft options to give applicants time to present before public hearings