1891 2016 news YEARS

December 2016 accessible • comfortable • advancing • worth discovering

UPCOMING Aurora City Council Town Meetings Aurora City Council town meetings are open to everyone, and are a great opportunity to hear from your council member and learn about what’s happening in the city. To find out in which council ward you are located, visit www.auroragov.org and click on the

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAUL VON FAY VON PAUL OF COURTESY PHOTOS Property Information button on the home page. Call 303.739.7015 for more detailed information about these meetings. A blank-out train warning sign is A light rail train passes underneath the illuminated at a pedestrian gate crossing iconic arch of the elevated Colfax Station Ward I Town Meeting for the R Line along Peoria Street. during integration testing. Council Member Sally Mounier • Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m. (Say It to Sally) • Jan. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. R Line promotes safety at light rail crossings Martin Luther King Jr. Library 9898 E. Colfax Ave. The 22-mile R Line, which provides a link from on the north end of the line to Lincoln Avenue Station on the south, will soon bring light rail through the Ward IV Town Meeting heart of Aurora. The line connects riders to major activity centers like the Aurora Council Member Charlie Richardson Metro Center, University of Colorado , Children’s Hospital • Dec. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Colorado, University of Colorado Hospital and a new Veterans Affairs hospital. • Jan. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m. EcoTech Institute Providing accessibility for riders of light rail in Aurora also means that intersections 1400 S. Abilene St. will look and function differently once trains begin service on the R Line. Trains, traffic and pedestrians will cross paths frequently as they travel through the 20 Ward VI Town Meeting street-level crossings in the Aurora City Center area. Council Member Françoise Bergan • Jan. 25, 6-8 p.m. According to Regional Transportation District (RTD) Manager of Public Information Heritage Eagle Bend Clubhouse and Outreach Lisa Trujillo, RTD is taking every opportunity to spread its safety 23155 E. Heritage Parkway messages to drivers and pedestrians. “Light rail trains are quiet, so it is important to pay attention around tracks and to obey signs and signals at crossings.” Celebrate Dr. Martin Not all crossings on the R Line are alike. Out of a total of 29 crossings on the R Line between and Peoria Station, 13 are gated crossings. Luther King Jr. Some intersections have flashing lights and railroad bells on the crossing gates, Remember the legacy and continue the while crossings that run with the traffic signal do not have bells or flashing lights. mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Additional warning signs in advance of the light rail tracks may include “crossbuck” city of Aurora’s commemoration events from pavement markings, yellow and black “RXR” warning signs, “Stop Here on Red” Jan. 9 to 25. The activities get started at signs and painted stop lines on the pavement. 10 a.m. Jan. 9 with the kick-off celebration A new feature at many pedestrian crossings will be large “blank-out” train warning at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. signs that promote pedestrian and motorist safety. Alameda Parkway, and continue that evening at 6:30 p.m. with a candlelight vigil, multi- Trujillo notes that all pedestrian crossings comply with the Americans with faith prayers and the reading of a city Disabilities Act by providing raised tactile features on the ground, spring-loaded proclamation. Other events throughout the swing gates that pedestrians must manually open in order to cross the tracks, and week will include televised forums on Aurora fencing to help people safely navigate across the intersection. Channel 8 and AuroraTV.org, a race forum, Trujillo says that while signals, signs, lights, whistles and horns are important the Aurora Community of Faith Breakfast, safety aids, state law prohibits motorists and pedestrians from entering a crossing a wreath-laying ceremony at the Martin when the bells are ringing and lights are flashing. She cautions motorists and Luther King Jr. Library, a motorcade from pedestrians to always follow safety signs and to obey warning devices such as Aurora to the state Marade, and more. For flashing red lights and gate arms. “We tell people they should always stay alert more details and a schedule of events, go to around trains and never stop on the tracks.” auroragov.org/mlk.

303.739.7000 • auroragov.org • facebook.com/auroragov • twitter.com/auroragov • AuroraTV.org Public art pops at light rail stations

The opening of the Aurora Line this winter with 24 turning wheels, is made out means even more art in public places and King is working jointly of laser-cut around the city. with Connecticut muralist steel and Ted Esselstyn to create LED lights, More than $1.5 million in art has been interactive disks and an and reflects placed on the Regional Transportation accent mural for the Sable the stories District (RTD) R Line, and each piece Boulevard wall (installation of Aurora will be dedicated once the train opens spring 2017; jointly funded residents, for business. The artwork enhances the by AIPP and RTD). including its experience of riders, and provides each • 2nd and Abilene Station: international station with a sense of place. Here’s an Kentucky artist Douwe population overview: Blumberg created panoramic (installation set friezes made from an aluminum/ for early 2017; • /Parking Garage: magnesium alloy and UV-stabilized funded by AIPP). California artist Gordon Huether acrylic that is located on the • Fitzsimons Station: Washington produced two monumental sculptures pedestrian bridge between parking artist Koryn Rolstad used aluminum, made of aluminum, dichroic glass and and the platform (jointly funded by dichroic glass and structural acrylic to LED lights (funded by Aurora Art in AIPP and RTD). create tree-like forms on a landscaped Public Places [AIPP]). • 13th Avenue Station: Alabama area near the platform (jointly funded • Florida Station: Washington artist artist Chris Fennell used steel and 40 by AIPP and RTD). Koryn Rolstad created interactive donated bicycles to create a sculpture • Windscreens: New York artist art using sound and plastic film on on the traffic island between parking George Bates crafted 24 art pieces polycarbonate windows located within and the platform (installation February out of hand-painted safety glass to be the pedestrian bridge (jointly funded 2017; jointly funded by AIPP and placed on platform windscreens across by AIPP and RTD). RTD). eight stations (RTD funded). • Aurora Metro Center Station: • Colfax Avenue Station: Arizona Colorado artist John King is producing artist Joe O’Connell designed artwork a massive interactive solar disk under the Colfax Avenue bridge that

Jan. 31 meeting first step toward NEIGHBOR to BEAUTIFICATION GRANTS NEIGHBOR to

Aurora wants to help spruce up be served; RSVP by Jan. 27 to Zoning Code Update neighborhoods, and is offering 303.739.7280. Neighborhood Beautification The city of Aurora is updating its zoning code, and Residents also are required to Grants of up to $5,000 per an upcoming Neighbor-to-Neighbor Roundtable will meet with a neighborhood liaison neighborhood group in 2017. enable residents to review and discuss the third before applying, and have all and final module. The grants promote projects that application materials submitted improve the physical condition of by March 31. Grant winners will This module contains information that is a neighborhood, enhance pride be notified by May 1, and all particularly relevant to residents, including how and identity, promote self-reliance grant-funded projects must be proposed development is reviewed by the city and increase neighborhood completed by Oct. 31. and the neighbors. This module proposes some communication. The city has Applications, full program changes to the existing code, such as mandatory allocated up to $60,000 for grants details and examples of past neighborhood meetings with the developers to get for 2017, with a maximum of grant recipients are available at community comments early in the process. $10,000 for each of the city’s six auroragov.org/keepauroraclean. council wards. Registration is happening now for the Jan. 10 Eligible projects must be within Residents who have an idea for meeting at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Aurora city limits, not be intended a project in their neighborhood Alameda Parkway. A light supper will be served for individual private residential must attend a pre-application starting at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning property except for city right- meeting at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at at 6 p.m. The program is free; however, please call of-way, provide an identifiable the Aurora Municipal Center to 303.739.7280 to register. benefit to the neighborhood, have learn more about the application a specific timeline, and involve process and talk with various To review the module, visit auroragov.org/ at least three households in the city departments about potential zoningcodeupdate. For questions, call Planning & neighborhood. Learn more at project considerations, such as Development Services at 303.739.7280. auroragov.org/keepauroraclean or permits, lane closures and any 303.739.7280. associated fees. A light dinner will 303.739.7248 [email protected] for more information. for you. Contact Volunteer program coordinator Jamie LaDuke at your time commitment or your experience, there is a great match help, and specialevents and programs. No matter your interest, Aurora, local organizations inneed ofvolunteer on volunteer opportunitieswith the city of visit auroragov.org/volunteer Just to find information community. the in involved get to great resource if you’re looking for ways The Aurora Volunteer Center is a Volunteer Center through Aurora your community Give backto journalism. honorable mention for its public health, public education and video won third-place awards for itselectionand military coverage, and nation, beating out other large cities across the U.S. AuroraTV also Government Programming Awards for best newsseries in the National Associationof Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ AuroraTV’s Aurora News Weekly received first place in the AuroraTV winsbignationwide To viewor download acopy,visit www.aurorapolice.com. transparency. designed to strengthen community relations and promote agency discusses the Aurora Police Department’s goalsand initiatives The latest version of the “Enhancing Community Relations” booklet policies, laws and how to best interact withthe police. organizations, was created foryouth toeducate them on police Youth Guide, produced in partnership with young adultsfrom various The all-new “Empowering: Understanding ThroughKnowledge” Aurora. designed to improve the community’s understanding of policing in The Aurora Police Department recentlyreleased two new guides POLICE GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave.; and Saddle Del Mar Park, Sixth Avenue and Peoria Street; Dec. 26 to Jan. 9 CHRISTMAS TREERECYCLING about the doctors who cared foritscitizens. the history of medicine in Aurora by learning of theirhomesorinsmallclinics. Explore Early Aurora physicians often operated out 303.739.6660 orauroramuseum.org 15051 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora History Museum 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to4p.m. Tuesday through Friday Through April 9 THE DOCTORWILLSEEYOU benefit the museum. donated by the community; all proceeds Bid ona festival wreath decorated and 303.739.6660 orauroramuseum.org 15051 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora History Museum 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to4p.m. Tuesday through Friday Through Dec. 11 FESTIVAL OFWREATHS be helped ona first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary; everyone will veteran’s issues, and civil protection orders. appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, law, property law, probate law, collections, for all areas of civil litigation, including family forms, and explain the process and procedure attorney will answer questions,helpfillout This free legal clinicfor those who have no 303.739.6600 14949 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora Central Library Nov. 14 and Dec. 12,2to 3:30 p.m. June 13, July11,Aug. 8,Sept.12,Oct.10, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, FREE LEGALCLINICS engineering and mathematics. to the disciplines of science, technology, recognize Colorado women’s contributions women in our state. Featured portraits celebrates the accomplishments of trailblazing The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame 303.739.6660 orauroramuseum.org 15051 E. Alameda Ave. Aurora History Museum 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to4p.m. Tuesday through Friday Dec. 13 to March 12 WOMEN INSTEM CELEBRATING COLORADO: OUTcontainers and shovels for self-loading. from Dec. 30toJan 9. Bring a truck, bags, be available at the tree drop-off locations and stands from tree. Free tree mulch will locations. Please remove all nails, decorations Drop off your tree for recycling atthese 303.739.7177 Rock GolfCourse, 21705 E.Arapahoe Road AND ABOUT Make a switch and Modest water Residential meter save more with our rate increases 3.2% toilet rebates: Commercial Irrigation Average savings per household per year based for 2017 meter meter on daily use *(gpf) - gallons per flush 2.3% 5.1% You work hard for your money, so Aurora Water works hard to minimize Multi-family Yearly savings your water costs. That’s why there 5+ units $96 meter Pre-1994 Ultra high- hasn’t been a rate increase in several Cost $150 years. During that time, the cost of doing 2.3% toilet efficiency business—including maintaining critical toilet Available infrastructure—has continued to climb, and Aurora >3.5 gpf rebate up to $150 Water needs to keep pace with those increases. Avg. 1.1 gpf or less

In 2017, Aurora Water is implementing an average 3.2 percent increase Yearly savings for residents, and a $1 storm water increase. For most residents, that Ultra high- $23 will amount to about a $3 a month increase. There will be no sewer >1.6 gpf efficiency Cost $150 increase for 2017. toilet Available rebate $50 In the past, Aurora Water’s rate increases have been the same for all Avg. 1.1 gpf or less account types. However, after evaluating which types of accounts use more water than others, your water utility determined that in order to allocate costs appropriately, increases are based on the proportionate Standard Low-flow Yearly savings amount of water each type of account typically uses. For example, shower- shower- $28 irrigation is the largest water user, not only because of the amount of head Cost $15 water required, but also because larger pipes and infrastructure are head needed to accommodate that supply. Therefore, increases for irrigation are higher than other types of accounts.

Your January Aurora Water bill will reflect the water and storm water increases that begin Jan. 1. You will see four water-related charges: two show the 2016 rate through Dec. 31, and the other two show the increased rates for 2017, which begin Jan. 1. Your February bill will show just the usual two charges: the monthly service fee and your water usage.

Don’t leaf your trees without water If you want healthy trees in the spring and summer, it’s important to take care of them throughout the year, and that includes watering them at least once a month. Here’s the best way to do that:

• WATER THE ROOT ZONE: Most roots are within the top 12 inches of soil. Apply water evenly to the entire critical root zone, from the tree trunk to beneath the tips of the branches.

• WATER SLOWLY: Apply water slowly so it moistens the soil about 12 inches deep.

• USE MULCH: Apply three to four inches of organic mulch on top of the critical root zone. Leave a small space between the mulch and the tree trunk to prevent insects from getting to the bark Happy Holidays and to prevent rotting. Mulch may include natural materials such as wood chips, bark and leaves or evergreen needles. from the city of Aurora

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