Public Meetings - Auburn, California

The Auburn Traffic Committee met on March 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 10 of Auburn City Hall, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn. The agenda contained one business item: a proposal to consider diagonal parking on High Street in downtown. Members heard public comment on unrelated parking concerns, discussed the proposal and its relationship to the city’s Active Transportation Plan, and asked staff to return with cost and safety analysis for an interim diagonal parking pilot. Public Comments & Testimony - A community member said vehicles were using three-hour parking spaces on Linden Avenue as all-day, full-time parking and asked the committee to consider signage changes or enforcement. - The same speaker requested permission to install remotely controlled electronic parking barriers in a parking lot near Jacobs Lane. He stated he had the landowner’s approval. Staff responded that the city cannot authorize construction on property not owned by the applicant, and that even with landowner approval the next step would be submitting plans to building, planning, and public works for code review. Because this was public comment, no action was taken. Discussion Items - Council Member Amara said the Downtown Business Association had repeatedly asked the city to convert High Street parking to diagonal. She described the request as a temporary, low-cost way to slow traffic, support struggling businesses, and make the street feel more like a town center. She proposed a limited segment from roughly Avant Garden to the Cleveland/Elm area, and said it should complement rather than replace the longer-range plan. - Public Works staff noted that High Street is part of the draft Active Transportation Plan/Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which is in final review after about 18 months of work. The plan includes bike lanes, bulbouts, and traffic-calming treatments developed through community workshops, and is being positioned for federal grant funding tied to downtown economic development. Staff cautioned that installing diagonal parking now would significantly change the plan and could delay or complicate the grant application. - Committee members discussed the safety and design trade-offs. Diagonal parking would add about two net spaces on the segment considered, but it pushes car tails into the street, requiring sight-distance review at driveways and intersections. A diagonal stall would need roughly 16–18 feet of width, compared with the 13-foot clearance required for fire apparatus. Some members questioned whether temporary striping alone would reduce speeds or create new collision risks, while others supported the pilot as a compromise gesture to businesses. Key Outcomes - The committee did not take a formal vote, but reached consensus to keep the Active Transportation Plan moving forward and direct staff to develop cost estimates, scope, and safety analysis for a temporary diagonal parking pilot on a limited High Street segment. - Staff was asked to report back at the next Traffic Committee meeting in May 2026. - No action was taken on the Linden Avenue or Jacobs Lane public comment items.

This special meeting of the Auburn City Council was held on March 2, 2026, at the Canyon View Community Center. The sole agenda item was a Strategic Planning Session conducted as a workshop, with no formal actions taken. The meeting began at 9 a.m. and included a call to order, roll call, pledge of allegiance, and a public comment period. No transcript or minutes were available, limiting the detail of this summary. Public Comments & Testimony - A public comment period was provided for items not on the agenda, but no record of speakers or remarks exists due to the absence of a transcript or minutes. Discussion Items - Strategic Planning Session (Workshop): The council convened a workshop to discuss strategic planning. No specific topics, presentations, or deliberations were recorded in the agenda. As a workshop, no action was taken. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made. The meeting was adjourned without any directives or next steps documented.

The Auburn City Council met on March 9, 2026, to consider consent items, key public works projects, pension cost management, and a roundabout art concept. The meeting opened with proclamations for National Nutrition Month and Trisomy Awareness Month/Day. Consent Calendar - Items 1, 2, 6, and 7 were approved unanimously: FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Position Allocation List correction (Resolution 2623 amended from $61,000 to $61,200), acceptance of a $15,000 Rotary Club donation for City Hall patio amenities, Amendment No. 2 to the GIS Services agreement with Dudek, and Amendment No. 4 to the On-Call Storm Drain Design agreement with Mark Thomas & Company. - Items 3, 4, and 5 were removed for separate dscussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Peter Friedrich gave public comment urging the council to adopt a vetting standard for ceremonial proclamations. He cited a Rosevill incident involving the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) and noted a DOJ investigaton request under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. He asked the council to prevent simlar foregn influence operations from using Auburn proclamations. Discussion Items 1. Item 3 – Middle Fork Project Fuel Reduction Management Program Councilmember recsed. Assistant Fire Chief Tony D'Ambrosia explained the grant would clear roadside vegetation in Robie Point for fire safety. The item was approved. 2. Items 4 and 5 – Road Maintencence Contract and Aeolia Drive Sewer/Water Project Notic of Completion Resident Peggy Meadows requested repair of damage caused by heavy equipment and inclusion of her segment in paving. City Manager Sean said he would investigate liability and potential change order. Council approved Item 4 (award to Pavement Coatngs Co., $571,038.49) and Item 5 (Notic of Completion), directing damage claims be processed separately. 3. Item 9 – Highway 49 Roundabout Artwork (Conceptual Approval) Auburn Arts Commission Chair April Maynard described the objectve selection of Deanna Marsh’s team from eight proposals. A video showed three Corten steel leavs with canyon theme; estmated cost $250,000 funded by private donations. Council voted unanymous (6-0) to approve in concept, alowing fundraisng to begin while Caltrans review continues. 4. Item 8 – Unfunded Pension Liabilty Cost Management Consultant Michael Meyer (NHA Advisors) presented the pension situation: $11.6 million unfunded liability, with payments peaking. The city has a $1 million reserve. He recomended establshing a Section 115 trust for flexble drawdowns to smooth payments, rather than a one-time additional dscetionary paymant to CalPers. Council expressed support for staff's recomended 115 trust approach and directed staff to bring back a resolution. 5. Item 10 – Emergency Storm Drain Rehabilitation (414 Grass Valley Hwy) Public Works Director Angel Dean described a Feb.19 emergency where a semi-truck damaged a 120-inch storm drain (Auburn Ravine culvert). Fast repairs with 275 ft of pipe cost $1,392,109. Council approved the emergency finding (4/5 vote) and budget ajustment. Staff will seek reimburseent from the trucking company and improve signge. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 1,2,6,7) approved unanimousy. - Item 3 approved (with recusal). - Item 4 approved; staff to evalate including Meadow’s section via change order. - Item 5 approved; damage claims to be handled separatel. - Item 9 conceptually approv d (6-0). - Item 8: Council directed staff to establsh a Section 115 trust for pension cost smoothing. - Item 10: Emergency and buget ajustement approved; staff to pur sue liability recovery.

The Auburn City Council met on February 23, 2026, to recognize two proclamations, approve the consent calendar, receive a mid-year financial update, discuss city manager reports, and hear committee updates. The meeting was held at 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA. Proclamations - Proclamation for Women in Construction Week (March 1-7, 2026) recognizing NAWIC Sacramento Chapter 63. - Proclamation declaring March 2026 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Awareness Month. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: minutes of previous meetings, investment report for quarter ending December 31, 2025, and assignment and amendment of airport ground lease (Hangar 76 to Hangar76 LLC). Public Comments & Testimony - Councilmember Holmes announced a co-housing project potentially providing 4-6 affordable homes and invited interested parties to contact her. - Councilmember Amara thanked the Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council for preparedness efforts and praised the on-demand bus service, noting it accommodated 23 people on a hike. - Councilmember expressed concern about businesses leaving Auburn and requested a summary of the economic development workshop; staff confirmed the workshop video is available on YouTube and agreed to provide a high-level summary. - Councilmember shared positive feedback on the economic development town hall and highlighted the Placer boys and girls basketball teams advancing in playoffs. Discussion Items - Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year (Q2) Financial Update: Finance Director Gretchen Hoskins presented the update. The original budget of $37.1 million was adjusted to $38.6 million after Q1, and Q2 adjustments net to $38.5 million. Sales tax budget is held at $7.8 million, though a consultant suspects a decline. The general fund balance after audit is $854,000, with $362,335 unassigned after adjustments. Reserves remain unchanged at 40% of sales tax for economic contingencies and 25% of routine expenditures. The multi-year forecast shows deficits in future years, excluding capital projects, labor negotiations, and strategic plan costs. Council discussed the need for revenue diversification (e.g., annexation, TOT, hotel, cannabis) and noted that capital improvements like the recent storm drain collapse are not accommodated in the budget. The unfunded pension liability will be discussed on March 9, 2026. Council approved the resolution (vote: 5-0) to adopt Q2 budget adjustments, an updated position allocation list (including reclassification of Senior Building Inspector to Building Official), and pay schedule. - City Manager Report: The city manager reported on the economic development town hall (75 attendees, focused on sales tax), a new vintage showroom pop-up at 131 East Plaza Street, and a storm drain collapse in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet/Ace Hardware caused by a semi-truck. An emergency repair will be brought to council. - Future Agenda Items: Councilmember Holmes suggested exploring Certified Local Government designation to access grants. - Committee Reports: Councilmember Amara reported sustainability committee progress on salmon restoration, plastic recycling in partnership with Rotary and Treks, and front lawn irrigation. She also noted plans to extend on-demand bus hours and launch Friday music series at Central Square (May-September). Councilmember Dalin Calvio reported on Pioneer Community Energy, Dan Olmsted tile dedication (March 4, 2026), SACOG meeting approving a $1.5 million household travel survey, and a League of Cities policy on sales tax distribution for out-of-state e-commerce. Councilmember Redell Harris reported on the Placer County air pollution control district meeting, noting uncertainty from federal environmental policy changes. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously the consent calendar and the mid-year financial update resolution. - Council directed staff to provide a summary of the economic development workshop. - An emergency action for storm drain repair will be presented at the next meeting. - Council will discuss unfunded pension liability options on March 9, 2026.

The Auburn City Council held a special meeting on February 17, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Auburn Terrace Room for a strategic planning workshop. The session was designated as a workshop only, with no formal actions taken. The agenda originally listed the meeting date as February 2, 2026, but the actual meeting occurred on February 17, 2026, as indicated in the provided transcript metadata. Public Comments - No public comments were recorded in the available materials. Discussion Items - Strategic Planning Session: The council convened for a workshop on strategic planning. No specific discussions, proposals, or reports are documented in the agenda or transcript. Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or actions were taken during this workshop session. The meeting was informational and preparatory in nature.

Note: The agenda lists this meeting as February 10, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is February 11, 2026. The content below reflects the transcript of the event. The City of Auburn Economic Development Commission (EDC) hosted a community town hall on February 11, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn. The event, titled "How Do We Spend Our Dollar?," aimed to engage residents, business owners, and community leaders in a discussion about local spending, sales tax generation, and strategies to strengthen Auburn’s economic and cultural vitality. The evening featured an opening presentation by Mayor Kelly Davis, a moderated panel discussion, and interactive audience participation via QR code polling. Opening Presentation by Mayor Kelly Davis - Mayor Kelly Davis outlined the city’s $32.4 million total budget and $19 million general fund, funded primarily by property tax and sales tax. She explained that Auburn’s property tax growth is slow due to low property turnover, and sales tax is critical because the city only retains 1% of the 7.25% sales tax rate (6% goes to the state). - She highlighted that Auburn’s city limits are only seven square miles, excluding big-box retailers like Target and Home Depot, meaning the city relies on small businesses and local spending. - Davis presented a quick math example: if one person spends $100/month in city limits, they generate about $12/year for the city; 10,000 adults doing so would generate $120,000/year; 50,000 people (including visitors) would generate $600,000/year. - She emphasized that local spending circulates dollars three to seven times within the community, supporting local jobs, sponsorships, and nonprofits, whereas online shopping sends money out of town and adds delivery traffic and pollution. Panel Discussion - Moderator: EDC Chair J. Ross Parrelli. - Panelists: City Manager Sean Rabe, Chamber of Commerce President Manouch Shirvanioun, Downtown Business Association President Dallas Drake, Old Town Business Association President Kat Eich. - Top Sales Tax Sectors: Panel identified fuel stations, casual dining, auto sales, fast food, and auto repair as the top five sales tax producers. Grocery stores (e.g., Trader Joe’s) generate near-zero sales tax. The city is exploring annexation to attract higher sales-tax producers like Costco or car dealerships on the outskirts. - Leveraging Sectors for Unique Experiences: Panelists stressed creating “dwell time” through unique, non-franchised businesses (e.g., Josephine’s, Monkey Cat) and walkable connections between Old Town and Downtown. They noted that endurance events (Western States, Canyons) bring thousands of visitors, but the city does not capitalize on keeping them after the race. - Vacant Buildings: Dallas Drake and Sean Rabe explained that many vacant buildings are owned by uncooperative property owners, not a lack of demand. The city is developing a vacant building ordinance and pursuing code enforcement for safety and zoning violations (e.g., chain-link fences in historic areas). A city grant program has provided “last mile” funding (e.g., $40,000 to The Vault) to help fill long-vacant spaces. - Cross-Promotion: Examples included using local printers (A1 Printing), buying city apparel from Dancing Dog, and purchasing a pickup truck from a local dealer (DuPratt) even at slightly higher cost to keep money local. - Events: Panelists promoted events like Porchfest, Harvest Fest, Kids of Palooza, and the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. They encouraged businesses to stay open during events to capture foot traffic. Audience Engagement and Feedback - Attendees submitted answers via QR code polls throughout the evening. Key themes included: - Missing goods/services: Men’s clothing, laptops, party supplies, furniture, restaurant supplies, kid’s shoes, optometrists, pet supplies, beauty products, photography supplies, and running shoes. - Desired improvements: More parking signage, live music, public art, a butterfly sanctuary, a skating rink, miniature golf, safe bike lanes, later business hours, and better promotion of local businesses. - Attracting visitors: Suggestions included TikTok marketing, billboards, outdoor entertainment, a conference market, and a scavenger hunt (augmented reality Yeti/Sasquatch trail). - Inspiration from other cities: Attendees mentioned St. Louis Obispo, Sedona, Fort Bragg, Mendocino, and Bentonville (Arkansas) as examples of successful destination towns. - Several audience members shared personal experiences: one business owner (37 years in business) noted that even locals don’t know what’s available; another suggested that simply walking downtown creates a vibrant atmosphere. Key Outcomes - The EDC committed to holding a series of four quarterly town halls to gather input for marketing Auburn and increasing sales tax revenue. - A unified community events calendar will be developed on ExploreAuburnCA.com, consolidating all event listings. - The city will continue pursuing a vacant building ordinance and code enforcement actions to address blighted properties. - The grant program for vacant building occupancy will be continued as funding allows. - The EDC has two open seats and encourages interested business owners (especially from the airport area) or engaged residents to apply. - The panel and mayor emphasized the importance of “thinking Auburn first” in all spending decisions to strengthen the local economy.

The Auburn City Council met in regular session on February 9, 2026, at 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA. The meeting opened with a Black History Month proclamation, then proceeded through the consent calendar, a contested short-term rental appeal for 180 Greenfield Avenue, the FY 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report presentation, and council reports. Proclamation - Mayor Kelly Davis proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Auburn and encouraged residents to honor Black history, achievements, and inclusion. Consent Calendar - All six consent calendar items were approved by a single 5-0 roll call vote with no items pulled for separate discussion. The items were: - Second amendment to a professional services agreement with Barry Miller. - Declaration of Fire Department vehicle E-800, a 1987 Spartan/Van Pelt fire engine, as surplus property. - Purchase of a new Ford F-150 pickup truck for use as the Fire Chief’s command vehicle. - Declaration of Police Department vehicle PD-17 as surplus property. - Contract award to Krajewski Flow Monitoring Solutions in an amount not to exceed $125,000. - Amendment No. 1 to the Solar PV Systems Project agreement with Foothill Electric, Inc. Public Hearing: Appeal of Planning Commission Decision – 180 Greenfield Avenue - Planning Director Tia Klump explained that the Planning Commission approved the short-term rental permit on October 21, 2025, after the application was submitted May 20, 2025, and three letters of objection were received during the 100-foot noticing period. An appeal was timely filed on October 30, 2025. - Staff described the City Council’s review as de novo and outlined options: approve the permit, approve with conditions, deny the permit, remand, or continue the item. - Applicant Doug Houston, owner of 180 Greenfield Avenue, stated he has about 24 bed-nights per year, with roughly 45% long-term rentals, 35% endurance athletes, and 20% other guests. He said he requires a three-night minimum, often blocks weekends for personal use, and offered to direct guests to use only the driveway and garage for parking. - Appellant David Sterling, a neighbor for 42 years, argued the neighborhood is a small community of long-term residents and opposed the commercial use. He contended parking is not code-compliant, saying the code requires five on-site spaces for a three-bedroom short-term rental but the property has four, and that the frontage spaces are neither on-site nor off-street. He also raised concerns about trash, unpermitted operation, and a potential hazard from steps built into the concrete parking area. - Public commenters: - Kelly Marino, a Firewise community team lead from Forest Hill Avenue, opposed the permit, citing high fire danger, trash problems, the risk of more short-term rentals, and issues seen in other communities. - Chuck Heiselman, a 25-year resident at 161 Greenfield Avenue, said he has repeatedly picked up trash, described parking and pedestrian safety concerns, asked the city to consider expanding the 100-foot notification radius to include nearby county residents, and requested a full accounting of potential back TOT payments, penalties, and fines. - Council discussion included questions about code enforcement consequences, parking requirements, fire safety, and the economic benefits of short-term rentals. Staff confirmed there were no code compliance cases on record for this property. - Several council members stated they were inclined to approve the permit with added conditions, citing the city’s existing short-term rental ordinance, potential mitigation of impacts, and benefits to local businesses and transient occupancy tax revenue. FY 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) - Finance Director Gretchen Hoskins introduced the report, noting the audit was the city’s second with Eide Bailly, LLP, and that the general fund deficit was officially eliminated as of June 30, 2025. - Eide Bailly reported a clean, unmodified opinion on the financial statements, no internal control issues in the transaction cycles reviewed, and no disagreements with management. - The audit identified 21 corrected misstatements, compared with six in the prior year; 12 were related to FY 2024-25, with common themes around grant handling, new accounting regulations, procedure changes, and human error. - Because of the number of adjustments and a required restatement, the auditor reported a material weakness. The restatement related to implementing a new accounting standard for compensated absences. - The auditor noted significant risks around pension, other post-employment benefits, revenue recognition, grants, and management override of controls, and said the single audit for federal awards was expected to be issued by March 31, 2026. - The item was a presentation only; no council action was taken. City Manager Report - The City Manager provided updates on the strategic planning process, including a session on March 2, 2026, and a mid-year budget update scheduled for February 23, 2026. - He announced an economic development town hall for February 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss sales tax and business support. - Personnel and awards noted included Buck Sim as Firefighter of the Year, a sergeant promoted to lieutenant, and other staff promotions and service milestones. Future Agenda Items and Committee Reports - Councilmember Holmes requested that the city pursue Certified Local Government status. - The Mayor reported work with the City Manager to bring forward legislative principles for future letters of support. - Committee reports included SACOG meetings and a clean SACOG audit, Pioneer Community Energy activities, a youth commission concert planned for May 16, 2026, at School Park Preserve to benefit the Humane Society, and selection of a council member as chair of the Placer County air pollution control board. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved unanimously, 5-0. - The City Council voted 5-0 to approve the short-term rental permit for 180 Greenfield Avenue, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission decision, with three additional conditions read into the record by the city attorney: 1. Guests shall not park vehicles on the street and shall only park off street on the property’s driveway or in the garage. 2. Trash shall be kept in the garage except as needed for collection by the city’s franchise hauler. 3. Guests shall not allow open flames or fire ignition sources outdoors. - The ACFR was received as an informational presentation; no formal action was taken.

The Auburn City Council met on January 26, 2026, at 2:15 PM PT. The meeting included a mayor's commendation, approval of a consent calendar, a public hearing on the Conflict of Interest Code, emergency contracting for airport lighting repairs, and reports from the city manager and council members. Mayor's Commendation - Mayor Kelly Davis presented a commendation to Coach Carl Swain for 50 years of service to Auburn Little League (1976–2025). The commendation highlighted his volunteer coaching, hosting MLB All-Star Fernando Viña, and his impact on thousands of youth. The Swain family joined for a photo. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar by a single motion (roll call vote: all present in favor). Items included: - Approval of minutes from December 8, 2025, and January 12, 2026. - Appointments to committees: Cynci Calvin, Shannon Weil, Larry Grilli (Endurance Capital Committee); Jennifer Costa (Historic Design Review Commission); Doreen Drake, Susan Dupre, Brian Fries, April Maynard (Arts Commission); Melissa Johnson (Economic Development Commission); Sherry Sabbah, Tim Monroe, Jan Foster (Greater Auburn Area Fire Safe Council). - Approval of warrants paid October–December 2025. - Environmental determination and authorization to advertise the Canyon Court Sewer Lift Station Improvement Project (CEQA exemptions per Sections 15301, 15302, 15303). - Contract Amendment No. 1 with LaFleur Engineering for the Aeolia Drive Sewer & Water Line Replacement Project ($50,000 increase). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. However, council members made announcements: - Councilmember Amara recognized Ann Trayson for her induction into the 2026 USA Track & Field Pacific Hall of Fame (ultra runner, 27 100-mile race wins). - Councilmember Down Calvia thanked Public Works employee Tim for filling potholes, congratulated Josephine restaurant owners (Courtney McDonald and Eric Anderson) on being James Beard Award semifinalists, and thanked Auburn Police Department officers (Collins, Silva, Aranda, Assistant Sergeant Almeida) for recovering a stolen bike. Public Hearing: Adoption of the Conflict of Interest Code - Staff presented the biennial review of the Conflict of Interest Code. Key change: Finance Director reclassified as an 87200 filer (files directly with FPPC) per SB 852. Other positions updated on Appendix A. The public hearing was opened and closed with no public testimony. The council approved the revised code by motion (roll call: all present in favor). Council Business: Emergency Contracting for Auburn Airport PAPI Light System Repair - Airport Manager Ty Richardson reported that the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights were struck in December 2025. Norris Electrical, a local contractor with prior airport experience, submitted the only bid. The council approved an emergency declaration and contract with Norris Electrical (requires four-fifths vote; roll call: all present in favor). Discussion included possible bollards (not feasible due to FAA runway protection zone rules) and coordination with Auburn PD. City Manager Report - City Manager announced: - Effective February 1, 2026, Battalion Chief Tony D’Ambrogi will become Assistant Fire Chief. He began as a volunteer in 2008. - Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce awards (January 23, 2026): Rising Star – Chris Hapt (Two Ass Brewery); Best Local Event – Faith and Fantasy Ball; Volunteer of the Year – Peggy Seitzenger; Best Nonprofit – Friends of the Library; New Entrepreneur – Astrid Whitrow (Tesla Hearing Healing and Wellness); CEO’s Award – Eric Chun; President’s Award – Rosie Joe Hernberger; Lifetime Achievement – Bruce Cosgrove. - The Historic Design Review Commission approved improvements to the Auburn State Theater (exterior painting, 1,200 sq ft green room, interior upgrades). Construction hoped to begin spring 2026 after ceiling collapse in 2023. - The city’s bi-monthly newsletter is available via the city website. - Councilmember Holmes asked about securing a nonprofit to run the July 4 fireworks show (250th anniversary of the nation). City Manager said progress is not going well; will approach Rotary. Deadline to contract with fireworks provider is April or early May. Future Agenda Items & Council Committee Reports - Councilmember Down Calvia requested establishing legislative principles (policy framework) to allow the city manager to quickly take positions on legislation without full council vote each time. City Manager will prepare a proposal for the upcoming strategic planning sessions (Feb 2 or Mar 2). - Councilmember Amara reported on the Downtown Business Association meeting: - Spring Fest proposed for May 9, 2026 (volunteers needed). - Forget Me Not Dinner (Forgotten Soldier program) June 12–13, 2026. - Entertainment zone ordinance amendments expected in March. - Discussion on food truck regulations (permitted at special events on business premises, not on city streets). - Board considering new planters, garbage cans, hanging planters, murals, angled parking on High Street, and one-way Lincoln Way discussions. - Councilmember Holmes reported on: - SACOG Board meeting (Jan 15): Jill Galdo (Rocklin) elected chair, Gary Bradford (Yuba County) vice chair; Holmes reappointed as policy committee chair. - Pioneer Community Energy: Holmes elected chair for fifth consecutive term; expansion into 17 new jurisdictions. - Auburn Endurance Capital Committee: Approved water bottle filling station (with logo) at the art park restroom; discussed a sticker/QR code program for businesses to promote the Endurance Capital brand (funding from committee budget). - California Transportation Commission reception (Jan 29) and Placer County Transportation Planning Agency board meeting (Holmes elected vice chair). - Mayor Davis announced a town hall on February 10, 2026, with the Economic Development Commission to discuss city finances, business support, and shopping local. Panel includes City Manager, Councilmember Manoch, Dallas Drake (Downtown), Kat (Old Town), and Jamie Ross. - Mayor Davis encouraged committees to prepare promotions for upcoming Canyons (April 24–26) and Western States (last weekend of June) endurance events. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved unanimously (roll call vote: Amara yes, Down Calvia yes, Holmes yes, Ridell Harris yes, Davis yes). - Conflict of Interest Code adopted unanimously (same roll call). - Emergency contracting for Auburn Airport PAPI light system repair approved unanimously (required four-fifths vote, all five in favor). - Direction to City Manager to bring back legislative principles proposal for council discussion. - Upcoming strategic planning sessions scheduled for February 2 and March 2, 2026.

The Auburn Planning Commission met on January 21, 2026 — the date recorded in the meeting metadata, although the agenda and staff report are dated February 17, 2026 — to conduct a public hearing and unanimously approve Design Review Permit (DRP) 25-06 for three one-bedroom detached residential units at 160 Oak Street. The Commission also received staff follow-up reports on economic development, the General Plan update, and discussed a Caltrans roundabout crosswalk safety issue. Public Comments & Testimony - No member of the public spoke during the general public comment period for items not on the agenda. - Kenneth Ludwig, son of property owner Howard Ludwig of the Marlowe Apartments at 277 Huntley Avenue, spoke in support of the 160 Oak Street project. He said the neighbors to the south welcome the new development, had reviewed the plans with staff, and had no concerns. He described the adjacent property as an eight-unit senior housing complex that has operated since 1974, is zero-profit, and charges $650 per month for seniors. - Later, during Commission discussion, an audience member residing at 134 Aolia reported seeing several near-misses at the Caltrans roundabout crosswalk near the Union Pacific overhead structure and suggested installing a lighted crosswalk like the one at Raley's on Lincoln Way and Forest Hill Road. Design Review Permit (DRP 25-06) - 160 Oak Street - Associate Planner Laura Stewart presented the item. The applicant, Shannee Tong, requested a Design Review Permit to demolish the existing 1,072-square-foot residence (built 1920) and 288-square-foot detached garage, and construct three identical detached one-bedroom units on the 0.25-acre lot in the R-3 (Medium Density Multiple-Family Residential) zoning district. - Each unit would include an oversized two-car garage on the ground floor and 1,089 square feet of living space on the second floor. Parking would be provided inside each garage (two spaces per unit, six total). Access would be via a continuous driveway from Oak Street along the northern property boundary, with no parking in the driveway to preserve emergency access. - Staff reported the project complies with all objective zoning and development standards, including front setback 21 feet (required 20), density 12 units/acre (max 15), lot coverage 29.65% (max 40%), and height 24 feet (max 30). Staff recommended approval with conditions, and determined the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Project). - Commissioner questions focused on the sewer analysis memo (standard), the setback note, and the lack of design standards for residential structures. Commissioner Lemberg commented that the architecture appeared "uninspired" and said the city should develop design guidelines, but acknowledged there was no legal basis for denial. Chair Hyatt asked about drainage; staff confirmed Public Works reviewed the plans and would require grading and drainage plans before building permits. - Applicant Shannee Tong thanked the Commission and said she was excited to get started. When design comments were raised, she said, "I promised to not make it ugly." Staff Follow-Up Reports - Economic development director Jonathan Wright was double-booked and will present updates at the March 17, 2026 meeting. - Staff reported the City Council approved a short-term rental appeal for 180 Greenfield, adding three conditions: parking allowed in front of the property, garbage toters in the garage, and no outdoor fire/smoking/fire pits. - The General Plan update: the draft EIR is expected in April/May, with staff hoping to bring it to the Planning Commission for a public hearing in May. An administrative draft will be reviewed by staff and legal counsel first. - The next Planning Commission meeting is expected on March 17, 2026, possibly joint with the Historic Design Review Commission. Planning Commission Discussion and Reports - A commissioner requested staff look into four trailers located on Auburn Ravine near Eberly, on a property adjacent to a previously approved auto-related project. - Chair Hyatt raised a pedestrian safety concern at the Caltrans roundabout crosswalk near the Union Pacific Railroad overhead structure. He said the bridge pier blocks drivers' view of pedestrians, and he had mentioned it to Public Works staff. He asked that the issue be followed up with Caltrans. Key Outcomes - The Planning Commission approved DRP 25-06 for 160 Oak Street, adopting Planning Commission Resolution 26-03 on a unanimous 5-0 roll call vote (Chair Hyatt, Vice Chair Kramer, and Commissioners Galliart, Lemberg, and Hobbs all voting yes). - The approval includes numerous conditions of approval covering design review, building, public works, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and fire requirements, plus a CEQA categorical exemption determination under Section 15332. - The permit expires on February 17, 2028, unless the project is effectuated or an extension is approved, per the written resolution. - Staff will follow up on the Auburn Ravine trailers and coordinate with Public Works on the Caltrans crosswalk safety concern.