Speakers in the meeting transcript said the Rain On Main online auction of decorated rain barrels runs through the week at rainonmaine.com and is intended to reduce stormwater runoff while raising money for water-efficiency and conservation signage.

The auction and the barrels’ conservation purpose were described in brief remarks captured in the meeting transcript; the timing of those remarks within the meeting agenda was not specified.

"What inspired me to get, involved was I come from out west, where water is a very scarce resource. This particular barrel is in honor of my grandmother. The sunflower was her favorite flower of all time," said Commenter 1, a public commenter.

Commenter 2, a public commenter, summarized the conservation rationale: "The rain barrels are very important to help prevent water pollution. We do that by capturing water in the rain barrels and reusing it on our lawns. That way when it rains, that water doesn't run off into our lakes and streams and carry pollutants with us."

Commenter 3, a public commenter, provided logistical information about the fundraising: "Our online auction for our Rain On Main artistic barrels runs through the the week. If you're interested in purchasing a barrel, you can go to rainonmaine.com. All of the money goes to our water efficiency and conservation signage."

The speakers did not specify an auction end date or the amount expected to be raised. The transcript indicates proceeds are earmarked for signage to promote water-efficiency and conservation; no other funding sources or budget amounts were detailed.

For more information, the speakers directed interested buyers to rainonmaine.com.