Safety of Aurora residents was first on the agenda at Aurora City Council’s meeting held Monday, November 18, 2024. Rick Brunson approached the council regarding traffic on 250 East asking for additional signage, police coverage, or any available assistance; the road sees a large amount of through traffic, many of the drivers lost, speeding and disregarding the safety of children in the area. The mayor and council were understanding of the situation and readily agreed to assist in finding appropriate solutions. Dana Coates next asked the council for their attention to hazardous basement house on 392 North; it is an attractive place for kids to play and she is afraid that someone will fall through the roof and get seriously injured. The council again was in agreement with finding safe measures moving forward. Shay Morrison, R6, discussed with the council the upcoming deadline regarding changes to local subdivision ordinances as mandated by the state of Utah. The planning committee has specific and separate responsibilities in the approval of new subdivisions and their final review is completed by an external party. Aurora’s planning and zoning have been working on their ordinance and will finalize it the first part of December to meet deadlines.
The council reviewed the recent CIB road project, which is now complete, with the contractor finishing up minor details within the week. Whether or not to change the way Aurora accepts online/credit card payments for utility bills was another topic of interest, and it was decided they will continue as they have previously. It is costly for the city to set up specific programs to accommodate online payments, but residents are reminded that most local banks do offer online payments at no cost.
A Sub for Santa donation was approved, and Mayor Daven Quarnberg said the fire department is open to suggestions as to which local families could use help this season. He said they use people in the communities that are privy to that type of information, including but not limited to religious leaders and the schools, and they do their best to ensure that those in need are shown compassion and care.
Councilman Jim Harrison reported on the recent audit, saying the city was commended on their thoroughness and good financial practices. All suggestions from the previous year were appropriately incorporated, and auditors were impressed that a community of this size is in such stable financial condition.
A North Sevier Recreation update was provided by councilman Kelly Mason, who said they received six applicants for the director position and interviewed four of them. He commended their choice of hire, Reanna Batt, saying she’s doing a good job and hopefully the department can move forward in a positive direction. Each sport will be run by a committee made up of community volunteers, rather than hiring a part time assistant, for now. He also stated the pickle ball courts and sidewalks are complete.
Though the animal control department has been quiet for the town, councilman Bryan Sprague said there have been some big tom cats causing problems and are being caught, but other than that, things are quiet on that front. He complemented the city on the recent road projects, saying they look good, and he’s pleased with the progress made in that regard.
Christmas at Willow Bend is being held this weekend at the Aurora Park, and councilman Parker Vercimak reported on the preparations. There are still a couple of vacancies left for craft classes, and the committee will move some picnic tables and bleachers around to various locations to better accommodate both the live performances and food truck accessibility. The committee is particularly excited about the live reindeer, and Santa will be sticking around for the entire day to participate in the activities, as well as having specific times he will read stories and hear Christmas wishes. Vercimak thanked the council, and the committee, for their support in making the event such a success.
