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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Auburn City Council Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

City Council — Monday, October 5, 2026

BodyAuburn, Washington

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, October 5, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

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Transcript — Verbatim

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

I think it's a

Unassigned speaker

0:01

very good

Speaker 1

0:02

question.

Speaker 2

0:04

Recording in progress.

Speaker 1

0:15

Oh, okay.

0:24

Okay, I think that's a good question.

0:27

Are they still there?

0:30

I love it.

0:31

We still have to get started.

Speaker 3

0:35

Okay.

Speaker 1

0:36

No more.

0:37

Thank you.

Speaker 4

0:47

Good evening.

0:48

We will call the Auburn City Council meeting for Monday, October 5th, 2026 to order.

0:54

And we will begin with a land acknowledgement.

0:57

We would like to acknowledge the federally recognized Muckleshute Indian tribe, the ancestral keepers of the land we are gathered on today.

1:04

We thank them for their immense contributions to our state and local history, culture, economy, and identity as Washingtonians.

1:13

Today's city council meeting will be held both in person and virtually.

1:18

And now, if you would all please rise and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for

Unassigned speaker

1:37

all.

Speaker 2

1:38

Thank

Speaker 4

1:38

you.

Speaker 2

1:39

Please be seated.

Speaker 5

1:42

And Sean, will you please call roll?

1:44

Deputy Mayor Taylor.

Speaker 6

1:45

Here.

Speaker 5

1:46

Councilmore Amher.

1:47

Here.

1:47

Councilmember Baldwin.

Speaker 6

1:48

Here.

Speaker 5

1:49

Councilmember Lott.

1:50

Here.

1:50

Councilmar Rakes?

1:52

Here.

1:52

Councilmember Sturgis.

Speaker 4

1:53

Here.

Speaker 5

1:53

Councilmember Clinton Taylor.

1:55

Here.

1:56

Thank you.

Speaker 4

1:57

All right.

1:58

Tonight we have several proclamations, so I'm going to move down to the podium.

2:23

Good evening, everyone.

2:26

Our first proclamation this evening is for Indigenous People's Day.

Speaker 1

2:34

Whereas the second Monday

Speaker 4

2:36

of October is commonly celebrated as Indigenous People's Day in our nation and in our city, and we honor the sovereignty, resilience, and immense contributions that Native Americans have made.

2:48

And whereas the City of Auburn is adjacent to the Muckle Chute Indian tribe, a federally recognized tribe whose members, whose membership is composed of descendants of the Dewamish and Upper Puala people who inhabited central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement, and whose leaders signed the treaties of Point Elliott and Medicine Creek.

3:11

And whereas the City of Auburn acknowledges that the Muckleshute people are the traditional stewards of this land and recognizes that indigenous people and Native American tribes have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to our community through diversity, arts, knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, and economy, and their historical and cultural contributions, particularly those of the Muckleshoot tribe, have substantially shaped the character of the city.

3:45

And whereas in 2019, the City of Auburn passed the inclusive Auburn Initiative to eliminate systemic causes of racial disparities in the city and to promote inclusion and create opportunities for every resident in the city.

3:59

And to promote, excuse me, which includes promoting policies and practices that ensure equitable access and opportunity for indigenous peoples.

4:09

And now, therefore, I, Nancy Backis, mayor of the City of Auburn, do hereby proclaim October 12th, 2026 as Indigenous People's Day in the City of Auburn, and encourage all residents, businesses, and organizations to recognize and celebrate the thriving culture and value that indigenous people add to our city.

4:30

Dated this fifth day of October, 2026.

4:38

Unassigned speaker

4:39

Speaker 4

4:39

Filipino American History Month.

4:43

Whereas, Filipino Americans make up one of the largest Asian American ethnic groups in the United States today, with a vibrant population that dates back to the earliest documented settlement.

4:56

And whereas during World War II, more than 260,000 Filipinos and Filipino American soldiers answered to the call of action and bravely served and sacrificed under the American flag.

5:09

The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Medal Act unanimously passed through Congress and was signed into law in December of 2016.

5:20

And whereas Washington State is home to more than 93,140 Filipino Americans who greatly contribute to the multifaceted fabric of our society through their service in the armed forces, skills, and expertise as medical and health care professionals, scientists, entrepreneurs, accountants, educators, lawyers, and their participation in public offices, civic affairs, economy, and the community life.

5:50

And whereas it is necessary to instill in our youth the importance of education, history, ethnicity in creating eminent role models, establishing proud cultural identities, and producing exceptional citizens of this nation.

6:05

And whereas the contributions of Filipino Americans have enhanced the freedom, prosperity, and greatness that America continues to enjoy today, and the customs and traditions of Filipino Americans are respected and celebrated as part of the rich history of our state and our nation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural████████████████████20%

Public Engagement████████████████████20%

Public Safety█████████████13%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████████12%

Community Engagement████████8%

Education Funding███████7%

Environmental Protection██████6%

Immigration Policy█████5%

Youth Programs███3%

Summary of Proceedings

Auburn City Council Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

The Auburn City Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was conducted in person and virtually, featured several cultural proclamations, a presentation from the King County Library System and the Auburn School District, public testimony on surveillance and immigration enforcement, and unanimous decisions on budget amendments and a resolution supporting the school district's construction bond. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM.

Proclamations

Mayor Backus issued proclamations declaring October 5, 2026, as "Diwali—The Festival of Lights Day," October 12, 2026, as "Indigenous Peoples' Day," October 2026 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," October 2026 as "Filipino American History Month," and October 2026 as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the City of Auburn. Consul General Prakash Gupta and Priest Acharya Varun Dev Sharma accepted the respective proclamations.
Detective Stephanie Bennett from the Auburn Police Department accepted the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation and highlighted the department's partnership with Project Be Free.

Presentations

King County Library System: PhilisAnn Bodle, Regional Manager, reported that KCLS circulated 23 million items in 2025 and has the second highest digital circulation in the U.S. The Auburn Library has over 18,000 active cardholders and saw over 140,000 visitors in 2025. Extended Tuesday and Wednesday hours begin October 18, 2026. Council discussed museum and park passes available through the library.
Auburn School District Bond: Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati and Vicki Alonzo presented on the $491 million school construction bond on the November ballot. They cited severe overcrowding (46 portables across four middle schools), the need to replace Cascade Middle School (60 years old) and Alpac Elementary (55 years old), and build a fifth middle school. The estimated cost is $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Council discussed school safety and security features, air conditioning, and sustainability elements like solar panels. Councilmember Amer asked about property tax exemptions for seniors, which the superintendent confirmed exist.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (7-0), which included minutes from previous meetings and a series of claims and payroll vouchers. The consent agenda included payroll totaling $5,975,063.65 for the period covering September 3 to September 30, 2026, among other expenditures.

Appointments

The Council unanimously approved (7-0) the appointments of Jenny Chen, Joshua Choi, Alise Lee, Izabella Pogosian, and Kristy Rogacheva to the Junior City Council for a term expiring August 31, 2028.

Public Comments & Testimony

Storm Smith (Auburn resident, age 18): Expressed full support for the Auburn School District bond, stating that investing in education is critical for the community's future and urging the council to proactively invest in students.
Ava Hahn (Auburn resident): Opposed the city's ALPR (Flock) traffic cameras, citing a 71% misreport rate from LAPD findings and asserting that data from researchers shows Auburn has become more dangerous, ranking as the 12th most dangerous town in Washington in 2024. She requested the council cancel the contract and reinvest in officers or social programs. She also asked if the cameras were being audited.
Virginia Haugen (Auburn resident): Raised concerns about a disbarred attorney allegedly defrauding non-English speaking immigrants. She also spoke in opposition to the School Construction Bond, expressing worry about rising property taxes and the financial strain on residents.
Vicki Bates (Auburn resident): Expressed concerns regarding federal ICE enforcement in Auburn, describing incidents where individuals are detained and their vehicles are left impounded. She requested the council consider a 72-hour grace period before impounding vehicles to give families time to locate and retrieve them.
Reina Harrington (Auburn resident): Spoke in opposition to Flock surveillance cameras, comparing mass surveillance to the Stasi. She argued the city does not control the data and urged the council to ban automated vehicle tracking systems, redirecting funds toward schools and solving property crimes.

Discussion Items

Ordinance No. 7031 (Budget Amendment): Councilmember Amer moved to approve the sixth budget amendment for the 2025-2026 biennium. The amendment authorizes staffing and equipment for the new municipal court starting January 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).
Resolution No. 5929 (School Bond Support): Councilmember Stirgus moved to adopt a resolution supporting the Auburn School District's School Construction Bond. Before the vote, Mayor Backus allowed for opposing viewpoints. Virginia Haugen provided an opposing comment citing tax burdens. Councilmembers Baldwin and Stirgus spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for safer, modernized schools and generational civic duty. Councilmember Baldwin shared a personal connection to the Oxford High School shooting to underscore the importance of school security. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

Unanimous Approval: Junior City Council appointments, Consent Agenda (Minutes, Vouchers), and Ordinance No. 7031 (2025-2026 Budget Amendment).
Unanimous Adoption: Resolution No. 5929 supporting the Auburn School District School Construction Bond.
State Audit of Flock Data Confirmed: Mayor Backus and Finance Director Jamie Thomas confirmed the Washington State Auditor's Office will audit Flock (ALPR) camera data, with the audit expected to begin in October and conclude by the end of 2026.
Souss Creek Land Acquisition: Mayor Backus acknowledged the acquisition of the Souss Creek Botanical Garden property from Morris Skagan, funded in part by the King Conservation District.

Meeting Transcript

I think it's a very good question. Recording in progress. Oh, okay. Okay, I think that's a good question. Are they still there? I love it. We still have to get started. Okay. No more. Thank you. Good evening. We will call the Auburn City Council meeting for Monday, October 5th, 2026 to order. And we will begin with a land acknowledgement. We would like to acknowledge the federally recognized Muckleshute Indian tribe, the ancestral keepers of the land we are gathered on today. We thank them for their immense contributions to our state and local history, culture, economy, and identity as Washingtonians. Today's city council meeting will be held both in person and virtually. And now, if you would all please rise and join us in the Pledge of Allegiance, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Please be seated. And Sean, will you please call roll? Deputy Mayor Taylor. Here. Councilmore Amher. Here. Councilmember Baldwin. Here. Councilmember Lott. Here. Councilmar Rakes? Here. Councilmember Sturgis. Here. Councilmember Clinton Taylor. Here. Thank you. All right. Tonight we have several proclamations, so I'm going to move down to the podium. Good evening, everyone. Our first proclamation this evening is for Indigenous People's Day. Whereas the second Monday of October is commonly celebrated as Indigenous People's Day in our nation and in our city, and we honor the sovereignty, resilience, and immense contributions that Native Americans have made. And whereas the City of Auburn is adjacent to the Muckle Chute Indian tribe, a federally recognized tribe whose members, whose membership is composed of descendants of the Dewamish and Upper Puala people who inhabited central Puget Sound for thousands of years before non-Indian settlement, and whose leaders signed the treaties of Point Elliott and Medicine Creek. And whereas the City of Auburn acknowledges that the Muckleshute people are the traditional stewards of this land and recognizes that indigenous people and Native American tribes have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to our community through diversity, arts, knowledge, labor, technology, science, philosophy, and economy, and their historical and cultural contributions, particularly those of the Muckleshoot tribe, have substantially shaped the character of the city. And whereas in 2019, the City of Auburn passed the inclusive Auburn Initiative to eliminate systemic causes of racial disparities in the city and to promote inclusion and create opportunities for every resident in the city. And to promote, excuse me, which includes promoting policies and practices that ensure equitable access and opportunity for indigenous peoples. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Backis, mayor of the City of Auburn, do hereby proclaim October 12th, 2026 as Indigenous People's Day in the City of Auburn, and encourage all residents, businesses, and organizations to recognize and celebrate the thriving culture and value that indigenous people add to our city.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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Auburn City Council Regular Meeting - October 5, 2026

Proclamations

Mayor Backus issued proclamations declaring October 5, 2026, as "Diwali—The Festival of Lights Day," October 12, 2026, as "Indigenous Peoples' Day," October 2026 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," October 2026 as "Filipino American History Month," and October 2026 as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the City of Auburn. Consul General Prakash Gupta and Priest Acharya Varun Dev Sharma accepted the respective proclamations.

Detective Stephanie Bennett from the Auburn Police Department accepted the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation and highlighted the department's partnership with Project Be Free.

Presentations

King County Library System: PhilisAnn Bodle, Regional Manager, reported that KCLS circulated 23 million items in 2025 and has the second highest digital circulation in the U.S. The Auburn Library has over 18,000 active cardholders and saw over 140,000 visitors in 2025. Extended Tuesday and Wednesday hours begin October 18, 2026. Council discussed museum and park passes available through the library.

Auburn School District Bond: Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati and Vicki Alonzo presented on the $491 million school construction bond on the November ballot. They cited severe overcrowding (46 portables across four middle schools), the need to replace Cascade Middle School (60 years old) and Alpac Elementary (55 years old), and build a fifth middle school. The estimated cost is $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Council discussed school safety and security features, air conditioning, and sustainability elements like solar panels. Councilmember Amer asked about property tax exemptions for seniors, which the superintendent confirmed exist.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (7-0), which included minutes from previous meetings and a series of claims and payroll vouchers. The consent agenda included payroll totaling $5,975,063.65 for the period covering September 3 to September 30, 2026, among other expenditures.

Appointments

The Council unanimously approved (7-0) the appointments of Jenny Chen, Joshua Choi, Alise Lee, Izabella Pogosian, and Kristy Rogacheva to the Junior City Council for a term expiring August 31, 2028.

Public Comments & Testimony

Storm Smith (Auburn resident, age 18): Expressed full support for the Auburn School District bond, stating that investing in education is critical for the community's future and urging the council to proactively invest in students.

Ava Hahn (Auburn resident): Opposed the city's ALPR (Flock) traffic cameras, citing a 71% misreport rate from LAPD findings and asserting that data from researchers shows Auburn has become more dangerous, ranking as the 12th most dangerous town in Washington in 2024. She requested the council cancel the contract and reinvest in officers or social programs. She also asked if the cameras were being audited.

Virginia Haugen (Auburn resident): Raised concerns about a disbarred attorney allegedly defrauding non-English speaking immigrants. She also spoke in opposition to the School Construction Bond, expressing worry about rising property taxes and the financial strain on residents.

Vicki Bates (Auburn resident): Expressed concerns regarding federal ICE enforcement in Auburn, describing incidents where individuals are detained and their vehicles are left impounded. She requested the council consider a 72-hour grace period before impounding vehicles to give families time to locate and retrieve them.

Reina Harrington (Auburn resident): Spoke in opposition to Flock surveillance cameras, comparing mass surveillance to the Stasi. She argued the city does not control the data and urged the council to ban automated vehicle tracking systems, redirecting funds toward schools and solving property crimes.

Discussion Items

Ordinance No. 7031 (Budget Amendment): Councilmember Amer moved to approve the sixth budget amendment for the 2025-2026 biennium. The amendment authorizes staffing and equipment for the new municipal court starting January 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously (7-0).

Resolution No. 5929 (School Bond Support): Councilmember Stirgus moved to adopt a resolution supporting the Auburn School District's School Construction Bond. Before the vote, Mayor Backus allowed for opposing viewpoints. Virginia Haugen provided an opposing comment citing tax burdens. Councilmembers Baldwin and Stirgus spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for safer, modernized schools and generational civic duty. Councilmember Baldwin shared a personal connection to the Oxford High School shooting to underscore the importance of school security. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

Unanimous Approval: Junior City Council appointments, Consent Agenda (Minutes, Vouchers), and Ordinance No. 7031 (2025-2026 Budget Amendment).

Unanimous Adoption: Resolution No. 5929 supporting the Auburn School District School Construction Bond.

State Audit of Flock Data Confirmed: Mayor Backus and Finance Director Jamie Thomas confirmed the Washington State Auditor's Office will audit Flock (ALPR) camera data, with the audit expected to begin in October and conclude by the end of 2026.

Souss Creek Land Acquisition: Mayor Backus acknowledged the acquisition of the Souss Creek Botanical Garden property from Morris Skagan, funded in part by the King Conservation District.

Meeting Transcript