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Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | July 27, 2026 Robert Aronica: Asked whether current collection employees would keep their jobs, how tires would be handled, and how residents on heavily snowed-in roads would place their totes. Lakso said employees would continue working in other collection, bulk, yard, or driving positions. Town officials clarified that tire and electronic collections are handled by the Highway Department four times per year and would not change. Lakso said Waste Management would work to complete collections during difficult snow conditions. Susan Collins: Expressed concern about disposing of as many as 15 or 16 bags of yard debris. Lakso said tied brown bags may be collected as bulk items, but Waste Management will not provide a tote dedicated solely to yard waste. Dried yard waste may be placed in the regular trash tote. Ray Kron: Suggested reusing old garbage cans and other discarded household items as planters, storage containers, raised garden beds, and youth recycling projects. Lakso supported the suggestion as a way to reduce landfill waste. Jerry Thompson Sr.: Asked to receive a smaller tote immediately because of limited garage space and possible homeowners’ association restrictions. Lakso said all residents will initially receive 96-gallon totes and may request a smaller size after three months. He noted that the 64-gallon and 96-gallon totes have similar footprints. Joe Zwack: Raised concerns about placing as many as eight totes along Blakeley Road where there is little shoulder, a drainage ditch, and significant snow accumulation. Lakso said the preferred four-foot clearance is flexible, the collection arms can extend approximately 14 feet, and drivers can work with tighter placement when necessary. John Hughes: Asked whether totes could be placed on or behind a lowered snowbank, separated on opposite sides of a driveway, and positioned away from the driveway opening. Lakso said totes may be separated and placed several feet from the pavement if the collection arm has a direct path. He also confirmed that the informational flyer will explain service days, bulk collection, acceptable materials, and tote placement. Town Highway Superintendent Gunner: Suggested that residents with limited roadside space contact the appropriate highway department about installing an additional culvert or creating a landing area for the totes. He also requested that Waste Management provide videos showing how the automated collection arms operate. Lakso agreed to provide videos for the Town to share before the rollout. Judy Weisner: Asked whether the program would increase taxes and expressed concern about elderly residents moving large totes down long driveways. Officials said automation would reduce the size of the annual contract increase. Lakso acknowledged the difficulty but said residents unable to move the totes could seek assistance from a neighbor or another person. Michael Wagner: Questioned the financial benefit to residents, the reduction in the amount of trash that may be placed out, bulk-item limits, tote placement, and what happens when collection is missed. Lakso said the company is absorbing certain costs, providing and maintaining the totes, and investing in automated equipment. Oversized bulk items that cannot reasonably be handled by two employees may be tagged and left for the resident to address. Residents may report missed collection through the Town, Waste Management, or the dedicated Town of Aurora webpage, and Waste Management would generally return to correct the issue. Tom Cotton: Must residents label their new totes? Lakso said no. Recycling totes will have yellow lids, and trash totes will have green lids. John Horn: Asked about leaves, branches, root balls, and whether his existing automated-compatible can could continue to be used. Lakso said leaves and branches may be collected if properly placed, while heavy root balls are not accepted. A root ball with the dirt removed may be placed in the tote if it fits or may be accepted by the Highway Department. Lakso said only Waste Management-issued totes may be used because the new collection arms could damage other cans. Jay Chipman: Said the large totes would be difficult for senior citizens and residents with long driveways and could lead to totes being stored near the road. He said he did not believe the change would benefit those residents. Sarah Connaughton: Asked whether the smaller 32-gallon tote shown on Waste Management’s website would be available. Lakso said the Town’s trucks are equipped only for 64-gallon and 96-gallon totes. She also expressed concern that a 96-gallon tote would not fit in her vehicle for transport down her 250-foot driveway. David Weisner: Said he and his wife currently use small cans that can be transported in their vehicle and that the larger totes would be difficult to move, particularly during the winter. Lakso suggested placing the recycling tote out only when full but acknowledged that the new totes would be required under the program. Deputy Supervisor McCann moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting Action #252 of July 13, 2026 Town Board meeting, July 21, 2026 Work Session minutes and July 27, 7/13 Town Board, 2026 Abstract of Claims, consisting of vouchers 839 through 906 and P-Card voucher 908 7/21 Work session minutes & 7/27/26 to be paid from the following funds: abstract approved General Fund $ 81,879.10 Part Town Fund $ 261.06 Highway Part Town Fund $ 238,741.72 Special Districts $ 86,382.65 Trust & Agency $ 17,843.03 Water $ 1,479.67 Grand Total Abstract $ 426,587.23 2