Auburn City Council Meeting - August 10, 2026

The Auburn City Council met on August 10, 2026, at 1225 Lincoln Way. The meeting included a consent calendar, public comments dominated by opposition to Flock automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, a public hearing on mobile food vendors, a presentation on the Surplus Land Act, and adoption of revised council rules. The council directed staff to hold a community forum on Flock cameras in September and to begin the Surplus Land Act process for two city-owned properties.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (5-0) with Councilmember Riddle Harris recused on item 5 (Youth Advisory Commission appointments) due to her daughter being an applicant. Items included funding a Fire Captain position, vehicle purchase for Auburn Airport, storm drain design contract, acceptance of a $231,013.84 California Highway Patrol CTF Grant, youth commission appointments, and an amended legal services agreement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Flock Cameras (ALPRs): Nine public commenters and additional speakers opposed the city's Flock cameras. Key points: Zoe Haskins reported that a public records request revealed 4.5 million searches from over 4,000 out-of-state and federal agencies (including FBI and U.S. Border Patrol) from 2022–2026, with 1.4 million searches lacking a required reason – violations of California Civil Code 1798.90.55 and Senate Bill 34. Multiple speakers cited abuse by officers elsewhere (e.g., Georgia), 71% error rates in Roseville, and Fourth Amendment concerns. Speakers urged removal of the cameras and no further expansion. The city clerk noted nine emails received, all opposing Flock.
• Mobile Food Vendors (Ordinance): Michelle Tuggle (Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce) and Dallas Drake (business owner) voiced support for the revised ordinance, noting it would allow businesses to host food trucks for promotions without impacting brick-and-mortar restaurants.
• Surplus Land Act: Eric Rob questioned protections against land being resold for high-income housing; a later speaker thanked council for supporting nonprofit use of city property.

Discussion Items

• Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance (Public Hearing): Staff presented amendments to the 2013 ordinance, allowing off-street ancillary mobile vending on private property in the downtown core (zoned D1) for up to six hours per day, no more than five times in 30 days; longer use requires a use permit. The map was amended after concerns from Taco Tree to exclude High Street. The council held a first reading by title only, passing unanimously 5-0; second reading is scheduled for the next meeting.
• Surplus Land Act Presentation: City Attorney Gary Bell explained the law regulating sale or lease (≥15 years) of surplus property. The law requires a notice of availability, good-faith negotiations (minimum 90 days) with housing sponsors, and prioritization of affordable housing. Exemptions exist for small parcels (<0.5 acre) and property with legal restrictions on housing. Council members expressed frustration but directed staff to begin the process for the Carnegie Library and old city hall to allow long-term leases to nonprofits.
• Revised City Council Rules and Procedures: Councilmember Riddle Harris proposed an amendment adding a three-month waiting period before an item that failed with majority opposition can be re-agendized (unless a majority or law requires earlier). The amendment was adopted, and the full rules were approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with amendment (Harris recusal).
• Flock Cameras: Mayor and city manager agreed to hold a community forum in September 2026 to discuss ALPR data, benefits, contract terms, and privacy safeguards, with a follow-up council item.
• Mobile Food Vendors: First reading of ordinance passed 5-0; final adoption scheduled for the next meeting.
• Surplus Land Act: Council directed staff to initiate the required process for Carnegie Library and old city hall leases, with a possible 55-year lease term to avoid repeated compliance.
• Council Rules: Revised rules adopted with the three-month reconsideration waiting period.
• City Manager Report: City manager recruitment to launch; general plan update out for public review; three firefighters sent to assist CalFire through a hire-back agreement.