Auburn holds public hearings on Soos Creek Water & Sewer and Ripple Fiber franchise agreements

The Auburn City Council on Nov. 3 held public hearings on two franchise agreements: one with Soos Creek Water and Sewer District (FRN25-0004) and another with Hyper Fiber of Washington LLC, doing business as Ripple Fiber (FRN25-0005).

Director Gaab told the council there was no presentation at the meeting because both items were briefed at an earlier study session and staff stood ready to answer questions. The council opened and then closed both hearings after hearing public comment.

Mitzi McMahon, a Puyallup resident who said she works for Ripple Fiber in government relations and previously served as a city planner, spoke in support of Ripple Fiber’s proposal and praised city staff by name, saying it had been “a wonderful experience” working with Amber Olds and Tyler Wynn and that Ripple seeks long-term community engagement in the city. Ripple’s testimony described the company’s work to bring fiber internet to communities and its intention to coordinate with the city on construction and community benefits.

Auburn resident Virginia Haugen also spoke during both franchise hearings, urging the council to be "very, very careful" and pointing to the scale of underground fiber and water/sewer projects and the importance of getting construction right.

The transcript records both items as public hearings only; the council did not record any vote or formal action on the franchise agreements during the Nov. 3 meeting.