January 30, 2007

Hello Ward IV Citizens:

Jill and I are certain that spring will look mighty good this year. I’m dreaming about planting tomatoes !

We’ve been informed of some Ward IV residents celebrating special occasions. First, Jack and Wanda Ogle celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary on January 6^th. Second, Fred Carillo had his 75^th birthday on January 25^th. We wish you any more years of enjoyment and good health !!

What a series of storms we’ve had. Staff presented the snow removal data to us so we thought we’d share it with you. Northglenn officially received 38.5 inches of snow from the first three storms, through the storm of January 5^th. This does NOT include any costs for plowing since that date. Preliminary cost estimates are the following:

Outside Contracted Services: $100,000 – 120,000

Staff Overtime: $10,000

Materials (plow blades, replacement parts, de-icing materials) $10,000

Our staff has prepared the data required by FEMA in order to try to recover some of these costs, and have attended the FEMA briefings at the Colorado Division of Emergency Management. As you know, Adams County was included in the request for disaster relief from the federal government.

As prescribed in the ballot question from November 7^th, 2006, we will be hosting several public input meetings in order to determine the wishes of the citizens regarding improvements/changes/amenities. This process is a sequence of explorations. We will first need to gather the broad recreational interests of the community, compile the data, design generic facilities that meet the interests that we’ve heard, and come back to you for direction. Once we identify all of that and nail down our plans, we can then address the potential cost and financing options. The following open meeting dates have been scheduled in order to get the first round of information:

Thursday, February 8^th, 7 p.m. Northglenn Senior Center (for youth, teens and parents)

Friday, February 9^th, 7 p.m. Northglenn Senior Center (for volunteers and Neighborhood Watch)

Thursday, February 15^th, 9:30a.m. Aspen Room, Recreation Center (for parents of pre-schoolers. Children welcome)

Thursday, February 15^th, 7p.m. Northglenn Senior Center, (for Boards and Commission members)

Friday, February 23^rd, 1:30p.m. Northglenn Senior Center (for Seniors)

Monday, February 26^th, 8:30a.m. Atlanta Bread Company at the Marketplace (Coffee with the Mayor)

YOU CAN ATTEND ANY MEETING

These meetings are an invitation to dream out loud. Jill and I, along with the entire City Council sincerely encourage you to participate in these meetings where all voices will be heard.

A recent lawsuit in Longmont resulted in new case law that affects our ordinance adopted in 2003 that required citizens to have approved surface driveways by May, 2008. For many of our citizens, this was a hardship, due to the cost of concrete that has dramatically escalated since the ordinance was adopted. Jill and I were very concerned about how this ordinance was going to impact our citizens on fixed incomes and those who simply couldn’t afford a multi-thousand dollar outlay for a new driveway. Well, it’s all over, since the outcome of the Longmont case basically said that existing non-conforming materials could not be required to comply over a period of time. What DOES remain is that if a new driveway is planned, it cannot be asphalt, and the existing driveways must be maintained by code standards. Call either one of us if you want specific information.

It’s done, Croke Reservoir is now officially a Nature Area. It is now a protected area where no improvements or changes can be made to it without Council approval. As you know, there are major budgetary capital improvements planned for the Huron Street Project beginning this year. This will include reconstruction of the street from 104^th north to 112^th, shoreline rehabilitation on Huron resulting in a movement westward, and cosmetic improvements on Huron/Croke including two plazas, trail, lighting, improved entrances and pedestrian friendly amenities. The design work has been approved, and we will be accomplishing the work in phases over 3 years. We are applying for grant money which can provide some help toward this multimillion dollar project.

As you may know, the Rangeview Library mill levy passed in November 2006. The original plan from their board was to convert the Northglenn branch into administrative offices and build a new library to serve Northglenn, Thornton, and Federal Heights on or about 94^th and Huron. As another option, they were interested in building this new library in Winburn Park on Huron, (the large open park with the gazebo north of Huron Middle School). It was discovered that our ordinances require that park property if sold or donated must be put to a vote of the people. Council agreed unanimously January 25^th to conduct a couple of meetings to see if the citizens are interested in a special election to determine the outcome of this park property. In the meantime, the Rangeview Library Board is meeting on January 31^st at the Thornton Branch, 8992 Washington at 4:30p.m. to discuss their options regarding both sites. We are encouraging any of you to attend this meeting and ask them to consider delaying their final decision until the citizens of Northglenn can hold the special election regarding the Winburn location. Council has shown good faith under the constraints of our laws, and we would like our citizens afforded an opportunity to voice their opinions, as other branch patrons have been given in the past.

If a decision is delayed on January 31^st, we will hold our public meetings. We will keep you posted regarding those dates and times.

Well, it looks like we’ve avoided the ax in the latest round of nine store closures throughout Colorado. Our store on 120^th is apparently doing well enough to be skipped over this time. The Rocky Mountain News said that Albertsons will continue to operate as many profitable stores as possible which includes remerchandising in an attempt to increase their market share. No news on the closed store on 104^th and Huron.

REMEMBER WE’RE HOSTING A WARD MEETING ON FEBRUARY 20^TH AT 6P.M. AT WESTVIEW ELEMENTARY LOCATED AT ROSEANNA AND CLAIRE LANE.

This newsletter is way too long. Our apologies, we waited too long to get this information to you. Call us anytime if you have questions about anything !!

At your Service,

Rosie Garner and Jill Parsons