Agenda — Auburn City Council, November 27, 2023

1 | P a g e
Auburn City Council
Regular Meeting – Amended Agenda
City Hall – City Council Chambers
1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Regular Session November 27, 2023 6:00 P.M.

Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Mayor
Rachel Radell-Harris, Vice Mayor Sandy Amara, Council Member Mike Holmes, Council Member Vacant, Council Member
The public is encouraged to participate or observe this meeting by:

1. Participate: Attend this meeting in person at the City of Auburn City Council Chambers located at 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, California

2. Observe this meeting live: City of Auburn City YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmZkDGdt8ce1ckCRgcX-15A/live Public comments may be made:

1. In person: Live at the meeting. Members of the public desiring to speak on a matter appearing on the agenda should ask the Mayor for the opportunity to be heard when the item comes up for Council consideration. Comments for all agenda items are limited to a speaking time of three minutes.

2. In writing: Email your comments to [email protected] Comments will be accepted until 7pm on the Friday prior to the meeting date. Comments will not be read during the City Council meeting but will be forwarded to all Council Members prior to the City Council Meeting.

Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to any item of business referred to on the agenda are normally available for public inspection 72 hours before each regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall, located at 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, California. Any writing that is subject to disclosure that relates to an agenda item for open session distributed less than 72 hours prior to the meeting will be available for public inspection at City Hall, 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, California during normal business hours and posted on the City’s website at https://www.auburn.ca.gov/129/Agendas-Minutes. Copies will also be provided at the appropriate meeting.

MEETING PROCEDURES: All items on agenda will be open for public comments before final action is taken. The City Council may take action on any or all items on this agenda regardless of how the agenda items are described.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 530-823-4211 Extension 112. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28 CFR 35.102.35.104 ADA Title II]. 2 | P a g e

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MAYORS COMMENDATION/ PROCLAMATION/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
This is the time set aside for council members and/or the public to ask for removal, postponement or a change to the listed sequence of an agenda item. The agenda will be approved by consensus of the Council.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

This is the time provided so that the public may speak to the Council on any item not on this agenda. Please make your comments as brief as possible (not to exceed 3 minutes). The Council cannot act on items not included on this agenda; items may be referred to staff or placed on a future agenda.

BUSINESS: These items include discussion and/or action by the City Council. They will be enacted upon by separate vote.

1. Filling of City Council Vacancy
Staff recommends the Council interview applicants and/or appoint (by resolution) an applicant for the Auburn City Council vacancy seat created by the resignation of Daniel Berlant, or interview and select the top two applicants and hold final interviews for the seat at a special meeting scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm.

REPORTS

2. City Manager Report

3. City Council Committee Reports
The purpose of these reports is to provide information to the City Council and public on projects and programs that are discussed at committee meetings. No decisions are to be made on these issues. If a council member would like formal action on any of these discussed items, it will be placed on a future city council agenda.

ADJOURNMENT
Certification of Posting of Agenda
I, Amy Lind, City Clerk for the City of Auburn, declare that the foregoing agenda for the November 27, 2023, Regular Meeting of the Auburn City Council was posted November 21, 2023, at the entrance of City Hall. The agenda, along with staff reports, are also posted on the City’s website.

Signed November 21, 2023 at Auburn, California
____________________________________________________________ Amy Lind, City Clerk

AUBURN CITY COUNCIL

STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Amy Lind, MMC, City Clerk
Sean Rabé, City Manager
BUSINESS TYPE: Council Business
MEETING DATE: November 27, 2023
SUBJECT: Filling of City Council Vacancy
Action Requested
Staff recommends the Council interview applicants and/or appoint an applicant (by resolution) for the Auburn City Council vacancy seat created by the resignation of Daniel Berlant, or interview and select the top two applicants and hold final interviews for the seat at a special meeting scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm.

Background
As Council knows, former Councilmember Berlant submitted a letter of resignation from the Auburn City Council effective Sunday, October 15, 2023, because of a potential incompatible office issue created when he was appointed as California’s State Fire Marshal.

Councilmember Berlant’s resignation triggered a 60 day period starting Sunday, October 15 (i.e., on or before December 14, 2023) to either appoint an eligible successor (a person who is registered to vote and a resident of the City, and 18 years of age or older) or call a special election to fill the vacancy. (Gov. Code, § 36512.)
The Council chose to fill the vacancy by appointment during the October 23 City Council meeting. Staff advertised the vacancy on the City’s website, Facebook, and in the Auburn Journal. The City received six applications prior to the close of the application period (5:00 pm on November 17). Those candidates are listed in alphabetical order below:
• Paul Aronowitz
• Richard A. Hall
• Glen Kramer
• Heather D. Leslie
• Jamie Ross
• Michelle Sierra Sammons
Each application (with contact information redacted) is attached to this staff report. Each applicant has been confirmed as a registered voter at an address within the city limits.

The interviews and appointment of the new Councilmember must take place in open session.

Staff suggests all candidates be moved into the Rose Room prior to the interviews beginning to prevent candidates from overhearing all of the preceding interview questions and responses. Staff will then bring each candidate into the Council Chambers, one by one, for each interview where they will remain once their interview has finished. 1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
329567.1
329567.1
1225 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-823-4211 EXT. 192
Staff recommends the Council interview applicants and/or appoint an applicant for the Auburn City Council vacancy seat created by the resignation of Daniel Berlant, or interview and select the top two applicants and hold final interviews for the seat at a special meeting scheduled for November 28, 2023, at 6:00 pm.

The candidate appointed will hold office until the November 2024 election, when a successor will be elected for the remainder of Councilmember Berlant’s term (until elections results are declared and a candidate is sworn in following the November 2026 election).

Staff is prepared to answer any questions you may have.

Fiscal Impact
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with the Staff recommendation.

Attachments
A. Candidate applications (in alphabetical order)
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name
Paul Aronowitz
Email Address
*redacted*
Address
*redacted*
City
Auburn
State
CA
Zip Code
95603
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
Interests, Skills & Abilities
Interests - people, exercise, cooking, travel. Skills - listening and communicating, analyzing complex issues, reading and understanding financial matters and statements, and negotiating.

I am an attorney by education and have practiced law in Auburn for the last 41 years. For much of them I have primarily focused on business and real estate matters. This has involved complex business negotiations and review of financial matters and statements. I have also been the owner of several business that I helped run on a day to day basis, including food manufacturing, furniture manufacturing and import, and national marketing of a board game called Ultimate Golf. Additionally I have been a partner in several real estate partnerships that have developed and own over 125,000 square feet of office space in Auburn.

Over the years I have been on the Placer Union High School budget committee, the Placer High School Charter Council Committee (when Placer High was a charter school for several years on the 1990s), Board Member of the Auburn Faith Community Hospital Foundation Board, and have assisted many Auburn area non-profits in the formation and organization.

List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Supplemental Questionaire:

To assess the expectations you have about City Council service and to understand the expectations other people will have of you as a council member, please respond of the following questions Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #742 Date Submitted: 11/2/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/742 1 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:51 AM
Why do you want to be appointed to the City of Auburn City Council? I have worked in Auburn since 1979 and lived here since 1984.My wife and I raised our two sons here and I feel a deep connection to Auburn and its residents. Having been to many Council Meetings and interactions with City Staff over the years I feel that, given my breadth of experience and skills, I can be a positive presence on the Council and make a positive contribution to Auburn's future.

How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
My education, training, skills, experience and history of community involvement would be a valuable contribution to the make up of the City Council and make me a suitable candidate. I would understand the complexity of issues and be able to help identify the essential elements of the issues. My skills would then help me and my fellow Council members reach a consensus around the best resolution for the City of Auburn.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
Having semi-retired from my legal practice, I find that I have the time and desire to get more involved in issues concerning Auburn. I can think of no better place for the use of my skills and experience to have a beneficial impact than on the City Council.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/742 2 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:51 AM
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name
Richard A Hall
Email Address
*redacted*
Address
*redacted*
City
Auburn
State
CA
Zip Code
95603
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
*redacted*
Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #756 Date Submitted: 11/17/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/756 1 of 3 11/21/2023, 7:48 AM
Interests, Skills & Abilities
I garnered 2,309 votes a year ago in the City Council elections and became the 1st runner-up, demonstrating public support for my priorities. The Placer County Association of Realtors endorsed me in that election. In my 27 years here, I raised my daughter, volunteered at Skyridge, E.V. Cain, and Placer High School activities, and served as announcer for the Robalos swim team.

My past activities on behalf of Auburn City interests demonstrate my suitability for this office:

On Business Advocacy:
-Many local businesses were sued over ADA violations by a predator attorney; I testified before the State Assembly to successfully advocate a change to reduce the lawsuits and still accomplish the legitimate ADA goals. -Recently, there was a proposal to use the Elmwood Motel as a homeless shelter. This would have had a significant adverse impact on local businesses. I helped lead a successful effort to defeat that proposal. -Recent State legislation would have limited the size of gasoline containers that could be filled at a local station to one gallon.

Such a restriction would negatively impact local property owners using gas-powered equipment, mainly agricultural undertakings.
-I will be alert to actions outside Auburn, like County or State government, that could hurt local businesses and those that can help local businesses. I’ll be both an advocate and a communicator of those actions.

On Local Regulations - Auburn must balance housing shortage vs. quality of life vs. energy concerns. I helped establish new signage regulations that allowed businesses to make their presence known while not destroying our small-town feel. I’ll be alert for regulations that harm our goals of housing availability and diverse, sustainable revenue.

On Local Taxes - In my role at ACC, I led opposition to a tax increase that would go to the general fund rather than a targeted purpose.

On Economic Development/Business Development – I promoted City budget allocation to hire an Economic Development director. Following a recent state proposal to shift the collection of fuel sales tax out of Auburn, costing the City nearly 40% of its annual budget, I helped lead a successful lobbying effort to defeat the proposal. For six years, I chaired the Family 4th celebration, which brings enormous revenue to local businesses, second only to the Chamber’s Festival of Lights Parade. I was ACC President and Board member in challenging years of leadership change and recovery from the “Great Recession.” List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Supplemental Questionaire:

SMART Budgeting- Auburn needs sustainable, diverse revenues to preserve the City we love. Too much of our revenues are dependent on a single source.

Wildfire Prevention-Auburn has a complicated environment with various State and Federal stakeholders; Auburn needs shaded fuel break maintenance and expansion. $200M was spent to put out the Mosquito fire, but none went to prevention.

Infrastructure-changing weather will combine over time to stress our roads, storm drains, and Auburn’s sewage treatment. We must plan for that “rainy day” while expanding our ability to provide the tools, like web access, necessary for our economic development.
1st Responders-50% of LEOs take their own lives due to stress; they protect us, and we must protect them.

Technology- the convergence of quantum computing, 5G, AI, robotics, and sensor distribution- is changing our world subtly and dramatically. We can either perish under the weight of those changes or profit by embracing them.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/756 2 of 3 11/21/2023, 7:48 AM
How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
I attended law school at the University of La Verne and was admitted to the California Bar in 1988 and the Federal Bar in 1989.

I also founded three legal information companies to help public and private entities manage the “business end” of law. In 1994, I invented linguistic modeling software that automatically applied budget codes, performed GAAP accrual financial reporting, and conducted compliance analysis.

I have performed feasibility analyses of investment projects, including historic preservation district-qualified buildings, and managed multi-tiered Map Act land splits. I was an early member of the Exchangor’s Club, specializing in 1031 tax-deferred transactions.

I am admitted to all California Courts, Federal Courts in the Eastern, Northern, and Central Districts of California, and the US Tax Court. I am certified by the General Counsel’s office of the US Veteran’s Administration to represent veterans in disability claims and appeals.

I have performed pro bono services for several Northern California judicial districts. I am a Past President of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, a former Board member of the Downtown Business Association and the Rotary Club of Auburn, and a member of the Placer County Bar Association, Sacramento and Valley Bankruptcy Forum. I served as California Director for a nationwide bar review and as a lecturer focused on Professional Responsibility.

I conducted performance and budget analysis for the US Government’s Amraam missile project and served my country in the United States Air Force.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
I have lived by the motto “service above self” throughout my 27 years here, serving in the Auburn Chamber of Commerce as President, Chair of the 4th of July celebration, and Chair of Government Affairs and Economic Development. I am a former Rotary Board Member, former chair of Rotary Vocational Services, and past Vice President of the Forgotten Soldier Program.

It takes a team to get things done. I have a history of working collaboratively. Recently, Rotary President-elect Bob Litchfield wrote: “Thank you for creating a great outcome from what otherwise might have been an ugly and frustrating meeting.” I am not an obstructionist or a whiner. If elected, I will work with my fellow Council members to advance the interests of Auburn residents and businesses. We don’t live in a vacuum but in a region with diverse assets and concerns. As a City, we must also work with other government and private entities to achieve our goals.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/756 3 of 3 11/21/2023, 7:48 AM
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name
Glen Kramer
Email Address
*redacted*
Address
*redacted*
City
Auburn
State
CA
Zip Code
95603-3578
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
Interests, Skills & Abilities
I have been involved in civic activities and non-profit organizations for over 50 years in both a professional and volunteer capacity. I worked for the City of Menlo Park for 39 years, retiring as Human Resources and Information Services Director in 2010. As such, I am well acquainted with City finances and operations.

I have volunteered for community service, serving as follows:
1977-1979: Member of the City of Foster City Parks and Recreation Committee 1987-2010: Member of the City of Newark Planning Commission (rotating Chairs) 2015-2018: Member of the City of Auburn Ad Hoc Annexation Committee (Chair) 2020-current: Member of the City of Auburn Sustainability Advisory Committee (Secretary) 2021-2022: Member of Pioneer Community Energy Programs Advisory Committee (Vice-Chair) 2021-2023: Member of the City of Auburn Planning Commission (Vice-Chair 2022-23) I have also been involved with non-profit organizations, serving as follows:
2005-2010: Treasurer, Viola Blythe Community Service Center, Newark, CA 2016-current: Treasurer, Horses for Healing Therapeutic Riding Service Center, Newcastle, CA List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Supplemental Questionaire:

To assess the expectations you have about City Council service and to understand the expectations other people will have of you as a council member, please respond of the following questions Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #748 Date Submitted: 11/7/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/748 1 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
Why do you want to be appointed to the City of Auburn City Council? My combination of professional and volunteer service to the community qualifies me to serve as a member of the City Council. Now that I am retired, I can devote the necessary time and energy to this task.

How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
Having been involved in many of the current land use initiatives and other current issues, combined with my extensive knowledge and experience with City operations, I believe I can hit the ground running. I am supportive of the City’s current efforts to update the General Plan and associated elements, including the establishment of a form-based zoning code, as well as the City’s branding initiative and efforts to improve energy efficiency. While I hold strong beliefs, I have a history of consensus building. It is my goal to be a positive and constructive member of the City Council.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
I have listed my extensive professional and community service above. I also possess personal traits that would be beneficial to the position. I prepare for every meeting by reading the materials and doing research, often going beyond the staff summary. I follow through on commitments. I am direct and try to be clear and concise in my opinions. I have a keen interest in almost every area of municipal operations, and I care deeply about Auburn and it’s future.

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/748 2 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name
Heather D. Leslie
Email Address
*redacted*
Address
*redacted*
City
AUBURN
State
CA
Zip Code
95603
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
Interests, Skills & Abilities
My interests, personally, revolve around; spending time with my children, friends, and family in the time that I have free from work obligations and my charitable service. When I do have time off from that I love to golf (poorly) and travel. My skills and abilities include; public relations, project management, program management, strategic planning, interpretations of legal codes and regulations, master planning of public projects including development, public speaking, and I am fully knowledgeable in Robert’s Rules of Order and the Brown Act for public agency boards.

List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Supplemental Questionaire:

To assess the expectations you have about City Council service and to understand the expectations other people will have of you as a council member, please respond of the following questions Why do you want to be appointed to the City of Auburn City Council? I believe that my career experience, and intimate knowledge of the Auburn community, can only benefit the City that I grew up in and that I call home. The reason I accepted my current position was not for status or salary, but because I knew I could leverage my skills and abilities in order to better my “home town”. Public servant positions are not, in my opinion, for personal gain. They are a calling to which you dedicate yourself to the cause or institution for the overall betterment of it. While the City of Auburn does have challenges, there are no jurisdictions that I have worked with that do not. However, I feel that another member of the City Council team that looks more to the preservation of our town can only help the City of Auburn stay fiscally solvent, relevant, vibrant, and traditional.

Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #751 Date Submitted: 11/12/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/751 1 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
This is a bit hard to summarize due to not only my training and community involvement, but moreover the varied experience during my career. While not specifically as a member of a public agency council or board, I have walked a parallel path working for many public agency councils and boards. My education has followed three paths: facilities and public construction, public agency finance, and human resource management. While these may seem very different, they all intersect regularly when serving as an administration in public agencies. Another cornerstone in my education has to be that my cohort was one of the first two that was required to pass a State examination to earn the Chief Business Official certification. Previously, it only required completion of classes. This, coupled with my B.S. degree in Human Resource Management gives me a “bigger picture” view of many dilemmas facing our local agencies.

My community involvement began nearly 30 years ago while working for local community banks beginning as an Regional Occupational Program (ROP) student, and ultimately serving as Operations Officer for Auburn Community Bank. I expected to serve as public relations on many occasions, and thus began my time attending Auburn Chamber of Commerce events and volunteering for many local fundraisers and charity causes. In 2006 I became the first female member of the National Active 20-30 Club, Auburn #19. For over a decade I served as a dedicated member, Board member, and Treasurer of this club whose sole purpose was to hold events in the Auburn community with proceeds going directly to serving Auburn’s underprivileged children. I am currently an active member of Auburn Rotary, I helped found and serve on the Board of Safe Haven Placer County, and I am a founding member of the Gold Country Children’s Foundation. In addition, since my time at Auburn Union School District I have attended and served at many community events.

As for direct experience, for nearly a quarter of a century I have either worked for or with public agencies. During my career I have had the unique opportunity to learn the intricate aspects of City and County operations with emphasis on; development, financing, zoning, environmental impact reporting requirements, public construction code, and negotiations. As a facility and financial consultant to public agencies, I served school districts, county offices, fire districts, and even water agencies for many different projects and problems. I have had the good fortune to have experience giving comments and presenting in order to represent many different agencies at; school board meetings, city council meetings, board of supervisor’s meetings, planning commissions, committees, and public focus groups. I have full working knowledge of the operations of emergency services, and I am trained in crisis response and risk management due to my time serving as Risk Manager in my prior school district which allows me to assess risk to our City fairly. In my professional organizations, California’s Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) and the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO), I have served on the Boards and focused on Legislation and Advocacy working directly with those committees. I have been able to give testimony to many State agencies and work directly with our State’s legislative bodies to advocate for schools and other public agencies. Currently I serve as Vice Chair for CASBO’s State Advocacy Committee.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
I think my biggest strength in putting this application forward, is that I have no personal gain from this appointment, or my service to our City. I do not own a business that I wish to promote, I do not seek higher political positions, and I have no need or desire to be bought or influenced by those looking to “win” a vote at Council. My only goal is to do my part to keep the amazing pieces of Auburn and to assist in solving any issues that may arise in order to improve and maintain our historic community. Also, I am familiar with public scrutiny and do not take personal the opinions others may form of me. I am able to effectively weather critical feedback and comments, while understanding that I can disagree with others and still work professionally with them.

I am married to a proud veteran and career firefighter, who is currently employed as a Paramedic with Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, and between the two of us we have four children ranging in age from 19-9.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/751 2 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name
Jamie Ross
Email Address
[email protected]
Address
*redacted*
City
Auburn
State
CA
Zip Code
95603
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
Interests, Skills & Abilities
My volunteer services are endless, especially in the means of education and community. I have volunteered countless hours in our classrooms and lunch periods. From Drama Club after school at Skyridge and Auburn Elementary, to Hip Hop Club at EV Cain, I can honestly say that I am a youth advocate and have developed a trust with our youth that provides an outlet for youth to advocate and create solutions for themselves. From Mandarin Festival, Auburn Hip Hop Congress, Auburn Arts Council, and Leadership Auburn, volunteering at local events and giving my time, resources, and service are some of my purposes and passions in life.

I have founded and operated Beats Lyrics Leaders a nonprofit that teaches the art of business, culture, dreams, and entrepreneurship utilizing Hip Hop education and Performance Art. We created Kidzapalooza a community celebration that has been a huge success, as well as “E is for Education” a resource fair for families (especially bi-lingual families).

I am a volunteer on the Auburn Police Chief Community Advisory Council and have been attending monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities for the past two years. I am a recent graduate of Leadership Auburn and a recipient of the Top 40 Art Icons of Placer County from the Arts Council of Placer County. A recent graduate of Mills College with an MA in Leadership Education, as well as a graduate of Sacramento’s Creative Economy Start-Up Program. I am a part of the Maidu Independent Theater, where we have worked with Nisenan Maidu to bring back the original language of Auburn. I work with local businesses and Associations with marketing, branding, and storytelling and have been a collaborator for all sorts of business gatherings, events, and promotions.

My interests include bridging the gap between generations, as well as arts and politics. Developing a sense of creative economy and continuing to establish a well-rounded arts culture in Auburn. Market and Promote the luxury benefits of such a unique and thriving city “A big feel for a small town”.

List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #752 Date Submitted: 11/13/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/752 1 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
Supplemental Questionaire:

I have been honored with the trust of our youth and families in Auburn and can bring the value of youth voices and advocacy.

I am also connected to local cities and pay heavy attention to what is going on around us so that we can maintain our unique offerings from the Endurance Capitol, Arts and Culture, Education, Public Services, Events, and Economic standpoint (our resources). I follow Policies and procedures from the City of Sacramento and work really closely with Sacramento’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Sacramento County Office of Education, and MentorCa. Working to maintain the essence of what our small but mighty city has to offer is my priority while promoting all the strengths and qualities that make our city great.

How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
I grew up in Auburn. I know these streets. I know these people. My father started the Boys and Girls Club which has been a pivotal organization in our community and for our youth and families. Watching him advocate for the needs of our families, curated a passion within me to understand the diversity of voices in our hometown.

I am an owner of a business here in Auburn and have also watched my father bring innovative businesses to the forefront of our town like The Barter Club, which once held 400 of Auburn's Businesses. I would go from business to business introducing myself and getting to know what truly made our economy shine. I am an advocate for the growth of our capital and the emergence of businesses. I have volunteered with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce to get to know how our businesses work and what can hold up our businesses or make it hard for our businesses to grow.

Being on the Auburn Union School Board, I know financials and budgets, policies, and parliamentary procedures. I know the Brown Act quite well and have taken several trainings on Board procedures and understanding financials.

Being a part of Leadership Auburn has opened my eyes to the businesses, service clubs, and resources of Auburn, as well as the importance of where our resources go, including solid and hazardous waste to how we recycle. I learned the ins and outs of how our city works with hands-on experience, which made me realize the importance of diverse viewpoints on a city council. I believe that I can bring a voice of tradition (growing up here) and a new age modern perspective of what our great city can become, especially being the age of technology. There is so much greatness to expand on our city, and I have been a voice that people trust.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
My heart lies in the city of Auburn. I have been fortunate to travel the world and I still choose to come back to Auburn every time. Auburn is a special place with a lot of integrity and I plan to uphold that. I would love to bring in more youth to our politics and really bridge that gap between our elders in the community who have raised children and grandchildren here on these streets of Auburn, and the youth that are being raised on these streets of Auburn. My ultimate goal would be to build a Youth Council to bring their views to the board and have more youth get involved in the direction and needs of our city.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/752 2 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:50 AM
Print
Application for Appointment to City Council
The City of Auburn is governed by five council members who are elected at large. The City operates with a council-manager form of government, where the City Council appoints a City Manager who administers the daily operations of city government. This appointment will fill a seat left vacant. The term for this seat expires in November 2024.

Name

MICHELLE SIERRA SAMMONS
Email Address
*redacted*
Address
*redacted*
City
Auburn
State
CA
Zip Code
95603
Phone Number
*redacted*
Fax Number
Interests, Skills & Abilities
Skills utilized in my employment, elected office and volunteer experience include organizational leadership, customer service/taxpayer engagement, establishing school district policy, knowledge and application of local/city ordinances, and analyzing current and potential legislation involving public education and local government.

Placer County Employes-Assessor's Office since 1999. Assessment Supervisor, Placer County Assessor's Office 2005- Present. Specializing in government entity ownership and representing the Assessor in legal issue appeals.

Member of California Assessor's Administrative Services Association Education Committee 2010-Present Auburn Union School District Board of Trustees 2014-2022 Treasurer, California Latino School Boards Association 2020-2023 City of Auburn, Planning Commissioner, January 2023-Present Volunteer Work:

Caring Hearts Society 2012-2016 (non-profit closed)
Auburn Kiwanis, 2019-Present
Active in various community projects over the year (Community Service Day, 4th of July parade, etc.) List your skills, abilities, related volunteer community service and relevant interest to the office you are seeking.

Application for Appointment to the City Council - Submission #754 Date Submitted: 11/14/2023
Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/754 1 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:49 AM
Supplemental Questionaire:

To assess the expectations you have about City Council service and to understand the expectations other people will have of you as a council member, please respond of the following questions Why do you want to be appointed to the City of Auburn City Council? I've seen some great changes and growth in Auburn, and yet, I know we can do more, we can do better. We can grow and still maintain our small-town character. I'd like to continue to promote fire and community safety, support our local business owners, and overall support to our residents. I have been an active participant in local government as a staff member in the Placer County Assessor Office, and as a former elected official for the Auburn Union School District, and presently, as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Auburn. I bring a perspective of being a long term (25 years) Auburn resident, and also the experience of being raised in a small town and living for approximately five years in an urban area prior to moving to Auburn.

How will your education, training, experience and history of community involvement make you a suitable candidate to serve as a member of the City Council?
I bring eight years of local governance experience as a former elected official. In my present role as Planning Commissioner, I am knowledgeable of our local city ordinances and serve as part of an advisory board to the City Council. As a staff member for the Placer County Assessor's Office, I bring the perspective of carrying out and administering policies and procedures as directed by our department heads. As a member of the non-profit community, I see and know of the needs of our various stakeholders-particularly our low-income families, along with our aging residents.

Use this space to provide any additional information or statements. Your comments will assist the City Council in giving your application the fullest consideration
Successful consensus building starts with actively listening to all perspectives. I also think it’s important to recognize when compromise is necessary, while still maintaining your own beliefs and values. To do this, I rely on research and data to back up my decisions, which helps build trust among members who may not agree with me. The Council has major decisions to make in order to keep our citizens and neighborhoods safe, keep and improve our infrastructure, and to achieve economic vitality by supporting thoughtful growth in our business and residential areas. If I am given the opportunity to serve with the council, this will be my approach. To help build consensus with my fellow council members. I humbly ask for your consideration.

Firefox https://www.auburn.ca.gov/Admin/FormCenter/Submissions/Print/754 2 of 2 11/21/2023, 7:49 AM
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
27 28
RESOLUTION NO. 23-

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN

APPROVING AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY ON THE

CITY COUNCIL
WHEREAS, former Councilmember Daniel Berlant was elected to a four-year term of office at the General Municipal Election held November 8, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Council Member Berlant submitted a letter of
resignation from the Auburn City Council effective Sunday, October 15, 2023, because of a potential incompatible office issue created when he was appointed as California’s State Fire Marshal,creating a vacancy on the City Council under California Government Code section 1770, subdivision (a); and WHEREAS, California Government Code section 36512, subdivision (b) provides that the City Council shall, within 60 days from the commencement of the vacancy, either fill the vacancy by appointment or call a special election to fill the vacancy; and
WHEREAS, If the vacancy occurs in the first half of a term of office and at least 130 days prior to the next general municipal election, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall hold office until the next general municipal election that is scheduled 130 or more days after the date the council is notified of the vacancy, and thereafter until the person who is elected at that election to fill the vacancy has been qualified. The person elected to fill the vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired balance of the term of office, and WHEREAS, a person is eligible for appointment to the City Council if he or she meets all qualifications of the office of Councilmember, including, but not limited to, being an elector, resident, and voter of the City, as required by California Government Code section 36502 and other applicable law; and
229688.3
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
27 28
WHEREAS, the City Council solicited applications from
persons interested in appointment to the City Council and, on November 27, 2023, they held interviews in an open session at the regular meeting with all persons who submitted an application; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to appoint an eligible person to fill the vacancy on the City Council.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Auburn as follows:

1. The City Council hereby declares a vacancy on the City Council effective October 15, 2023.

2. The City Council hereby appoints ___________________ to the office of Councilmember and will serve until the next general election (November 5, 2024)

3. __________________ shall take office as a Councilmember immediately upon the adoption of this Resolution.

4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.

5. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

PASSED AND ADOPTED on this ______________, 2023
_______________________
Alice Dowdin Calvillo, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Amy Lind, City Clerk
229688.3
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
25 26
27 28
I, Amy Lind, City Clerk of the City of Auburn, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly passed at a______ meeting of the City Council of the City of Auburn held on the ___ day of ________, 2023 by the following vote on roll call:

Ayes:

Noes:

Abstain:

Absent:
_____________________________
Amy Lind, City Clerk

Auburn City CouncilNovember 27, 2023

Auburn City Council
November 27, 2023