AUBURN – The Auburn City Council agreed Monday to add a new chapter to its city code pertaining to  communication facilities.

City Attorney Angelo Ligouri said US Cellular proposed using city utility and light poles for communications equipment, but that request was denied. In the alternative, US Cellular proposes placing six of its own poles on city right-of-way.

Ligouri said the new chapter in Auburn's city code will mirror state statutes and permit installation of the poles, grant leases for the right-of-way and charge fees.

The communications facilities ordinance will minimize unnecessary local regulations of communication providers, provide for rapid deployment of wireless facilities and promote competition within the city.

Ligouri said the communication companies will have to maintain poles and pay to have them removed when they are no longer in use.

The city council also approved a resolution stating that city employees will have no interest when public facilities are used for parenting time.

The library or public parks are sometimes used as neutral meeting places, but city employees will not take part, oversee, or sign affidavits on behalf of one party or another.

Street Commissioner Blake Goering reported that the splash pad is hooked up for the season and the pool plumbing is being worked on.

Omaha Street Percussion will perform at the library at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 15.

A $10,000 new house construction grant was approved for Manford and Susan Cade