Hello everyone, I hope you had a pleasant Labor Day Weekend and had some time to recover a bit from the hectic life we all lead. I have had a hard time tearing myself away from CNN and the awful situation in New Orleans and what was once the beautiful gulf coast. I can’t imagine what those Americans are going through as they struggle to regain some semblance of a normal life once again. This is going to be a long, long ordeal with many human needs and concerns coming forth that we’ve never had to deal with as a nation before.

There is so much going on in Northglenn. First of all, let me make a few announcements that may be of interest to you.

First, we have a new Deputy City Manager. Her name is Leslie Cullen. Her background is as a registered nurse, an attorney and consultant in organizational change. She worked with city staff during the layoffs and reorganization, facilitating a positive new approach to getting the work done. I’ve met with her several times already, and her vision for Northglenn is impressive. Her passion is improving communication with citizens, which of course is right up my alley. She’s planning a series of informational meetings with citizen groups, an improved newsletter format, and actual marketing of the city to the business and civic communities. Look for a more proactive approach to getting information to you.

Secondly, we will be having a community meeting to discuss the potential designs for Northwest Open Space redevelopment on September 13^th at 6:30 at Westview Elementary. This is your opportunity to hear what is being proposed, and get your two cents in regarding the renovation and redesign of the fields.

Third, we’re looking for volunteers to be members of our Liquor Authority. This was a City Council function until we voted to create an independent authority in July. I voted in favor of this ordinance. The primary functions of this authority are to grant or deny liquor licenses, and to impose penalties on licensees who have violated the liquor laws in Northglenn. Meetings will probably be held monthly. I encourage you to volunteer for this unique and important citizen group. Contact the City Clerk at 303-450-8756.

An update on Croke Reservoir shoreline project: The reservoir water is suspected to be seeping under Huron street, making the roadbed unstable and subject to cracking and sinking. The city cannot go forward on any redesign and renovation of the shoreline on Huron until this issue is resolved or its severity determined. The geotechnical drilling to get some core samples under the roadbed have been taken, and the results should be given to us within the next few weeks. I will keep you all informed on what the final diagnosis is, and where we go from there. The extent of the amenities when that does occur will depend on what our budget can sustain in the coming years.
We have applied for funding from Adams County Open Space money to replace the severely deteriorated trail on 104^th from Huron west to the city line on the north side. This asphalt has become a real eyesore. We should hear if money will be granted to us in the near future, and I’ll surely let you know when that happens

As you may be aware, the candidates for the November 1^st Northglenn city election were announced last week. For mayor, Kathie Novak will run again for her second term, and her opposition is Gene Weineke and John A. Thomas. Running in Ward IV are Jill Parsons, Mary Ellen Kettelkamp, Maryann Gillespie and Joy A. Shults. You will be voting for one candidate for mayor and one for Ward IV. If you want to discuss any of the candidates or ballot issues included in the November election, I’d be happy to discuss any topic. Call me anytime.

As you also may know, Adams County will change from precincts to vote centers this year. This means that you will NOT vote at the place you are accustomed to in past elections, but should go to the PAL building (listed as Shepard’s Hall) at 650 Kennedy Drive. More reminders on that subject later. Absentee and early voting will be available again this year. I’ll give you deadlines as we get closer to them.

One fun thing you need to be aware of . . . if you are a fan of the show “Survivor”, our very own Ray (Jim) Lynch is one of the group for this season which takes place in Guatemala and starts running in mid-September. Ray is an active Northglenn resident who is one of our NURA (Northglenn Urban Renewal Authority) members. He’s been a vocal member of our city, and since I saw him last week, I assume he “survived”.

Enough for now, I don’t want to make these newsletters too long.

At your Service,

Rosie Garner