Aurora City Council Meeting – May 5, 2026

The Aurora City Council met on May 5, 2026 for its regular meeting. The meeting included a lengthy public comment period dominated by debates over decorum and police accountability, the adoption of a resolution expressing sorrow for officer-involved shootings, and several routine items. Note: The transcript begins by stating the meeting was held on Monday, May 4, 2026, but the provided metadata indicates the correct date is May 5, 2026. This summary uses the official date.

Consent Calendar

• The April 20, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• The agenda was amended to add Councilmember Ally Jackson as a co-sponsor to item 1186, then approved unanimously.
• Consent calendar on motions (items 10A–10C3) and consent calendar on resolutions and ordinances (items 11A1–11A5 and 11B1–11B2) were approved unanimously. Item 11A6 was pulled from consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

First Public Comment Period

• Pastor Ron Frierson urged healing and respectful communication.
• Debbie Stafford (Aurora Community of Faith) called for decorum, stating that a small group has “hijacked” meetings with threats and swearing. She cited scripture and asked for civility.
• Becky (Mustachio Grief Foundation) provided information about grief resources for families who lost loved ones.
• Pastor Al Coombs (45-year Aurora pastor) prayed for peace and unity, emphasizing that peace is a person (Jehovah Shalom).
• Jerry Jarenski criticized the council majority (labeling them “socialists”) and specifically attacked Councilmember Wiles (police review board), Horton (comments on police shootings), Andrews (arrest history), Jackson (lack of qualification), and the council’s vote against ICE cooperation.
• Andy Starrett (parent of murdered child) recommended grief support groups like Parents of Murdered Children.
• Shonda Stuarte (Aurora native) expressed concern over proposed changes to the Aurora Reservoir access road, asking for transparency and meaningful community engagement. Councilmember Bergen offered to follow up.
• Jeffrey McFarland (Denver Aurora Community Action Committee) argued that the council should apologize for police violence, called for a civilian police accountability council with subpoena power, and criticized former mayor and council for hiring Chief Todd Chamberlain.
• Kristen Mallory defended emotional public comments, stating that anger stems from Aurora’s history of police killings and that “healing starts with listening when it’s uncomfortable.” She challenged faith leaders who prioritize decorum over justice.
• Ali DeWills Marcano argued that “decorum is wielded as a cudgel to silence those who challenge power” and that organized groups from the establishment are the real hijackers. She called for ending the one-hour time limit and protecting free speech.
• Pastor Topaz McBride acknowledged pain on all sides and called for unity and accountability.
• Ayante Anderson criticized faith leaders for not standing with families earlier, questioned “what side would Jesus stand on,” and directly addressed Debbie Stafford, asking “What God are you praying to?” He challenged the Aurora Community of Faith to show up for grieving families.
• Medine Schaffner (mother of Kylan Lewis) angrily responded to Debbie Stafford, stating her pain is ongoing, that she will never stop fighting, and that the council should not shut down public comment.
• Ray Cole (Tollgate Crossing resident) opposed the reservoir access road plan as it would run behind his home, disrupting the neighborhood. Councilmembers requested his contact info.
• Della Ann Jordan criticized the police department’s handling of her assault report, alleging inaccurate reports and lack of empathy. She called for Chief Chamberlain’s resignation.
• T Tag argued that council spends time policing feelings instead of addressing police violence, sexual assault allegations against the chief, and a “rogue” police force. She called for community input.
• Zachary Cotton accused Chief Chamberlain of lying to families and media, and criticized delays and fees on his CORA request for records related to communications with ICE.
• Cassandra Hill (DACAC) said the council ignores the many citizens who speak about police violence and that community control of police is needed.
• Samantha Carente defended speakers as “community members using one of few public avenues” and called criticism of them a tactic to silence criticism. She quoted scripture to condemn hypocrisy.
• Veronica Siebron (mother of Jalen Seabron) responded to Debbie Stafford, saying families have been ignored for years, and asked how anyone can judge the tone of a grieving mother.
• K Dot invoked the First Amendment and directly told Debbie Stafford she is a hypocrite. He said “demons know scriptures as well.”
• Laura McLaughlin praised youth who spoke against the SAVE program and criticized the council for not working with community nonprofits.
• Aaron Contreras (Colorado Carpenters Local 555) spoke in support of a construction transparency ordinance to require information on apprenticeship participation and local hiring.
• Tristan Hoost (DACAC) argued that faith leaders lecturing about decorum ignore police killings. He listed names of people killed by APD and called for firing Chief Chamberlain and community control.

Second Public Comment Period (After Resolution Adoption)

• Ayante Anderson said the resolution is “not enough” and will be enough only when police killings stop and the council stands up to the police union. He challenged the city to pass an enforcing ordinance.
• Medine Schaffner (mother of Kylan Lewis) reported that the city has not responded to permit requests for Kylan’s memorial on May 23. She said the memorial will proceed regardless.
• Veronica Siebron (mother of Jalen Seabron) echoed the permit issue, criticized Councilmember Hancock for being disheartened by attacks on a faith leader but not by police killings, and asked Mayor Kaufman to instruct Jason Batchelor to address the family’s request.
• Ali DeWills Marcano pointed out that Councilmember Bergen violated the council’s own decorum rule by calling Councilmember Andrews a liar, and urged Councilmember Hancock to hold Bergen accountable.
• Juan Marcano argued that decorum is selective and used to silence speech, and that addressing systemic injustices would bring peace to chambers.
• Ellen Wu spoke for AANHPI Heritage Month and against bullying and hate, calling for education and organization.

Discussion Items

Item 11A6 – Resolution on Officer-Involved Shootings

Councilmember Andrews introduced a substitute resolution (moved by Councilmember Jackson) after negotiation. The substitute acknowledged loss of life, expressed sorrow, and committed to transparency and accountability. Councilmember Bergen objected, stating that Councilmember Andrews had given his word he would accept her version and then changed it without notice. She said she could no longer trust him. The substitute resolution passed 6-4 (Bergen, Gardner, Hancock, Lawson opposed).

The council then debated amendments. Councilmember Horton added “racial and ethnic disparities” to a whereas clause. Councilmember Gardner added “city council” alongside city attorney regarding fiduciary duty. Both were accepted as friendly.

In final debate:

• Councilmember Gardner said supporting the resolution is not anti-police; it is a humane acknowledgment of hurt.
• Councilmember Mayor Pro Tem Coombs thanked both sides for balancing empathy for families and police, and acknowledged institutional power disparities.
• Councilmember Hancock argued the resolution goes beyond government’s proper role, will not satisfy critics, and could interfere with pending litigation. She voted no.

Final vote: 7-3 (Andrews, Horton, Jackson, Wiles, Coombs, Medina, Gardner? Wait, Gardner said he would support. Let me check transcript: Gardner spoke in favor. So yes, Gardner voted yes. Hancock and Lawson no, Bergen no. So 7 yes, 3 no) – resolution adopted.

Item 13A – Commission for Older Adults Term Limits

Director of Parks, Recreation & Open Space Brian Green presented a cleanup ordinance to align term limits with other boards. Passed unanimously.

Item 13B – Library Board Code Changes

Library Director Ginger White Brunetti presented changes to align library board bylaws with 2025 board consolidation, including email voting, secretary selection, membership expansion (up to 15), and allowing non-residents who work in Aurora. Councilmember Bergen asked about the rationale for non-residents; staff noted many workers live outside city limits. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution on Officer-Involved Shootings (11A6) adopted 7-3 after a substitute was offered and amended. The resolution expresses sorrow for loss of life, commits to improving trust and transparency, and acknowledges the trauma of all affected, including officers.
• Commission for Older Adults ordinance (13A) approved unanimously.
• Library Board ordinance (13B) approved unanimously.
• Public comment rules: Several council members acknowledged the need for better decorum and listening, but no formal action was taken. Councilmember Coombs apologized to Hancock for snapping.
• Permit for Kylan Lewis memorial: Families reported no response from the city; they stated they will proceed regardless.
• Future meetings: Spring workshop on May 9, State of the City on May 12, and various town halls scheduled.