Despite continuing to meet in a virtual environment due to COVID-19, City Council has had several very full agendas in the last month.
At last night's Council meeting, my colleagues unanimously supported my resolution to place a temporary moratorium on the use of ketamine in Aurora. The moratorium will remain in effect until 30 days after the delivery of the independent investigation report into the death of Elijah McClain. It is important to me that we provide our Firefighters with the best tools to do their jobs. That's why we need to take a pause for the duration of the medical doctor review on ketamine and its protocols for use.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is also undergoing its own review of the ketamine waiver program and the Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists has asked the state to issue a moratorium, as well. Council should wait to make permanent decisions until the completion of these reviews. You can read more about it by clicking here.
Here are a few items of note from our last few meetings:
August 17, 2020 Council Meeting & Study Session
1. At study session, we discussed the topic of marijuana delivery. As I have stated before, we should treat marijuana businesses like other businesses in our city. Delivery of other legal products is allowed and I think it should be here too. There are a few issues to work out, such as times of day and if delivery drivers from other cities would be allowed. I look forward to this item moving forward in the future.
2. Council held a final vote on the chokehold/carotid hold ban. This was already made illegal under state law but codified here in Aurora, as well. The vote was 10-0.
3. Council unanimously approved a resolution to create a Veterans Treatment Court. I was glad to see this move forward and would like to recognize the work of CM Allison Hiltz, CM Dave Gruber and Chief Judge Shawn Day, among others.
4. The ordinance to repeal the pit bull ban was introduced at this meeting. However, we voted to delay any action as a suitable replacement isn't in place. At a future meeting, Council will consider a comprehensive dangerous dog ordinance in place of any breed specific legislation.
September 14, 2020 Council Meeting & Study Session
1. Council held initial discussion on a proposed ordinance by CM Lawson banning no-knock warrants in Aurora. I supported this ordinance for a few reasons - no-knock warrants have resulted in the death of both residents and police officers nationwide and most are served as search warrants for drug cases. The item passed 7-3 and will move forward.
2. As I mentioned in the introduction above, Council unanimously supported by resolution placing a moratorium on the use of ketamine in Aurora. I am thankful to my colleagues for their support.
3. We reviewed a proposed incentive agreement with a developer that was seeking to build a 7-story apartment building across from Children's Hospital by the light rail station. The incentive agreement had been previously agreed to by a past council. In order for our business community to have certainty in doing business here, they need to trust we are negotiating in good faith. While I certainly recognize elections have consequences, this action demonstrates to the business community that any past negotiations can be voided at any time. This item failed on a vote of 6-4.
4. Council approved a resolution to apply for a 3-year grant through the Great Outdoors Colorado program. This program is a great way to get your family outdoors and I have had fun exploring all the different elements. To learn more, click here.
Our next Study Session and Council Meeting is scheduled for September 21. We are still in a virtual format for council meetings so please tune in at www.auroratv.org to watch.
