May 2018 accessible • comfortable • advancing • worth discovering

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

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.

Ward I Town MeetingCouncil Member Crystal Murillo● May 15, 6-7:30 p.m.Stanley Marketplace (revised location)2501 N. Dallas St.● June 19, 6-7:30 p.m.Martin Luther King Jr. Library9898 E. Colfax Ave.

Ward II Town MeetingCouncil Member Nicole Johnston● May 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Beck Recreation Center800 Telluride St.

Ward III Town MeetingCouncil Member Marsha Berzins● May 9, 6-7:30 p.m.● June 13, 6-7:30 p.m.Aurora Chamber of Commerce14305 E. Alameda Ave.

Mornings with MarshaCouncil Member Marsha Berzins● May 24, 7:15-8:30 a.m.● June 28, 7:15-8:30 a.m.Tin Cup Café at Aurora Hills Golf Course50 S. Peoria St.

Ward IV Town MeetingCouncil Member Charlie Richardson● May 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.● June 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.EcoTech Institute, 1400 S. Abilene St.

Ward V Town MeetingCouncil Member Bob Roth● May 15, 6:30-8 p.m.● July 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Heather Gardens,2888 S. Heather Gardens Way

Ward VI Town MeetingCouncil Member Françoise Bergan● May 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Mission Viejo Library15324 E. Hampden Circle● July 25, 6-8 p.m.Heritage Eagle Bend Clubhouse23155 E. Heritage Parkway

The city of Aurora is in the process of finalizing two important city documents: the comprehensive plan (called “Aurora Places”) and the zoning code.

Aurora Places Comprehensive PlanThe Aurora Places plan will serve as a foundation for decision making related to land use, development, transportation, public facilities, parks and open space, and other aspects of a great city.

More than 2,700 people have provided input as the plan has taken shape. With a complete draft ready to review, it’s time for residents, businesses and other key stakeholders to take a close look and let us know whether the plan accurately reflects what we heard from the community.

The public is invited to attend one of the following community meetings to hear a presentation about the draft plan, ask questions and offer feedback:

● June 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

● June 5, noon to 1:30 p.m., Aurora Association of Realtors, 14201 E. Evans Drive

● June 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

Children are welcome, and light refreshments will be served.

Additionally, the draft plan will be posted online at AuroraPlacesPlan.com starting May 15 where feedback may be provided as well by June 15, and a printed copy will be available at any Aurora public library reference desk for review by request.

Zoning Code UpdateThe Aurora Zoning Code includes the regulations and requirements that are needed to shape development and the built environment into the city envisioned in Aurora Places. It addresses land uses, dimensions, landscaping, architecture, public safety and how a development application gets approved. Zoning code is technical and prescriptive by nature, and the current draft document contains more than 400 pages. The most recent draft of the zoning code is available for review at AuroraGov.org/ZoningCodeUpdate.

A streamlined survey is available to help focus your review, if needed. All survey questions are optional, so reviewers may focus on any or all of the parts of the draft code that interest them the most. However, feedback is welcome on all parts of the code regardless of whether areas of interest are included in the focused survey.

For help, email ZCUpdate@auroragov.org or call 303.739.7107 to schedule a time to speak directly with a staff member. Feedback on the zoning code draft will be collected through June 15.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON FINAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ZONING CODE DRAFTS

Aplanning tomorrow’s city

The city of Aurora is participating in this year’s Bike to Work Day June 27, offering plenty of places to rest and refuel along with ideas for how to make Bike to Work Day work for you.

Presented by Way to Go—a program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments—Bike to Work Day gives everyone a reason to try cycling as a form of commuting, which positively impacts regional air quality, health and traffic congestion.

In the region, more than a third of Bike to Work Day riders are first-time participants. Combining your ride with public transit or parking your car closer to work and taking bike share the rest of the way might make participation easier for first timers.

Bike to Work Prep DayTo help riders get ready for the big day, the city of Aurora is hosting a Bike to Work Prep Day during the city’s Food Truck Rodeo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 1 at the Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway. Activities will include demonstrations on RTD bus bike loading, bike maintenance tips, giveaways and bike share information from ofo, riding resources from Way to Go, buy one/get one pint cards from Peak to Peak Tap & Brew and more.

Register to ride that day to be entered into a drawing for prizes.

On June 27, here’s where you can rest, socialize and refuel in Aurora on your commute:

City of Aurora Breakfast Station (on the High Line Canal): 6:30 to 9 a.m., trail underpass entrance, west side of Chambers Road near the Aurora Municipal Center, breakfast burritos, coffee and granola bars

Stanley Marketplace (along the Westerly Creek Trail)2501 Dallas St.

● BREAKFAST STATION, 6:30 TO 9 A.M.: Stop by the tents on the southeast side for free small drip coffee from Logan House Coffee Company and food from Denver Biscuit Company and Rosenberg’s Bagels. Get trail information and more from Northeast Transportation Connections and the city of Aurora.

● ALL DAY: Stop inside and mention Bike to Work Day for great rewards from these merchants: Rolling Smoke, Zero Market, Rosenberg’s Bagels, Mondo Market and Annette, 10 percent off any purchase; and Trunk Nouveau and Poppy and Pine, enter drawing for a prize.

● BIKE PARTY, 4 to 6 p.m.: Stop by Cheluna Brewing Co. and mention Bike to Work Day for a discount on any purchase

Treads Bicycle Outfitters Breakfast Station (near the Toll Gate Creek Trail): 6:30 to 9 a.m., 16701 E. Iliff Ave., coffee, bananas and giveaways

Jubilee Roasting Co. Pit Stop (in the Aurora Cultural Arts District): 7 a.m. to noon, 1452 Kenton St., 25 percent off any purchase

Peak to Peak Tap & Brew Bike Party (near the Toll Gate Creek Trail or in the Aurora Cultural Arts District): 4 to 7 p.m., 16701 E. Iliff Ave. or 9735 E. Colfax Ave.,10 percent off any purchase

LimeBike Lunch Ride (Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn): noon to 1 p.m., 15151 E. Alameda ParkwayCan’t commute on Bike to Work Day? Join the city and LimeBike, a private bike-share operator in Aurora, for a quick and free ride on LimeBike to Aurora City Place to get lunch as a group.

Selfie ChallengeTake our selfie challenge by posting a photo of yourself or a friend participating in Bike to Work Day on Facebook or Twitter and include #BikeToWorkDay and #ThisIsAurora in your post. You’ll be entered into a drawing for great prizes from the city of Aurora like a gift card to Cheluna Brewing Co. or a prize from Trunk Nouveau or Poppy and Pine.

How to registerTo register, get riding tips, find out about metrowide activities, plan your trip and more, visit BikeToWorkDay.us. The Anschutz Medical Campus also is hosting a large breakfast station that day, so check the website for more details.

NO “BUTS” THIS BIKE TO WORK DAY

RENEW YOUR LICENSE PLATES AT 20 KIOSKS STATEWIDEContributed By Matt Crane, Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder

Aurora residents now have the option to renew their vehicle registration at any of 20 Colorado MVExpress kiosks across the state and skip a wait at the DMV. Kiosks are available in Arapahoe, Adams and Douglas and seven other counties. You must live in one of these participating counties to use a kiosk. The nearest kiosk in Aurora is at the Arapahoe County Motor Vehicle Office at 490 S. Chambers Road. Please wait at least two business days after getting an emissions test or updating your auto insurance to renew at a kiosk. Find your nearest location and more information at ArapahoeGov.com/Kiosk.

MAKE 2018 THE YEAR FOR NO EXCUSES.

Your chance to taste competition-worthy

barbecue!Free admission. Must purchase

tickets to sample BBQ AuroraGov.org/BBQ

EAT. AMAZING. BBQ.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 • 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.AMC Great Lawn • 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

2018 FREE LOADER DAYSMulch is an important part of sustaining a healthy landscape, especially in Colorado's arid climate. It helps to retain moisture, increase soil fertility and improve soil structure. Free mulch will be available from 8 a.m. to noon June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18. Bring a pick-up truck or open trailer and we will load it full of mulch for you for free. Bring your own shovels, pitch forks and containers to serve yourself a smaller load. Please note that the mulch pile is now longer accessible 24/7 for self-service and its location has moved. Visit AuroraGov.org/trees for details.

IT'S THE YEAR OF THE BIRD2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a powerful and important bird protection legislation that continues to save countless birds' lives today.

The city of Aurora joins the National Audubon Society, National Geographic and more than 100 other organizations in celebrating the Year of the Bird. Birds contribute to the lives of plants, humans and other animals, but their natural habitats that provide them safe shelter and adequate food are declining.

The city is hosting a number of bird-related programs throughout the year, and a complete list is available at AuroraGov.org/Nature.

COMING UP:

Naturalist-led Bird WalksFree; register at AuroraGov.org/Nature or 303.326.8650● June 9, 8 to 10 a.m.Ponderosa Preserve (directions given at registration)● July 14, 8 to 10 a.m.Near Springhill Park and Golf CourseTrailhead Parking at Telluride Street and 10th Avenue● Aug. 11, 8 to 10 a.m.Confluence Open Space (directions given at registration)

Bird Nerd Saturdays at the Plains Conservation CenterJune 9, July 28, Aug. 18, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 9 to 11 a.m.21901 E. Hampden Ave.Register at BotanicGardens.org. $5 per person

outand

aboutTHE AURORA FOX PRESENTS “PASSING STRANGE”Through May 13The Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.For tickets, call 303.739.1970 or visit AuroraFox.org.This Tony Award-winning, fast-paced and moving rock musical features a young man’s journey of self-discovery through Europe.

FOOD TRUCK RODEO/BIKE TO WORK PREP DAYJune 1, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn15151 E. Alameda ParkwayAuroraGov.org/Events

27TH ANNUAL COUPLES CLASSIC AT SPRINGHILLJune 3, 8 a.m. shotgun startSpringhill Golf Course, 800 Telluride St.For more information, call 303.739.7891.Get out and enjoy the day with your other half. This tournament is an 18-hole modified scotch format for amateurs only; no handicap required. The cost is $135 per couple, and includes a cart, range balls and lunch.

WORLD-RENOWNED PIANIST CONCERTJune 8, 7 pm.Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda ParkwayInternational pianist Ammiel Bushakevitz will perform this free recital featuring music by Franz Shubert and Franz Liszt. Born in Israel and raised in South Africa, Bushakevitz studied at the Mendelssohn Hochschule für Musik in Leipzig, Germany, and at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique in Paris. He is an Edison Fellow of the British Library in London, and an award-winning musician who has performed at notable venues worldwide. Due to limited seating, registration is required at AuroraLibrary.org or 303.739.6630.

AURORA RHYTHMS – CONCERTS ON THE LAWN6:30 to 8 p.m.Aurora Municipal Center Great Lawn15151 E. Alameda ParkwayAuroraGov.org/ConcertsBring your own food, blankets or garden chairs to this free event; food also will be for sale at food trucks on site.● June 28: Mr. Majestyk’s 8 Track Revival (a 1970s musical tribute)● July 12: Cowboy Dave Band (honky-tonk, western and country)● July 19: Potcheen, (Celtic-pirate folk and rock music)● July 26: Warp Trio (an ecletic blend of classical, rock and art)

AURORA ARTS FESTIVALJune 30 and July 1, noon to 8 p.m.Fletcher Plaza, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.AuroraCulture.orgEnjoy art, entertainment, rides, food trucks and pop-up performances.

ROTOR HEADS

POP-UPS

15*

4*

7* SCHEDULE FREE ASSESSMENTSAurora Water provides free outdoor and indoor water assessments. A water conservation specialist will help you program your irrigation clock, test your sprinkler system for efficiency and show you ways to save. If you make any improvements, you may be eligible for a rebate.To save even more water, schedule an indoor assessment as well.

To learn more, call 303.739.7195 or visit AuroraWater.org.

* CYCLE-AND-SOAK TECHNIQUEAutomatic sprinkler systems work best with the cycle-and-soak technique. For example, if you have pop-up sprinkler heads, you run each zone for four minutes, three times a day, giving the water at least an hour to soak in between cycles.

MAY: TWO IS ENOUGHJust because you can water three days a week doesn’t mean you should. For a healthier lawn and a deeper root system, a couple of days a week is all your turf needs for May.

ROTARY NOZZLES

MAY WATERING SCHEDULE

AVERAGE MINUTES PER ZONE

PERMANENT CONSERVATION MEASURES ARE IN EFFECT

You can water the three days a week that work best for you, but watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. is prohibited from May 1 to Sept. 30.Each month, new recommended watering times will be in the water bill newsletter and online at AuroraWater.org.

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

GARDEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDThe Aurora Water-wise Garden was built in 2002 to demonstrate a wide variety of low-water landscaping options. Located at the northwest corner of Alameda Parkway and Chambers Road, the garden requires very little water, but does need some TLC. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden for about two hours a week from June through September. To volunteer or get info about the garden, call 303.739.7195 or visit AuroraWater.org.

IRRIGATION REBATES An inefficient irrigation system can be the source of substantial water waste. Get a free outdoor water assessment with us to check your irrigation efficiency, and you may qualify for financial incentives, including our Smart Controller rebate. Maximum rebates are valued at $300 for residential and $15,000 for commercial and multi-family properties. For details, call 303.739.7195 or visit AuroraWater.org.

Low-water TreesGet to know the low-water, drought-tolerant trees that thrive in our climate. Learn how to properly maintain your trees year-round for optimal health.

● May 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Aurora Water-wise Garden, at the shade structure, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

DIY Water-wise Landscape DesignLearn about the basic principles of design and draw your site map. This class is required when participating in the free design consultation service.

● May 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora Room, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

● June 16, 9 to 10:30 a.m.Central Library, Large Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Grow Food, Save WaterLearn how to plant a vegetable garden that thrives on as little as 30 percent of the water used on your lawn. Discover how to plant a water-saving garden.

● May 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Aurora Water-wise Garden, at the shade structure, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

DIY Sprinkler SystemTune up your sprinkler system for maximum efficiency and learn how to check for leaks. Get to know your system components and learn how to program your clock.

● May 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Aurora Water-wise Garden,at the shade structure, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Water-wise Landscape Start to FinishConvert your lawn into a low-water landscape. We’ll cover everything from site layout, turf removal, irrigation and low-water plants.

● May 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.● June 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Aurora Water-wise Garden, at the shade structure, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Water-wise Landscape Basics Convert your lawn into a beautiful, low-water landscape, even when you’re on a budget.

● May 31, 5:30 to 7 p.m.Central Library, Large Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway

Discover Water-wise PlantsGet to know our top recommended plants. We’ll take a tour of the city’s Demonstration Garden and learn about these favorite trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses.

● June 2, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.Aurora Water-wise Garden, at the shade structure, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Build Your Own Drip SystemWater-efficient drip irrigation systems are great for gardens of all types. You’ll learn how to design, construct and maintain your new system in this hands-on class.

● June 25, 5 to 6:30 p.m.Tallyn’s Reach Library, Community Room, 23911 E. Arapahoe Road

WATER CONSERVATION CLASSESLearn how to lower your water bill, help conserve water and create an incredible landscape. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit AuroraGov.org/WaterClasses or call 303.739.7195.