Auburn council removes Daniel Bilodeau from Arbon Water District board after notice and hearing

After two executive sessions at its March 17 meeting, the Auburn City Council adopted an order removing Daniel Bilodeau from the Arbon Water District Board of Trustees "for cause after notice and hearing." The council voted 5–0 to adopt the written decision and remove Bilodeau immediately.

Why it matters: Removal of a board member from a quasi‑municipal district is a formal action with governance and operational consequences for the Arbon Water District. The council made the decision following a closed‑door review and then returned to open session to adopt the order.

Motion and vote

Councilor Rick Whiting read the order (Order 29‑03172025) stating that the council "hereby adopts a written decision to immediately remove Daniel Bilodeau from the Arbon Water District Board of Trustees for cause after notice and hearing." A council member moved and Councilor Tim Cowan seconded the motion; the vote by show of hands was 5 in favor, none opposed. The mayor declared the motion adopted.

Authority and procedure

City staff cited the executive‑session statutory authority for discussing the matter: 1 M.R.S.A. §405(6)(C) (personnel and economic development matters eligible for executive session). Councilors then returned to open session and recorded the removal vote.

Next steps

The order directs immediate removal; the Arbon Water District and city clerk will record the change and take any administrative steps necessary to fill the vacancy in accordance with applicable district rules and state law.