Council briefed on two right-of-way franchise applications; public hearings set for Nov. 3

Amber Olds, the city's right-of-way specialist in Public Works, briefed the Auburn City Council on two draft franchise agreements on Oct. 27 and said staff had reviewed both applications and found them complete under Title 20 of the Auburn City Code.

Seuss Creek Water and Sewer District: Olds said the district has existing sanitary sewer facilities within a portion of Auburn's city limits and is proposing a 20-year franchise to authorize those facilities and future maintenance in the city right-of-way. "The agreement would be for 20 years," Olds said. Staff noted future alterations or upgrades would be managed through the city's construction permit process as required by the franchise.

HyperFiber / Ripple Fiber telecommunications franchise: Olds described a proposed citywide telecommunications franchise for HyperFiber of Washington LLC d/b/a Ripple Fiber to install fiber optic cable and related infrastructure to provide business and residential services. The company proposed an initial build area that includes North Auburn, South Auburn, portions of West Hill and Lakeland Hills and all of Lee Hill. The draft agreement term would be 15 years; staff said a public hearing is scheduled Nov. 3.

Council questions focused on how tree trimming and impacts to private-property trees would be handled during construction and whether homeowners would be engaged. Olds said work in the public right-of-way requires construction permits and that private-property impacts would generally require coordination with the homeowner; the franchise does not authorize work on private property without separate permission.

Next steps: staff said public hearings are scheduled for Nov. 3; if council moves forward the agreements would return for subsequent council action.