Aurora City Council Meeting: September 23, 2025

The Aurora City Council met on September 23, 2025, for a regular meeting that included a public hearing on the 2026 budget, approval of several ordinance consolidations for advisory boards, and passage of two contentious items regarding automated traffic enforcement and interpreter fees. The meeting began with roll call (11 members present, two absent), approval of minutes from September 8, 2025 (9-0), and adoption of the agenda after removal of item 12A concerning the elimination of the Human Relations Commission.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of September 8, 2025 – Approved unanimously with 9 votes (two members absent).
• Consent Calendar on Motions (Items 9C1–9C2) – Adopted unanimously.
• Consent Calendar on Resolutions and Ordinances (Items 10A1–10A6) – Adopted unanimously after correcting Councilmember Lawson’s vote (she had joined late).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing on the 2026 Budget (Item 11A) – One speaker, Portia, criticized the council for wasteful spending, cited a recall effort against District Attorney Amy Patton costing over $863,000 (actually $163,000 stated), and raised concerns about police brutality and financial stewardship. She urged the council to find innovative ways to address these issues. No other speakers testified; the public hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Consolidation of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Boards (Item 12B) – City Manager Jason Batchlin presented the ordinance to merge three existing boards into one. Councilmember Coombs confirmed that subcommittees could address specialty areas. Approved unanimously.
• Consolidation of Arts and Cultural Commissions (Item 12C) – A similar consolidation merging the Art and Public Places Commission, Aurora Fox Arts Center Board, and Cultural Affairs Commission. Approved unanimously.
• Library Board Membership Changes (Item 12D) – Ordinance amending the composition of the Library Board. Approved unanimously.
• Update to Arts and Public Places Program Ordinance (Item 12E) – Conforming amendment related to the consolidation. Approved unanimously.
• Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance for Minors (Item 12F) – Councilmember Bergen introduced an ordinance to permit ticketing minors (under 18) driving off-highway vehicles (including e-bikes over 28 mph) and hold parents accountable with a $250 fine. Officer Spanos noted that such vehicles are a growing problem in District 3, comprising about 60% of his calls. No jail time for first offense. Approved unanimously.
• Unmanned Photo Speed Enforcement (Item 13A) – Lt. Chris Hamser presented an ordinance to allow unmanned photo speed enforcement equipment, eliminating the need for manned vehicles. Violations would still be reviewed by an employee. Councilmember Coombs raised data privacy concerns; staff confirmed the vendor would not share resident data outside the city. Approved 6-3 (Coombs, Medina, and Morio voted no).
• Interpreter Fee Increase for Failure to Appear (Item 13B) – Court Administrator Candace Atkinson presented a fee increase from $35 to $95 for defendants who fail to appear for a jury trial and require interpreter services. Councilmembers Coombs and Morio opposed, arguing the fee disproportionately impacts non-native English speakers. The motion passed (vote tally not stated but appeared to pass with opposition).

Key Outcomes

• Item 11B Continued – The council voted unanimously to continue Item 11B to November 17, 2025, as it was scheduled for the Planning and Zoning Commission the next day.
• Vote on 13A – Passed 6-3 (Coombs, Medina, Morio opposed) to allow unmanned photo speed enforcement.
• Councilmember Reports – Several members gave updates, including:
  • Councilmember Coombs: Attended a community meeting on bike/pedestrian safety; noted improved pedestrian numbers but expressed concern about lack of biking infrastructure.
  • Councilmember Jarinski: Clarified that the recall effort against DA Patton is funded by Arapahoe County, not Aurora’s budget; announced a volunteer park cleanup on September 27; expressed support for Police Chief Todd Chamberlain.
  • Councilmember Casaw: Thanked students who spoke about vaping; attended Korean, Ethiopian, and APS events.
  • Councilmember Morio: Announced the Food Justice Festival on September 27 and her monthly town hall on September 25; disputed that recall costs would be borne by Aurora residents, stating the county cannot charge the city back.
  • Mayor Pro Tem Sunberg: Highlighted 900 new bed spaces for homelessness services, walk-in detox, and psychiatric care; commended Chief Chamberlain and noted the I-70 Piccadilly Interchange opening on November 2.
  • Councilmember Medina: Attended multiple cultural events and announced the Aurora Borealis Festival.
  • Councilmember Lawson: Reported on ward town halls and urged attention to the federal continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown.
  • Councilmember Bergen: Reported on E470 presentation, meetings, and town hall on development.
  • Mayor Hoffman: Reminded voters about the Downtown Development Authority special election on the Colfax corridor; announced a Korean War memorial groundbreaking on September 24 and a ribbon-cutting for 137 income-restricted units with job training.
• Appointments – Mayor Hoffman appointed Joel Boyd to the Business Advisory Committee, replacing Michael Hancock (moving to Budget Committee), and thanked Shane Dorrell for his work on the Budget Committee.