City Council - Regular Meeting

Recording in progress.

Good evening. We will call the Auburn City Council meeting for Monday, 05/04/2026 to order, and we will begin with the land acknowledgment. We would like to acknowledge the federally recognized Muckleshoot 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. So tonight's council meeting will be held both in person and virtually.

And if you would all please rise and join 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 Tracy Taylor. Here. Councilmember Amher. Here. Councilmember Baldwin. Here. Councilmember Lott. Here. Councilmember Reichs. Excused. Council Member Sturgis? Here. Council Member Clinton Taylor? Here.

Thank you. Alright. We have several proclamations this evening. Yes. We have a plethora of proclamations this evening. So I'm going to move over to the podium. And then after those are done, counsel, we have a wonderful treat tonight. Senator Claudia Kaufman from the 47th is going to provide a legislative update. I think I saw her already, didn't I? Yes.

Okay. And the first one is Older Americans Month. Julie, come on up. We had a discussion about this earlier today. We should be proud that we qualify for that category.

Mayor's proclamation. Whereas the city of Auburn includes a thriving community of older Americans who deserve recognition for their contributions and sacrifices to ensure a better life for future generations, and whereas the city of Auburn is stronger when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are included and encouraged to make their mark. And whereas the city of Auburn is committed to advancing collaboration amongst health care, community based, governmental, and academic organizations enable our older Americans to age well and enjoy a great quality of life. And whereas we can foster communities of strength by creating opportunities to share stories and learn from each other, engaging older adults through education, recreation, and service, encouraging people of all ages to celebrate connections and resilience. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Older Americans Month in the city of Auburn and urge community members to recognize older adults and the people who support them as essential contributors to the strength of our community, dated this May 2026.

Julie, did you have a few words you would like to say?

I do. Thank you, mayor. I would be remiss to not stand up here and tell you about our amazing Auburn Senior Activity Center. So I wanted to let you know that the Auburn Senior Activity Center enhances the quality of life of senior adults, 50, in the Auburn community through a variety of exceptional programming, including a daily drop in lunch, recreational opportunities such as hiking and nature walks, snowshoeing, kayaking. They've gone zip lining, exercise classes, volleyball and pickleball, and drop and play in the pool room.

There you go, council member Sturgis. Free educational and learning opportunities such as the book club, a quilting club, TED talks, lectures, and fee based activities such as art classes, lunch and dinner excursions, and day trips. A variety of health and wellness programs including foot care and massage, and ongoing social time such as Scrabble, Bingo, Pinochle, Contract Bridge, Puzzles, and a coffee bar and movie nights. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM. It's located on the Lescoe Community Campus at 808 9th Street Southeast, and we invite anyone and everyone to come check it out. Thank you. Thank you.

It is a wonderful place, and it is full of life and full of joy. Every time I go, I have a smile on my face when I enter and see everyone, and I'm smiling when I leave because they have made my day so much brighter. Alright. Next is Jewish American Heritage Month, mayor's proclamation. Whereas since 2006, when it was first recognized by congress, Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated to honor the enduring legacy and profound impacts of Jewish Americans in our society.

Whereas from our nation's earliest days, Jewish Americans have been an essential part of the American story, greatly contributing to the religious, cultural, political, economic, and intellectual advancement of all people even while in the face of discrimination and adversity, working tirelessly to realize their piece of the American dream with relentless spirit, and these remarkable achievements have enriched our country. And whereas we celebrate the rich heritage of the Jewish American community in the city of Auburn, we recognize that American Jews have worked tirelessly to strengthen the promise of religious freedom and civil rights in The United States by joining together with all faiths to reject ignorance and intolerance, teach empathy and compassion, and root out hatred wherever it exists. Through our understanding and study of the holocaust, we know the human devastation that can come from systemic prejudice and are compelled to never forget. And whereas this month, we honor Jewish Americans past and present who have woven their experience and accomplishments into the fabric of our national identity. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in the city of Auburn and call upon our residents to celebrate Jewish Americans who contributed immeasurably to the fab to the fabric of American history, culture, science, education, and social justice, and to many other aspects of our community, dated this May 2026.

And next is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. I'm going to ask Megan Udemy to come forward, please. Mayor's proclamation. Whereas Asian American, native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed during the month of May to recognize and celebrate the vibrant cultures and heritage of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, AANHPIs. And whereas a h n h AANHPI heritage month originated with a congressional bill in June 1977 and later expanded into a month long event in 1992.

An estimated 24,000,000 Asian Americans and 1,600,000 native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders currently live in The United States. And whereas we recognize the significant contributions and accomplishments of generations of AANHPI individuals in the arts, education, sciences, government, sports, and economic development both across our state and in the city of Auburn. And whereas we celebrate the a h AA in HPI communities, we also reaffirm our commitment to combating the surge anti Asian hate crimes to create a more supportive, inclusive, and equitable community. And whereas today, the city of Auburn seeks to recognize the diversity of its community and afford all residents the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate rich history and shared experiences of Asian Americans, native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Asian American, native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the city of Auburn and urge our community to join me in this special observance dated this May 2026.

Megan? Thank you. Thank you. Would you like to see a few words? Absolutely.

K. Well, thank you, mayor, and thank you to the city council for recognizing the Asian and American Pacific Islander community this month. I've been a Pacific Islander my whole life, and I know two things to be true. One, we are always the life of the party. And number two, don't get us in front of a microphone because we love karaoke. But jokes aside, there are over 70,000 Pacific Islanders in Washington state, and oftentimes, we feel overlooked. Thankfully, that is not the case in Auburn. So I'm so incredibly grateful to work for a city that not only recognizes us this month, but throughout the whole year. Thank you. Next

is municipal clerk's week. Sean. Is Jason gonna try and take over your duties while you're up here? I'm guessing he just let

it go. Absolutely.

Just gonna let it go. Well, we'll get you back to your very important duties. Mayor's proclamation. Whereas the office of the municipal clerk, a time honored and vital part of the local government exists throughout the world, and whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk is the oldest among public servants, and it's most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the office of the municipal clerks. And whereas the office of the professional municipal clerk provides the professional link between residents, the local governing bodies, and agencies of government at other levels.

And whereas professional municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality rendering equal service to all, and whereas the professional municipal clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community, And whereas professional municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the office of the professional municipal clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meeting of their state, county, and international professional organizations. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim the week of May 2026 as municipal clerk's week in the city of Auburn and extend appreciation to our city clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the community they represent, dated this May 2026. Sean, I will give this to you and ask why municipal clerks you could change it to be a month.

We should.

You should. Yeah.

You should. You have that you have that power. Yeah. And I know that you were just at another state conference I was. In California I was. Because she had her Star Wars ears on today because it's May 4. May 4 be with you. Mhmm. So if you have a few words

you would like to say, Sean.

And I think, Jason is taking copious notes over there.

I already wrote in there, I think the mayor and council. No. I would like to accept this on behalf of my entire team. I have absolutely amazing team. They are how my office is able to do everything that we do. Their integrity and their hard work is what public servants truly embody. And so thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. You really do have a great team. And supervisor. And a great supervisor as well. Yes. I'm sure she said thank you to the supervisor in those notes too. Next no. Next is National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Chief Callier?

Bless you. Mayor's proclamation. Whereas in 1962, president John f Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week to honor the service and sacrifice of officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. And whereas law enforcement is a noble and courageous occupation, we honor and recognize our police officers for their service and sacrifice in keeping our community safe. And whereas there are approximately 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across The United States, the dedicated members of the Auburn Police and the Auburn Police Department.

Whereas since the first recorded police death in 1786, more than twenty four thousand five hundred twenty three law enforcement officers in The United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and tragically have been killed in the line of duty. Sadly, there will be 111 new names of fallen officers being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring, including Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara, Marissa Gudding, and Spokane County Sheriff Sergeant Kenneth Solis. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, call upon our community in Auburn to observe the week of May 10 through the sixteenth twenty twenty six as National Police Week and join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities. And I further call upon community members of Auburn to observe 05/15/2026 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and lower flags to half staff as directed under presidential order in honor of the law enforcement personnel who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service. And let us also recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes and their families, dated this May 2026.

Thank you, mayor. Would like to say a few words? I'll be brief. Yes.

Just wanted to thank the mayor and council for recognizing, the men and women of the Albert Police Department who's go out there every day to serve their community. There are, several serving their community right now. They are working hard as always, and I appreciate the recognition. And I do wanna, take a moment to, if you do get a chance to, either be in person or view the peace officer memorial ceremony in Washington DC, I highly recommend it. It is a moving ceremony. It is a good reminder of, those officers, troopers, park rangers, and deputies who gave their lives and service to their community. So thank you.

Next is Apraxia Awareness Day. And if we can have Michelle Haju and and her son, Avery Overa, Please come forward. Hi, Avery. Thank you for being here tonight. Right.

Mayor's proclamation. Whereas the month of May and specifically 05/14/2026 marks childhood apraxia of speech day during which awareness will be raised throughout Auburn about childhood apraxia of speech, an extremely challenging speech disorder that affected that affects one in one thousand children and whereas childhood apraxia of speech, CAS, causes children to have significant difficulty learning to speak and is among the most severe speech deficits in children. And whereas the act of learning to speak comes effortless to most children, those with apraxia require early, appropriate, and intensive speech therapy often for many years to learn to speak. And whereas without appropriate speech therapy intervention, children with apraxia will have diminished communication skills but are also placed at high risk for secondary impacts in reading, writing, spelling, and other school related skills. Whereas such primary and secondary impacts diminish further independence and employment opportunities and challenge the ability to become productive, contributing citizens if not resolved or improved.

And whereas public awareness about childhood apraxia of speech in Auburn is essential for families of children with this neurological disorder and the professionals who support them to achieve the needed services for those learning to use their own voice. And whereas our highest respect goes to these children as well as their families for their effort, determination, and resilience in the face of such obstacles. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim 05/14/2026 as Apraxia Awareness Day in the city of Auburn and encourage our residents to increase awareness and understanding of childhood apraxia of speech dated this May 2026. Who would like to? Would you like to take the award, the proclamation, Avery?

No? Okay. Thank you. Would you like to say a few words? Thank

you so much, and thank you, mayor and the council. Thank you. Avery here was diagnosed at age three with apraxia of speech, and I think it's such an important, movement to be a part of and speak on their behalf, especially for the kids that don't have a voice. May 14 is really dear to my heart and also the month of May to create awareness in my community and surrounding. So thank you so much for this opportunity, and thank you for this proclamation.

Thank you.

Oh, and on behalf of Avery, did you wanna say it yourself, or you want mommy to say it?

Mommy to say it.

Okay. On behalf of Avery, I wanted to add, he wants you all to know that he loves apraxia. Thank you. Thank you.

Yeah. Very nice. Thank you. Alright. And one final proclamation, excuse me, for affordable housing week.

Mayor's proclamation, whereas all people should have access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes, and whereas the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, defines affordable housing as housing on which the occupant is paying no more than 30% of gross income for housing costs including utilities. And whereas the State Department of Commerce projects that by 2044, King County needs nearly 200,000 net new housing units for households at or below 80% of the area median income. And whereas students have found or studies have found that each $100 increase in median rents results in a 15% increase in homelessness in a metropolitan area and a 39 increase in homelessness in the nearby suburbs and rural areas. And whereas the COVID nineteen pandemic continues to exacerbate many existing financial constraints for low and moderate income households and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize safe, healthy, and affordable housing within communities of opportunity as key social determinants of health. And whereas everyone benefits from affordable housing, including the people who reside in these properties, their neighbors, businesses, employers, and the community as a whole.

And whereas the city of Auburn is united to raise public awareness and participation in local affordable housing week efforts to inform the public of the critical need to preserve and increase affordable housing in our communities. And now, therefore, I, Nancy Bachus, mayor of the city of Auburn, do hereby proclaim the week of May 18 through the twenty second twenty twenty six as affordable housing week in the city Of Auburn and commit to actions and efforts to ensure our residents can live with dignity in safe, healthy, and affordable housing dated this May 2026. Alright. And with that, I am going to invite our wonderful senator, Claudia Kaufman, the forty seventh legislative district up to provide her presentation on the on the recent legislative session. Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you so Thank you. Good evening. I'm Claudia Kaufman, State Center 47th Legislative District. Thank you again for the opportunity to come here and share just a quick little update to you.

I'm sure you have folks who do that all the time. So I'll just give my little 2¢ here to let you know. I'm I'm real excited and pleased to continue to, represent this district, and I work hard for the cities in the 47th Legislative District, Kent Covington and Auburn. There were over 260 bills that we passed in sixty days. This year was a sixty day session.

So imagine passing all your policies and resolutions and budgets in sixty days. It's you gotta work hard and fast. So we did a lot of work in a very short amount of time and it was very significant time for the state budget giving the budget deficit that we have is something that we always have to work towards. And knowing that we've had that part of my vision and my thoughts for the future was not just to focus on the budget deficit, but to focus on how we can grow our economy and how we can have economic development and strength in our state. Part of that was working with the governor's office on creating a statewide economic development strategic plan for Washington State, which would include a number of different sectors and communities, workforce development, higher education, looking at the economic development for Washington State and having a plan to help grow that and support businesses within our communities and within our districts.

Big and small businesses contribute to Washington State's economy. So we wanted to really focus in on how we can support our businesses. That was one of my goals. As chair of the senate business committee, I look to find ways in how we can support businesses. Another way we did that was we held a special presentation on the space economy.

And the the valley down here has a tremendous amount of work in businesses and manufacturing around space economy. And they were so super excited to come down till then PM do a presentation to our committee. It's just fabulous. And so I wanna continue that work, moving forward and looking at how we can support the space industry and aerospace industry and manufacturing. I'd like to say thank you to the city council and to the mayor for allowing our 47th Legislative District to host our town hall down here just a couple of weeks ago.

Thank you. It was very well attended. We appreciate the opportunity to be here and provide that information. My office received over 4,000 contacts from constituents from the 47th Legislative District during the sixty day session, which is a lot of a lot of lot of phone calls, a lot of emails, and people coming in person, which is really good. It's really good to hear from folks and know about their positions, understanding the reasoning behind them, and working together as a team.

That's very important to me and to my office. She means my office, you know, they're constantly flagging all these phone calls and emails. So it's it's really great to have that. They've developed a tremendous amount of system in our office to to keep that track going. Thank you for the council members who came to visit me.

Appreciate that very much. It was nice to nice to have you down in Olympia. It was it's always good to have the voices of our people coming forward, you know, whether in person or through emails. I appreciate that very much because that keeps us connected and our direction and our vision focused on our district. And then just a couple of other you had this resolution on on older Americans.

One of the things that we did pass in Olympia, this it made me think of this, this bill was a senior citizen, property tax relief. So we do have that. It creates a standard of 7,500 deduction for those who qualify for low income on the property tax and and also, helps those people with disabilities. We talked about disabilities earlier and also the military. And so that's one thing that we did to help in terms of housing and having stability in our families and our family's life.

Another thing that we did, we focused in on the flood and you know, the flood here and and that affected our district in a very significant way. Actually worked to create a flood caucus. I was like like, come on senators and representatives, let's get together and talk about the flood and so how we can address that. And there are a number of things that we worked on for the flood caucus. There was some policy development, unfortunately did not pass.

There are other things that did happen. We raised awareness to a much higher level. We also were able to secure $41,000,000 in capital projects to help address impacts of the flooding. So if you need to repair your streets that were flooded or other infrastructure, those things were provided for. In addition, I I was able to secure $2,000,000 for the signature point levy in Kent.

So that was that was really exciting. Kent was very excited about that. And looking at how we can address flooding, a number of homes when you buy a home, you know, the the the owners are supposed to tell you if you're in a flood zone, if you're in a, you know, usually floods every three years or whatever it may be, but that's not true for renters. So if a renter is renting a house or even multifamily because you know that multifamily areas were flooded as well. So this says you need to inform renters that if they're coming in, they need to have that information available.

So that was another bill that passed that addressed the flood caucus that we worked so hard on. And sixty days to get get all this going. So we also worked with the Department of Commerce to create an energy efficiency program to allow for low income individuals to work on energy efficiency in their houses and their homes. So we did a lot of work on on terms of housing and housing development, but also policy around, you know, protecting our our most vulnerable. I also worked to get, some money for the Covington Aquatic Center.

As you know, it's it's a few decades old and in need of some repair and updates. So that was really exciting to get that. And I also, you know, I stood up in caucus and there are tremendous amount of views on the budget. Like the budget comes from the governor and from then the house and the senate and they all have to agree. All three of them have to agree.

And everyone has different views and opinions and thoughts and suggestions on budget and covering this deficit. And one of those proposals took away millions of dollars out of developmental disabilities. And and so I'm like, no. And stand up and caucus and and and say that is not what we need to do. We cannot put that on the backs of most vulnerable people, in our communities. And thank goodness I was successful in that. I stand real strong on that. I also had a senate resolution recognizing April as the, developmental disabilities awareness month. I was able to bring my daughter down. She's developmental disabled.

So it was nice. She was all excited and her her caretakers and her work coach and, her employer all came down and it was real nice to see that. So continue to fight on those kind of values that I hold, with myself down in Olympia. State did a lot of work on protecting, Apple Health and Medicaid system that, you know, face a number of cuts. Work requirements and recertification every six months, it's you know, it puts a tremendous amount of stress on folks.

And transportation was able to maintain the work schedule over Highway 18. I know it goes right through Auburn, but the work that's being done between here and and I '90 is important to keep on track. Everyone keeps wanting to put it out another two years. They're like, no. No. No. We're right in the middle of it. Let's let's keep it going. We don't wanna do that for another two years. We wanna keep it on track.

But there's also additional $15,000,000 for for cities. I think I I mentioned that earlier for the the roads that are impacted by the floods. That's very important. It's a million dollars in safety grants for cities who want to install illuminated crosswalks, which is very important for our district as well. I know that's a lot of bicyclists and pedestrians, scooters, and electric bikes that that go through our communities both, you know, it's I'm surprised at how many there are and how quickly they can go up hills these states.

I was like, wow. You guys go you guys go fast. But also protecting, some of the most vulnerable historical information at Lakeland Village. Lakeland Village is an over 100 year old state facility for developmental dis disabled. And it was actually a constituent who came and said, I I'm doing my ancestry.

And I found I had a great aunt who was committed to this hospital, and I would love to have those records. And so knowing that the state, you know, only archives for so long and then after fifty or seventy years, you know, the records are destroyed. And so my bills the last few years is this preserve those and hold on to those. I think there are a number of increases in technology that allows us to digitize a number of records so you don't have to carry these big boxes around. So that was one of my bills.

And this one this year was to extend it through 2030. And working with Washington State Department of Archives and Department of Social Health Services and with the Lakeland Village, University of Washington, we got all four of them to come together to create a plan on how we can preserve and digitize records that the state has. So those are my some of my fun little updates. I and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

Thank you, senator. Council members, do you have any questions? Just I will if if there aren't any, I will say on behalf of the city of Auburn, we thank you for your consistent desire to work together and to work across the aisle on issues of importance for people that live in the 47th Legislative District and how readily available you are whenever there is a question or a concern that we have. So thank you so much for that. We really appreciate it.

Great. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Right. Sean, while you were standing up at the podium, did, our city attorney say if there were any agenda modifications tonight or not?

Mhmm. He did not say that.

He did not? Okay. Alright. We'll move to public comment. This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak to the city council on any issue, and the public can participate in person or submit written comments in advance. Did we receive any written comments, Sean?

No, your honor.

Right. And there is no one online that has requested

No, your honor. Online.

Okay. So we will open it up to in person public comment. We ask that if you would like to speak, you come forward to the podium, give your name, your city of residence for the record, and please limit comments to three minutes. Sean has a timer over there that she will start when you begin to speak, and we ask that you honor that three minute commitment. Is there anyone that would like to provide public comment? Yes. Please come forward.

Hello. I'm Shirley Chittenden. I live in Southeast Auburn. This is a little difficult to talk about. I am actually pretty angry.

Well, I've been to the last two council meetings, and I'm pretty angry and a little disappointed about what I've seen. One of the things is I'm really upset that we're the taxpayers are paying $45,000 for attorney fees for the mayor for a petition recall that was based actions, not city business, but personal actions. And so I really don't feel that the taxpayers should have to foot that bill. I, I to my understanding, process was also not followed to where if there's something when you're a public figure that you need attorneys for, you go and you say, this is what's going on. They approve that, and then you move forward.

You don't come with a bill after the fact and ask for the money and then expect again the taxpayers. And the other thing that really strikes me about it is does the family of the victim that was groomed and violated still live in this city? And are they now having to pay attorney fees for a recall petition that was based on a letter that was written by the mayor in favor of our friend Josh Hedley. The other thing that really strikes me about this whole situation where I'm just, like, can't wrap my head around it is that this guy was a public figure in the community. People knew him.

Then he goes to prison. He comes out, and the chamber, the city, they give him an award. He's changed his name. Now if any of these facts are not correct, let me know. But why did nobody recognize this guy?

Did not one person go, hey. He's changed his name because he was in the community. He wasn't just some guy that was, you know, just living under the under the radar. He was somebody who was known. So it the whole thing is really disturbing to me, and it's really disturbing to me that it's I feel like it's just being swept under the carpet. And and I think you said, haven't we moved past this while

And miss Chinden, I'm gonna have to ask you to wrap up your time.

Okay. So and the other thing very quickly is about the best. I understand

I know,

but you didn't follow process either when you asked for $45,000.

Your time is up. Thank you very much for your time, but your three minutes are.

Okay. Well, science isn't always right.

Your time is about that. Your time is up, miss Thank you much.

You know what? I'd like to be paid back.

Thank you very much for your time tonight. Did you follow-up process? Is Did

you follow-up process?

Your time is up, miss Chittenden. Thank you very much.

Submit bills before

Is there anyone else that would like to speak this evening? Please come forward. Give your name and city of residence for the record, and please keep your comments to three minutes.

Good evening. Rocky Salvador resident from Auburn. Hello, council council mayor Bacchus.

I know I've been here a few

times, but I've never really expected that I would be someone to continue coming before the city council nor would I be somebody continuing to ask that we do something to remove or mitigate automated license plate readers or ALPRs. If you know me outside of these chambers, I'm warm, fun, playful, a husband and father. I volunteer at my daughter's school. I sit on the Auburn Arts Commission and care very deeply about the freedoms we are trading for the false sense of safety and security presented by flock safety AOPRs. I've shared information with this body that should at least, if nothing else, cause pause to think about the harm the AOPRs are causing for everyday law abiding citizens around the country.

I've talked about people being wrongfully accused and arrested due to the use of these systems, shared that multiple law enforcement agencies have caught officers stalking current and former lovers. There have been multiple security vulnerabilities uncovered by independent researchers and journalists such as four zero four Media and Ben Jordan, which I I've shared links to those, reports previously. A new story that I'll be sharing with you more in detail via email is one about where, one of the flock's own VP of strategic relations in business development, logged into cameras in Georgia under law the guise of, being an approved law enforcement officer, which is a clear violation of their contract and impersonating a police officer. He then watched children at this facility, at their gymnastics and swimming classes. Since December 2025, I have provided information as to why flock safety and their ALPRs are not trustworthy, and have provided reporting to this council showing how the data these cameras record is not secure and can be accessed by anyone at any time.

I assume that you wanted to that you wanted to be in your positions because you wanna make a difference in our city. And these cameras, while they might help recover property or deter a few thefts and some vandalism, they do nothing to help our city thrive now or in the future. My ask again this week is that we cancel our contracts with FLAC and move to create an ordinance that puts acceptable guidelines in place for surveillance and AI technologies going forward. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak this evening? Final time, is there anyone else that would like to speak this evening? Alright. We will move on. Do we have any correspondence, Sean?

No, your honor.

Alright. We'll move to the consent agenda. All matters listed on the consent agenda are considered by the city council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? Deputy mayor Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. I move to approve the consent agenda, please.

Thank you. Is there a second? Council member Amher. I second. Thank you. Deputy mayor Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. The consent agenda consists of minutes of the April 13 special city council meeting, minutes from the April 13 study session meeting, minutes from the April 20 city council meeting, and claims, vouchers, and payroll vouchers as listed in the agenda.

Thank you. Counsel, are there any questions or any requests to remove any of the items to be considered separately? All those in favor of the consent agenda, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, please say no. The consent agenda passes. Moving to ordinances, ordinance number seven zero two two, an ordinance relating to housekeeping amendments for recently adopted tack or tax ordinances and amending section three point five three point zero two zero and chapter 3.62 of the Auburn City Code. Is there a motion to approve? Council member Amher. Make a motion to approve ordinance number seven zero two two.

Thank you. Is there a second? Council member Sturgis.

Thank you, mayor. I'll second.

Thank you. Council member Amher.

Director Thomas presented to last study session. It was clear and loud. This ordinance would just amend formatting cross reference error that we are including ordinance number six nine nine three and seven zero one one, which meant the seat, the city business and occupation tax code.

Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? All those in favor of ordinance number seven zero two two, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, please say no. Ordinance seven zero two two passes. Resolution number five nine zero four, a resolution authorizing the mayor to approve the conceptual design, fabricate, and install a public art piece into Centennial Viewpoint Park. Is there a motion to approve? Council member Taylor.

You, mayor. I move to adopt resolution five nine zero four.

You. Is there a second? Council member Mhmm. Baldwin. I'll second. Thank you. Council member Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. As you read for resolution five nine five zero nine four, we're authorizing mayor to approve the conceptual design, fabrication, installation of a public art piece in Centennial View Park. We did get a presentation on that. It's a beautiful work. Looking forward to seeing the finished product, but from what we've already saw, it's gonna be a really beautiful piece added to that park. And so looking forward to being able to go up when it's done and enjoy it.

Thank you. Questions or comments? Deputy mayor Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. As a former arts commissioner, I am just thoroughly excited to see that, like, council member Taylor had mentioned, this piece of art going up in such a beautiful spot. I'm just thrilled that our arts commission is taking a lot of thoughtful time and process when it comes to looking at this art and, and really giving feedback within their, their avenues. So, again, very excited to see this and appreciation to the Arts Commission for bringing it forward. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? Alright. All those in favor of resolution number five nine zero four, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, please say no. Resolution number five nine zero four passes. Next is resolution number 5905, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Auburn and King County to implement the twenty twenty six, twenty twenty seven local hazardous waste management program and to accept and expend program grant funds. Is there a motion? Council member Amher.

I make a motion to adopt resolution number five nine

zero five. Thank you. Is there a second? Council member Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. I second that motion.

Thank you, council member Amher.

This resolution will authorize the mayor to accept 56, granite from King County for local hazard waste management program, which will educate. That's all. I'm so happy to see that for will provide education for waste in 2026 and 2027. Thank you. Questions or comments?

All those in favor of resolution number five nine zero five, please say aye. Aye. All opposed, please say no. Resolution number five nine zero five passes. Resolution number five nine zero six, a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Auburn and King County to implement the twenty twenty six, twenty twenty seven waste reduction and recycling grant program and to accept and expand program grant funds. Is there a motion to approve? Council member Surgess.

Thank you, mayor. Motion or, I'd like to, move to adopt resolution five nine zero six.

Thank you. Is there a second? Council member Baldwin. I'll second. Thank you. Council member Sturgis.

Thank you, mayor. This resolution would authorize the mayor to accept a $106,412 grant from King County for the city's 02/2027 waste reduction and recycling program.

Thank you. Any questions or comments from council? All those in favor of resolution number five nine zero six, please say aye. Aye. Opposed, please say no. Resolution number five nine zero six passes. Alright. We will move to mayor and council member reports. At this time, the mayor and city council may report on significant items associated with their appointed positions on federal, state, regional, and local organizations. And we will begin with deputy mayor Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. I have a very short report. On April 22, attended the King County Executive's Hometown Heroes ceremony. April 29, a part of the subcommittee for the skateboard, essentially working with Sound Transit and other municipalities on, finding some resolution, especially with the current situation with Sound Transit and their budget deficit and how this is going to affect a lot of our cities, especially here in South King County. And I do wanna do a call out, two call outs, actually.

One of which to director Julie Krueger and chief Collier for helping, a resident, in my neighborhood area who has had some issues, and so I appreciate them taking the careful time and thoughtful process to helping them out. Also, congratulations to sergeant Andy Klepp on his retirement as well. So excited for him, and, a big thank you to his service here in our community.

Thank

you. Thank you. Council member Amher.

Talked with me. Good. I need to look at the date. I attend the VEC meeting with forensic investigation council. It was the first meeting. I was so excited. It was Friday. And in the evening, we attend local event, bridging the gap for the youth fin finance empowerment, which was good and was good, auction to support them, and they win the Mariner, ticket. Beside today, we had our, special focus area, community wellness today. We will have coming in, May 26, which will be the second day.

It will be Tuesday. Mark your calendar, which is same day will the city have it, the older American days too. We will have the skip coming to share update, their planning update. We then we heard from the homeless. We talk I learned that the number of the homeless will increase in summer, which was surprise to me.

And there is increase we have a lot of senior adult here and they're senior. There is four, probably the marrow where I know the marrow where there is a three or four senior. They have dementia in our in the shelter, and they the the staff taking care of them and try to make theirs staying good, especially the seat is not it's like for day shelter, so it's hard for these seniors to sit there. It's hard to the staff to I know yesterday in last study session, we had Auburn senior activity center resource negotiate a new navigation program present to us. They'll be going there to the resource.

Anyway, it was so sad to hear that the increase of the senior, especially people with dementia. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Lake Shaland to attend Washington Education Association, conference, which will start Wednesday.

Thank you. Council member Sturgis. Thank you, Deb or

thank you, mayor. April 21, I attended the Arbor Day celebration at Park. Not only did we get to plant a new tree, but, really, it was just such a great celebration, having folks there from the tree board and making that investment in, long term sustainability for our city, one tree at a time, I learned. April 22, I attended the hometown heroes luncheon where, she had, she left out a super important part, our deputy mayor, that she was recognized as one of the four hometown heroes, from King County Executive, Girmay. And it was just such a proud moment to see that, your level of leadership and service acknowledged for all that you do in the community and, such a huge reflection in, our for our city as well.

So congratulations. I was proud to be there. On April 23, I attended the see you later trivia night at Wilson Farm. I just wanted to give a huge shout out that Wilson Farm was my first time going there, and it was just absolutely beautiful. And so I was grateful for that opportunity.

And then this past week or this past week, last week, I met with our Auburn Police Department's Welgram wellness program leader. And as we prepare with chief Collier for the June study session for the officer wellness program to take a look back of where we've come from, where we're now, and where we're going in the future. So grateful for that opportunity for our SFA. And then, this past Saturday, I attended the, sister cities fundraising dinner, with our partnership with Kent and our sister city in Tamba, Japan. And this was a first time learning for me, being on council.

It was such a special night. I made some new new friends, and I I I got to win some special, auction items as well, and I tried to do a little spin this time. I, raised my bid if a community member would be willing to go to breakfast with me with the firefighters as well as a separate community member, go on a police ride along with me. So it was very it was a lot of fun.

Thank you. Council member Taylor.

Thank you, mayor. Thank you, mayor. Nothing specific in terms of my role on council, but I did wanna, say a heartwarm thank you to all of, my colleagues and the mayor who attended, our fundraiser event for the organization that I run. We were able, over the last couple of weeks, to raise over $38,000, for the young people that we serve here in the community and who were elected officials, there were community members, there was faith based folks there, even some of our students who participated in our program. We gave out our first ever alumni award to one of our students in the program. So again, just thank you for your support. It means a lot to me and it it definitely means a lot to the young people.

Wonderful. Thank you. Council member Lott.

Nothing to report.

Thank you. Council member Baldwin.

Sure. I think I gave a half report at our last study session. So building off of that, just calling out that I attended the Kent Auburn Tamba fundraiser as well. I always look forward to that. We have a number of students within our communities that participate in a exchange program with Tamba Japan. And it's specially unique program that I believe goes back, well over forty years. Okay. And so it's a long time partnership between our organizations, and our communities, allowing students to, you know, live abroad and have that experience and bring that back, into our city, which is a beautiful thing. So, that's all for tonight. Thank you.

Thank you. Alright. Going back on some of the items that council has covered, but, for Arbor Day on April 21, we planted a western hemlock at Les Cove, and it is a beautiful tree that as we as we talked about there, we're planting it for future generations. We won't be able to enjoy the shade of that tree, but future generations will, and so as our ancestors have done for us, we are doing so for future. Then, earlier in that on the twenty first, I attended the Kent Valley Air and Space Manufacturing Roundtable.

It was shaping workforce and education priorities, and that roundtable is made up of the cities of Kent, Auburn, Tukwila, and Renton. The mayors have all signed on to that, but it is the manufacturers within those four cities that are working in incredible fields to advance space and air in our region. And the thought power that was in the room that day was incredible. And we were also talking about how do we get young people interested in those jobs. So a lot of work will be done on that.

That kind of dovetails council, those of you that have been to the cities and schools meetings over the last few sessions as we have talked about a jobs or career initiative that we would want to implement. And so that kind of dovetails nicely into the work that we are planning on doing. April 22, I also wanna congratulate deputy mayor Taylor for being recognized as a hometown tier hometown hero by King County Executive Zahalai, as she was recognized for her work in the community both personally professionally. Congratulations. We are very proud of you.

On April 24, I attended the Auburn Food Bank empty bowls event, always a great event. I had my favorite mulligatani soup. Once a year, I get to have that, but it is a great fundraiser for the Auburn Food Bank. And if you missed it this year, I would encourage you to look for it next year in April, so that you can also show your support for the Auburn Food Bank. Attended the Bridging the Gap fundraiser for Your Money Matters.

It was a great event. Kudos to you, council member Taylor, for your ongoing work in making sure that our students are financially literate. That those are skills that, not everyone has when they leave school, and I think it's very important so that we not only are we planting trees future for shade, but we are also allowing maybe not money trees, but close to it for those young people. On April 25, a week ago, Saturday, I attended the Lions Club special needs fishing derby. It was an annual event.

You have heard, Lion Bob come in to invite us all. It was a wonderful morning with kids catching the fish. It's always so much fun to see the looks on their faces as they're catching their first fish perhaps. And kudos to the Lions Club and to the Puget Sound anglers and to the city of Auburn for the work, to clean up Mill Pond during clean sweep so that the pond is accessible to everyone to be able to use that. On April 29, I attended the Tukwila State of the City event.

What I really enjoy is the fact that the mayors, once again, of Auburn, Kent, Renton, and Tukwila support each other, and we attend each other's events, to show that there is regionalism and that we are here to support one another to make sure that our communities are thriving together. On April 30, the Vietnamese Wall Memorial, Alliance, held an event to commemorate Black April. This was the fifty first anniversary of the fall of Saigon and, coming together to honor those who had sacrificed their lives, in support of of having a safe and free Vietnam. And then on May 1, I attended the youth fishing derby that was put on by the Puget Sound anglers at that, at Mill Pond. Once again, it was packed.

So you could be 14 and younger, and there were so many kids catching fish. There were some I'm not gonna be a fisherman about this and go like this, but there were some good sized fish that were being caught. So those had been ones that had eluded hooks over the past years that finally gave in to temptation. And then that evening attended the Kent Auburn Tomba fundraiser for our youth to be able to interact with our Japanese sister city of Tamba and for exchange programs, not only for students, but economic development as well. And I do not believe we have any reason for an executive or closed session this evening, so we are adjourned. Thank you.