The Auburn City Council got its hands on what may help make the city a little more organized in the future: The City's Architectural Design Guide for the downtown overlay district.

The guide discusses various architectural elements, from Victorian to Art Deco to Rail Depot style, and gives information on various facade designs.

The guide also discusses sidewalks, greenspace and other pertinent information, including stormwater management and landscaping.

According to City Clerk Rafael Avalos, the guidelines, if passed, will make it easier for people coming into the city to understand exactly what they can and cannot do within the realms of their properties.

In addition to receiving copies of the Architectural Design Guide, council members also discussed the possible zone change and annexation of two properties at the work session.

The rezoning of land, owned by Lilburn Development, Inc. will be made to uniformly zone an area in the city from C-1 to C-3. The company also is seeking the annexation of another property, which has an entrance in the city limits and land that is in the county.

While there are no current development plans, proper zoning and annexation will make any future moves easier on the city.

The City of Auburn received a compliment at the work session, as well, in regards to a fire hydrant installation that residents had been waiting for a couple of months. Twice, the hydrant had to be used in other places, but the city's Public Works department was able to place the hydrant.

The council looked at board appointments regarding the city's Planning and Zoning and Parks and Recreation committees. In addition the Downtown Development Authority appointments were discussed. A number of seats on the committees are opening, and the council will either continue existing members terms or appoint new members at January's council meeting.

Also looked at was declaration as surplus of some items owned by the city, ranging from broken drill presses to computer equipment.

Avalos also asked the city to consider creating a program to recognize its employees for their exemplary service. Currently the city does not have such a program.

The meeting closed out the term for Council member Sally Brown, who did not seek re-election in the November race. She spoke briefly to her fellow council people before the session concluded.

Public comment included thanking Brown and the council for the work they have done in recent years to better the community.

For a more in depth look at the city's proposed Architectural Guidelines, check out Wednesday's edition of the Barrow County News.