Aurora City Council
March 11, 2024
7 p.m.
Attendance
George Horvat – President
Brad Duguay
Sarah Grdina Gilmore
Dennis Kovach
John Kudley, Jr.
John Seitz
Peter French
K. Scott Wolf
Absent
Reva Barner
Documenter’s Notes
Council was called to order at 7 p.m., and the meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. All members were present except Reva Barner. Minutes from Feb. 26 were approved.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin delivered a report on the Maple Lane water line replacement. Work was scheduled to start the evening of March 11. Womer Benjamin, Council Member John Seitz and Public Services Director Harry Stark have met with Maple Lane residents regarding the project. Council Member John Kudley Jr. inquired about the completion of the project. The mayor stated that the work should be finished by mid-May.
The mayor will deliver her State of the City for Seniors Address today. Eggstravaganza will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23 at the Aurora High School gym. Shred Day will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6. Eclipse Over Aurora will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 8 at Sunny Lake Park.
Law Director’s Report
Council submitted a written report of three ongoing cases. A trial date has been set for June 25, 2024 in the Larue Seither v. City of Aurora case. Trapp v. City of Aurora will enter mediation on April 18. Defendants filed their answers Feb. 7 in the City of Aurora v. Daniel Terreri & Sons, et al.
Council President’s Report
Seven ordinances (2024-042-048) were added to the evening’s agenda.
Legislation
– 2023-104: Regarding the property of Geauga Lake, was postponed on third reading.
– 2024-029: A renewal application for the placement of farmland in an Agricultural District received its second reading. A public hearing has been scheduled for April 8. Later in the meeting, the hearing was rescheduled for April 9 due to eclipse activities.
– 2024-030: A conditional zoning certificate for a public outdoor recreation facility along the railroad corridor received its second reading without action.
– 2024-041: The rules were suspended and an ordinance granting an exemption to Aurora Codified Ordinance 1116.06 for the Greens of Aurora was adopted on first reading.
– 2024-042: An ordinance covering Employees Generally was adopted on first reading.
– 2024-043: The purchase of various EMS equipment, including a Stryker Ambulance with cot and loading system, was adopted on first reading.
– 2024-044: Council adopted an ordinance to enter into mutual aid with surrounding communities on first reading.
– 2024-045: The board voted to accept a refund settlement on behalf of CPI Systems for the MS4web stormwater management program.
– 2024-046: The ordinance recognizes that Aero-Mark and Dura-Mark have merged, pertaining to the city’s road striping contract.
– 2024-047: An amendment proposing an agreement with Hejduk-Cox & Associates for engineering services to design a water line extension received a first reading. Cost of the bill will be $36,113.50. No action was taken.
– 2024-048: An amendment proposing a contract with Ohio Traffic and Lighting solutions for 20 light poles was read without action.
Miscellaneous
The council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 8 was moved to April 9 due to solar eclipse events. The public hearing scheduled for April 8 was also moved to April 9.
Citizen Comments
Jared Hostetler of Pioneer Trail addressed council about allowing the hunting of fowl in addition to deer, which are allowed, on certain private residential properties. Hostetler argued that the goose and turkey populations are thriving, and geese can become a nuisance. There was a brief amenable discussion between council, legal representatives and Hostetler. Grdina Gilmore requested research into neighboring communities.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
