Meanwhile, the Cony flatiron building, already converted into housing, is filling up fast.

The public works director said the system is the best way to increase recycling, but one councilor predicted the stockpiling of trash in yards and garages.

City administrators have met with officials in Waterville, where residents voted in June to keep the pay-as-you-throw trash collection and single-stream recycling program that city began last year.

The May rock blast at the West River Road pit also prompted a city lawsuit.

Councilors also are scheduled Thursday to consider a final vote on whether to approve a proposed Vacant Building Registration Ordinance, which would require the owners of vacant buildings to register with the city.

More than 11,000 people died while they were patients at the former Augusta Mental Health Institute, and a group has been working for years to erect a memorial to honor them.

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.