City council has delayed action on the proposal and now plans a community forum to better explain the intent of the ordinance.

City councilors voted unanimously Tuesday night to hire Stefan Pakulski, 56, of Wayne, as the new city manager.

The $1.7 million proposed to be borrowed for street and sidewalk projects would be paid back with proceeds from natural gas pipelines and other taxable natural gas infrastructure in the city.

The city’s lawsuit alleges the blast was too large and exceeded standards of the Augusta Blasting Ordinance, but McGee’s attorney says the company didn’t violate the city ordinance.

City Manager William Bridgeo said Monday 95 percent of the violations cited by the state have been completely remedied and all that have not been fully fixed are in the process of being fixed.

Maine Department of Transportation officials say a high number of accidents prompted them to add a left turn lane.

Agriculture and animals remain a focus as the annual fair opens Sunday and runs through Labor Day.

A bid solicitation for the project, for which voters approved spending up to $1.2 million, is expected to be issued Monday.

Councilors looked for ways Thursday to avoid placing unnecessary burdens on owners who maintain their vacant property well.