Aurora Council Weighs Road Levy Renewal and Consulting Deal for Grant Money
The Aurora City Council reviews construction progress and future funding plans for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake, clarifies the status of the promised lakeside pathway, and highlights a major Westerly trunk line sewer project aimed at reducing neighborhood flooding. Council also moves on street repair levy renewals, emergency infrastructure and technology upgrades, and a donation that improves local soccer fields. 16mins
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Original Meeting
Monday, July 20th, 2026
3518.945
7-20-2026 Aurora Committee of the Whole & City Council Meetings (July 20, 2026)
In This Video
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Mayor Benjamin highlighted upcoming community events and programs, reported construction progress at Aurora Park at Geauga Lake, and announced that a new senior bus had begun service.
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Mayor Benjamin explained the extended property tax payment deadline, advised residents to wait for their tax bills before paying, and reported on the near completion of the Westerly trunk line sewer project and its significant stormwater storage and flood reduction benefits.
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Mayor Benjamin reviewed ongoing infrastructure work, including continued road paving, routine sewer maintenance with specialized equipment, operational upgrades at both wastewater treatment plants, and a recent water line replacement at the busy State Route 82 and 43 intersection prompted by aging system failures.
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Mayor Benjamin reported on new directional drilling requirements and permit enforcement involving FirstEnergy, then recounted recent community activities including meetings, July 4 festivities, participation in swearing-in ceremonies, writing local articles, and officiating a wedding for Aurora residents.
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Law Director DePiero and Harry Stark clarified that while Aurora owned the lakeside easement, construction of a full pathway and boardwalk around the lake depended on TIF funding and ICP’s development plans, with the city advancing phased walkway and boardwalk segments along its 40-acre portion without a firm timeline for the complete loop.
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Harry Stark presented an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a $60,000 consulting agreement with Capital Consulting Group to pursue state and federal funding for Aurora Park at Geauga Lake and other city projects, with the contract set to begin August 1, 2026 and requested as an emergency with suspension of rules.
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Harry Stark presented a resolution to amend a prior measure so the city could pursue renewal of the existing 0.9 mill streets and roads levy, request certification from the county auditor, and declare an emergency to begin the process of placing the renewal on the November 2026 ballot.
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Harry Stark presented and council adopted an emergency resolution to submit renewal of the existing 0.9 mill streets and roads levy to Aurora voters on the November 2026 ballot, along with related ordinances.
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Harry Stark presented and council adopted an emergency ordinance authorizing purchase of 18 in‑car 5G routers for police vehicles, funded from the general and capital improvement funds and taking advantage of a limited‑time Verizon credit to reduce the overall cost.
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Harry Stark presented a resolution on first reading to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Madison Loftus as an alternate member of Aurora’s Architectural Board of Review, replacing Valerie Vargo for a term ending December 31, 2029, and requested emergency passage with suspension of rules to maintain board continuity.
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Harry Stark presented and council adopted an emergency ordinance amending Exhibit A to Chapter 161 to update compensation for listed employees and place newly hired individuals on the schedule at specified pay rates.
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Harry Stark presented an emergency ordinance on first reading to select the bid of RJK Roofing for $95,150 to replace the Town Hall roof using Capital Improvement Fund #60, with suspension of rules requested to complete the work before the fall season.
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Harry Stark presented an ordinance accepting a quotation and authorizing the Mayor to contract with Clear Span for repair of the 2019 salt dome, including a 10% contingency to address potential corrosion-related strap and connection work.
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Harry Stark presented an ordinance on first reading to accept a donation of 48-by-21 Quick Goal soccer goals from Next Play Soccer valued at $13,220.
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Council Member Duguay relayed resident complaints about Rumpke trash blowing from collection vehicles and urged residents to report problems to Rumpke and council so the company could be held accountable under future contracts.
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