Aurora board reviews Erie County "Going Places" van policies; seeks local policy and training sign‑offs

Council Member Jess Arburst presented Erie County’s "Going Places" wheelchair van program at the Aurora Town Board’s June 16 work session and recommended that board members review the county’s full policies-and-procedures packet posted with the meeting materials.

Jess Arburst told the board the county packet includes registration forms, driver and rider expectations, and clarifying language about service scope. The board discussed local differences — for example, whether town drivers should provide curb‑to‑curb assistance and how far drivers may go into driveways when snow or debris block access. Arburst said the county document describes curb‑to‑curb service clearly and that the town’s older 2011 policy could use an update.

Board members agreed the town should consider a local policy wrapper and recommended consulting a labor attorney to add driver training sign‑offs and other employment protections. Arburst also suggested assembling a welcome packet for riders that clarifies expectations and registration procedures already included in the county material.

A county-supplied van remains in procurement; the board had no confirmed ETA for delivery and said staff would follow up. Chris Moffen, who works with the program locally, attended to answer questions; board members thanked him for providing the documents.

The board did not adopt a new policy on June 16 but directed staff and members to review the county materials and return with suggested edits and any legal recommendations for formal town adoption.