AUBURN, Ala.- The Auburn City Council took the following actions at its first regular meeting in June:

Approved a funding contribution for the expansion of GPAC. The City Council approved a financial contribution to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at Auburn University. The contribution will be in the amount of $5 million over 10 years for the GPAC Studio Theatre & Amphitheatre Build-Out project, which will extend and enclose a portion of the existing outdoor stage to create a 3,500 square foot studio theatre, construct an exterior stage and enhance the existing amphitheater that will accommodate approximately 1,000 patrons in orchestra seats and 2,000 patrons in general admission. Additionally, the project includes provisions for additional food service connections and ticketing support.

Approved a ground lease agreement for Ann Pearson Park. The council approved the execution of a ground lease with the Auburn University Real Estate Foundation for approximately 47.30 acres of property located at 1420 Shelton Mill Road to be used as a passive park. The passive park will be named the Ann Pearson Park, and build-out of Phase I will include trails, a playground, restrooms, a pavilion, parking and turn lanes on Shelton Mill Road. The lease term will be for 50 years at a rate of $10 per year.

Authorized the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday. The council authorized the exemption of specified items from the City’s 4% sales tax during the 2024 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday held on the third full weekend in July 2024 (Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 21). The items included and excluded from the sales tax exemption are the same as those included in the state legislation authorizing cities and counties to enact this sales tax holiday. More information is available at auburnalabama.org/tax-holiday.

The council also:

• Approved contracts with Auburn University and Auburn Game Day Law Enforcement Corporation and area public safety agencies for supplemental law enforcement services for AU sporting events during the time period of Aug. 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025.
• Approved the purchase of one Life Pak 15 heart monitor for the Fire Department at a cost of $51,612.68, to be used to provide life support services in emergency situations.
• Approved an ABC license for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, slated to open under new ownership.

Meeting minutes and a video of the meeting will be posted at auburnalabama.org/agenda. Mayor Ron Anders’ recap of the meeting will be posted @CityofAuburnAL on social media. The next regular council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber, located at 141 N. Ross St. in the Public Safety Building.