Text · page 3 of 4
Town of Aurora | Town Board Meeting | August 24, 2026 Councilmember Garvey moved to authorize the Supervisor to sign an Action #308 Intermunicipal Agreement for one year effective August 12, 2026 between Erie Supv. authorized County and the Town of Aurora where as the County desires to assist the to sign Erie Municipality with funding $5,000 for Beautification/Landscaping and $2,000 for County Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Councilmember Armbrust seconded. Upon Intermunicipal a vote being taken: ayes – four, noes – none. Motion carried. Agreement COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS: A. Town Clerk – Jul ’26 Water Report B. Supervisor – Jul ’26 Report BUSINESS FROM BOARD MEMBERS/LIAISONS: Councilmember McCann stated that he attended a New York State Comptroller seminar on budgeting, waste, fraud, and abuse and that the training provided useful guidance on budget lines, best practices, and identifying concerning trends. He felt the timing was especially helpful heading into budget season. Councilmember Garvey attended a briefing on the Niagara and Erie County radiological assessment. The Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) is surveying areas that may contain man-made radiological materials and contacting property owners where ground-level testing may be needed. He encouraged residents to review DEC information and sign up for updates. On a different topic, Councilmember Garvey promoted the upcoming Dare to Repair Café being held on August 27, 2026, noting 24 people were already registered and walk-ins are welcome. Most household items can be brought for repair, with some exceptions. And finally, he reviewed an update on the food-waste composting program, reporting strong growth in participation between the first and second weeks. Councilmember Armbrust also attended the radiological assessment webinar and described it as informative further explaining that the assessment relates largely to areas associated with Manhattan Project activity and potentially contaminated materials such as slag. More discussion followed about whether slag had historically been used in local roads or driveways and the distinction between naturally occurring radioactivity and contamination requiring remediation. Supv. Snyder also engaged in discussion with the DEC regarding the radiological assessments and was told that aerial surveys identified a few locations for additional review. Some readings may ultimately be attributable to naturally occurring radioactive material. He had not received complaints from residents regarding DEC contacting property owners. Regarding the Waste Management cart rollout, Supv. Snyder reviewed key launch points; public information and outreach are underway. Carts will be delivered the week of September 21 with service calendars, trash collection using the new carts begins the week of September 28 and that Waste Management representatives will be available during the first week to address questions or problems. He noted the Town of Aurora is the last municipality in Waste Management's local rollout, meaning the company has already worked through the process elsewhere. AUDIENCE II: Jesse Griffis, Town resident, spoke in support of managing the local deer population. Mr. Griffis stated excessive deer browsing is preventing young trees from regenerating and allowing invasive plants to dominate local forests. He argued that deer management should consider the broader impact on forests, plants, and wildlife rather than deer alone. He discussed contraception, predators, and limits on development as alternatives but questioned their practicality or cost. While an imperfect but workable management approach, he supported bait-and-shoot. Mr. Griffis raised concerns about chronic wasting disease and dense deer populations. STAFF REPORTS: Highway Superintendent Gunner reported that the food-waste composting program has been easier and less costly for the Highway Department than expected stating participation increased significantly and transporting the collected material has been manageable. He reported hearing that Village Department of Public Works may expand yard-waste drop-off to five days a week after its Saturday collection season ends, but emphasized that he had not yet confirmed the change. Police Chief Welch reported progress on a law-enforcement technology grant application. The department's newest police vehicle is nearly ready for service and a new police officer will begin the following week. There is an increase in aggressive panhandling, primarily along the Village's Main Street corridor, and said the issue is being addressed. He stated that there is continued coordination on courtroom construction above the Police Department. Chief Welch thanked Legislator Lorigo for approximately $45,000 in police funding over two years, including dispatch upgrades and funding for e- bikes and a replacement speed-monitoring device. There is a new three-way stop at Center and South Streets, with message boards being used to alert motorists. Assistant Code Enforcement Officer Miga stated that town and village Zoning Board members attended DEC training on floodplain variances and that the Building Department is developing a policy for fencing within the 500-year and 100-year floodplain areas. Officer Miga expected the policy to be completed within the next few weeks and to clarify what types of fencing may be permitted on private property in those zones. Recreation Director Musshafen said that most summer recreation programs have ended, although chess camp remained underway. He announced an upcoming 30-hour water safety instructor course for 3