Summary

Council adopts critical areas update, battery storage rules, and budget amendment; confirms judge and board appointments

AuburnApr 20, 20263 min read

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At the April 20, 2026 Auburn City Council meeting the Council unanimously confirmed multiple appointments (including a municipal court judge), approved a Critical Areas Ordinance update, enacted regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems after voting down a postponement, amended the 2025–2026 biennial budget, approved municipal court code housekeeping, and authorized a grant agreement with the Port of Seattle for economic development. Consent items including claims and payroll were approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

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City Council

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TransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationCommerceEnvironmentalUtilities

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Key decisions

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Confirmed the appointment of Matthew Leyba to Auburn Municipal Court Judge Position No. 1 for a three-year term (Jan 1, 2027–Dec 31, 2029). Motion carried 7-0.
Confirmed reappointments of Tyson Hiffman and Derek Ronnfeldt to the Transportation Advisory Board for three-year terms expiring Dec 31, 2028. Motion carried 7-0.
Confirmed the appointment of Benjamin Rolls to the Auburn Junior City Council for a two-year term expiring Aug 31, 2027. Motion carried 7-0.
Approved Consent Agenda (minutes, claims vouchers, payroll) including claims totaling multiple items and payroll transmissions totaling $3,158,398.00. Motion carried 7-0.
Approved Ordinance No. 6999 — Critical Areas Ordinance Update (amending multiple sections of Chapter 16.10). Motion carried 7-0.
Considered Ordinance No. 7014 — Battery Energy Storage Systems: motion to postpone to May 4, 2026 failed 3-4; Ordinance No. 7014 then approved (Council discussed safety, regulations, Planning Commission recommendation, data, and research). Main motion carried 4-2 with one abstention.
Approved Ordinance No. 7017 amending the City's 2025–2026 Biennial Budget. Motion carried 7-0.
Approved Ordinance No. 7019 updating Chapter 2.14 in preparation for opening Auburn Municipal Court. Motion carried 7-0.
Adopted Resolution No. 5895 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Port of Seattle to accept and expend grant funds for economic development. Motion carried 7-0.

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