Public Meetings - Aurora, Colorado

The Aurora City Council convened on January 14, 2026, at 5:38 PM for a regular meeting that extended into the early morning hours of January 15. The agenda included a call to order, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, land acknowledgement, executive session update, approval of minutes, adoption of the agenda, two rounds of public comment, consent calendar items, a resolution opposing unlawful federal immigration enforcement, and a call-up review of a conditional use and site plan for a car wash. The meeting was marked by extensive public testimony on immigration enforcement, the Aurora Regional Navigation Campus, and the proposed Bubble Bath Car Wash. Consent Calendar - Minutes of December 15, 2025: Approved unanimously. - Agenda Adoption: Adopted with 10 yes votes and 1 no vote (Councilmember Bergen). - Consent Calendar on Motions (10A1–10C2): Adopted unanimously, with items 10A3 and 10A6 removed for separate consideration. - 10A3: Homelessness services notice of funding opportunity – Advanced Pathways Emergency Solutions Grant ($140,868 for staffing costs). Approved unanimously. - 10A6: Homelessness services public safety funds – Advanced Pathways. Approved unanimously. - Consent Calendar on Resolutions and Ordinances (11A1–11B1): Adopted unanimously, with item 11A3 removed for separate consideration. Public Comments & Testimony First Hour of Public Invited to Be Heard (Non-Agenda Items) - Joy Eminyanu (Aurora resident): Stressed importance of tobacco retail license, noting that immigrant-owned businesses (daycares, home health, auto shops, groceries) contribute to the community and that responsible businesses deserve clear expectations to prevent youth tobacco access. - Michael Ruddick (Aurora resident, Aurora Partners for Thriving Youth): Supported the tobacco retail license ordinance, arguing it would create parity for businesses and prevent youth nicotine addiction. Noted that current system disadvantages law-abiding retailers. - Tanya Tabachek (Aurora resident): Emphasized municipal home rule authority, urging council not to lose local control over taxes and concerns with higher government. - Allie DeWills Marcano (Ward 4 resident): Criticized lack of accessibility in council chambers, citing that the ADA is a floor, not a ceiling. Requested council direct city manager to locate existing redesign plans, provide cost estimate and timeline, and fund them. - RJ Mello: Supported the tobacco license amendment but proposed replacing the ban on discounts and rewards with a minimum pricing requirement (e.g., $15–$20 for e-cigarettes) to protect small businesses while preventing youth access. - Dr. Terry Richardson (Aurora resident, internal medicine physician): Cited the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey that nearly 84% of Aurora youth who tried to buy tobacco products were not turned away. Urged licensing as a tool for compliance checks and restricting new retailers, stating

The Aurora City Council met on December 17, 2025, for a regular meeting that included public comments on multiple topics, approval of consent items, continuation of a rezoning hearing, and appointments to advisory boards. The meeting began with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call (all 11 members present), and unanimous approval of the December 1, 2025 minutes and the agenda. Consent Calendar - Consent Calendar for Motions (Item 10C1): Approved unanimously. - Consent Calendar for Resolutions and Ordinances (Items 11A1–11B1): Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony First Public Comment Session: - Tanya Tapacek urged collaboration and integrity, quoting a former mayor. - Robin O'Tey expressed concern about the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in Northwest Aurora, citing potential gentrification and requesting careful board appointments. - Avalon McDowell argued for implementing local tobacco retail licenses, stating that 85% of youth who attempted to purchase tobacco were not denied. - Tiara Brown (Denver Aurora Community Action Committee, DACAC) expressed support for community control of the Aurora Police Department (APD), citing lack of accountability and personal fears as a parent of a Black son. - Shayna Shabatura opposed a rezoning request (urban cottages), criticizing council for not listening and noting Governor Polis's pressure for R2 zoning. - Kyle Weber encouraged council to study agenda items carefully and consider community opposition to high-density development on infill lots. - Gary Peterson opposed the same rezoning, stating the neighborhood already has ample housing options and argued that the proposal's justifications (housing options, RTD use) are fallacies; he cited over 200 signatures against it. - Katie Edwards supported food trucks in Meadowwood, arguing they bring vitality to a struggling commercial corner and opposed any restrictive ordinance. - Joshua Edwards (written statement) encouraged working with food truck operators rather than creating restrictions. - Allie advocated for updating the council chamber to improve disability access, noting that plans exist but funding was canceled; she also mentioned the name Kylan Lewis. - An unnamed speaker led the audience in chanting

This study session, held on December 17, 2025, covered updates on public engagement for AI facial recognition technology, the 2025-2026 snow and ice control plan, the city's retail strategy, the 2026 council meeting calendar, appointments to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the formation of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board. Council members discussed each item and gave staff direction on next steps. Consent Calendar - Items 2A through 2J were approved unanimously. Councilmember Bergen raised questions about the financial records of Three Birds Alliance (formerly Gateway), but after staff clarification, the consent calendar moved forward without pulling the item. Discussion Items - AI Facial Recognition Technology Update: City Manager Bachelor reported that three hybrid public meetings (virtual and in-person) have been scheduled to gather feedback. The information will be posted on Engage Aurora for asynchronous comments. Contracts with vendors have been signed but not yet implemented. - Snow and Ice Control Plan (2025-2026): Public Works Director Kurt Waymeyer presented the plan, which categorizes storms from Category 1 (trace–2 inches, deicing only) to Category 4 (major event). Approximately 80% of storms fall into Categories 1 or 2. The city has 90 pieces of equipment to service nearly 1,600 lane miles. Residential snow removal is not provided, but HOAs and special districts can enter into IGAs with the city (three currently participate). Councilmember Lawson raised concerns about sidewalk snow on Smoky Hill Road; staff agreed to investigate. - Retail Strategy: Planning and Business Development Director Janine Rusted outlined the framework, identifying four types of retail centers (primary, shadow, micro, secondary) and proposing incentives for revitalization. Council approved the resolution supporting the retail strategy and the development of an implementation plan through stakeholder engagement. - 2026 City Council Meeting Calendar: The proposed calendar (second and fourth Mondays, with adjustments in April, May, and December) was approved unanimously. - Planning and Zoning Commission Appointments: Two vacancies exist. Council directed staff to reappoint incumbent Melvin Bush for a third term and to conduct interviews for the other open position. The candidate who did not meet the one-year residency requirement was removed. - Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board Formation: Deputy City Manager Laura Perry presented the proposed inaugural board appointment process. After discussion, Council gave direction to initially appoint seven of the eleven board seats (one being a councilmember via normal appointment, six from the community), reserve two seats for future CDC board members, and leave two seats open. The application process will include three references, and public interview and nomination letters will be accepted. The councilmember seat will be filled through the standard council appointment process, not via public interviews. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved (items 2A–2J). - Snow plan presentation received; direction given to staff to follow up on Smoky Hill sidewalk issues. - Retail strategy resolution approved; staff to proceed with stakeholder engagement. - 2026 calendar approved. - Planning and Zoning: Melvin Bush reappointed; interviews to be conducted for the other vacancy. - DDA board process: Direction given to proceed with an initial seven-member board, including three references for applicants and a separate appointment process for the councilmember seat. Staff to open applications in early January 2026.

The Aurora City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025. The meeting began with a roll call, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a land acknowledgement. The council approved the minutes from November 17, 2025, administered the oath of office to five newly elected members, and adopted the agenda. The main focus was a resolution to restore public comment opportunities and amend procedural rules, which passed unanimously after amendments. Councilmember Coombs was elected Mayor Pro Tem. Ceremonial: Oath of Office - Presiding Judge Sean Day administered the oath of office to five newly elected council members: Gianina Horton (Ward 1), Amy Wiles (Ward 2), Reuben Medina (Ward 3, re-elected), Ali Jackson (At-Large), and Rob Andrews (At-Large). All took the oath and were welcomed. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting. - The agenda was adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Ali DeWills Marcano (Ward 4 resident, speaking as an individual) expressed emphatic support for the resolution to restore public invited to be heard. She detailed past actions by the previous council and the mayor that she described as silencing speakers, including an incident where the mayor allegedly forwarded her email to her employer. She urged the council to make the restoration the beginning, not the end, of protecting public speech. Discussion Items - Resolution 2025-146 – Rules of Order and Procedure Amendments (Item 14B) - Councilmember Coombs introduced the resolution to restore public invited to be heard to both the beginning and end of formal meetings, providing 3 minutes (instead of 2) per speaker, with up to one hour each. Other changes included allowing council members to bring children or family members to the dais (reversing a 2023 rule), moving the invocation and land acknowledgement before formal business, and removing a section requiring council ratification of mayoral appointments. - Amendments were adopted: - Section 2: Seating clarified to allow council members' family members on the dais (a friendly amendment). - Section 3: Added three opioid abatement council committees (Arapahoe, Adams, Douglas Counties). - Section 5: Added preference for speakers who have not yet spoken during the final public comment period (friendly amendment). - Section 3 (mayoral appointment ratification) was removed entirely (friendly amendment) for further study in a rules committee. - Councilmember Hancock expressed concerns about bypassing the rules committee process and about unlimited public comment at meeting's end. Councilmember Coombs argued the changes were urgent to undo harms from the previous council. - The resolution as amended passed unanimously. - Election of Mayor Pro Tem (Item 28) - Councilmember Medina nominated Councilmember Coombs for Mayor Pro Tem, seconded by Councilmember Horton. Discussion affirmed Coombs's experience and commitment to collaboration. The motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Resolution 2025-146 (amended rules) passed unanimously, restoring public invited to be heard with 3-minute speaker slots, up to two hours total (one at start, one at end), allowing family members on the dais, moving invocation/land acknowledgement earlier, and adding three opioid abatement committees to council appointment lists. The controversial mayoral appointment ratification section was removed for later consideration. - Councilmember Coombs was elected Mayor Pro Tem by unanimous vote. - Councilmember reports included updates on town halls, committee meetings, condolences for Senator Faith Winter, and holiday events.

This meeting of the Aurora City Council was called to order on November 17, 2025, per the transcript, but the official meeting timestamp provided is 2025-11-18 21:39:01.660000+00:00. This discrepancy is noted. The council addressed the consent calendar, received a presentation on library and cultural services facilities master plans, and made an appointment to the Fitzsimmons Innovation Community board. Consent Calendar - Items 2A through 2D and 2F were moved forward without objection. - Item 2E (Small Business Development Center Angelwood Intergovernmental Agreement) was pulled for discussion by Councilmember Hancock. After discussion, it was moved forward and approved. Discussion Items - Small Business Development Center IGA (Item 2E): Janine Rustad, Director of Planning and Business Development, explained that the City of Aurora pays $20,000 to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to extend services within their jurisdiction. Services include one-on-one counseling, trainings, and financial analysis. Councilmember Bergen asked about the $20,000 payment and the services provided. Councilmember Hancock inquired about support for businesses along Colfax during the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) construction. Rustad detailed outreach efforts, including open houses in English and Spanish, a menu of services, and financial analysis to help businesses qualify for lending. The item was then moved forward. - Library and Cultural Services Facilities Master Plans: Ginger White Brunetti, Director of Library and Cultural Services, presented the findings from two master planning efforts: a strategic plan and facilities master plan for the library (by Gensler), and a facilities master plan for cultural services (by Gresham Smith). The library system received 2,392 survey responses. Key findings: outdated technology, furniture, and inadequate workspaces. Deferred maintenance for five library branches is estimated at $6.7 million over 6-10 years, with capital improvements at $6.1 million, totaling nearly $13 million. A new library in northeast Aurora (Ward 2) is recommended at an estimated $80 million (excluding land). Cultural services facilities (Aurora Fox Arts Center, Bicentennial Arts Center, Aurora History Museum, Meadowwood) have $16 million in deferred maintenance over 3-5 years, plus priority capital improvements of $11.5 million. The Aurora History Museum may need relocation. Total combined improvements for libraries and cultural services are estimated at $34.8-35 million within 5-10 years. Councilmember Coombs raised the need for staffing and operating costs alongside capital improvements. Councilmember Bergen asked about land dedication for libraries (none required). Councilmember Mario asked about incorporating density in access analysis. Councilmember Cass noted that utilization has dropped post-internet, questioning the size of a new library. The presentation was informational; no formal vote was taken. - Fitzsimmons Innovation Community Board Appointment: Councilmember Gardner agreed to step down from the board in favor of the city manager (Jason) due to the complexity of metro districts and infrastructure issues. The council approved the direction without objection. Councilmember Coombs noted that the backup documentation did not reflect this change, but the minutes will be corrected. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved, including item 2E. - The city manager was appointed to the Fitzsimmons Innovation Community board, replacing Councilmember Gardner. - No formal votes were taken on the library and cultural services master plans; they will be folded into broader infrastructure discussions (Build Up Aurora).

This was the regular meeting of the Aurora City Council, convened at 9:38 PM (time of transcript). The meeting included proclamations honoring outgoing council members, adoption of consent calendars, a continuance of a zoning matter, elimination of the Veterans Affairs Commission at its own request, funding renewal for a youth violence prevention program, reappointment of three members to the Public Defender Commission, and a call-up of a car wash approval to be appealed. Several council members gave reports thanking staff and outgoing colleagues. Consent Calendar - Adoption of November 3, 2025 council meeting minutes – Passed unanimously. - Adoption of the agenda as amended – Item 16A (regarding in-person meeting rules) was removed. Passed unanimously. - Consent calendar on motions (items 9A1 to 9C5) – Adopted unanimously. - Consent calendar on resolutions and ordinances (items 10A1 to 10B1) – Adopted unanimously. Proclamations & Farewell Remarks - Proclamations were read honoring outgoing council members: - Councilmember Amsalou Casaw (At-Large, served since 2024) – Recognized for his advocacy for affordable housing, law enforcement, and infrastructure, and noted his solidarity with the Ethiopian Orthodox community during violence in Ethiopia. - Councilmember Crystal Murillo (Ward I, served since 2017) – Honored as the youngest and first Latina on the council; thanked her family and community for support, reflecting on difficult moments but expressing renewed hope. - Mayor Pro Tem Steve Sunberg (Ward II, served since 2021) – Recognized for championing youth sports, the HEART Court program, and Fire Station 18; he highlighted decreases in multifamily permitting (down 94%) and successes in affordable housing and solar energy. - Multiple council members (Coombs, Lawson, Medina, Hancock) expressed gratitude to the outgoing members for their service and unique contributions. Discussion Items - Item 11A: Zoning map amendment (rezoning 3.91 acres to medium-density residential) – City Attorney advised continuing to December 15 due to election-related due process concerns, so the new council can hear both readings. The motion to continue passed unanimously. - Item 12A: Ordinance 2025-105 (eliminating the Veterans Affairs Commission) – City Manager Jason Batchelor reported that the commission itself voted to recommend dissolution. Councilmember Hancock noted that veterans would still be honored through other city events. Passed unanimously. - Item 13A: Ordinance 2025-102 (amending funding for community service agencies related to the youth violence/S.A.V.E. program) – This ordinance continues a program started in 2020 to reduce gun violence. Councilmember Lawson moved approval; passed 6–1, with Councilmember Gardner voting no. - Item 15A: Reappointment of three members (Francis Brown, David Kaplan, Pamela Williams) to the Public Defender Commission – Councilmember Coombs argued that the commission needed a full membership to complete year-end evaluations and budget work. Passed unanimously. - Call-up of Quick Trip Bubble Bath Car Wash approval – Councilmember Coombs called up the Planning and Zoning Commission's conditional use approval, making it an appeal to full council. The motion passed 7–1 (one no vote). The appeal will be heard no earlier than December 15, and evidence must be presented only at the public hearing (quasi-judicial). Key Outcomes - Votes and decisions: - All consent calendars and the November 3 minutes adopted unanimously. - Item 11A (zoning change) continued to December 15 – unanimous. - Item 12A (Veterans Affairs Commission elimination) – unanimous. - Item 13A (S.A.V.E. program funding) – passed 6–1 (Gardner dissenting). - Item 15A (Public Defender Commission reappointments) – unanimous. - Car wash call-up (appeal) – passed 7–1. - Next steps: The new council (taking office after the election) will handle the zoning public hearing (item 11A) on December 15. The car wash appeal will be set for December 15 at the earliest. City Attorney Peter Schulte reminded all parties that any evidence regarding the appeal must come through the official hearing; email ex parte communications are prohibited.

The Aurora City Council met in a study session on November 4, 2025 (the transcript header mistakenly says November 3, 2025). The agenda included a Housing Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update, a proposed socioeconomic sales and services impact permit, an Aurora Police Department wellness program, and a restaurant water service initiative. The consent calendar was advanced, and the council gave direction on the major items. Consent Calendar - Items 2A through 2M were moved forward with no objection. Discussion Items Housing Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) – Item 3A - Councilmember Bergen introduced the item on behalf of the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Staff project manager Brennan Camarata and consultant Chris Brewster (Multi-Studio) presented findings from listening sessions, developer roundtables, and a code audit. - The audit found that small-lot housing options are currently limited to Sub-Area C and subject to formulaic caps; the code is complex and lacks flexibility; and design standards regulate the right things but are hard to navigate. - Proposed changes include expanding small-lot options to Sub-Areas A and B, increasing flexibility for green courts and parking (without reducing overall parking requirements), reviewing masonry requirements while keeping quality/durability goals, and strengthening neighborhood design principles such as connectivity, streetscape, open space, and proximity to activity centers. - Councilmember Bergen expressed strong support, saying it was counterintuitive that small lots weren't allowed in transit-oriented Sub-Areas A and B. Councilmembers raised concerns about front-loaded parking, materials flexibility, water-efficient landscaping, and parallel routes; Brewster responded that parking access, materials, water-wise design, and collector street continuity would be addressed. - Council endorsed the direction and directed staff to begin drafting amendments. Socioeconomic Sales and Services Impact Permit – Item 3B - Trevor, licensing manager, reviewed the proposal to create a permit tied to the general business license. It would impose a 2,000-foot distance restriction between new like businesses selling alcohol/tobacco (e.g., convenience stores), grandfather existing businesses, and add a permit that can be revoked for repeated nuisances. - Councilmember Jarinski supported it as a way to combat predatory clustering in underserved areas. Councilmember Coombs supported moving forward but asked for discussion on avoiding discriminatory impacts. One councilmember argued that oversaturation of high-risk retail harms neighborhoods. Councilmember Sunberg and Councilmember Gardner opposed, citing free-market principles, competition, consumer prices, and the risk of black-market activity; Gardner said prohibition doesn't work and the city should enforce existing laws. The Mayor expressed similar concerns and noted alternatives like code enforcement. - Despite one objection from Councilmember Gardner, the item moved forward to a future meeting. APD Earned Wellness Program – Item 5A - Councilmember Hancock introduced the program, presented by Sergeant Thomas Campania and Sergeant Carlos Wilkendorfer for the Aurora Police Department. - The program sets a 90% proficiency standard on a beep test plus two of four flexible strength/endurance exercises (push-ups, TRX inverted row, pull-ups, prone plank). Successful participants receive a service ribbon. - The Mayor asked that such awards be considered in Civil Service promotion scoring; staff agreed to examine how the promotion book is scored and to work on a resolution if needed. - No objection; the item moved forward. Restaurant Water Service – Item 5B - Councilmember Hancock presented a constituent-led initiative that would require restaurants to ask customers whether they want water during drought declarations instead of serving it automatically. Marshall Brown explained that it would apply only during drought declarations and would rely on education, not penalties. - Councilmember Gardner opposed making it an ordinance, noting the general penalty could apply; he preferred a resolution. Councilmember Lawson questioned the need and precedent; Councilmember Jarinski defended the intent and agreed to a resolution. Councilmember Combs suggested it could return through the normal committee process. - Councilmember Hancock withdrew the item, saying she would re-introduce it as a resolution. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar advanced without objection. - Council endorsed the UDO direction; staff will draft code amendments for future introduction. - Item 3B moved forward despite one objection. - Item 5A moved forward. - Item 5B was withdrawn to be re-introduced as a resolution.

Note on Date: The transcript states the meeting occurred on Monday, November 3, 2025, but the provided timestamp is 2025-11-04 20:13:02. This summary uses the given timestamp date (November 4, 2025) per instructions. The discrepancy is noted. The Aurora City Council held a regular meeting on November 4, 2025. The meeting included a public hearing on amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding the Accident Potential Zone (APZ) district, introduction of an ordinance to extend the 1% marijuana sales tax for the SAVE youth gun violence intervention program, and a motion to reconsider a consent calendar item on appointments to the Public Defender Commission. Council members also gave community reports. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (October 20, 2025): Motion by Councilmember Hancock, seconded by Councilmember Casal. Passed unanimously. - Adoption of Agenda: Motion by Councilmember Bergen, seconded by Councilmember Lawson. Passed unanimously. - Consent Calendar on Motions (Items 9C1–9C2): Motion by Councilmember Bergen, seconded by Councilmember Lawson. Passed unanimously. - Consent Calendar on Resolutions and Ordinances (Items 10A1–10B13): Motion by Councilmember Morgan, seconded by Councilmember Coombs. Passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Sal Perdomo (Titan Development) spoke in support of the APZ text amendment (Item 11A). He stated that Titan is the contract purchaser of a 76-acre vacant parcel in the APZ district, slated for light industrial and commercial uses, and urged council approval. He thanked staff for working with Buckley Space Force Base to address concerns. Discussion Items - Item 11A: Public Hearing – Ordinance 2025-103 (APZ District Amendments) - Staff presented (Jeremiah Fedig). The proposal adds light manufacturing as a permitted use and makes cleanup items including dimensional standards and accessory uses (short-term rentals, home day care, home occupations). Buckley Space Force Base supported the changes after two items were removed. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on October 22, 2025. Councilmember Coombs asked if Buckley’s operations would be unaffected; staff confirmed yes. Councilmember Sunberg asked about child/adult day centers as accessory uses; staff clarified they are only permitted as accessory to existing residential and would not allow large gatherings. Public hearing closed; motion by Councilmember Lawson, seconded by Councilmember Drinsky. Passed unanimously. - Item 12A: Introduction of Ordinance 2025-102 – Marijuana Sales Tax for Youth Violence Intervention - Staff (Jessica Prosser, Director of Housing and Community Services) introduced the ordinance to continue the 1% marijuana sales tax dedicated to the SAVE program (focused on gun violence intervention). Councilmember Lawson expressed strong support, noting a five-year term with a clause allowing council to make changes. Councilmember Gardner opposed the tax (8 yes, 1 no) because he disagrees with singling out one business type (marijuana) and prefers funding from the general fund. Councilmember Coombs raised questions about prevention vs. intervention and how youth are identified for the program; staff explained that providers also do prevention, and identification comes from police detectives, analysts, and social network analysis of gun violence incidents. Motion by Councilmember Lawson, seconded by Councilmember Drinsky. Passed 8–1 (Councilmember Gardner opposed). - Reconsideration of Consent Calendar Item 9C2 (Public Defender Commission Appointments) - Councilmember Bergen moved to reconsider item 9C2 (appointment of three members to the Public Defender Commission without interviews). She stated it was not clear on the consent agenda that the appointments were without interviews, and she wants to interview candidates. Councilmember Drinsky noted only three applicants (the reappointees) after four months of public advertisement. Councilmember Coombs questioned whether this would set a precedent for all boards/commissions; Councilmember Bergen argued the Public Defender Commission is very important. Councilmember Hancock preferred to reopen the application period to attract more candidates, especially attorneys (two of three open slots require attorneys). The City Attorney clarified that council interviewing commissioners is permissible as long as it’s conducted like other board interviews and does not involve directing the commission. Motion to reconsider passed 7–3 (Councilmembers Coombs, Gardner, and Medina opposed). Council then directed staff to reopen applications for one month and return with a list of candidates; interviews are tentatively scheduled for December 15, 2025. Key Outcomes - Adopted: Minutes of October 20, 2025 (unanimous). - Adopted: Agenda (unanimous). - Adopted: Consent Calendar on Motions (unanimous). - Adopted: Consent Calendar on Resolutions and Ordinances (unanimous). - Approved: Ordinance 2025-103 (APZ UDO amendments) (unanimous). - Approved on First Reading: Ordinance 2025-102 (marijuana sales tax extension for SAVE program) (8–1, Gardner opposed). - Passed Motion to Reconsider: Item 9C2 (Public Defender Commission appointments) (7–3, Coombs, Gardner, Medina opposed). Council directed staff to reopen applications for one month and schedule interviews for December 15, 2025. Council Reports - Multiple councilmembers reported on community events, including: Community Baby Shower at Dayton Opportunity Center, AEDC A-List dinner, grand opening of Fire Station 18, Piccadilly I-70 interchange ceremony, Habitat for Humanity homeownership project, Association of Defense Communities conference in Monterey, tour of Aurora Public Schools, and upcoming town halls. Mayor Kaufman announced he will post a weekly list of food banks on his Facebook page until SNAP is fully funded, and encouraged voting in the Downtown Development Authority election.

The Aurora City Council met on October 21, 2025, at 4:54 PM. The meeting included roll call (with a quorum present), invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and land acknowledgement. The council approved minutes, the agenda, and consent calendars, then discussed and voted on several ordinances and resolutions, including the adoption of the 2026 city budget, utility rate increases, and a controversial facial recognition technology report. The most debated item was the future format of council meetings, with public comment and lengthy discussion leading to a vote to return to in-person meetings starting November 17, 2025. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes from October 4 and October 6, 2025 (8-0-3 absent each). - Adopted the agenda (8-0). - Adopted the consent calendar on motions (items 9C1 to 9C4) (8-0). - Adopted the consent calendar on resolutions and ordinances (items 10A1 to 10A10) as amended by removing item 10A5 (8-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Portia (self-identified as a Douglas County resident) spoke against virtual meetings, accusing council members of avoiding constituents and alleging illegal removal of campaign signs by Councilmember Sunberg and Councilmember Cassal. She urged a return to in-person meetings. - Madane (self-identified as a Denver County resident) criticized the council's decision to hold virtual meetings indefinitely, calling it unconstitutional and accusing council members of dodging accountability. She threatened electoral consequences for those who voted for virtual meetings. Discussion Items - Facial Recognition Technology (Resolution 2025-118, Item 10A5): Commander Chris Poppy presented the police department's proposed facial recognition program, emphasizing unauthorized uses such as constitutional violations, harassment, and immigration enforcement. He stated the technology would only generate leads, not probable cause. Councilmember Coombs raised concerns about ClearView AI's history of lawsuits over unauthorized data collection. City Attorney Schulte noted that ClearView amended its practices. The resolution passed 5-2 (Coombs and Medina opposed; three council members absent). - General Improvement District (GID) Budgets (Items 12A-12F): Staff presented six ordinances adopting 2026 operating budgets and tax levies for various GIDs (Cherry Creek Racket Club, Cobblewood, Aurora Conference Center, Pierpo 7, GID 1-2008, GID 3-2008). Each passed with 7-8 yes votes. - 2026 City Budget (Items 12G-12I): Budget Program Manager Tyler Phillips presented three ordinances: adopting the budget, appropriating funds, and setting the tax levy. The ordinances were approved unanimously (8-0). - E911 Surcharge Increase (Item 12J): Chief Information Officer Scottin proposed raising the monthly E911 surcharge to $2.17 per line and authorizing the city manager to adjust fees annually. The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0). - Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rate Increases (Item 12K): Deputy Director Kat Ulokatun presented a 5% increase for water, 8% for sewer, and 5% for stormwater, plus a 20% increase in sewer connection fees (final year of a three-year plan). The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0). - Gray Water Prohibition (Item 12L): General Manager Marshall Brown proposed tightening the prohibition on gray water systems to align with state legislation and avoid redundancy with the Prairie Waters system. The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0). - Historic Preservation Text Change (Item 12M): Historic Preservation Specialist Chris Geddes proposed separating the National Register designation from the local landmark designation process. The ordinance passed unanimously (8-0). - Future Meeting Format (Item 16A): Mayor Kaufman moved to return to in-person meetings on November 3, 2025. Councilmember Bergen substituted a motion to return on November 17, 2025. After debate, the substitute motion passed 7-2 (Coombs and Jerinsky opposed). The council then approved the final motion to return to in-person meetings on November 17, 2025, per existing council rules (7-2, with Coombs and Jerinsky opposed). Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, agenda, consent calendars, and resolutions for facial recognition, GID budgets, 2026 city budget, E911 surcharge, utility rates, gray water prohibition, and historic preservation changes. - Voted 7-2 to return to in-person council meetings (including public comment listening sessions) starting November 17, 2025. - Councilmember Medina appointed Megan Sifri to the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee. - Councilmember reports included personal statements, event announcements, and responses to public comments.