Last week Supervisor Holmes informed the group on the progress of the county budget and Phase 2 and 3 on I-80 are planned to be completed in October (this year). Supervisor Montgomrery presented an update on the Biomass project for Placer County that is currently planned for the Cabin Creek site. She stated that this will have a positive effect on the polution in the Tahoe Basin.
This week Mayor Kirby discussed the progress of Streetscape Phase 2. September 12 will possibly be the final reading for the charter to be placed on the ballot in June. Councilman Holmes returned after his trip to Washington DC to work on behalf of our area with members of Congress. Preston Marx enlighted the audience on some details, both the good news and the bad news, of estate planning.

Mayor Kirby updated us on the ongoing items that the city is addressing. The streetscape project is progressing nicely. Regional sewer is continuing to be reviewed by several stake holders, including Auburn. The city charter document is being refined and will be reviewed again at the August 22 city council meeting. Councilman Holmes informed us about the historic register buildings in Auburn and should be official in November. Dr. John Jackson, president of William Jessup University, presented his vision for higher education in Placer County, including a connection that includes the city of Auburn.

Mayor Kirby gave a rundown of the City Council meeting with the highlight being the vote 5-0 to move the Charter for the city of Auburn to the ballot in June. Community input will continue and the next meeting ( 8-22 ) will focus on fine tuning the document. Supervisor Holmes discussed the Cabin Creek site for the the Biomass plant and the grant money being increased from $50K to $150K. He also said that redevelopment money in excess of three million dollars must be returned to the state! Councilman Holmes said that we would have results on the Historic Registar nominations by November. Our own Tom Dwelle introduced the speaker for the day, a very special honor for all who attended, Kenneth Cordier, Retired US Air Force Colonel, Silver Star Recipient and POW Vietnam 1966 – 1973 told of his experience from the time his plane was hit until he came home. The room was silent during his presentation and it ended with a well deserved standing ovation for a true American hero.

Last week was highlighted with an eye opening presentation on investment management by author Ted Hunter. Mayor Kirby filled us in on the city council meeting results including the agressive panhandling ordinance.
At this weeks meeting Mayor Kirby stated that next Monday’s council meeting would include more discussion of the charter city concept. Supervisor Holmes gave insite into the TRPA position on the biomass project, as well as, the boards continued investigation into ways to finance the regional sewer and the long term financial impact on the users. We were treated with a visit from Jana Barkley and Kate Marden of West Coast Falconry. They brought three beautiful birds, a falcon, a hawk, and an owl. We learned about the birds and how they are used, a different and very enlightening presentation.

Thanks to the Auburn community for the support for the Project Canyon Safe effort on the 9th. 4.2 acres were cleared by 118 volunteers and Recology workers. Supervisor Holmes reviewed some of the current activity of the supervisors including the upgrade of the Joeger Rd treatment plant going to bid. The use of the Middle Fork Project money and how it will be used is an ongoing discussion. Mayor Kirby gave an overview of the last council meeting which sparked the conversation for the rest of the meeting regarding the city charter issue. A very interesting discussion endued with an overwhelming positive response to moving the concept to the ballot. From this conversation, it seems that there is a lot more to this than use of prevailing wage. Councilman Hanley stated that it is important that the community needs to respond to this issue. It seems that the real issue is do we want the local control or not.

Wednesday Night Live and Auburn Family Movie Night (American Grafitti in Old Town) are continuing this week. The City has passed a balanced budget and Captain John Ruffcorn will be our new police chief. Solicitation and panhandling are being addressed. Chief Harris was given a standing ovation from the group thanking her for her service. Supervisor Holmes reported that the county is also dealing with the panhandler issue. The sewer issue is still be reviewed with a meeting of city and counts officials. Mitch Hanna reported on what is happening at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital and the closing of the birthing center.

A lot happening in Auburn this Summer! Mayor Kirby gave a review of the first Wednesday Night Live and Movie Night last week. If you missed it Wednesday Night Live will again be on High Street near the Clock Tower, good food, music, and business booths to investigate. The State budget is still keeping both the city and county in a wait and see posture for their own budgets. Supervisor Holmes mentioned that June 23 is declared Olympics Day in Placer County. Councilman Hanley presented the next Canyon Safe Project which will be on July 9th. Mark D’Ambrogi, Auburn City Fire Chief, thanked the community for their support of these efforts. He also said that we are facing an extreme fire danger year and that the budget issue effects all agencies involved. He also talked about the weed abatement program and that the insurance industry rates our local fire agencies as top notch, this has an effect on insurance rates.

Facilitator Steve Galyardt switched the order today, with little fanfare! Supervisor Holmes will be traveling to Washington DC to receive an award for the work done to improve the air quality in the Tahoe Basin. The county is continuing to review the benefits of regional sewer. Councilman Holmes gave background on the two names added to the War Memorial, Harley Dean Andrews and the first women to be included, Betty Wood. The El Dorado St. Firehouse is nearly finished and work will begin on the Old Town Firehouse very soon. Public Works Director, Bernie Schroeder, reported on the water usage during the repair on the canal and the effect on the water treatment plant work. She also filled us in on the streetscape phase 2 project and its progress.

AMGEN Tour of California Stage 3 start was a huge success and the weather gave a window for the race to begin, then back to the rain!!! Sewer rates were increased to $58 at last nights Auburn City Council meeting. Mayor Kirby gave an update on the statue for central square which is being donated to the city by the Auburn Indian Community and the work will be done by Doug Van Howd. Supervisor Holmes reported that Rick Buckman continues his outstanding effort for the veterans of Placer County. Councilman Hanley presented an overview of the Charter City concept. Public meetings will be held in June, July and, August for public input.

No Chamber Forum on May 17th due to the AMGEN Tour of California stage 3 start in Auburn. Mayor Kirby said that the city obtained a new city bus and will be building a new bus shelter with grant money, so there is no cost to the city. Supervisor Holmes stated that the Timberline project is moving forward, the property on the NE corner of 49 & Hulbert will be developed in the near future, and Target is proceeding with a major expansion. PCWA and PG&E on the canal break. Kevin Goishi from PG&E explained the repair process and several people from PCWA went over the working system and how it is being used to supply as much water as possible to their customers. Everyone is being asked to reduce usage and go on an even/odd watering schedule.