Auburn City Council Special Session - June 3, 2026

The Auburn City Council held a special session on June 3, 2026, to address a full agenda including proclamations, consent calendar items, a public hearing on historic design review permits, reports from the Youth Advisory Commission, Placer County Water Agency, workforce vacancies, Public Works, and adoption of the FY 2026-27 proposed budget. The meeting lasted from approximately 2:00 PM to 8:47 PM.

Mayor's Proclamations & Commendations

• Pride Month Proclamation: The Mayor and Council proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month, recognizing the LGBTQ+ community. Representatives from the community accepted the proclamation.
• Recognition of Steve Galliart: The Council honored Steve Galliart for his decades of volunteer service, including 10 years on the Planning Commission, leadership in Rotary, the Festival of Lights Parade, and other civic contributions. Galliart is moving out of state.

Consent Calendar

The Council approved the consent calendar (11 items) by a single roll call vote. Items included:

• Approval of the SHAAC workplan and fundraising request.
• Receipt of investment reports for Q1 2026 and April 2026.
• Amendment to the lease with Almost Free to All (AFTA) for the Carnegie Library.
• Notices of completion for APD siding repair, 949 Lincoln Way sewer replacement, 2025 sewer improvements.
• Authorization of LTF claims and extension of professional audit services.
• Correction of Dispatcher I/II pay schedule retroactive to May 31, 2026.
• Cancellation of the June 8, 2026 regular meeting.

Public Comments

• Sue Ingall (Roby Point resident): Expressed concern about litter (Mylar balloons) left after high school graduation, asking the city to coordinate with the school for cleanup.
• Bridget (public comment on SHAAC and Rotary Peace Park): Announced a tile unveiling on June 23, 2026, from 5:30-6:30 PM at Central Square, and a Rotary Peace Park event on June 22, 2026, from 4:00-5:30 PM.
• Janae Noble (Auburn Porch Fest founder): Inquired about using Auburn on Demand transit for the Porch Fest event on October 4, 2026 (a Sunday), and offered to pay for services. Public Works Director indicated they could discuss special event routes.

Public Hearing: Ordinance Amending Historic Design Review Permit Requirements

• Staff Presentation: Jonathan (Planning) presented an ordinance to streamline approval for exterior painting and minor improvements (awnings, roofing) in historic districts, using approved color palettes (Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore historic collections). The Planning Commission and HDRC recommended approval.
• Council Discussion: Council members expressed support, noting that color is not permanent and the change will encourage investment and reduce barriers. A motion to hold the first reading passed unanimously (roll call: 5-0).

Council Business: Youth Advisory Commission Report

• The Youth Commission presented their annual report, describing monthly meetings, field trips, and a community service booth at Springfest. They awarded "Youth Choice Awards" to local businesses (Auburn Gymnastics, Music Lab, Auburn Bike Park, Dutch Bros, Burgers and Cream, Grocery Outlet, Moonwalk Threads). Applications for the 2026-27 term are open through June 5, 2026, for grades 6-12.

Placer County Water Agency Pipeline Construction Presentation

• Jordan Jacobson (PCWA Associate Engineer): Presented the Fulweiler-Garfield pipeline replacement project (replacing water mains installed 1950-1967). Construction anticipated October 2026 to early spring 2027, with night work on Highway 49 and daytime work on Fulweiler and Garfield. Water service outages will be limited (12 service meters, 1 residential). Council asked about abandoned pipes and traffic impacts; PCWA will coordinate with the city.

Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment Report

• Jen Leal (HR Director): Presented the hearing required by AB 2561. As of December 31, 2025, the city had 2 vacancies (firefighter positions) for a citywide vacancy rate of 2.4%. The average time to fill vacancies was 63 days (69 for safety, 58 for non-safety). The retention rate was 88.5%. No bargaining unit requested to present. No action required.

Public Works 2025/26 Annual Report

• Benjamin Dean (Public Works Director): Highlighted accomplishments: treated 424 million gallons of wastewater, cleaned 120,000 feet of sewer main, transit provided 91,000 miles with 98% on-time performance, 447 first-time riders, 490,000 sq ft of roadway treated, 1,600 work orders completed, 48 community events supported. Challenges include aging infrastructure, loss of $500,000 annual general fund contribution for roads, and stormwater funding gaps. The department is expanding on-demand transit hours to 8 PM (Monday-Saturday) starting summer 2026, with free fares on Saturdays.

Fiscal Year 2026-27 Proposed Budget

• Gretchen Hoskins (Finance Director): Presented the proposed budget of $33,456,954, including General Fund $18,676,682, special revenue funds $3,972,426, enterprise funds $10,474,821, and redevelopment property tax fund $333,025. General Fund reserves estimated at $5,375,542 (25% of expenditures). Sales tax is the largest revenue source (43% of General Fund). A one-time shortfall in the current year ($1.1 million for storm drain repair) will be covered by reserves. The budget includes a reclassification of a finance technician to finance analyst. The appropriations limit is set at $28,351,238. The Council approved the budget by resolution with a unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Final adoption is scheduled for June 22, 2026.

City Manager Report

• City Manager Sean: Reported on a panel at the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce event, bear sightings (coordinated with Fish and Wildlife), and June work anniversaries. He also noted the cancellation of the June 8 regular meeting and the next meeting on June 22.

Council Committee Reports

• Councilmembers provided updates on local events: music on the square, sustainability lawn replacement, Auburn Bike Month celebration, CalCCA conference, PCTPA active transportation plan, SHAAC tile tours, and ARD donation to fireworks. The fireworks fundraising campaign has raised approximately $700 of the $20,000 goal.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (roll call).
• Historic Design Review Ordinance: First reading approved unanimously (5-0).
• FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget: Approved by resolution (5-0).
• Informational Reports: Received and filed (PCWA pipeline, workforce vacancies, Public Works annual report).
• Next Steps: Final budget adoption on June 22, 2026; June 8 regular meeting cancelled; Youth Commission applications due June 5, 2026.