Aurora City Council Study Session - February 11, 2026

This study session, held on February 11, 2026, at 3:08 PM, covered updates on the city's water shortage response, a local landmark nomination for a historic fire engine, a proposed retail licensing ordinance for tobacco and related products, and a discussion of state legislative positions. The session included presentations from city staff, questions from council members, and votes on legislative positions.

Discussion Items

Water Shortage Response

• Tim York, manager of water conservation, presented on the current water situation. Reservoirs are at 60% full, with Spinney Mountain Reservoir at about 40% (second lowest on record). Snowpack is worse than in 2002 at this point. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4) drought in the areas where Aurora sources its water (Colorado River, Arkansas River, South Platte). The seasonal outlook indicates persistent drought and warmer/drier conditions.
• The water shortage response plan update includes a new methodology consistent with the Integrated Water Master Plan, using months of supply in storage. Normal restrictions (more than 24 months), Stage 1 (19-24 months, 2 days/week watering), Stage 2 (10-18 months, 1 day/week), Stage 3 (emergency, no outdoor use).
• Enforcement: education, warnings, then fines. Surcharges apply in Stage 1. The plan includes updates such as serving water only on request in Stage 1, and combining multi-family and commercial classifications.
• Council questions: Councilmember Gardner asked about backyard ducks requiring fresh water; staff will examine water feature impacts. Councilmember Jackson asked about business restrictions; they apply across all customer classes. Councilmember Andrews asked about xeriscape adoption; 52% of new homes in 2025 had zero front yards. Councilmember questions about ADUs, conservation programs, and the ability to reverse restrictions were addressed.
• The plan will be presented for approval at a future regular meeting.

Big John Fire Engine Local Landmark Nomination

• Chris Geddes, historic preservation specialist, presented the nomination for Big John, a 1955 Seagrave fire engine. It is eligible under criteria 1 (contributions to fire heritage) and 3 (innovative technology). It is still used in parades and firefighter funerals. The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the nomination in October 2025.
• No objections from council; the item was moved forward to final council on February 23, 2026.

Retail Licensing Ordinance

• Trevor Vaughn, manager of licensing, presented a proposed ordinance for local retail licensing of tobacco, kratom, and age-restricted hemp products. The stated goal is to reduce youth access. The ordinance includes twice-annual compliance checks, penalties more aggressive than the state (e.g., first violation: $2,000 fine and 7-day suspension vs. state's $250), and provisions for good moral character, loitering, SNAP/EBT fraud, and spacing requirements (1,500 ft from schools, 500 ft between incidental retailers, 2,000 ft between vape/smoke shops, 2 miles between hookah lounges). Existing businesses are grandfathered.
• Councilmember Gardner raised concerns: questioned the data linking EBT fraud to youth sales, argued that the ordinance goes beyond its stated goal, and proposed amendments to remove loitering, SNAP/EBT, and nuisance provisions. Councilmember Bergen expressed safety concerns for employees asked to enforce loitering. Councilmember Wiles suggested amendments to clarify good moral character and due diligence. The city attorney advised objective standards to avoid legal challenges.
• Councilmember Gardner objected to moving the item forward, but the mayor proceeded to move it to the regular meeting. The item will be heard on the floor with potential amendments.

Federal, State, and Intergovernmental Relations

• Liz Rogers, intergovernmental relations manager, reported on the Pfizer committee's positions. Two bills were discussed:
  • SB 2670 (Ban Government Access to Historical Location Info Database): The committee recommended an amend position. Council debated the warrant requirement. Mayor Pro Tem opposed removing the warrant requirement, citing Fourth Amendment concerns. A vote on the amendment resulted in a 4-4 tie, so the original amend position (without the specific removal of the warrant requirement) was retained. The city will seek amendments to include constitutionally accepted exceptions.
  • HB 1037 (Ban Government Purchase of Personal Data from Third Parties): The committee was split. Councilmember Wiles proposed amendments to narrow the bill, including transparency and oversight provisions. After discussion, council voted 6-4 to take an amend position, with staff to seek amendments based on Councilmember Wiles's document. If amendments are not achieved, the position may revert to oppose.

Key Outcomes

• Water shortage response plan update will be presented for council approval at a future regular meeting.
• Big John Fire Engine landmark nomination was moved forward to final council vote on February 23, 2026.
• Retail licensing ordinance was moved to the regular meeting for further consideration, despite Councilmember Gardner's objection.
• SB 2670: Council adopted an amend position, with staff to seek amendments that include exceptions to the warrant requirement.
• HB 1037: Council adopted an amend position, with staff to seek amendments per Councilmember Wiles's suggestions. The position may be revisited if amendments are not achieved.