Auburn City Council Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Auburn City Council met on April 14, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Councilmember Amara was absent. The meeting opened with proclamations for Donate Life Month and Placer County's 175th anniversary, followed by a moment of remembrance for Delilah Giuliani, the mother of Councilmember Amara. The Council unanimously approved the consent calendar, two council business items (business license administration contract amendment and emergency sewer repair contracting), and received reports from the City Manager and committees.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved minutes of March 9 and March 23, 2026.
• Warrants: Approved accounts payable warrants from January to March 2026.
• PARS Trust: Authorized participation in the Public Agency Retirement Services Post-Employment Benefits Trust, appointing the City Manager as Plan Administrator.
• Investment Policy: Approved an update to the City's Investment Policy, delegating authority to the City Treasurer, and ratified prior transactions.
• St. Francis Electric CPI Increase: Approved a 2.5% increase in street light maintenance rates to align with the Consumer Price Index.
• Emergency Storm Drain Rehabilitation: Authorized a budget increase of $84,306.98 and execution of a Notice of Completion for the 414 Grass Valley Hwy project.
• Auburn Ravine Sewer Replacement: Awarded a contract (with 10% contingency) of $185,570 to LaFleur Engineering, Inc.
• WWTP Clarifier 2 Replacement: Awarded a contract (with 10% contingency) of $306,031 to Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc., and found the project categorically exempt from CEQA.
• Baltimore Ravine Shaded Fuel Break: Authorized a $66,205 agreement with California Reforestation, Inc. for herbicide application.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Grace Park Presentation: Kevin (speaker) presented a privately funded park project at Bell Road and Olympic Drive. Amenities include a children's play area, memorial areas, a multi-sport field, gardens, and a mile-long walking path. The project is privately funded with a $6 million goal; $1 million has already been raised. Groundbreaking is planned soon with an expected opening in summer 2027. The speaker requested the Council's support and permission to provide periodic updates.

Discussion Items

• HdL Companies Agreement for Business License Administration (Item 10): Finance Director Gretchen Hoskins presented an amendment to the existing contract with Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates (HdL) to add business license tax collection and audit services. The city currently manages nearly 2,000 active licenses, collecting $206,000 annually. The amendment extends the current TOT contract, increases the maximum cost to $155,000, and adds business license services at $19 per license (~$34,000/year). A one-time 30% collection fee applies for delinquent businesses. The change will reduce in-house workload from 30% to 5%, saving $7,447 annually, and allow staff to focus on financial reporting. Councilmembers expressed support for efficiency and cost savings. The motion passed unanimously.
• Emergency Contracting for Sewer Repair (Item 11): Public Works Director Magrill Dean reported an emergency sewer collapse at 949 Lincoln Way (The Vault business). An old cast iron/clay line failed, causing backups. The city will contract with LeFleur Excavating, which is already under an existing bidding contract, to perform emergency repairs. The Council first approved the emergency declaration (4-0), then approved a resolution finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA (4-0). Councilmember Holmes raised a question about proactive inspection when building uses change; staff acknowledged this as a learning experience and will adjust practices.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (4-0) on a single motion with roll call.
• Item 10 – HdL Agreement: Approved 4-0.
• Item 11 – Emergency Sewer Repair: Emergency declaration approved 4-0; CEQA exemption approved 4-0.
• Proclamations: Accepted Donate Life Month and Placer County 175th Anniversary proclamations; meeting adjourned in memory of Delilah Giuliani.
• City Manager Report: Noted upcoming Canyons Endurance Run (April 24–26, 2026), a new quarterly Western District 5 managers meeting, proposed updates to historic design review (paint and awning rules), arrest of a wanted subject via community alerts, a drug take-back event on April 25, Placer County 175th anniversary banner, weekly historic walking tours, and the ongoing City Hall lawn replacement project (with Rotary Club donation).
• Future Agenda Items: Councilmember Holmes requested evaluation of Auburn Folsom Road pavement condition; Public Works Director confirmed it is already being addressed. Council also announced the first Coffee with the Council event on April 27 at 1:30 PM at Flower Garden Bakery.
• Committee Reports: Councilmembers reported on upcoming trips (Sacramento Metro Chamber Cap to Cap trip), air quality board updates (Spare the Air days), youth advisory commission, economic development town hall (May 12), and the Confluence cleanup on April 18.