Certainly one of the most discussed issues over the past few weeks is the pitbull attack which took place in one of the city parking lots on Sept. 16, resulting in serious injury to a 17-year-old young man.

The Auburn Police Department and the city attorney filed charges against the owner of the dogs, Daniel Coverston.

The Placer County Superior Court issued a decision on Nov. 5 declaring the dogs to be vicious and authorized animal control to destroy all four dogs. Mr. Coverston has indicated that he will appeal that decision.

Following the attack, one of our city council members suggested that we enact an ordinance to ban the ownership and keeping of specific dogs within the city limits.

We have been bombarded with e-mail, letters, and personal phone calls with legal opinions citing state law that cities and counties cannot pass specific breed legislation outlawing certain breeds, including pitbulls.

The city council is now considering efforts to enforce existing dog laws and strengthening action against dog owners who violate those laws.

The city council has approved a contract to improve the parking lot on Auburn Folsom Road. Lighting will be installed and an addition of more than 20 parking spaces created.

This action will provide safer parking for those visiting Old Town and enhance the use for the weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

Final appointments have been made to the ad hoc committee on arts and history which will make recommendations to the city council on the kinds of public art and dedications to be made in the Streetscape project area.

Due to the rain and some engineering difficulties that portion under construction in the Central Square area is a little behind schedule, but the work should be essentially completed by mid-December.

City staff continues to work with merchants in that area on a weekly basis to ensure that all affected businesses are aware of the progress and are kept informed.

Street paving in Central Square has been completed and the project is becoming more visible for the public to better understand the scope of the work.

I have asked city staff to investigate the possible establishment of a 211 telephone number for the public to use in non-emergency situations which would take the load off the 911 system for real emergencies.

The 211 system can provide information on human and community services available to the public as well as disaster information follow up.

It was unfortunate that the city council had to impose a settlement on our firefighters after the arbitrator declared an impasse during our discussions with their representatives.

The transition from a volunteer fire department to a fully paid department has not been easy.

We have tried, when funds have been available, to bring the department up to competitive salaries with other departments in the area.

With the serious economic situation faced by the city and, indeed, commercial enterprises we have fought to keep as many city staff employed as possible.

I have asked city staff to review possible uses of city-owned property on Brewery Lane in Old Town.

Over 10 years ago there was a proposal to create a small park in that area.

The Old Town Auburn Business Association and the city are exploring the development of additional parking in that area to relieve some of the congestion in that part of the city.

The repaving and signalization project at the intersection of Borland Avenue/Highway 49/Lincoln Way has been completed. The result is less guesswork as to who has the right-of-way at that intersection.

My sincere congratulations to the Veterans Day organizing committee. We had a great turnout in parade participants as well as spectators. The ceremony following the parade at the National Guard Armory was well attended with the Placer High School orchestra providing excellent musical selections with a patriotic theme.

I hope we can use the Armory in future years.

Mike Holmes is the mayor of Auburn.