1. law, govt and politics

January 2015
Jury service both duty, privilege
...jury
service
allows U.S.
citizens the
privilege of
participating
in the
judicial
process
Upcoming
People often react in vastly different ways when opening
the mailbox to find a jury summons with their name on
it. For some, it’s viewed as a chance to see the judicial
process in action. For others, it feels like a big hassle.
Aurora City
Council
But the bottom line is jury service allows U.S. citizens
the privilege of participating in the judicial process. It’s
not just a civic duty. The process simply cannot function
without juror participation. Trial by Jury is protected in the
U.S. Constitution. Citizens charged with a crime have the
right to their day in court.
Call 303-739-7015 for more detailed
information about these meetings.
Life can be busy and filled with responsibilities; therefore,
the state of Colorado and the city of Aurora make jury
service as convenient as possible for citizens. The Aurora
Municipal Court uses the “one day/one trial” system.
Seldom do jury trials extend beyond one day. This allows
jurors to report and generally complete their jury duty in
one day. A juror’s failure to appear for jury duty can result
in a contempt citation or a warrant being issued by the
court for failure to appear.
Town Meetings
Ward I Council Member Sally Mounier
• Feb. 5, 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 14, 1-3 p.m. (One-on-One
only)
• March 5, 6-8 p.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
9898 E. Colfax Ave.
Ward IV Council Member Molly Markert
• Jan. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Medical Center of Aurora
1501 S. Potomac St., Room 1
• Feb. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Bella Vita
1470 S. Havana St.
The Aurora Municipal Court schedules more than 2,000
jury trials annually for misdemeanor cases such as
domestic violence, criminal cases and traffic offenses. The
court accommodates 76 different languages to meet the
needs of Aurora’s growing international community.
Names of potential jurors are selected from various sources
including the Department of Motor Vehicles, county
property records and voter registration. While citizens
may not be exempt from a summons for occupation,
age, gender, race or religion, they must meet certain
qualifications. Aurora jurors must live in Aurora, be at
least 18 years old, and be able to speak, read and write
English. A juror also must be a U.S. citizen, and physically
and mentally capable of sitting on a jury.
State, county and federal courts also require jury service.
However, citizens only have to perform jury duty one time
with a 12-month time period in state, county or municipal
court. This rule does not apply to the federal court system.
Contact 303-739-6466 or [email protected]
for details.
Be a Snowbuster
Sign up to be a Snowbuster, and
help an elderly neighbor or a
neighbor with disabilities keep up
with shoveling the sidewalk this
winter after a snowfall. For details,
visit www.auroragov.org/volunteer
or call 303-739-7492.
303-739-7000 • auroragov.org • facebook.com/auroragov • twitter.com/auroragov • youtube.com/theaurorachannel
Volunteers lighten load at courthouse
The city offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for residents, including at the Aurora
Municipal Court.
The Volunteer Information Officer (VIO) program provides a friendly face in an
environment often perceived as being difficult to navigate. When the program was
established in 1993, the initial VIOs were seniors active in the community.
Aurora Municipal Court Administrator Zelda DeBoyes recalled a story about the first
VIO, Donald M. Chase, founder of Chase Aurora Mortuary and former deputy coroner
for Arapahoe County.
“He loved greeting the public,” DeBoyes said. “He even thanked them for coming in,
which often received a raised eyebrow from a citizen or two. He set the tone for the
program currently in place today.”
Twenty years later, the court’s VIOs remain the first point of contact in welcoming and
greeting the public after they enter the courthouse upon completing the security screening
process. These volunteers consist primarily of seniors and retirees who serve as goodwill
ambassadors trained to direct citizens to reach their proper destination and answer
frequently asked questions regarding the Aurora Municipal Court. Occasionally, the
program will attract those who simply have an interest in working in the court.
At times, the VIOs are called upon to update catalogs, prepare mailing packets and assist with clerical duties. Their presence
helps with long lines at the docket and cashier windows, allowing the courthouse to run smoothly. And their warm smiles and
friendly greetings definitely help to make customers feel welcome. For more information on the VIO program or to sign up,
contact Yvonne Madril-Brawner at 303-739-6440 or [email protected].
One pass,
two amazing
reservoirs
In 2015, the city’s Reservoir
Annual Pass will offer a new
bonus: Access to both Aurora and
Quincy reservoirs. An annual pass
to the city’s reservoirs is a great,
economical way to enjoy Aurora
Reservoir year-round and Quincy
Reservoir during its season from
March 1 to Oct. 31.
Annual pass rates per
vehicle*
Annual Resident: $55
Annual Nonresident: $65
Senior Resident: $45
Senior Nonresident: $55
*Senior rates: 62 years & older
at date of purchase.
Purchase your pass by visiting
www.auroragov.org/reservoirs.
Lifeguards
wanted
Find out how you can receive
free lifeguard training and a great
job. For more information and
requirements, call Lara Batten at
303-739-1540.
Recreation pass prices dropping
Just in time for your New Year’s Resolution, the city is lowering prices
on many of its Recreation Pass options starting Jan. 1. As a great new
benefit; you can buy one pass to use at these centers:
Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle, 303-739-7950
Beck Recreation Center, 800 Telluride St., 303-739-6888
Utah Indoor Pool, 1800 S. Peoria St., 303-739-1530
“Our goal is to make this Recreation Pass the first choice for Aurora residents,” said
Tom Barrett, director of Aurora Parks, Recreation & Open Space. “We want to offer the
most affordable and flexible workout plan in town. That’s why we’re lowering many
pass prices and including three different centers when you buy an annual, monthly or
10-visit pass.”
To buy your 2015 Recreation Pass, visit any of the centers mentioned above and your
personal membership representative will help you choose the most affordable option for
you and your family.
King’s dream endures
This year marks the city’s 29th Annual Commemoration
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, and many
events are scheduled from Jan. 11 to 19. Join Aurora
as we celebrate the life and legacy of one man’s
dream of freedom and equality for all. This year’s
theme is “United Together, Aurora Works.” For more
information, call Barbara Shannon-Banister in the
Community Relations Division at 303-739-7580.
Aurora’s 1913 historic Trolley Trailer No. 610 finally has a
home at the Aurora History Museum, which celebrated the
grand opening of its new permanent Aurora history exhibit
“Growing Home” in November. The new exhibit is housed
in two galleries: the older and recently remodeled Ferguson
Gallery, named in honor of longtime museum supporter
Doris Ferguson, and the newly constructed Ruth Fountain
Gallery. “Growing Home” highlights the 123-year history of
Aurora through stories, objects and more than 100 historic
photographs. The exhibit’s dramatic finale is the fully restored
trolley trailer, in which visitors can enter and experience a
virtual historic ride down Colfax. The museum is located at
15051 E. Alameda Parkway. Admission is free. For details,
visit www.auroramuseum.org or call 303-739-6660.
Recycling roundup
Did you know that it’s illegal to put electronic
waste in the landfill? The city collected nearly
100,000 pounds of e-waste during its 2014
electronic waste recycling events. The next event
is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 7 at Aurora Central
Facilities Recycling Drop-off, 13646 E. Ellsworth Ave. Fees are
$2 per item for most items ($15 for televisions or $1 per inch
diagonal for rear projection televisions, and $10 for computer
monitors). Visit www.auroragov.org/recycle or call 303-7397173 for details.
Share your energy
saving story
Have you received a rebate from Xcel Energy?
The city is looking for residents willing to share
their “before and after” story about an energy saving
improvement. These case studies will be used to demonstrate to
other residents the costs and benefits of installing energy saving
improvements.
Energy tip
Did you know that turning down your thermostat 1 degree
Fahrenheit can help you save 3% on your total energy use?
(U.S. Dept of Energy)
OUT AND ABOUT • OUT AND ABOUT • OUT AND ABOUT
Aurora ushers in
expanded city museum
Christmas Tree Recycling
Dec. 26 to Jan. 12
Olympic Park, 15501 E. Yale Ave.
Saddle Rock Golf Course, 21705 E. Arapahoe Road
303-739-7177
Drop off your tree for recycling at these locations
(no drop-off at Del Mar Park this year due to
construction). Please remove all nails, decorations
and stands from tree. Free tree mulch will be
available at the tree drop-off locations while
supplies last. Bring a truck, bags, containers and
shovels for self-loading.
Turkey Tracks, Penny Squares &
Crazy Quilts
Through March 29
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
303-739-6660 or www.auroramuseum.org
Quilts are often made for a person or event and the
story lives on with the quilt. The story behind quilt
patterns are passed down through the generations,
and many describe family origins, good omens or
religious stories. Free.
Early Japanese Woodblock Prints
Through April 12
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
303-739-6660 or www.auroramuseum.org
In 17th century Japan, woodblock printing evolved
from plain text in books to elaborate drawings
using many layers of different colored paint. These
prints of Japanese daily life pre-1915, women,
landscapes and even Western visitors are from
the Library of Congress Prints & Photographs
Collection. Free.
Victorian Valentines
Ages 6 and older
Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Centennial House, 1671 Galena St.
Call 303-326-8650 to register.
Families can discover the history and creativity of
old-fashioned, handmade Victorian valentine crafts,
and create cards for loved ones. $5 ($4 Aurora
residents)
Aurora & Its Sister Cities
Feb. 18, noon to 1 p.m.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway
303-739-6660 or www.auroramuseum.org
Learn about Aurora’s new global relationships,
which countries are priorities and how you can
become involved. Bring a lunch. $4 ($3 Aurora
residents)
Volunteer Steward Recruitment Event
Feb. 28, 10 to 11 a.m.
Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road
RSVP to [email protected] or 303-739-2428
Join us for this recruiting event to discover how
volunteers provide essential support for Aurora’s
true nature through trail patrols, steward work
projects, resource monitoring, event staffing,
educational programs and more. Free, but
registration is required. Ages 18 and older.
No water rate increase for
2015, slight sewer increase
For the sixth year in a row, water and storm rates will remain
the same, with no increases for 2015. However, there will be a four
percent increase in sewer charges. On the average bill, that will amount
to less than a dollar a month.
Xeriscape classes
Learn how to lower your water bill, conserve
water and create incredible landscapes that
will make your neighbors jealous. For a
complete class schedule, go to aurorawater.org.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Call 303-739-7195 or go to
aurorawater.org.
Build Your Own Drip System
Drip systems are incredibly water efficient
and generally great for gardens of all types.
We’ll show you how to construct and
maintain one in this hands-on class.
Jan. 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Aurora Central Library
Large Community Room
14949 E. Alameda Parkway
Prepare for Your Design
Consultation
This class is required in order to receive your
one-on-one design consultation. You will
learn how to map your property and compile
information for your designer.
Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Mission Viejo Library
Community Room
15324 E. Hampden Circle
Xeriscape Basics
Find out how to convert your lawn into a
great, low-water landscape without breaking
the bank.
Jan. 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Center
Aurora Room
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Your January bill will reflect the slight sewer rate increase that begins
Jan. 1. You will see four sewer-related charges: two show the 2014 rate
through Dec. 31 and the other two show the increased rate, which begins
Jan. 1. Your February bill will reflect only two of the charges. One
charge is a monthly system maintenance charge, and the other charge is
for usage.
The increase is the result of higher charges being assessed to Aurora
Water by the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. Aurora and most
other metro-area cities do not treat their own wastewater. Instead, it is
piped to Metro Reclamation, which then charges cities to treat the water.
The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District has said it will have annual
increases for several years. The additional charges are necessary, in part,
to cover more than $500 million in capital improvements associated with
more stringent regulatory requirements.
Changes to budget billing
Our budget billing helps customers spread utility costs
evenly throughout the year. We calculate your utility costs,
previous usage and seasonal fluctuations in water to provide a more
predictable bill each month. You will still receive a monthly bill to
monitor your consumption, actual charges and actual balance.
Because your budget billing is an approximation based on your previous
usage, in April of each year, your account will be reconciled and
your billing amount will be adjusted based on the actual usage. If, for
instance, you use more water than estimated, your bill will reflect a
charge for that increase.
You must enroll in Autopay to qualify for budget billing, and beginning
this year, you can only enroll in budget billing in May. In previous years,
when enrollment was allowed at any time, customers often experienced
higher water bills than expected because of heavy summertime usage
that exceeded their estimate. The one-time spring enrollment will help
prevent those unexpected bill increases.
Questions? Call 303-739-7388.
Check us out on
Facebook!
Have you checked us out on Facebook? We’re posting all sorts of
helpful information on everything from how to prevent clogged pipes to
how to create a xeric landscape that will make your neighbors jealous.
Hope to see you there at www.facebook.com/AuroraWater.
Billing Questions: 303-739-7388 • Service Questions: 303-326-8645 • aurorawater.org