This Is Aurora - City Newsletter - April 7, 2022

 

 

April 7, 2022 View email as webpage

 

 

City manager seeks new leadership for Aurora Police Department   After a considerable amount of assessment of the state of the Aurora Police Department and Chief Vanessa Wilson’s work in her two years as chief, and a recognition that areas of the department need refocused attention, Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly has made the decision to search for new leadership for APD.   “It is clear that Chief Wilson has prioritized community involvement. However, the police chief also needs to effectively manage the operations of the department, effectively engage with staff, build morale, and validate employee feedback. To provide the level of public safety that our community deserves, a change in leadership must occur,” Twombly said.   As of April 6, Division Chief Chris Juul will temporarily oversee operations at APD. The city management team will work to name an interim chief in the near future. Simultaneously, the city will begin a nationwide search for a permanent chief. Under the Aurora City Charter, it is the city manager’s duty to appoint a police chief with the approval of a majority of the City Council.   The change in leadership will not have an impact on the city’s commitment to fulfill the terms of the consent decree it entered with the Colorado Attorney General in late 2021. The city had already begun implementing changes as part of its ongoing ‘New Way’ plan launched in 2020. Community members can track developments on the city’s ‘New Way’ progress page, which is updated regularly.   Twombly and Mayor Mike Coffman held a news conference April 6 to address the community, and it can be viewed at YouTube.com/TheAuroraChannel.

 

 

 

Join the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation   The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation runs April 1 through April 30. With your support, Aurora can remain one of the top water-wise cities in the country. Join Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council in the pledge to save water. Together, we can all take small, daily actions to reduce waste and promote the sustainability of one of our most precious resources: water. It only takes a minute, and if our city receives the most pledges, participants will be eligible for hundreds of prizes from the Wyland Foundation, who sponsors the challenge, including water-saving devices, home improvement gift cards and a $3,000 grand prize. Pledge to save at AuroraGov.org/Challenge.

 

 

 

Online sign-up forms available for addressing Aurora City Council   The Aurora City Council welcomes public comment and has refined its process for speaking before the council, beginning with its April 11 meeting. Public comment during Public Invited to be Heard (on non-agenda items of city concern) is up to one hour long at the beginning of the regular council meeting. Speaker order is based on when the request to speak is received. Each speaker is allotted a maximum of three minutes. The council will accommodate as many speakers as time permits.   A new online registration form is available at AuroraGov.org/PublicComment. Individuals wishing to comment on non-agenda items may register to speak in person or by calling the public comment line (dial 855.695.3475 and press *3 to reach the operator). Speakers for agenda items may also register early using the new form. Online registration begins at 8 a.m. on the Friday before the next scheduled regular council meeting and ends at noon on the day of the meeting.   Council meetings take place in the Aurora Municipal Center’s Council Chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, which opens at 6 p.m. on the day of the council meeting. Enter the building through the east doors facing Chambers Road. Meetings also may be viewed live on Aurora Comcast cable channels 8 and 880 or at AuroraTV.org.   For more information regarding public comment, visit AuroraGov.org/PublicComment, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 303.739.7094 or by email at CityClerk@auroragov.org.

 

 

IN THE NEWS Gun buyback event to be held this weekend in Aurora - 9News   Aurora lawmakers OK new Colfax center for struggling families - Colorado Sentinel   Students learn how to "Recognize a Responder" - AuroraTV

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UPCOMING EVENTS Council Member Town Meetings Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to confirm meeting dates and location information, and to find links for joining virtual meetings. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info." Ward I (Crystal Murillo) - Thursday, April 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. Ward II (Steve Sundberg) - Thursday, May 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place Ward III (Ruben Medina) - (Budget town meeting) Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle Ward IV (Juan Marcano) - (Budget town meeting) Thursday, April 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Colorado Early Colleges, 1400 S. Abilene St. Ward V (Alison Coombs) - Tuesday, April 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way Ward VI (Françoise Bergan) - Wednesday, May 18, 6 to 8 p.m., Tallyn's Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road At-Large (Curtis Gardner, Danielle Jurinsky, Angela Lawson and Dustin Zvonek) – (Budget town meeting) Thursday, May 5, 6 to 8 p.m., Heather Gardens, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way   City Council Regular Meeting Monday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid meeting, with attendance both in person and virtually. View online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda. For information on addressing City Council during the meeting, go to AuroraGov.org/Public Comment. Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway   Mayor Mike Live Thursday, April 28, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This show has moved to an hour-long format airing every last Thursday of the month, with continued conversations led by Mayor Mike Coffman and Aurora City Council members. Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.   COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Clinics Saturday, April 9, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, noon to 7 p.m. Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place Wednesday, April 13, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. Clinics offer Pfizer and Moderna first, second and booster shots and Pfizer pediatric. AuroraGov.org/Vaccine   COVID-19 Testing Site Open through April 30 Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free testing for COVID-19 is provided to anyone who wants to be tested, especially those who have symptoms. No appointment is necessary. No doctor referral, no health insurance, and no proof of identification are required. Online registration in advance is preferred but is not required. Aurora Center for Active Adults parking lot, 30 Del Mar Circle, at Del Mar Park   Aurora Fox: "Hurricane Diane" Through April 10 The Aurora Fox presents an Obie-winning comedy with a twist! Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George pens a hilarious evisceration of the blind eye we all turn to climate change and the sloppily drunken catharsis that awaits us. Even in our own suburban backyards. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Visit AuroraFoxCenter.org/Hurricane-Diane for information and tickets.   Art Is Magic Gala Thursday, April 14, 6 p.m. Leadership Aurora Class of 2022, a project of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, is holding a fundraiser to benefit Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA). This ticketed event ($40) includes entertainment from comedic metalist magician Professor Phelyx, drinks, food and opportunities to purchase art from Aurora Central High School students. The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. More information: Facebook.com   Free Loader Days April 16, May 14, June 11, July 16 and Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to noon (while supplies last) The city is offering free mulch on select Saturdays as a service to residents working to sustain a healthy landscape in Colorado's arid climate. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer to have us load it full of mulch, or bring your own shovels and containers to serve yourself. Near the intersection of East Hampden Avenue and Dawson Street (enter via South Dawson Street and follow the signs) More information: AuroraGov.org/Trees   13th Avenue Corridor Open House Saturday, April 16, stop by anytime between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Give feedback regarding proposed changes to make traveling for people more comfortable on the 13th Avenue corridor at an open house. For language assistance requests, email languageassistance@auroragov.org by April 2. For those who cannot attend the open house, materials will be posted for comment starting April 18 on the website. Aurora West College Preparatory Academy, 10100 E. 13th Ave. Find out more at EngageAurora.org/13th   Red Tape Reduction Committee Public Hearing Wednesday, April 20, 6 p.m. The Aurora City Council’s Red Tape Reduction Committee wants to hear from businesses, community groups and others about their experiences working through development planning, permitting, review and other processes. Visit EngageAurora.org/RedTape to sign up to speak or provide online feedback.   Central Recreation Center Park Feedback Thursday, April 21, 6 to 8 p.m. The city is developing a new park site next to Central Recreation Center and wants to hear from residents about what amenities it should include. Whether it's swings, a picnic shelter, a basketball court, restrooms or something else, share your thoughts either in person or virtually. Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place, or online at Facebook.com/AuroraPROS Learn more and take online survey: EngageAurora.org/CentralPark   Antique Appraisal Fair Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Have fun while having your antiques and collectibles evaluated by local appraisers. The Aurora Museum Foundation collects all funds raised to directly benefit the programs and exhibits of the Aurora History Museum. Visit this link to reserve a timed entrance to the event. Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway   Earth Day Celebration 2022 Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy guided nature hikes, bird walks, planting in the native plant garden, special presentations of live raptors by HawkQuest, nature crafts, an onsite volunteer opportunity, and local earth-friendly organizations and vendors! Learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Entrance to Aurora Reservoir is free for those coming to the celebration. Aurora Reservoir, 5800 S. Powhaton Road More information: AuroraGov.org/Events   The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War Open through April 24 Join the Aurora History Museum & Historic Sites for an in-person exploration of Aurora's economic prosperity and suburban expansion during the Cold War. The exhibit includes local stories experienced by Aurora residents during the Cold War to enrich the understanding of the period. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway   Spring Quilt Sale Friday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Beautiful, handmade quilts are made by the talented members of the Aurora Center for Active Adults Quilt Bee Volunteers. Proceeds benefit special projects at the Aurora Center for Active Adults. Special orders are accepted. Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle   Without a Home in Aurora Exhibit Open through May 29 Housing insecurity is a key issue facing Aurora, and to build a wider understanding of people who are often overlooked, misunderstood or unheard, staff at the Aurora History Museum engaged in an oral history project on the streets of the city. Learn more at Aurora History Museum. Free admission. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway

 

 

 

 

 

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