Aurora City Council Study Session – December 17, 2025

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.