Auburn Planning Commission sends Gateway zoning amendment to Council; City Council set to act on broadband franchise, court appointment
Planning Commission recommends Auburn Gateway zoning change
The only body with published minutes this period, the Planning Commission, voted 6-0 on July 7 to recommend the Auburn Gateway Zoning Text Amendment to the City Council as proposed by staff. The commission also approved its June 2, 2026, draft minutes 6-0. The recommendation now goes to the City Council for final action.
City Council agendas: broadband franchise, airport loan, police guild agreement
The City Council's July 6 agenda included a public hearing on a wireline telecommunications franchise agreement for Astound Broadband, LLC (Agreement No. FRN24-0004). The same agenda listed Resolution No. 5916, a $1,320,000.00 loan agreement for Airport T-Hangar Upgrades (Project No. CP2518); Ordinance No. 7023 amending the City's 2025-2026 Biennial Budget; Resolution No. 5918 on a collective bargaining agreement for the Auburn Police Support Guild Non-Commissioned Unit 2025-2027; and payroll vouchers totaling $3,974,552.67 for June 11 to July 1, 2026. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so outcomes are not available.
On July 13, the Council held a study session agenda covering Ordinance No. 7029 regarding electric-assisted bicycles and electric motorcycles, a Flock Camera Audit presentation, a draft supplement to the Automated Traffic Safety Camera 2025 Program Expansion Study, and a Municipal Court Judge candidate presentation. Minutes are not yet published.
Boards and commissions meet on grants, trees, parks, and salaries
The Human Services Committee met July 7 to establish Tier Ranking Criteria for Human Services Grant Applications, which staff will use for initial review before committee scoring. On July 14, the committee was scheduled to review 2026-2027 grant applications and approve minutes from June 22 and July 7.
The Urban Tree Board's July 7 agenda included approval of May 2026 minutes, discussion of 2026 heritage trees with Park Planning Manager Thaniel Gouk, and noted the resignation of board member Benjamin Woodhouse.
The Parks & Recreation Board on July 7 was set to discuss e-bike and e-motorcycle law updates, NRPA's Parks and Recreation Month, Summer Camp 2026 updates, and approval of June 2026 minutes.
The Civil Service Commission met July 14 to consider the Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List and the Animal Control Officer Eligibility List, plus approval of June 9, 2026, minutes.
The Independent Salary Commission met July 16 to discuss salary adjustment philosophy and review criteria for identifying comparable jurisdictions, with public comment due by 5:00 p.m. the day before the meeting.
Coming up
The City Council meets July 20 with a packed agenda, including confirmation of Sara Watson as Municipal Court Judge (Position No. 2, 2027-2029); a $55,000 increase to Public Works Contract No. 26-103 for Project CP2227 (ARC Upgrade and Repairs); Ordinance No. 7024 granting Astound Broadband, LLC a wireline telecommunications franchise; Resolution No. 5919 to seek a Public Works Trust Fund loan for the East Valley Highway Widening Project (CP2311); and Resolution No. 5912 authorizing the mayor to execute a First Amendment to the lease with Rainier Flight Services, LLC.