Auburn accepts $15,000 California Fire Foundation grant, approves fire staffing change

The Auburn City Council authorized two fire department items: acceptance of a California Fire Foundation grant award and a staffing change in the fire department.

Fire Chief John Rogers told the council the city applied for a $25,000 California Fire Foundation grant to treat ingress and egress at the Robie Point area and was awarded $15,000. Chief Rogers said the department’s prior grant from the foundation funded about $20,000 of work near the roundabout on Borland Avenue and treated approximately 4.9 acres. He described the current award as funding tree trimming in the public right‑of‑way to improve access for fire apparatus and safe egress for residents.

Councilmembers asked that staff be sure to notify private property owners when trimming affects trees rooted on private property but extending into the public right‑of‑way. Chief Rogers acknowledged volunteers helped prepare the application; the council and chief thanked volunteer Jeff Michaels for his efforts.

On a separate agenda item, the council approved a fire department staffing change that the chief proposed for operational safety. A councilmember said they supported the change but also put on the record a desire to re‑establish a previously created risk management classification when sustainable funding is available—the earlier position was credited with securing more than $1 million in grants. Ericroff, president of Local 4110, thanked the council and Chief Rogers, praising the chief’s attention to firefighter safety and staffing needs.

Both items were approved on roll call. Councilmember Bridal Harris was absent for the votes; Councilmember Davis, Councilmember Dowden Calvio, Councilmember Holmes and Mayor Amara voted aye.