Auburn City Council Meeting: September 28, 2026

The Auburn City Council held its regular meeting on September 28, 2026, at City Hall in Auburn, California. The meeting included a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, approval of consent calendar items and several council business items, including reports from community organizations, infrastructure projects, and financial agreements. Councilmember Rodel Harris was absent; all votes were unanimous among the four present members.

Mayor's Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week

Mayor Davis read a proclamation declaring October 4–10, 2026, as Fire Prevention Week in Auburn, with the theme "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower." The proclamation highlighted the risks of lithium-ion batteries and urged safe charging practices. Fire Chief Rogers and department personnel accepted the proclamation. Chief Rogers also reminded the public to check smoke detector batteries when clocks change on November 1st.

Consent Calendar

Three consent calendar items were approved by a single motion (4-0):

1. Approval of minutes from July 13, August 10, August 19, and August 24, 2026.
2. Item 4: Resolution declaring certain city-owned properties as "exempt surplus land" under the Surplus Land Act.
3. Item 5: Receive and file the August 2026 report of investment transactions.

Items 2 and 3 (agreements with Placer Resource Conservation District for habitat restoration at City Hall/APD and at 55 College Way) were removed from consent for discussion. Both were subsequently approved separately (4-0 each). Councilmembers expressed appreciation for the public-private partnerships, highlighting contributions from Rotary, the Sustainability Committee, Joe Looney, Glenn Kramer, and others. The grants total $28,000 for City Hall/APD and $13,000 for the College Way site. During public comment, Monica Finn of the California Native Plant Society noted that the grant for her project was reduced from $25,000 to $13,000 and that path costs are not covered.

Council Business: Discussion Items

1. AlmostFreeToAll, Inc. – Annual Report for Branches at the Carnegie April Maynard, board president, presented the 2025 annual report. Key points included:

• Total volunteer service donations valued at $94,502.
• Major improvements completed in 2025: HVAC mini-splits (partially funded by a $23,000 city contribution), window repairs by Mother Lode, lighting in the Sunshine Room, floor tiles, cabinets, and outdoor garden.
• Rental operations began in January 2025 at $20/hour; events included classes, parties, and a five-day workshop.
• In 2026, an artist-in-residence program started, and a kitchen installation is the next major goal.
• A lift project for ADA access is moving forward with community donations. Councilmembers praised the community effort and the transformation of the former library building. The report was received.

2. 1226 Lincoln Way Sewer Lateral Replacement Public Works Director Mengel requested authorization to advertise the project and to explore cost reimbursement options for the privately owned sewer lateral serving a restaurant and venue on Lincoln Way. The line has failed and is under a recently paved roadway. Estimated project cost is $170,000, to be funded from the sewer fund and reimbursed by the property owner (a nonprofit). Councilmembers supported the unusual city intervention due to the urgent public health and business implications, and asked about developing future criteria for such cases. Staff noted the city has done similar projects (e.g., the AOL sewer line). The motion passed 4-0.

3. Wastewater Treatment Plant Power Purchase Agreement Amendment Mengel presented a resolution to amend the professional services agreement with Pacific Power Management, LLC (Nella Holdings) to purchase the existing solar photovoltaic system at the wastewater treatment plant for an amount not to exceed $200,000. The buyout ($200,000 on top of previous credits) will allow the city to own the system and plan for modernization, including potential battery storage. The sewer fund has sufficient balance (~$6 million). Councilmembers supported the purchase, noting the aging fixed-mount system and opportunities for future upgrades. The motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments (Non-Agenda)

Councilmember Down Calvio congratulated Dallas and Bree Drake for The Vault receiving a Sacramento Business Journal award. Jared Lovell thanked the city for the recent Flock town hall and noted that Flock CEO Garrett Langley did not attend a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the topic.

Reports

City Manager Report (by City Manager):

• October 6th planning commission study session on General Plan update and cannabis ordinance; council consideration expected November 9th.
• Baltimore Ravine Shaded Fuel Project Phase 2 (30+ acres) completed September 16th.
• Police department community activities and service awards for several officers and dispatchers.
• Public works and permit center service awards.

Future Agenda Items: None requested.

City Council Committee Reports:

• Councilmember Down Calvio announced an economic development town hall on October 13th on nonprofits.
• Councilmember Powers reported attending the Cal Cities conference; noted a unanimously adopted resolution on local land use control.
• Councilmember Amara reported that SACOG allocated $1.1 million to Auburn for the High Street paving project, secured through a competitive grant.
• Councilmember Down Calvio also mentioned progress on a kiosk design for the SHAT committee.

Key Outcomes

• Fire Prevention Week proclaimed October 4–10, 2026.
• Consent calendar items 1, 4, 5 approved. Items 2 and 3 approved separately (4-0 each).
• Annual report from AlmostFreeToAll received.
• Motion to advertise 1226 Lincoln Way sewer lateral project and explore reimbursement passed (4-0).
• Resolution to authorize PPA amendment ($200,000) for purchase of solar system passed (4-0).
• Written public comment deadline extended to Monday 10 a.m. prior to meetings.
• $1.1 million SACOG grant secured for High Street paving.