Auburn City Council approves zoning changes, infrastructure contracts, library appointment and public-safety tool

Mayor Ron Anders summarized actions taken by the Auburn City Council during its March 18 committee-of-the-whole meeting, saying the council approved several items including a zoning text amendment to allow planned unit developments, infrastructure design and funding agreements, a public-safety data contract and two special-event alcohol licenses.

The council appointed Caitlin Allen to fill an unexpired term on the Auburn Library Board after Daniel Surry announced he is moving away from the city. "Wanna thank Daniel Surry for his service on the library board," Anders said, adding that Allen will serve the remainder of the term and "she'll be eligible to be renewed onto the library board in April of 2026." The appointment was announced as part of the mayor's minutes read at the meeting.

The council approved renewal of a contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions for the Accurint Virtual Crime Center. Anders said a memorandum from Will Matthews, public safety services executive director, describes the platform as providing "an in house resource for regional and nationwide crime data and analysis" and allowing "a more comprehensive view into the cross jurisdictional data and public records." The council approved the renewal under the consent agenda.

Under ordinances, the council approved a zoning ordinance text amendment that allows planned unit developments (PUDs). Anders said the change will permit developers to bring creative, nonstandard development proposals to planning staff, a committee of city staff, the planning commission and the city council. "We would like to have creativity in our community and we would like for our all of our developments not to look and feel the same," he said.

As a resolution, the council approved a design contract with Barge Design Solutions for a culvert replacement at East University Drive and Summertrees Drive. Anders said the agreement covers the design phase and that "this contract is $315,000." He also announced an intergovernmental funding agreement with the Lee County Highway Department for a roundabout at Society Hill Road and Moores Mill Road, saying "the city's contribution will be $500,000." Anders noted the intersection "has become very crowded and this will relieve much of that traffic." He thanked the Lee County Commission and county staff for working with the city.

Also on the consent agenda the council approved two alcohol beverage licenses with Greenawalt Hospitality for special events on Auburn University's campus. Anders thanked the community members who applied for the library board and encouraged residents to consider service on other boards and commissions.

In mayoral announcements, Anders reminded listeners that Empty Bowls, a fundraiser for the Food Bank of East Alabama, is set for the coming Friday night at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and that household hazardous waste day is scheduled for March 29 at the new environmental services headquarters. "This is mayor Ron Anders with the mayor's minutes. Have a great week," he concluded.

Votes at a glance

- Appointment: Caitlin Allen appointed to an unexpired term on the Auburn Library Board (replacing Daniel Surry); term ends April 2026. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Alcohol licenses: Two special-event alcohol beverage licenses for Greenawalt Hospitality, for events on Auburn University's campus. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Contract renewal: Renewal of contract with LexisNexis Risk Solutions for Accurint Virtual Crime Center (public-safety data platform). Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Zoning: Zoning ordinance text amendment to allow planned unit developments. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Design contract: Contract with Barge Design Solutions for culvert replacement design at East University Drive and Summertrees Drive; contract amount for design phase stated as $315,000. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.

- Intergovernmental agreement: Funding agreement with the Lee County Highway Department for a roundabout at Society Hill Road and Moores Mill Road; city's contribution stated as $500,000. Outcome: approved. Vote tally: not specified.