City Council Study Session – PW & CD Special Focus Area – September 28, 2026

The Auburn City Council held a study session on September 28, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:10 PM, focusing on Public Works and Community Development topics. Presentations included the 2025 Waste Management Annual Report, the 2025-2026 Auburn Green School Program, a proposed ordinance creating new development agreement regulations, and a budget amendment for the new Municipal Court.

Waste Management Annual Report

• Han Kirkland, Public Sector Manager for Waste Management, presented the 2025 Annual Report, highlighting community investments ($11,000 in sponsorships, support for four city events), service to over 19,600 customers, and total tonnage of 66,680 tons collected, with a 26.3% diversion rate (residential 44.1%, multifamily 21.4%, commercial 14.6%). WM reported 75% of customers have online profiles. Outreach included 100 food-generating businesses visited by interns, and two recycle ride events collected 4,452 lbs of electronics, 1,805 lbs of paper, 11 cubic yards of foam, and 975 lbs of textiles. Council discussed rate increases (anticipated due to CPI and King County tipping fees), organic waste outreach, oversized item pickup, and e-waste disposal options. WM will continue collaborating with city staff on multifamily and business organics outreach.

Auburn Green School Program

• Scott Weide (Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations, Auburn School District), Jeff Welke (King County Green Schools Program Representative), and Angel Cuonca (Custodial Coordinator) presented the 2025-2026 program. Key accomplishments: a district-wide Green Schools committee formed, all 22 school sites participated (19 with staff/student green teams), a 28% reduction in garbage volume (16,000 fewer gallons per week, or 1.3 fewer gallons per student per week), standardized waste stations with clear signage, and compost containers at each school. All participating schools received King County Green Schools recognition. Council discussed the committee selection process, outreach to the remaining three schools, potential partnership with Green River College, and community outreach. The district plans to expand waste stations to feeder schools and focus on energy and transportation benchmarks in 2026-2027.

Development Agreements (Ordinance 7027)

• Steve Sturza, Assistant Director of Community Development, presented a proposed new chapter (18.80) codifying development agreement procedures. Key features: 10-year initial term with two extension options, flexibility on land uses, density, building heights, design standards, and impact fees in exchange for public benefits (affordable housing, open space, transportation improvements, etc.). Non-negotiable items include building code vesting, environmental regulations, stormwater requirements, and state/federal requirements. Approval process requires City Council action; minor amendments can be approved by the director. Council discussed public benefit determination, community benefit agreements, prior development agreements (e.g., Copper Gate, GSA site), and implications of agreement expiration. No formal vote; feedback will be incorporated into the ordinance.

Municipal Court Budget Amendment (Ordinance 7031)

• Judge Matthew Laba and Court Administrator Melissa Patrick presented a $1,197,600 budget amendment for the new Municipal Court startup in 2026. Categories include audio/visual and technology upgrades, court security (walkthrough metal detectors, hand scanners, lockers), facility refresh (paint, flooring, bench refinishing), furniture and appliances, supplies, and partial staffing (8 FTEs by end of 2026, with 20 FTEs planned for 2027). Accomplishments to date include creation of a mission statement, local court rules (still open for public comment until October 9), court calendar, and software selection. Challenges include potential transfer of 130,000 open cases from King County, facility condition, and cost overruns. Council discussed timeline for full operations (January 2027 with phased calendars), payment processing options, and the absence of Community Court in the budget. A more detailed update is scheduled for the October 12 study session.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a study session for discussion and feedback.
• Council provided direction on the Development Agreements code; staff will refine the ordinance for future action.
• Budget Amendment #6 for the Municipal Court was presented; council will discuss it further in the upcoming budget sessions (preliminary budget review on September 29).
• The Green School Program will explore partnerships with Green River College and community centers for waste stations.
• Waste Management indicated a rate study is underway, with results expected later in 2025.
• Council reports: Councilmember Stirgus noted the October 12 special focus area will include a deeper Municipal Court update; Councilmember Amer reported on the finance special focus area meeting held September 14.