This Is Aurora - City Newsletter - Dec. 9, 2021

 

 

Dec. 9, 2021

 

 

City budget reflects COVID recovery   The city is required to balance its budget every year, and 2022 is no different. This year's budget of $983 million provides a sound financial plan to provide funding for the best possible municipal services.   The 2022 budget, which the Aurora City Council unanimously approved in November, reflects the city's substantial recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. This has allowed the city to fund a variety of critical items to streamline business processes, ensure compliance with state and federal mandates, and bolster data and physical security. In addition, American Recovery Plan Act funds will supply the city with federal dollars to fund some transformational projects, which are being identified following extensive community engagement to identify resident priorities.   While strong revenue growth allowed the city to address a variety of critical items, the significant number of competing priorities provides challenges that will need to be tackled in the coming years. Given the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, the revenue projections for 2022 were based on a cautious growth scenario to allow for fluctuations in consumer confidence and spending.   Highlights of the 2022 budget include the addition of 11 civilian staff in the Aurora Police Department to support low-threat activities, which should enhance services to Aurora residents and free up sworn officers to be out on the streets, and the addition of 17 firefighters to strengthen emergency response. The budget also includes $10.4 million in one-time funds to address a $15 to $20 million annual shortfall in the road maintenance budget and perform critical road maintenance issues in 2022.   In addition to a backlog of road maintenance deferred projects in need of funding, the city continues to look for long-term solutions to maintain the city’s capital infrastructure assets and build new infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing community.   To view the 2022 budget document, visit AuroraGov.org/Budget.

 

 

Art, poetry and essay contest for youth honors MLK Jr.   Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sharing what his dream means to you through the Aurora Public Libraries Art, Poetry and Essay Contest.   Create a piece of art or write a poem or essay in response to this prompt: What does Dr. King’s dream mean to you and how can you help realize the dream?   The contest is open to kids and teens grades K – 12. Submissions are due by Friday, Dec. 17. Stay tuned for more information about the city's 2022 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration.   Learn More

 

 

Featured city board/commission Planning and Zoning Commission   The city of Aurora is accepting applications for residents to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission.   The commission provides recommendations to the Aurora City Council on zonings and a wide range of planning- and development-related issues. Members also review site plans and use approvals unless appealed to the City Council. To learn more and apply, visit AuroraGov.org/Boards.

 

 

Upcoming e-cycling events

 

The city of Aurora's next opportunities for e-cycling for Aurora residents and nonresidents are Dec. 27 to 31 and Jan. 3 to 8.   The city’s e-cycling events are happening at Techno Rescue—the city’s e-cycling partner—to better serve the community and provide access to as many residents as possible. The facility at 3251 Lewiston St., Suite 10, will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sundays and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day). Business customers are not eligible for these events.   Most electronic items—desktop computers, laptops, cellphones, tablets, gaming equipment, consumer electronics and similar—are accepted. A fee of $5 will be charged per household/vehicle.   Techno Rescue, which is certified for electronics recycling and data destruction, wipes and physically destroys all data storage media to protect the identities of those who are recycling responsibly.   Additional e-cycling event dates for 2022 are scheduled as follows: March 14 to 19, May 6 to 11, Sept. 26 to Oct. 1 and Dec. 27 to 30, with the additional event of Jan. 2 to 7 already scheduled for 2023. Pricing may change starting in 2022.   As a reminder, electronics tossed in the trash not only cause serious environmental problems but also are banned from landfills in Colorado. The city of Aurora’s e-cycling events are supported by Environment Aurora, a citywide effort to think green.   For more information including additional fees, visit AuroraGov.org/Recycle.

 

 

IN THE NEWS Aurora crisis intervention team responds to 116 calls in first 3 months - Denver7   Aurora ranks No.1 in Colorado for immigrant community integration - Telemundo Denver   Christmas at Gaylord Rockies is as over-the-top as ever - The Denver Post

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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 find information on how to join, with some meetings taking place virtually while others are scheduled to return to in-person events. If you don't know your council ward, go to AuroraGov.org and click on "Property Info." Town meetings have concluded for 2021, and 2022 meetings will be announced soon.   City Council Study Session Monday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. View the meeting online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.   City Council Special Study Session on Youth Violence Wednesday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. View the meeting online at AuroraTV.org or on cable channels 8 and 880. Visit AuroraGov.org/CouncilMeetings for the agenda.   Mayor Mike Live Thursday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m. Mayor Coffman will be joined by Kevin Hougen, president and CEO of Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Live on Facebook and AuroraTV.org.   Santa's Big Red Sack Dec. 9 to 24 Rattlebrain Productions presents a non-stop sketch comedy, music and technology performance bursting at the seams with irreverent wit and unforgettable characters. The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: SantasBigRedSack.com   Deadline to submit input on High Line Canal Trail Friday, Dec. 10 The city of Aurora is currently in the design phase of the High Line Canal Trail: Colfax Avenue to I-70 project and the virtual open house is still open for review and comment. This on-demand open house provides detailed information regarding the project and an interactive tool to view the proposed corridor alignment. To provide your feedback, visit the link below. EngageAurora.org/HLCT   Festival of Wreaths Through Dec. 10 This year’s 22nd Annual Festival of Wreaths display and fundraiser event features wreaths generously sponsored and decorated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Wreaths will be on display at the Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway, for people to enjoy while online bidding takes place. Please reserve an entrance time online or by calling 303.739.6660. Proceeds benefit the Aurora History Museum. AuroraMuseum.org   Winter Saturday Saturday, Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents can drop off their kids, ages 6 to 10, while they head out for winter shopping or errands. Activities include winter-themed crafts and games. Cost is $17 per person. Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place Registration: AuroraGov.org/Recreation   "It's a Wonderful Life" Radio Play and Tea Saturday, Dec. 11, 2 to 3:30 p.m. This performance is from the 1947 live Lux Radio Theatre broadcast. Tea ticket includes tea, scone and two small desserts from Miette et Chocolat. $20 for the Desserts Tea, and $10 for performance only. Organized with support from the Aurora Museum Foundation. Aurora History Museum, 15051 E Alameda Parkway Tickets: AuroraMuseum.org   Drosselmeyer’s Toy Shoppe & Nutcracker Sweets Dec. 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. Aurora Dance Arts presents a fun new twist on the holiday classic, following Clara and godmother Drosselmeyer in the enchanted toy shoppe on Christmas Eve, with toys twirling to life and fluttering snowflakes and sugar plums dancing through her dreams. Tickets to this family friendly show are $20 each. Aurora Central High School, R.L. Troutman Theatre, 11700 E. 11th Ave. Tickets: AuroraGov.org/Dance   A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant Through Dec. 19 Join us as an anonymous company of merry little children gather on a cold winter's night to rejoice in telling the story of Scientology founder and notorious science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets: AuroraFox.org   Santa's Workshop Camp Dec. 20 to 22, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This all-day winter-themed camp includes activities for children ages 6 to 10 such as reindeer games, cooking baking and toy making. Breakfast, lunch and snack are provided. Cost is $25 or $35 a day based on location. Central Recreation Center, 18150 E. Vassar Place, or Moorhead Recreation Center, 2390 Havana St. Registration: AuroraGov.org/Recreation   Mercado Mistletoe Holiday Pop-up Store Through Dec. 24 Wednesdays through Fridays, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays, noon to 6:30 p.m. Kicking off on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 27), this pop-up store will feature a variety of multicultural indie makers and creators selling unique gifts for the holidays, accompanied by music, adult beverages and live theater. The People's Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave. More information   Tri-County Health Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Daily until further notice 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday (extended hours start Dec. 10) Walk-in and drive-through clinic supported by Jogan Health and the city of Aurora. The clinic offers Pfizer and Moderna, first, second and booster shots. Pfizer pediatric shots for ages 5 to 11 require an appointment (see website for details). Aurora Municipal Campus south parking lot, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway AuroraGov.org/Vaccine   New COVID-19 vaccine mobile clinic Dec. 20, 23, 27, 29 and Jan. 3, 27 and 31 at various locations in Aurora The clinic offers Pfizer and Moderna, first, second and booster shots and flu shots. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. AuroraGov.org/Vaccine   COVID-19 Testing Site Now open through at least Dec. 31 Open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 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   The Rise of the Aurora Suburb during the Cold War Open through April 2022 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 & Historic Sites, 15515 E. Alameda Parkway

 

 

 

 

 

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This newsletter is produced by the city of Aurora Communications and Marketing Department   Questions? Email communications@auroragov.org