Southtowns Record

Town Board minutes — March 9, 2026

Government
Town of Aurora
Board
Town Board
Meeting
Mar 9, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Zoning and land use, Public safety, Parks and recreation, Roads and traffic, Water, sewer and drainage, Budget and taxes, Energy and data center siting, Audits and oversight, Short-term rentals

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 5 of 6

Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | March 9, 2026
BUSINESS FROM BOARD MEMBERS/LIAISONS:

  Councilmember Wrazen shared that he is making progress on a natural resource inventory.
There is an interest in working with the Climate Smart Committee to ensure there is alignment to
help add points for Climate Smart silver status. He’s also making progress on town signage and
standardization with more updates to come.

  Councilmember Wochensky said that the Climate Smart Committee has completed a fleet
inventory and is looking toward further modernization. He thanked Highway Superintendent David
Gunner and Code Enforcement Officer Liz Cassidy for providing information to complete the task.
Councilmember Wochensky indicated the findings would be shared. The committee was able to
use the help of a consultant from a state program at no cost because we are an active Climate
Smart community. This helps us understand where we can make further improvement in the fleet
vehicles but probably won’t do this for a few years. The current electric vehicles give us points in
the Community Smart program.

  Councilmember McCann expressed his appreciation for the work done to raise money at
the Aurora Historical Society and that it was an enjoyable event.

AUDIENCE II:

  Rod Simeone, a town resident approached the board to ask about the use of CodeRed for
notifying the public about the traffic issues related to a trailer towing a tractor getting stuck under
the Main Street bridge near Riley and Elm Streets. Councilmember Wochensky said there is a
contract with the village for the use of CodeRed and defer notifications to them for village
incidents. He said the village clerk and police chief have had training. He isn’t clear on the village
policy but the town is not authorized to send village content as the town. There was further
discussion where examples of town use were cited, how the tool works and some research to
confirm Rod is receiving notifications.

  Jackie Hienrich stepped up with questions about plans for stone and oil for Snyder Road this
year. Highway Superintendent David Gunner wasn’t sure if Synder Road was on the list for that
work. Ms. Hienrich requested water to hose down for dust to which Highway Superintendent replied
that the town does not have a water truck but they do use the sweeper to sweep up stones. This is
something they do after the stone and oil sits for a few days but that his team will get to it as soon
as they can.

STAFF REPORTS:

  Highway Superintendent David Gunner said that Highway has been busy repairing a lot of
mailboxes due to snowplow damage. Sweeping is underway and will take some time stating there
are 200 miles of road to cover. There is a brush pick up coming soon.

  Assistant Code Enforcement Officer Miga said the Building department is wrapping up the
yearly report for the state and have a renewed focus on fire inspections in the coming year.
Notices will be going out to commercial properties that they didn’t get to last year or that have not
been done in the last three years. With a greater impact on those in the village versus those in the
town, they’ll also be looking at multi-family, bed and breakfasts in addition to commercial spaces
this year. Supervisor Snyder asked about how many bed and breakfasts they are planning to touch,
Assistant Code Enforcement Officer Miga replied many were completed when they did the code
changes but will be looking at Airbnb type sites to identify new locations and send notices.

  Police Chief Welch said patrols in parks have been increased with the warmer weather.
There’s an uptick of radar enforcement in response to complaints in the West Falls area. They are
working through Heart of Music festival planning. Two officers have been designated as Officer
Wellness Program Coordinators and the officer transfer from Rochester, who grew up here, will start
next week. Chief Welch addressed Rod Simeone about his CodeRed question saying it was on him
that CodeRed wasn’t used. They kept traffic moving with two lanes, and CodeRed was down for a
little while that day but the road was open going east and west with the delay less than a minute.
Councilmember Wochensky asked if the wellness training was in response to having fewer officers
than before or is that an issue? The same officers are doing the same jobs with extra responsibility,
Chief Welch replied. The wellness program is to help them, and indirectly their families, deal with
traumatic events in a more structured way vs “debriefing at the bar”. The Police Department was
refused a grant from the state he believes due to the size of the department in comparison to some
of the larger and smaller local police departments. He hopes to focus on ways to win that grant
next year.

  Recreation Director Chris Musshafen said there are lots of things in the works for summer.
They will be fully staffed with 25 lifeguards returning to the pool and has accepted a few more
applications. Meaghan Tent is working on day camp and sports staffing. Continual planning for the
250th July 3rd activities is in progress. We’re also collecting information from interested parties who
would benefit from the use of a wheelchair van in partnership with Donna Bodecker at the Senior
Center.

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