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December 2018

Ward I Town MeetingCouncil Member Crystal Murillo

• Jan. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.

Moorhead Recreation Center

2390 Havana St.

• Feb. 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

Fire Station No. 2, 12600 Hoffman Blvd.

Ward II Town MeetingCouncil Member Nicole Johnston

• Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Beck Recreation Center

800 Telluride St.

Ward IV Town MeetingCouncil Member Charlie Richardson

• Jan. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

EcoTech Institute, 1400 S. Abilene St.

Ward VI Town MeetingCouncil Member Françoise Bergan

• Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m.

Tallyn’s Reach Library

23911 E. Arapahoe Road

Upcoming Aurora City Council TOWN MEETINGSAurora town meetings are open to everyone. Call 303.739.7015 for more detailed information about these meetings.

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news

COUNCIL APPROVES 2019 CITY BUDGET

The city is required to balance its budget every year, and 2019 is no different. The budget provides a sound financial plan to provide funding for the best possible municipal services, and was built with caution in mind and an eye toward the future.

The upcoming year’s city budget of $752.6 million, which the Aurora City Council approved unanimously in the fall, is an annual spending plan targeting the city council’s broad goals:

• Assure a safe community for people• Serve as leaders and partner with

other governments and jurisdictions• Ensure excellent infrastructure that is

well maintained and operated• Create a superior quality of life for

residents, making the city a desirable place to live and visit

• Be a great place to locate, expand and operate a business and provide for well-planned growth and development

• Provide a well-managed and financially strong city

The bulk of the city’s expenditures—42.5 percent—are directed toward achieving the safe community goal, followed by the well-managed city (21.3 percent) and excellent infrastructure (19.4 percent) goals, the quality of life (12.4 percent), business development (3.3 percent) and

government leaders and partners (1.1 percent).

Significant new amendments for 2019 include the following: 15 new police officers; 16 new firefighters and equipment for a temporary Fire Station No. 17 (to support the Cross Creek/Harmony area); 16 new firefighters for another northeast-area fire truck company (partially funded with federal grant dollars); 13 Aurora Water staff for various regulatory and service needs; four public defender positions; four prosecutors in the City Attorney’s Office; eight Public Works staff plus equipment to create a new northeast area street operations crew; $1 million to continue the Lead Pipe Program; $1 million for fiber infrastructure and project implementation needs; $1.1 million in seed money for affordable housing; $3.4 million for homelessness (from marijuana tax revenue); and $2 million for bonds to building a recreation center in southeast Aurora (from marijuana tax revenue).

Each city service funded in the 2019 budget is paired with a series of desired outcomes. Progress toward achieving those outcomes in measured with a series of performance metrics to ensure the city is providing services in the most effective, efficient and equitable way possible.

To view the 2019 budget document, visit AuroraGov.org/Budget.

303.739.7000 • AuroraGov.org • Facebook.com/AuroraGov • Twitter.com/AuroraGov • AuroraTV.orgThe city of Aurora Communications Department produces this newsletter. Contact communications@auroragov.org.

ELECTIONBALLOT QUESTION RESULTS

As of press time, in unofficial returns from the Nov. 6 election, Aurora voters said they wanted an end to the city’s photo red light enforcement program, paving the way for the program to expire with the end of its current contract Jan. 1.

Elsewhere on the ballot, voters approved the licensing and operation of medical-marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facilities in the city but appear to have rejected an additional sales tax on medical marijuana. Close to 100,000 votes were cast in the election.

Voters overwhelmingly approved a measure that extends the police and fire probationary periods for new hires to one year from the completion of their training academy, as well as a measure that removes the city from state restrictions limiting the delivery of high-speed internet services.

Aurora city ballot measures included:(all results are unofficial)

Referred Ballot Issue 3G - Medical Marijuana Sales and Use Tax

• Yes - 49.32%• No - 50.68%

Referred Ballot Question 3H - Medical Marijuana Grows and Manufacturing

• Yes - 51.86%• No - 48.14%

Referred Ballot Question 3I - Continuing the Photo Red Light Enforcement Program

• Yes - 33.76%• No - 66.24%

Referred Ballot Question 3J - Extension of Fire and Police Probationary Period

• Yes - 65.95%• No - 34.05%

Referred Ballot Question 3K - Restoring Local Control Over Broadband Services

• Yes - 75.49%• No - 24.51%

For a full list of election results, go to the website of the clerk’s office in the county where you live, or go to the Secretary of State’s Office website at SOS.state.co.us.

BIDDING ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS IS EASYAre you a business that wants to bid on city government contracts ? The city of Auroramakes it easy to see and sort through available opportunities.

Bids are posted on the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System by the city of Aurora’s Office of Purchasing Services, which aspires to bring “best value” to the city of Aurora by acquiring quality goods, services and construction at a fair price through contracts with commercial sources. Go to AuroraGov.org/purchasing to find the link to the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System, contracts pending approval and other information. Requests for Proposals and other bid information are available from over 200 government agencies through the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System. Sign up for a vendor account for free; for an additional cost, you can receive real-time notification of bids and RFPs issued by any participating agency using a service code you register under. Vendors may register for as many applicable codes as they would like.

Recognizing the importance of small businesses to the community, the city of Aurora has a Small Business Enterprise Program that applies to all service and construction contracts exceeding $250,000. Through the program, large businesses that subcontract out work must make a good-faith effort to meet a certain threshold of hiring small businesses.

For more information about bidding on city government contracts, contact the Office of Purchasing Services at 303.739.7100 or cityofaurorapurchasing@auroragov.org.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Remember the legacy and continue the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the city of Aurora’s commemoration events in January. Join us at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 for the kickoff celebration at the Aurora Municipal Center and continue that evening at 6:30 p.m. with a candlelight vigil, prayers and the reading of a city proclamation. Other events throughout the month will include televised forums on AuroraTV cable channel 8 or 880 and AuroraTV.org, a youth forum, the Aurora Community of Faith Breakfast, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library Jan. 21, a motorcade from Aurora to the state Marade, and more. For details and schedules, go to AuroraGov.org/MLK.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. ”

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GO GREEN: RECYCLE YOUR TREEFrom Dec. 26 through Jan. 7, residents may drop off real Christmas trees anytime at Del Mar Park, 12000 E. Sixth Ave. (at Peoria Street in the west parking lot); Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave. (east of Chambers Road); or Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road (west of E-470).

Remember to remove all nails, decorations and stands from trees prior to drop-off. And from Dec. 29 to Jan. 8, or while supplies last, bring your own truck, bags, containers and shovels to pick up free mulch. For more information, call 303.739.7177.

DRINK LOCAL: AURORA’S CRAFT BEER SCENE Through April 79 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayAurora History Museum15051 E. Alameda Parkway303.739.6660 or AuroraMuseum.orgThis exhibition showcases the history of craft beer in Aurora, and the passion Coloradans hold for the brewing industry. Free.

CULTIVATING COMMUNITY: HOERY FAMILY PHOTOSDec. 11 to March 109 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayAurora History Museum15051 E. Alameda Parkway303.739.6660 or AuroraMuseum.orgExperience Aurora through 100-year-old photographs of the Hoery family. Whether by farming, education, business ownership, land stewardship or leisure, the Hoery family helped shape early Aurora’s community and created an enduring legacy. Free.

NATURE WALKJan. 12, 9 to 11 a.m.Pronghorn Natural Area27800 E. Quincy Ave.Get to know what plants and wildlife can be found in Aurora’s amazing open space areas. Ages 8 and older. Free, but call 303.326.8650 to register.

BROWN BAG LECTURE: BEER ARCHAEOLOGYJan. 16, noon to 12:45 p.m.Aurora History Museum15051 E. Alameda Parkway303.739.6660 or AuroraMuseum.orgTravis Rupp, Avery Brewing Company’s innovation and wood cellar manager, shares his observations on craft beer’s impact on the local community. $4 ($3 Aurora residents); bring your lunch

HOODED, OR BEING BLACK FOR DUMMIESJan. 18 to Feb. 10The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.For tickets, call 303.739.1970 or visit AuroraFox.org.This regional premiere features a timely and irreverent examination of two very different young black men growing up in America.

outand

about

NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION GRANT PROCESS STARTS WITH JANUARY MEETINGSThe city of Aurora is offering Neighborhood Beautification Grants of up to $5,000 per neighborhood group in 2019 to help spruce up neighborhoods.

The grants promote projects that improve the physical condition of a neighborhood, enhance pride and identity, promote self-reliance and increase neighborhood communication. The city has allocated up to $60,000 for grants for 2019, with a maximum of $10,000 for each of the city’s six council wards.

Residents who are interested must attend one of three pre-application meetings in January to learn more about the application process and talk with various city departments about potential project considerations, such as permits, lane closures and any associated fees:

• Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m.: Aurora Municipal Center City Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

• Tuesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.: Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St.• Wednesday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m.: Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

To attend any of the meetings, RSVP to 303.739.7280.

Residents are also required to meet with a neighborhood liaison before applying and have all application materials submitted by March 31. All projects selected to receive grant funding must be completed by Oct. 31.

Program details and examples of past grant recipients are available at AuroraGov.org/KeepAuroraClean.

Eligible projects must be within Aurora city limits, not be intended for individual private residential property except for city right-of-way, provide an identifiable benefit to the neighborhood, have a specific timeline, and involve at least three households in the neighborhood.

STORMWATER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SET FOR EARLY 2019 GROUNDBREAKINGAurora Water will soon begin work on the Fitzsimons-Peoria Stormwater Outfall Project. The first construction phase is tentatively scheduled to begin in early 2019, setting the stage for a multi-year effort that will upgrade the stormwater conveyance capacity in the Fitzsimons-Peoria corridor. This area is located along Peoria Street between Quari Court and the Sand Creek Outfall in Sand Creek Park.

The first phase of the project will result in an approximate six-month closure of the right turn lane of westbound East Colfax Avenue at North Quentin Street, and a right lane closure of northbound Peoria Street between East Colfax Avenue and approximately East 16th Avenue. Commuters should watch for signage in the area.

Visit Fitz-Peoria.org for news and information as it becomes available.

Water Billing Questions: 303.739.7388 • Service Questions: 303.326.8645 • AuroraWater.org

2019 WATER AND SEWER RATESIn 2019, water and sewer rates will have small increases to meet rising costs. Water rates, which did not increase in 2018, will go up an average of three percent, while sewer rates will go up by four percent. This will result in a monthly increase of about $3.08 for the typical residential customer. Even with these moderate increases, the average bill for water, wastewater and stormwater services in Aurora remains very affordable, especially when compared to other Front Range utilities. Aurora Water is funded by rates and fees, and receives no revenue from sales or property tax. For a complete listing of the 2019 rates and fees, visit AuroraWater.org.

FIRST PLACE

WINNER

Congratulations to the 2018 winners of the Water-wise Landscape Award, which recognizes outstanding front and side yards that incorporate the use of low-water landscape materials and techniques. Winners earn up to a $100 credit on their water bill.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS ARE: • First place: Nathan Crumb• Second place: Mathew Snider • Third place (tie): Ryan Rachfalski and Larry and Ginny Steele

For more information on this year’s winners and past recipients, visit AuroraWater.org.

WATER-WISE LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

1Fitzsimons-

PeoriaSTORMWATER OUTFALL PROJECT