Aurora is creating a new plan over the next 18 months that will help to guide city leaders for another decade and beyond. We’re calling it Aurora Places, and it will represent a collective vision for Aurora’s future. This comprehensive plan will serve as a foundation for decision making in the city. It will establish policies and recommendations related to land use and development, neighborhood livability and housing, transportation and mobility, community health and sustainability, economic vitality, cultural diversity, and community life. Aurora Places will include detailed implementation strategies to ensure the plan’s success over time. The city will build the plan based on a foundation of community participation and feedback. In the coming months, there will be a number of opportunities for you to get involved. We need help addressing questions like Aurora’s top priorities, what the city wants and needs in neighborhoods and housing, how Aurora’s commercial areas should look, how the city can attract more businesses and visitors to Aurora, and how the city can be more sustainable and healthy. The project website—www.auroraplacesplan.com—will serve as a great resource as the plan is crafted, and will include project updates, meeting announcements, online surveys, and a web-based mapping application that allows citizens to create their own maps of issues and aspirations in Aurora. To kick off Aurora Places, everyone is invited to attend a community workshop to identify and discuss community issues, priorities, assets and opportunities. Come share your ideas and let your voice be heard.

• Sept. 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m., North Middle School, 12095 Montview Blvd.• Sept. 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aurora Association of Realtors, 14201 E. Evans Drive• Sept. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Cherokee Trail High School, 25901 E. Arapahoe Road

August 2016

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303.739.7000 • auroragov.org • facebook.com/auroragov • twitter.com/auroragov • AuroraTV.org

accessible • comfortable • advancing • worth discovering

Help us plan Aurora’s future places

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Upcoming Aurora City Council Town MeetingsCall 303.739.7015 for more information.

Ward I Town MeetingCouncil Member Sally Mounier• Sept. 1, 6-8 p.m. Sept. 10, 1-3 p.m. (Say It to Sally) Martin Luther King Jr. Library 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

Marsha and Mounier SeriesCouncil Members Marsha Berzins and Sally Mounier• Sept. 15, 7:15-8:30 a.m. Tin Cup Restaurant at Aurora Hills 50 S. Peoria St.

Ward II Town MeetingCouncil Member Renie Peterson• Aug. 29, 7-9 p.m. Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Ward III Town MeetingCouncil Member Marsha Berzins• Sept. 14, 6-7:30 p.m. Aurora Chamber of Commerce 14305 E. Alameda Ave., Third Floor

Ward IV Town MeetingCouncil Member Charlie Richardson• Sept. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. EcoTech Institute 1400 S. Abilene St.

Ward V Town MeetingCouncil Member Bob Roth• Sept. 20, 6-8 p.m. Shalom Cares 4800 E. Belleview Drive

Ward VI Town MeetingCouncil Member Françoise Bergan• Sept. 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tallyn’s Reach Library, Community Room 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

At-Large Town MeetingCouncil Members Barbara Cleland, Bob LeGare, Angela Lawson and Brad Pierce• Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m. Tallyn’s Reach Library, Community Room 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

A Mosaic of Cultures: Aurora’s Ethiopian CommunitiesThrough Sept. 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayAurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway303.739.6660 or visitauroramuseum.org

Celebrate the heritage and contributions of Aurora’s Ethiopian-born residents. In partnership with Aurora Sister Cities International. Free.

Political Cartoons: The Herblock CollectionThrough Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and SundayAurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway303.739.6660 or auroramuseum.orgView the works of Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Herbert L. Block (Herblock) through his collection from the Library of Congress. Free.

ACE: Asian-American Cabaret EveningAug. 21, 7 to 9 p.m.1400 Dallas St. Gallery and Studioswww.theatre-esprit-asia.orgEnjoy a preview of the 2016-17 season with excerpted readings by the casts of “The Oldest Boy,” “Yohen” and “Adjusting to America.” Reservations suggested due to limited seating; call 720.492.9279 with name, phone number and number of people attending. Donations appreciated; free refreshments served.

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka - the MusicalSept. 16 to Oct. 30Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.The Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.303.856.7830 or vintagetheatre.comEscape into a world of pure imagination.

The Oldest BoySept. 16 to Oct. 23Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m.The Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St.303.856.7830 or vintagetheatre.comA powerful story about an American child who is identified by monks as the reincarnation of a revered Buddhist teacher.

Antique Appraisal FairSept. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Aurora Central Library, Community Room14949 E. Alameda Parkwayauroramuseum.orgHave your antiques and collectibles evaluated by local appraisers. $5 per individual item (five-item limit). All proceeds benefit the Aurora History Museum. Sponsored by the Aurora Museum Foundation. Call 303.739.6705 after Aug. 1 to reserve an entrance time.

Aurora Veterans SaluteNov. 9, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum7711 E. Academy Blvd. at Lowry303.326.8650 or auroragov.org/saluteRegistration begins Aug. 8. Group registration ends Sept. 26. Tickets are $22 per person ($20 per person for groups of 10 or more); tickets $25 per person after Oct. 10. This year’s theme recognizes all veterans and service personnel, with special emphasis on Vietnam-era veterans.

Everything looks better on AuroraTV these days since the city of Aurora's community television station entered the world of high definition.

In addition to Comcast Channel 8, you'll find AuroraTV on HD channel 880 as well. Both channels feature live city council meetings, "Aurora News Weekly," "Dateline Aurora," local programming and special interest programs ranging from armed forces programming to art and cooking.

In addition, AuroraTV also launched a second new channel—its Aurora Community HD Channel. Channel 881 features a bulletin board, local news, programming schedules, weather

and an inset box showing AuroraTV's legacy shows.

"We're one of the first local government stations in the country to have a unique HD channel like this," said Randy Simpson, supervisor for the city's television and cable services."We have decades of unique assets—programs that we have produced in a standard definition format that are still relevant today—and channel 881 enables us to continue to provide this content to our viewers."

Of course, AuroraTV continues to post important meetings and notices on Cable Channel 55. And you can find the station's new high definition programs at any time on AuroraTV.org.

OUT & ABOUT

At the same time, business owners and operators are invited to attend a business workshop to identify what is most important in making Aurora a business friendly and economically successful community.

• Sept. 21, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Aurora Central Library Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

• Sept. 22, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Aurora Central Library Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Reaching as many people as we can is one important element of Aurora Places. So the city also is offering individuals an opportunity to conduct a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Workshop.

Equipped with a DIY Workshop kit, a resident or community stakeholder may host a workshop with a neighborhood group, religious institution, classroom, business group, multi-cultural group or others. The kit, which is fun and easy to use, includes all the materials and instructions needed to facilitate your own planning workshop, and gather input in the planning process. To receive a DIY Workshop kit, email auroraplaces@auroragov.org or call 303.739.7194. For more information, visit auroraplacesplan.com., or join the conversation via #auroraplaces on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

AuroraTV goes HD

Give an invocationThe city invites anyone who desires to provide an opening invocation at the regular council meetings to submit his or her interest to the city. The invocation is a nonsectarian pronouncement of simple values intended to solemnize the occasion of the meeting.

The invocations shall not proselytize or advance any one faith or belief, or disparage any other; nor shall invocations establish a particular religion as the sanctioned or official religion of the council. To submit interest, contact the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@auroragov.org.

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Energy TIP

Are you heating your hot water more than you need to be? If you control a water heater, consider assuring that its temperature setting is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than the standard 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Those extra 20 degrees make a big different in energy expenditures.

2017 Budget in Process

Aurora Line trains rolling for testingThe Regional Transportation District (RTD) has a message for Aurora—there is a light (rail) at the end of the tunnel.

RTD began systems-integrated testing in July on the first segment of what will be known as the R Line. The process evaluates technical and performance requirements for key elements of the line, which include measuring track clearances, testing train signals, and testing the electrical and communication systems.

Part of the testing process includes running a light rail train under its own power."Before we open the line for service, we test all the elements of the rail system to verify that the construction produced a safe and reliable rail line," said RTD Project Manager Chuck Culig. This will include testing of the train and traffic equipment at all crossings and intersections within the city of Aurora."

When Aurora residents see a train moving on the tracks, it’s a positive sign. However, Culig said, even as we see fewer impacts, RTD is working hard to educate the public about the importance of being safe around buses and trains.

“Safety is RTD’s number one priority and we have an excellent safety record that we want to maintain as we prepare to open the line at the end of the year,” Culig said. “Whether we are performing construction work or testing rail systems, our safety message is the same—please pay attention and drive carefully through the area.”

Safety tips for drivers and pedestrians: Always follow posted detours through work zones, and never stop on the tracks. Be aware of traffic signals, signs and gates along the corridor, and always assume that wires are live with electricity.

The 10.5-mile Aurora Line/I-225 Rail will extend light rail service from the current Nine Mile Station near I-225 and Parker Road to Peoria Station. The Aurora Line/I-225 Rail will open as the R Line in late 2016, and will travel through major activity centers in Aurora. At the Peoria Station, riders will be able to connect to the University of Colorado A Line to reach Denver International Airport or Denver Union Station. For more information, visit www.rtd-denver.com.

Do your part to prevent and prepare for flooding

Flooding often occurs because storm drains are clogged with debris and trash. The storm drain system is designed to carry storm water directly to nearby creeks, and if flows are interrupted by trash, the chance of residential flooding increases. Do not rake leaves or grass into the gutter, and pick it up trash so it doesn’t get washed into the storm drain system.

If flooding occurs, here are some simple things you can do to prepare and protect yourself:

• Make an emergency supply kit for your home, and prepare a flood evacuation plan.

• Make sure you have a current inventory of your home’s contents.

• Store that inventory and other important documents in a safe place so you can access them if your home is flooded.

• Do not drive or walk into flood waters. Six inches of fast-moving flood water is powerful enough to knock down an adult, and only 12 inches of rushing flood water can move a car.

For more information on how to preparing for floods and other natural disasters, go to auroragov.org and search “flood.”

Take time to make suggestions or ask questions about the city’s use of public funds at a budget hearing during the regular city council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the Aurora Municipal Center’s council chamber, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. This input will help the Aurora City Council and city staff make necessary revisions to the budget. A draft of the 2017 budget will be available online starting the week of Sept. 2 at auroragov.org/budget.

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

Water Conservation ClassesLearn how to lower your water bill, conserve water and create an incredible landscape. Registration is required. Visit aurorawater.org or call 303.739.7195.

Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room15151 E. Alameda Parkway

AMC Xeriscape Demonstration Garden15151 E. Alameda Parkway

DIY Xeriscape Design, Part OneLearn about the basic principles of design and draw your site map. This class is required for customers participating in our free design consultation service. Aug. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room

Xeriscape Start to Finish Discover the basics of converting your lawn to xeriscape in this hands-on class. We’ll talk about turf removal, irrigation and how to choose plants, as well as site layout and proper planting. Aug. 13, 8 to 10 a.m. Aurora Municipal Center Xeriscape Demonstration Garden

Year-round disposal options There are many ways to safely dispose of chemicals all year round. Check out some of these options:

Paint: PaintCare, a statewide program, has partnered with numerous retail stores to accept unwanted paint free of charge. For details and a store near you, go to paintcare.org/Colorado. And don’t forget that dried paint can simply be thrown away. To dry paint, just remove the lid and let it dry or spread it out and mix it with kitty litter.Used motor oil: Many local auto parts stores or service stations accept used motor oil for recycling.CFLs: Most major home improvement stores recycle compact fluorescent light bulbs.Batteries: Most major home improvement and electronic stores accept batteries for recycling. Electronics: Electronics stores often accept items free of charge.

August Schedule

CHEMICAL ROUNDUP coming Sept. 10Do your part to prevent pollution by taking your household chemicals to Aurora’s Household Chemical Roundup from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at Aurora Central Facilities, 13645 E. Ellsworth Ave.

This event is open only to Aurora residents and proof of residency or a current Aurora Water bill is required. While the event is free, there is a $3 fee for tires and donations to offset event costs are appreciated.

Consider gathering items from neighbors so only one person is making the trip. Bring a list of contributors’ addresses so we can track the number of participating households.

Group similar items into boxes for easy drop off. New paint and unopened, usable products are always donated, so be sure to stop by the reuse station on the way out to see if there is anything of interest to you. You must be in line by 4 p.m. Items accepted:Paint and paint products, automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, etc.), lawn and garden chemicals, household cleaners, mercury, vehicle and household batteries, tires ($3 fee per tire), light bulbs and compact fluorescent lights/tubes

Items not accepted: Business waste, medical waste, radiological waste (e.g. smoke detectors), containers more than five gallons in size, mixed products or chemicals, ammunition, explosives, propane tanks and other canisters (e.g. fire extinguishers, butane tanks, etc.)

Recycling Roundup The average American consumes roughly 170 plastic water bottles a year, and most of these go unrecycled. While recycling plastic water bottles is a great gesture for reducing your waste output, even better is replacing plastic water bottles with reusable water bottles that can be refilled with award-winning Aurora Water from the tap.