July 17^th, 2007

Hello Ward IV:

Hope everyone is bearing the heat OK, it sure would be nice to get some rain. Lawns and flowers are difficult to maintain in this dry climate. Consider drought resistant perennials, it’s worth the investment.

We want to start out this newsletter with a topic that has been the subject of many phone calls and a fair amount of confusion. On April 12^th, Council passed an ordinance that would require the entire city to convert to polycarts (the green city-issued ones) for garbage collection by August 1^st. In addition, there is a requirement to screen the cart from public view by either putting it in the back yard or in the garage. If that wasn’t possible, it is necessary to construct some type of opaque screen in order to stay in compliance. Waivers are available for those who simply could not comply either physically or financially.

This ordinance has been a nightmare to say the least. We’ve attempted to make this easier by adding an amendment to allow plastic bags and bundles. Last Thursday night, there was an administrative error in the wording, so the amendment could not be voted upon, and has been postponed until the July 26^th meeting. Rosie recommended that the initiation date be extended until January 1^st, 2008 since there continues to be complicated issues surrounding the entire thing. This passed unanimously.

The complexity relates to four issues: 1) the fact that we are also considering curbside recycling and the containers, trucks, and costs associated with that has been mixed into the discussions. That’s good in our minds, since this discussion needs to happen since we voluntarily recycle a great deal right now in the rolloffs at Northwest Open Space and City Hall, and we'd ultimately like to provide that curbside service. Recycling would ultimately reduce the dumping costs and the quantity of solid waste that we haul off to our landfill in Erie, not to mention the conservation of resources through recycling itself. It will continue to stay in the discussions, but much more on that later.
2) More than 70% of our households citywide have already purchased the green polycarts. Previous Council’s intention was for the city to become fully automated with the prohibition of any other kind of containers including boxes, bags, or other loose debris. We'd like to make that a reality.
3) Concealing all garbage containers including polycarts may not be possible as currently written.
4) Seasonal yard waste is an issue that we still need to deal with.

For now, we’d like to simply ask that you NOT purchase any garbage cans of any type unless it is the city-issued green polycarts. We definitely will be going to automation in 2008, so we want to be sure you don’t spend money needlessly.

We were informed by our police department (and alerted by some citizens) that there are flyers being left on doors that offer to provide individuals signing up a list of the sex offenders in their neighborhoods. THIS IS A SCAM. The same information can be gotten from any local police department after filling out an information release form to obtain the information for free. If you have any questions, call Officer Steve Garrow at 303-450-8870.

We understand, and there seems to be some evidence that there is a VERY large snapping turtle in Croke Reservoir. We assume when the water is drained for the reconstruction of the Huron shoreline, the big guy will make an appearance. We’d like to do something fun with the fact that we “own” this very large specimen, so we’re taking ideas for what we can do as a city to take advantage of this. A festival ? A contest ? Turtle Days ?? No ideas are too silly !!

The public input process is complete, and we’ve gotten a lot of input from citizens and users of the Center. Council will be deciding on the size, amenities, cost and funding source during August. This decision will result in a ballot question for the November election, which by the way will be entirely a MAIL BALLOT. Be sure you’re registered to vote so you can have your say in this matter.

As you’ve probably noticed, the intersection remodel continues in preparation for the development that will occur on our land at I-25 and 120^th. The area has been completely cleared with the exception of Heidi’s, which will stay awhile longer until it is necessary for them to vacate also. We’ve seen some very preliminary drawings of the area, and have had a couple meetings with citizens to get some idea of what they would like the public spaces to look like. I think you’ll be pleased with how this development will tie in nicely with the park, encouraging people to utilize both. This is going to be a big deal for Northglenn, and will provide our citizens with another place to relax, recreate and shop. Our developers have received a great deal of interest in this area, so we’re looking forward to the build-out. We own all the land, so we are in a unique position to direct what kinds of business/restaurants will get the opportunity to settle in Northglenn.

Through June 2007, our Code Enforcement officers reviewed 749 homes and issued thank you’s to 360 or 48%. Courtesy notices were given to 389 residences or 52%. Thus far this summer, 68% of the total notices have been resolved through compliance. April and May’s notices have 100% resolution.

If you want to take a Sunday drive and look at the Beautiful Yard winners for the months of June and July, here's the list:

10200 Melody Drive 1260 Spangler Drive

11044 Manet Way 2160 W. 104^th Place (waterwise)

10872 Bannock 10535 Kalamath (waterwise)

10473 Santa Fe 2143 Ura Lane

1061 W. 100^th Ave (waterwise) 10907 Melody Drive

10759 Roseanna Dr. (waterwise) 10461 Inca

10858 Brewer Drive (waterwise) 1883 Ura Lane

10353 Pecos (waterwise) 1164 W. 101^st Place

11140 Park Vista Drive 10240 Melody Drive

9980 Melody Drive (waterwise)

LAST CALL for anyone interested in the review of our city charter. This is really important work that hasn’t been done for 25 years. We’ve made lots of changes over time that the voters have approved of, but it’s long overdue for a complete line-by-line review. Please consider getting involved in this most significant work. Call Diana Lentz, our City Clerk, by July 26^th at 303-4508755 to volunteer. Any recommendations made by the review group will go to the vote in 2008.

We will be having a Ward IV meeting on August 20^th at 6:30. You'll get a flyer on your door with the location.

Nothing new on Albertsons on 104^th and Huron, however we are getting a Dollar Tree in the old Antique Mall on Melody and a Vitamin Cottage on Washington just north of Malley Drive. That will be the only organic grocer west of 1-25. !!!

Once again, print and share this with a friend or neighbor, or forward it on to those who aren’t yet subscribers. Help us increase our numbers by encouraging them to subscribe.

At Your Service,

Rosie Garner and Jill Parsons