Summer Recreation Programs And Water Tower Design Approved
Aurora City Council conducted business Monday evening with several council members absent, requiring the election of a temporary president to lead the meeting.
COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
Temporary Leadership Change
With Council President George Horvat and Vice President absent, along with Councilwoman Reva Barner, the remaining six members elected Scott Wolf as President Pro Tem for the evening. Wolf was nominated by Peter French and seconded by John Seitz.
MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE APPROVALS
Water Tower Replacement Moving Forward
Council unanimously approved a $150,000 contract with Verdantas LLC for professional engineering services to design and prepare bidding documents for replacing the city’s southernmost water tower. The project will be funded through the Water Capital Fund.
Aurora Park Development Continues
A $141,430 contract was approved for Hejduk-Cox and Associates to provide surveying services for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake Phase I. The work includes utilities design, lift station reconfiguration, and stormwater outlet modifications, funded through multiple capital improvement accounts.
Streetlight Installation Approved
Perram Electric was awarded a $178,733 contract to install streetlights on South Chillicothe Road from Aurora Hudson Road to West Pioneer Trail. The project will be funded through the Capital Improvement Fund, with installation expected this summer.
DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING
Trentstone Subdivision Advances
Council approved revised architectural design portfolio for Trentstone Subdivision, a mixed-use development project by Trentstone Holding LLC located on Aurora Lake Road in the M-1 Mixed-Use Development District.
Utility Easement Granted
An easement was granted to Ohio Edison Company for installing tri-phase power infrastructure along Squires and Brewster Roads to keep development projects on schedule.
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Soccer Field Improvements
Advanced Irrigation & Lighting received approval for a $48,800 contract to install an underground Rainbird irrigation system on soccer fields at Hartman Park, funded through the Capital Improvement Fund.
Community Education Funding
Council approved funding for several community education providers through December 31, including National Driving Training School ($100,000), Connmack Inc. ($40,000), Prism Collective LLC ($30,000), Progress with Chess ($30,000), and June Lucal ($40,000). All programs will be funded through the Recreation Fund.
PROJECT DELAYS AND REBIDDING
FEMA Project Requires New Bids
Council voted to reject all bids for the FEMA Floodplain Restoration and Stormwater Control Project after four submitted bids exceeded engineering estimates by more than 20 percent. The project will be re-bid as soon as possible.
SCHOOL DISTRICT FUNDING
Tax Abatement Revenue Sharing
Council advanced legislation to compensate Aurora Board of Education $200,895 for its portion of income tax received from property tax abatements on commercial and industrial properties for 2024. The payment represents $261,844 less $60,949 the district owes the city for school resource officers.
SUMMER ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED
Mayor’s Community Updates
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin announced several upcoming summer activities including the Memorial Day observance May 26 starting at Veterans Memorial Park, Splash Pad opening May 24, Food Truck Wednesdays beginning June 11, and Summer Concerts starting June 12. Grand Marshal nominations for the July 4th celebration are due May 31.
Infrastructure Progress
The mayor reported that road paving season will begin soon and must be completed by July 4th, with affected streets including Ohio Street, Fox Run Trail, Acadia Point, and others. The Aurora Trail construction is progressing with grading complete and paving scheduled soon.
LEGAL VICTORIES
Public Records Case Dismissed
Law Director Dean DePiero reported that a claim filed against the city in Ohio Court of Claims alleging non-compliance with a public records request was dismissed in the city’s favor on May 5.
HISTORICAL DISCOVERY
Windmill Foundation Found
Councilman John Kudley reported that foundation pilings believed to be from a historic windmill were discovered during Aurora Trail construction in the depot area. He located a 1900 photograph of the structure in Aurora Historical Society archives.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 PM after handling 11 ordinances and multiple administrative matters.
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