AUBURN – The Auburn City Council approved a $341,693 bid from Lavigne Construction for construction of two houses through a Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust grant.

According to the $500,000 state grant, the new houses on Kuhlmann Avenue can be sold for a maximum of $360,000 each.

Councilman Tom Clark noted that the only other bidder for the work, Jobe Construction, was about $10,000 above the maximum sale price.

In other action, the council agreed to a $4,500 annual fee to digitize meeting documents through Sparq Data Solutions. City Administrator Crystal Dunekacke said council members can access electronic meeting services through devices rather than relying on printed copies.

The council also approved IWorQ applications. Dunekacke said it will help departments, such as the building inspector, keep track of visits to property and notations.

The city approved temporary closing of Highway 136 and Central Avenue for Auburn’s Christmas Opening on Thursday, Nov. 16. The Auburn Chamber of Commerce expects pedestrian traffic from 3 to 9 p.m.

The Auburn Optimists and chamber are requesting use of the parking lot by Korner Kitchen for Spookfest on Oct. 31 from after school until  at 7 p.m.