City Newsletter - June 18, 2020

June 18, 2020

Aurora Police Chief finalists to take part in Virtual Town Hall on June 23

The city of Aurora wants to hear from residents and other community stakeholders on the four finalists for the Chief of Police position, selected following a nationwide search to lead the 924-person public safety agency. The finalists will be in Aurora the week of June 22 to meet with members of the Aurora City Council, the Aurora Police Department and the Aurora community. The city is hosting a virtual town hall with the finalists at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 23. Community members are invited to join online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast 8/880 in Aurora or by phone to hear from the finalists and ask their questions. Questions can be submitted in advance of the town hall at AuroraGov.org/PoliceChiefTownHall. An online survey will be available after the event for people to provide feedback on the finalists’ qualifications, strengths and weaknesses. The survey will go live at AuroraGov.org/PoliceChiefTownHall and will be available for one week after the event. The finalists are: * Marcus Dudley Jr., commander, Aurora Police Department * Alexander D. Jones, colonel and bureau chief, Baltimore County Police Department, Maryland * Avery L. Moore, assistant police chief, Dallas Police Department, Texas * Vanessa Wilson, interim chief of police, Aurora Police Department A final recommendation will be made by the city manager in July. That decision must be confirmed by a vote of the Aurora City Council. The city of Aurora has been conducting a nationwide search for a new Chief of Police with the help of Bob Murray & Associates following the retirement of Police Chief Nick Metz in December 2019.

Today, Animal Services Virtual Town Hall Remember, Animal Services is hosting a Virtual Town Hall today, June 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to answer questions related to the proposed revisions of Chapter 14 Animal Code, specifically dog breed restrictions ordinance (pit bulls). Details in link. Read more www.auroragov.org

For the latest on COVID-19 and the city's response, as well as available resources for businesses and residents, go to the city's information page at AuroraGov.org/COVID-19.

Aurora Economic Recovery Grant Program The deadline is fast approaching for small to mid-sized businesses and eligible nonprofits in Aurora to apply for financial assistance from the city’s new $6 million Aurora Economic Recovery Grant Program. Application process ends 11:59 p.m. June 22. Read more www.auroragov.org

City Council Appoints Community Police Task Force

At a special meeting June 15 called by Mayor Mike Coffman, the Aurora City Council appointed 13 people to serve on the Community Police Task Force—12 voting members and one non-voting ex-officio member. One additional voting member will be appointed by the City Council at their meeting on June 22, bringing the total task force number to 14. The task force will now evaluate, discuss and develop recommendations to improve effective and transparent communication between the Aurora Police Department and the community, including a potential resident-involved/resident-based review process of critical police incidents, operations, practices and procedures. More than 50 applications were received from residents interested in serving on the task force, following an initial call for applications in February. The finalization of the task force was delayed by the effects of the coronavirus. Those selected to serve on the task force are a mix of representatives from key community organizations, as well as individual appointments: Kevin Cox, representing Aurora Public Schools Thomas Mayes, representing the Aurora Key Community Response Team Topazz McBride, representing the Aurora Community of Faith Omar Montgomery, representing the Aurora Chapter of NAACP Jessica Price, representing Cherry Creek Public Schools Jamie Ray, representing criminal justice reform organizations Robert Chase Jason McBride Lindsay Minter Kristen Pough Jeanette Rodriguez Vicki Scott Also appointed was a non-voting Ex Officio Member, Aurora Police Area Representative Virgil Majors. The task force will be facilitated by Dr. Ryan Ross, a well-known community advocate and the Associate Vice Chancellor for student affairs, equity and inclusion for the Colorado Community College System. The Community Police Task Force was commissioned by the Aurora City Council in February under the leadership of Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Johnston following community concerns around high-profile cases involving the Aurora Police Department.

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WATCH AURORA NOW

UPCOMING EVENTS Council Member Town Meetings Council members are eager to hear from residents and committed to forums in which those conversations can occur, but the format and structure of town meetings may be affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit AuroraGov.org/Council to check the latest information on meeting dates. City Council Regular Meeting (Virtual) Monday, June 22, 7:30 p.m. View this meeting online at AuroraTV.org and cable channels 8 and 880. You may also listen to the meeting by phone (see AuroraGov.org for details). In advance of the meeting, submit a comment for Public Invited To Be Heard or an individual agenda item to publiccomment@auroragov.org. Please indicate in your email whether you want your comment read into the record at the meeting or simply forwarded to mayor and City Council. Staff will read the first three minutes of any comment into the record as requested. Comments will also be accepted in advance of the meeting by phone by calling the City Clerk’s Office at 303.739.7094. AuroraGov.org/Council • Streamed live at AuroraTV.org or cable channels 8 and 880 only Animal Ordinance Virtual Town Hall Thursday, June 18, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Animal Services will be hosting a Virtual Town Hall to answer questions related to the proposed revisions of Chapter 14 Animal Code, specifically dog breed restrictions ordinance (pit bulls). Join at AuroraGov.org/AnimalOrdinance or by calling 720.650.7664 (access code 146 079 342) Mayor Mike Live Friday, June 19, 3 p.m. Join Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman on his weekly live stream of "Mayor Mike Live" on Facebook and AuroraTV.org. Mayor Mike will be answering questions so get yours ready. Chief of Police Finalists Virtual Town Hall Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. The city is hosting a virtual town hall with the finalists for the Chief of Aurora Police Department position. Community members are invited to join online at AuroraTV.org, on Comcast 8/880 in Aurora or by phone to hear from the finalists and ask their questions. Questions can be submitted in advance of the town hall at AuroraGov.org/PoliceChiefTownHall. Aurora Mobile Food Pantry Wednesday, June 24, 10 a.m. to until food has been distributed In partnership with Aurora Interfaith Community Services, the city of Aurora is distributing at least 9,000 meals every week at various locations throughout the city. Photo ID or proof of Aurora residency is required. All Aurora households are eligible. Food for pets is also available, as well as emergency food kits for those experiencing homelessness. For questions, call 720.557.6444 or visit AuroraGov.org/MobileFoodPantry. Gateway High School, 1300 S. Sable Blvd Library's Summer of Imagination Through Aug. 1 This year’s summer program is completely virtual. Register online and download your reading logs. When you reach your reading milestones, email us at APLReadingRocks@auroragov.org to receive your prizes. Explore the World While Staying at Home Do you feel a little shut off from the rest of the world during the Stay-at-Home order? Some city programs have some great ways for you to stay connected. ·     Aurora Dance Arts: On its Facebook page, Aurora Dance Arts is providing live online dance classes, with some of their fabulous faculty teaching from home, dance tutorials and dance challenge videos, and various other online resources for dancers and families. ·     Aurora Fox Arts Center: The Aurora Fox has a weekly video interview, “Meet the Artists,” with artists connected to the Aurora Fox. Check it out on the Aurora Fox’s Facebook page or Instagram. ·     Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites: Explore online exhibits, archives and lesson plans from your home, including interactive maps, such as one of East Colfax Avenue, history videos, and more. You can also take a virtual tour of all the city’s historic sites. ·     Aurora Public Library: The library has daily storytime on Facebook, ebooks, audiobooks and other remote-access tools, Learn at Home activities, Do It Yourself projects, virtual field trips to museums, national parks, etc., and more. Aurora Public Schools students can access most library databases using their student ID number. ·     Art in Public Places: The city’s Art in Public Places program has a downloadable coloring book featuring some of the most popular public arts in Aurora. Visit its Facebook page to download your free copy. ·     The People’s Building: Aurora's newest cultural facility is creating a series of videos on its Facebook and Instagram titled “Six Feet Apart,” which profiles some of the artists and performers who will be showcased at the building once we return to healthier times.

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