Southtowns Record

Town Board minutes — May 26, 2026

Government
Town of Aurora
Board
Town Board
Meeting
May 26, 2026
Kind
Minutes
Topics
Budget and taxes, Audits and oversight, Public safety, Roads and traffic, Zoning and land use, Water, sewer and drainage

Original document

Same meeting

Text · page 5 of 5

Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | May 26, 2026
coworking space all create growing demand for space. She said the library will likely begin looking to
stakeholders for another review of its space needs.

Councilmember Wrazen announced a composting summit scheduled for June 4 at 6:00 PM. The event will
include representatives from the village, Open Space Committee, Climate Smart Committee, Farmer Pirates,
and Tyler Hamilton from Erie County’s Environment and Planning team. The discussion will focus on composting
opportunities and possible pilot programs. The public is invited.

Supervisor Snyder reported that he had the honor of placing a wreath at Oakwood Cemetery to honor those
who made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day. He described the ceremony as especially touching and
noted that it included a strong speaker and meaningful program.

AUDIENCE II: none

STAFF REPORTS:

Highway Superintendent Dave Gunner reported several updates:
  • The Highway Department planned to patch the Municipal Center parking lot to extend its life.
  • Crews oiled and chipped more than four miles of Town roads. Oil is currently $4.19 per gallon, which is
  creating budget challenges. Another oiling project is scheduled for June 29, covering about three
  more miles. Crews will sweep loose stone as soon as possible.
  • Hogweed was reported at Majors Park on the north side off Olean Road near the creek. The DEC
  representative will survey the area, and the town will cordon it off for safety.
  • The state budget has not yet passed, which affects the town’s road plan. Gunner may need to bring
  forward an amended 284 Agreement.
  • The kayak launch in Majors Park may be installed soon, depending on conditions.
  • Park development discussions are planned for the coming week, including West Falls parks.
  • The senior van had a serious overheating issue and was towed for review. The Highway Department
  will provide a pickup and support the Senior Department so residents can still get to appointments.
  • Gunner said he will support Pride Day on June 7 and help ensure the event runs smoothly.
  • The Town of Colden has asked about dog control consolidation. Colden would prefer to wait until the
  start of the year unless emergency coverage is needed sooner. Gunner clarified that Aurora
  previously consolidated dog control with Holland and Sardinia, and Colden has now approached the
  town about joining.

Police Chief Welch reported that he attended the New York State Chiefs of Police conference and was
appointed to the board of directors, which will require quarterly meetings in Albany. He said the department is
preparing for special events and, with Dan Dytchkowskij on board, is updating emergency and incident
management plans.

Welch also reported that the department is monitoring speeding concerns and trouble spots. The reports have
been favorable overall, with speeding present at times but generally not as severe as reported. He also
announced that Lieutenant Brennan O’Hara has been named the next Orchard Park Police Chief. Welch
expects to replace three police officers and one clerk before Halloween due to retirements and O’Hara’s
departure.

Assistant Code Enforcement Officer Miga reported that the office remains extremely busy and is working to
keep up. Over the long weekend, the office received two emergency calls from the police department. There
were no injuries, but some homes sustained damage.

Planning Board Chairman Crow thanked the board for supporting William Heidt’s move from alternate to
voting Planning Board member. He said Mr. Heidt has done a strong job and will continue to do so. Crow
noted that the Planning Board now has two open alternate positions and encouraged referrals. Several
resumes have already been received, and interviews are expected to be scheduled soon.

Zoning Board Chair Ernst and Member Simione had no report.

  Deputy Supervisor McCann made a motion to move into Executive Session at  Action #204
7:25 PM and it was seconded by Councilmember Garvey. Upon a vote being taken:  Enter Exec
ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.  Session

  At 8:01 PM, Councilmember Armbrust moved to exit Executive Session and return  Action #205
to the general session; seconded by Councilmember Wrazen. Upon a vote being  Exit Exec
taken: ayes – five, noes – none. Motion carried.  Session

  Deputy Supervisor McCann moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 PM and was
seconded by Councilmember Garvey. Upon a vote being taken: ayes – five, noes –  Action #206
none. Motion carried.  Meeting
  adjourned

Jeanne H. Viger
Town Clerk

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