Auburn Select Board Approves Duck Race License, Apraxia Proclamation in Unanimous Votes

AUBURN — April 27, 2026 — Auburn Select Board unanimously backs Duck Race, Apraxia proclamation, and hears energy manager's first-year report. The board voted 5-0 Monday to issue an open-air license — and separately waive its fee — for the GFWC Auburn Junior Women's Club's 24th annual Duck Race at the Auburn Public Library on May 25, Memorial Day; co-presidents Nancy Barston and T. Jablanski noted the event layout was adjusted around ongoing bridge construction, with DPW Engineer Greg Roto praised for coordination. The board also voted 5-0 to issue a proclamation designating May 14 Apraxia Awareness Day in Auburn, to be presented at the May 11 meeting at the request of resident Barbara King, whose granddaughter Roslyn attends Auburn Integrated Preschool. Energy Manager Juniper King — Auburn's first full-time holder of that position, funded by a Mass Save grant — reported a $112,680 Green Communities grant for insulation work at four municipal buildings, the closure of six inactive electric accounts saving approximately $1,000 annually, and a pending EV charger grant application for the library and Pappas Recreation Complex. The board continued a vote on the Fall Special Town Meeting schedule to May 11 after Vice Chair Todd Kirrane argued the proposed July 31 warrant-closing deadline was too early given FY2026 budget closeout and pending state revenue figures; Town Manager Dori Vecchio said a mid-August close date was workable if the board preferred.