Aurora City Council Approves Water Rescue Boat, Police Hires and Park Contracts

From new police cadets to a water rescue boat and a $3.46 million playground contract, Aurora City Council covered a wide range of city business at its May 26 and June 8 meetings. Here is a roundup of action taken at the May 26 and June 8 meetings. Police Department Gets New Faces Council approved compensation changes and new hires for the Aurora Police Department at the June 8 meeting, including two police officer cadets and a new dispatcher. Cadet candidates Timothy Lawler and Tyler Wylie, both Aurora residents, finished in the top tier of a recent police exam and interview process. The city will sponsor their attendance at a police academy beginning in July, with completion expected in December. Under a signed agreement, if either officer leaves within three years, they must reimburse the city for the full cost of their training. Once sworn in, both cadets will move into existing budgeted police officer positions. Council also approved the hire of dispatcher Brittany Milkovich and a role restructuring for Officer Alexandria Libertucci. Libertucci, a former New York City police officer who joined Aurora approximately three and a half years ago, recently returned from maternity leave. She will shift to part time in the community relations coordinator role while retaining her police commission and remaining available for part time patrol duties as needed. She will maintain required continuing professional training hours and annual qualifications to keep her certification active. Police Get New Drone and Camera Storage At the May 26 meeting, council approved two public safety technology purchases for the Aurora Police Department. A Skydio drone was approved for $20,739.99 through Adorama, replacing the department's previous unit which was damaged beyond repair. Council also approved a $22,307.90 purchase of GETAC cloud storage through Midwest Public Safety for body camera and dash camera footage. Both were passed as emergencies to prevent gaps in service. Water Rescue Capabilities Get a Boost Council unanimously approved the purchase of an Inmar Marine Group 600 RDR water rescue boat from Heritage Fire Equipment for $55,131.10 at the June 8 meeting. Aurora Fire Chief Matthew McBirney explained that the city is developing Geauga Lake for public access and that the new body of water presents more complex rescue challenges than Sunny Lake. The department is training personnel as rescue divers and is a member of the Portage County Water Rescue Team. The selected boat is the same model used by that team, ensuring interoperability when mutual aid is needed. The purchase was expedited to capture pre-tariff pricing. One boat was available built with imported European rubber material purchased before new tariff schedules took effect, saving the city approximately $7,000 compared to current pricing. The city confirmed it received the best available government pricing directly from the manufacturer. The boat will be stored at a dedicated 24 by 24 foot steel building planned as part of Aurora Park at Geauga Lake's Phase 1 development. From there it can be trailered to Aurora Lake or Sunny Lake as needed. The Aurora VFW is in discussions about making a charitable donation of approximately $3,000 to purchase a sonar system for the boat. Parks and Recreation Projects Move Forward Council passed several measures tied to Aurora Park at Geauga Lake at the June 8 meeting, advancing items that had their first readings on May 26. A contract with Kompan, Inc. for $3,460,230 was approved for design and construction of a custom themed accessible adventure play area with poured in place rubber surfacing. Funding of $2.25 million will transfer from the general fund to the capital improvement fund, with the remainder coming from existing capital funds. The play area is targeted for completion by summer 2027. Council also approved a $55,000 contract with Rent.Fun, LLC for a 16 unit self rental kiosk at Aurora Park at Geauga Lake. The package includes kiosk rental software, six single kayaks, six stand up paddle boards, four tandem kayaks, paddles and life jackets. The vendor is expected to be on site for the 2026 season. Authorization was granted for the mayor to apply for a NatureWorks grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to help fund a toddler play area at Aurora Park at Geauga Lake. The application focuses on a nature play area designed for children ages two to five. The grant application deadline is July 1, 2026. Pedestrian Safety Improvement on N. Bissell Road At the May 26 meeting, council approved a $37,861.56 contract with Perram Electric for the installation of a rectangular rapid flashing beacon on N. Bissell Road. The device is a pedestrian activated warning system. The ordinance was passed as an emergency due to a lead time of approximately 12 to 16 weeks for the equipment. Council also accepted a sidewalk easement from Hawthorn of Aurora Limited Partnership for the purpose of constructing a sidewa