arvada report 2-3-16_Arvada Report 4-5-2006.qxd

2016february/march

News and information

While much of the focus

of the coming Gold

Line commuter rail has

been on the Olde Town Station

and Transit Hub, work is also

underway on the Arvada Ridge

and Sheridan Stations. Each of

Arvada’s three Gold Line transit

stops have a unique story all their

own. See pages 4 and 5 for the

details!

Steady progress on the Olde Town Transit Hub: Above, in spring of 2015, and below, in December of 2015. The Gold Line--and the Transit Hub--will open in late 2016.

www.arvada.org

Have You Signed Up forArvada’s Electronic Newsletter?

Are you interested in getting timely news and infor-mation about your community? Subscribe toARVADANEWS, an electronic newsletter which isemailed directly to you and contains timely news itemsof interest, links to the latest video productions,upcoming events, and more.

Subscribing is easy! Simply visit the City’s website atwww.arvada.org and search for “electronic newsletter”on the home page. You will only be asked for your emailaddress and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Watch a time-lapse videoof the construction of the

Olde Town Transit Hub.

Three Stations GettingReady for the Gold Line

The Arvada Report is a newsletter published by the Arvada City Manager’s Office, 720-898-7500, City of Arvada, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002. It is distributed to all residences and businesses in the City. The City of Arvada holds the ownership rights and copyrights

in the design and articles contained in The Arvada Report. Articles may only be reproduced with the express permission of the City of Arvada. Editor: Maria VanderKolk. Graphic Design: Steve Milke. Photography: Arvada Media Services.

Mayor Marc Williams303-940-7593(h)303-424-4486(w)

[email protected]

Mayor Pro TemCouncilmember

At-LargeBob Fifer

303-929-4278BFifer@

arvada.org

CouncilmemberAt-Large

Don Allard303-420-6559(h)

[email protected]

CouncilmemberDistrict OneNancy Ford

303-325-3153NFord@

arvada.org

CouncilmemberDistrict FourDavid Jones720-889-8860

[email protected]

CouncilmemberDistrict Three

John Marriott720-273-3912 (c)

[email protected]

CouncilmemberDistrict Two

Mark McGoff303-423-5258 (h)

[email protected]

City Council Meetings/Workshops - Arvada City Hall, Council Chambers - Mondays, 6 p.m.February 1 8 15 22 March 7 14 21 28

2016 Business Mtg. Workshop No Meeting No Meeting 2016 No Meeting Workshop Business Mtg. Workshop

Televised Televised Televised Televised Televised(Note: Times and dates subject to change. To confirm meetings go to arvada.org or call 720-898-7550.)

24/7 Inquiries - ASK ARVADA at www.arvada.org. To sign up for alerts about City Council Meetings or Community Events, register for . Go to www.arvadanews.org

For more information, please contact Cindy Javelet, Communications Coordinator, at 720-898-7834 or [email protected].

Get Connected with ArvadaCity of Arvada – City Hall, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO, 80001-8101

720-898-7000 • www.arvada.org

KATVChannel 8

City Government Phone NumbersEmergency 9-1-1Non-Emergency Dispatch 720-898-6900City Hall Main Line 720-898-7000

Accounts Payable 720-898-7130Accounts Receivable 720-898-7128Animal Control 720-898-6850Arvada Center Box Office 720-898-7200Arvada Economic Development 720-898-7010Arvada Urban Renewal 720-898-7060Building Inspections 720-898-7630Building Permits 720-898-7620

City Manager’s Office 720-898-7500Code Enforcement 720-898-7465Communications Manager 720-898-7507Fingerprinting Services 720-898-6808Housing 720-898-7494Lake Arbor Golf Club 720-898-7360Liquor Licenses 720-898-7550Majestic View Nature Center 720-898-7405Municipal Court 720-898-7150Park Pavilion Reservations 720-898-7410Passports 720-898-7550Planning and Zoning 720-898-7435

Police Records 720-898-6920Sales Tax 720-898-7100School Resource Officers - Contact Individual SchoolsSpecial Event Permits 720-898-7435Streets 720-898-7720Traffic Signals and Signs 720-898-7740Victim Outreach Line 720-898-6770Voter Registration 720-898-7550Water Bills 720-898-7070Water Quality 720-898-7800

(after hours) 720-898-7820West Woods Golf Club 720-898-7370

2

The Arvada Report February/March 2016

3


The Rocky Mountain

Greenway Trail vision is a

system of uninterrupted trails

linking the three Metro-area National

Wildlife Refuges (NWR): Rocky

Mountain Arsenal NWR, Two

Ponds NWR, and Rocky

Flats NWR. The broader

vision is to extend this

Greenway Trail to Rocky

Mountain National Park,

linking thousands of acres of

public lands together.

This regional trail is

divided into various phases,

some of which are already

built and some of which are

just beginning to be studied.

The phase linking Two

Ponds NWR to Rocky Flats

NWR features an alignment

through Arvada and began

construction in January.

Within Arvada, the imple-

mentation phase consists of:

• Using existing Little Dry

Creek Trail from approx-

imately W. 80th Ave. and

Wadsworth Blvd. to

Lakecrest Park.

• New trail from Lakecrest

Park to W. 86th Pkwy.

This trail will parallel Croke

Canal past Standley Lake

Library and through Arvada’s

Heritage Canal Open Space. A

new bridge will be built across

Farmers High Line Canal.

• Pedestrian underpass at

W. 86th Pkwy. at the Croke

Canal outfall into Standley Lake

Regional Park.

Project design and coordination

was undertaken by the Central

Federal Lands Highway Division

(CFL) of the Federal Highway

Administration. A Steering

Committee and a broad range of

agencies including Arvada,

Westminster, the City and County of

Broomfield, ditch companies, U. S.

Fish and Wildlife, and CFL have

guided project development since

2012.

A Federal grant is funding con-

struction of this current phase,

which is expected to be complete by

June 2016. More information about

the Rocky Mountain Greenway

Project may be found at

www.fws.gov (search “Rocky

Mountain Greenway”).

Arvada Section of

Rocky Mountain

Greenway Trail

Underway

Rocky Mountain Greenway Trail


Long before FasTracks was approved, City leaders

were thinking about the benefits and impacts of

commuter rail linking Arvada to Denver Union

Station and beyond. Transit-oriented development (TOD)

plans began to come to fruition - the Water Tower Village

and Kipling Ridge, for example. When voters approved

FasTracks in 2004, Arvada launched a Transit Station

planning process, creating a framework for each of the

City’s three stations to be served by the Gold Line: Olde

Town, Arvada Ridge, and Sheridan.

When the Gold Line opens in late 2016, the commu-

nity will have the opportunity to attend grand opening

celebrations at each station and absorb their unique char-

acter, including public art - part of the Regional

Transportation District’s (RTD) “Art-n-Transit” program

designed to create a sense of community and celebrate

the diverse cultural, ethnic, and historical richness of the

communities RTD serves. Here’s a preview:

4

Three Stations; Three Visions

Location: between Lee St. and Kipling Pkwy. along RidgeRoad

Parking Spaces: 200Initial Expected Daily Boardings: 500Travel Time to Denver Union Station: 20 minutes

The Arvada Ridge Station is within easy walking dis-tance of Red Rocks Community College’s Arvada Campus.With the $22.5 million Health Sciences expansion at RedRocks underway, the Arvada Ridge Station is certain toserve students accessing high-demand degree and certifi-cate programs in the medical field.

With the assistance of the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority, the Arvada Ridge Market Place and 380 multi-familyunits have been developed in the vicinity. An underpass is currently under construction at Kipling Pkwy. to improveaccess to the Station for pedestrians and bicyclists, and a new park is planned for the area which will take advantageof elevation gains by incorporating an incline trail.

The art selected for Arvada Ridge is titled “Chromatic Harvest” and takes its inspiration by connecting the pastwith the present and the future using the themes of agriculture and movement. Geometric crop rows are reinterpret-ed in a contemporary way on ceramic steel panels, connecting Arvada’s agricultural past with its dynamic present.

Arvada Ridge Station

Public Art: “Chromatic Harvest”


5

Olde Town Station Sheridan Station

Location: W. 60th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd.Parking Spaces: 330Initial Expected Daily Boardings: 800Travel Time to Denver Union Station: 13 minutes

The Sheridan Station is intended to provide a diverserange of employment opportunities within an easywalk. The area is characterized by industrial buildingswith some residential and agricultural parcels within aquarter-mile radius.

The art chosen for Sheridan is “Gold Pour” and com-memorates the first documented gold strike in Coloradoat the nearby confluence of Ralston and Clear Creeks.Shimmering gold made of glass and mosaic tiles willappear to pour over the Station wall.

Public Art: “Gold Pour”Public Art:

“Track Bone”

Location: Historic Olde Town Arvada, east of OldeWadsworth Blvd. on Grandview Ave.

Parking Spaces: 600Initial Expected Daily Boardings: 1,100Travel Time to Denver Union Station: 17 minutes

Located in Arvada’s historic downtown, the OldeTown Station and Transit Hub will be the most promi-nent of Arvada’s stations and an important retail, mixed-use, and cultural destination for visitors from through-out the Denver region. The Station will include fourplazas, offering gathering spaces and enriching thetransit and shopping experiences for visitors. The TransitHub includes a 36,000 square foot “Festival Deck” toaccommodate community events.

The art selected for Olde Town is titled “Track Bone.”It is a sculpture that reflects the fact that the railroadwas in many ways the backbone of Arvada when it wasfounded in 1870. The sculpture is made of Red ColoradoGranite cut into sections of railroad track. At completionit will be 28’ long, 4’ 6” high, and 7’ wide.

Conceptual visualizations for informational purposes only. Subject to change.

Watch a video about the Colorado Artist

creating “Track Bone”


2015 Employee of the Year

Police Officer John Zubrinic wasnamed the City of Arvada 2015Employee of the Year. OfficerZubrinic responded to a welfare checkon a woman whom a passerbydescribed as being very sick. Uponhis arrival he noticed she was havingdifficulty breathing. She had walkedmore than a mile to buy medicationand was having a difficult time walk-ing back home due to fatigue from herillness. Officer Zubrinic drove herhome and helped her into her apart-ment. The woman explained that aftershe buys all of her medication, she isonly left with $14 to purchase foodeach month. Officer Zubrinic went tothe store and purchased her grocerieswith his own money, and connectedher with the Arvada Community FoodBank and RTD Access-a-Ride totransport her there. Since that day,Officer Zubrinic has been back tocheck on her multiple times and hasspoken with her neighbor aboutchecking on her as well.

2015 Team of the Year

The 2015 Team of the Year was

awarded to the facilities construction

team within the Public Works

Department. The team was recognized

for their outstanding performance and

tireless efforts in the renovation and

reconfiguration of Arvada City Hall,

and other City facilities.

Throughout 2015, the team demol-

ished 600 linear feet of walls, created

70 workstations, constructed 700

square feet of new offices, remodeled

and enlarged two kitchen/break areas,

enlarged and remodeled the

Training/Emergency Operations room,

completed a full makeover of the

Chamber of Commerce Visitor

Center, and completed construction of

a new VIP lounge and new sales

office at the Arvada Center.

Nominations stated, “the team per-

formed their duties with the highest

level of dedication and passion, and

with sincere consideration to not

impact the work of others. They con-

sistently maintained a positive attitude

regardless of the many challenges

they faced. Their quality and quantity

of work is consistently outstanding!”

Employee of the Quarter

Police Officer Brad Gagon was

named the Employee of the Quarter

for the fourth quarter of 2015. Officer

Gagon recently took on the role of

police liaison for Special Olympics,

continuing the Department’s long tra-

dition of raising funds and participat-

ing in events including:

• Attendance at the Annual Special

Olympics Conference.

• Coordinating two Polar Plunges.

• Working the Regional Track Meet

at Jeffco Stadium and handing out

medals to the athletes.

• Planning and emceeing a benefit

concert with local high schools.

• Coordinating the annual Torch

Run.

• Planning a “Tip-a-Cop” event at a

local restaurant.

In 2015, he spent over 100 hours

working on events, raising more than

$11,500 for Special Olympics.

Employee Corner

6

Facilities Construction Team, Public Works Department

Officer Brad Gagon Officer John Zubrinic

City Clerk Named “Clerk of the

Year”

Chris Koch was recently named“Clerk of the Year” by the ColoradoMunicipal Clerks Association(CMCA). Koch received her awardat the CMCA annual conference.

In nominating Koch for theaward, City Manager Mark Devenstated, “Chris has been Arvada’sCity Clerk since 1994 and hasearned the respect of not only herArvada colleagues but of clerksacross Colorado. She has made astrong impact on Arvada due to herincredible efficiency and competen-cy. Due to the many systems andprocesses that she has put intoplace, agendas, postings, recordsmanagement, ballot preparation,passport applications, and much

more appear to those outside the

clerk’s office as effortless.”

Each year, CMCA honors and

recognizes the contributions of indi-

viduals who have made a noticeable

impact on their municipality or on

CMCA; Clerk of the Year is the

highest honor bestowed by the

organization.

The award was a complete sur-

prise for Koch, whose entire family

showed up at the ceremony as well

as Deven and Deputy City Manager

Bill Ray. It has particular meaning

for Koch as she is retiring in early

2016.

“I am honored, and humbled, to

receive this award when there are

over 100 city clerks in Colorado

just as deserving,” Koch said.


HealthyRelationshipSeries forTeens

The Arvada Municipal Court,through its Teen Services Coordinator,has collaborated with The ROAD Drop-in Center for Youth, a Division ofJefferson Center for Mental Health, toprovide a series of Healthy Relationshipclasses to Arvada teens. The program isopen to any Arvada teen and has beenfully funded by the Jefferson Center.

This 12-week course is open to any-one 13 – 16 years of age. Participantsexplore options for creating and main-taining healthy successful relationshipswith peers, family, and the worldaround them by discussing topicsranging from dating and consent, bul-lying, social media, loss, drugs andalcohol, and others.

Classes are on a “drop-in” basis, andparticipants may attend any or allclasses in the series. The classes takeplace in designated conference roomsat City Hall, 8101 Ralston Road, onWednesdays from 4 – 5 p.m. throughMarch 16, 2016. Advance registration isNOT required.

The curriculum for this series ofclasses was created in part using feed-back received from youth. For a cur-riculum overview or more informa-tion, visit arvada.org/ healthy-relationships-classes-offered-to-teens-and-young-adults or contactTami Rice, Municipal Court TeenServices Coordinator: 720-898-7171,[email protected].

7

Volunteer in Your CommunityFor the second year, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce’s non-profit

committee, Organizations Serving Arvada (OSA), is challenging resi-dents and businesses to get involved! The 2016 challenge will run inApril with a goal to reach over 12,000 volunteer hours. There will becash prizes for local organizations for submitting hours. Visitwww.arvadachamber.org, or call 303-424-0313, beginningFebruary 1 for more information and get ready to volunteer startingApril 1. The 2015 inaugural challenge resulted in 10,343 hours of volun-teerism.

From left to right: City Manager Mark Deven; Kristen Rush, Teri Colvin, Chris Koch, JudyLydick, Jill Jolton, Janet Newman, and Larry Petersen of the Arvada City Clerk’s Office;

and Deputy City Manager Bill Ray at the November 19 awards ceremony.

In the December 2015/January2016

edition of The Arvada Report, we

incorrectly reported that lockboxes are

installed INSIDE the house. In fact, the

lockbox is securely located OUTSIDE the

house for emergency services personnel to

access. The lockbox combination is

provided solely to police and fire

dispatch centers.

The lockbox offers you peace

of mind if you are unable to

answer your door when police

or fire respond to your home,

as they will not have to

damage your house to gain

access. Seniors or residents

with handicaps can request

a lockbox from Senior

Liaison Officer Tom

VanderVeen by calling

720-898-6724.

Officer VanderVeen

will come to your

residence and

install the lockbox

free of charge,

in approximately

15 minutes.

The only thing

you will need to

do is provide him

with a spare key to

your front door.

For more information, contact

Officer VanderVeen at 720-898-6724.

Correction to Lockbox StoryThe Arvada PoliceDepartment’s section of The

Arvada Report is published bythe City of Arvada with contentprovided by the Arvada PoliceDepartment as a service to thecitizens of Arvada.

Contact Numbers

Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . .911

Non-Emergency

Reporting . . . . .720-898-6900

Office of

the Chief . . . . .720-898-6650

Records

Department . . .720-898-6920

Investigations . .720-898-6700

Media

Relations . . . . .720-898-6654


Arvada Police Department

8101 Ralston Road

Arvada CO 80002

720-898-6900

www.arvadapd.org

8


Arvada residents and

businesses are reminded

to register their phone

numbers – land, cell, text, and other

– with the CodeRED emergency

notification system.

The CodeRED system is used to

send critical communications, from

evacuation notices to missing child

alerts, to everyone who registers. In

addition to telephone messages,

CodeRED can also send emails.

There is even a CodeRED

emergency notification app for

smartphones.

Residents and businesses are

encouraged to visit the CodeRED

registration web site at your911.net

to add additional contact information,

including phone numbers, SMS (text)

and email address preferences. This

is especially important for those

addresses without a landline, as

residents and businesses must register

if they want to receive emergency

notifications. Residents should make

certain their information is correct.

Residents wanting more informa-

tion or with questions should contact

the dispatch non-emergency number

at 720-898-6900.

Smart 911 is a free national

service currently being used by

Arvada 9-1-1. Rave Mobile Safety’s

Smart 911 is a public/private part-

nership creating a first-of-its-kind,

critical caller database that is already

helping citizens and emergency

responders across 40 states.

When 9-1-1 receives a call, only

a phone number and minimal levels

of location data are displayed. With

Smart 911, citizens create a Safety

Profile online consisting of addi-

tional data about themselves and

family members which is automati-

cally displayed to 9-1-1 call-takers

(telecommunicators) during

emergency calls. The result is

far greater emergency response

effectiveness and saved lives.

Safety profiles can include the

vital personal and medical informa-

tion for each member of the home.

Participants may also include a

photo for each person, and list any

pets that may be in the home.

Registration is free, easy and

secure. Visit www.smart911.com

and create your family’s safety

profile. It could save your life, or

the life of someone you love.

E m e r g e n c y C o m m u n i c a t i o n M a d e E a s y .

TM

NortheyScholarshipApplications

The Northey Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2016-2017school year.

The W. Michael NortheyFoundation honors the memoryof Arvada Police Officer MichaelNorthey by investing in theyouth of Arvada through thescholarship program. Studentscan be awarded up to $2,000per calendar year.

Applications are due byMarch 15, 2016. For more information or to download anapplication, visit arvada.org/residents/crime-prevention/northey-foundation.

9

Register with CodeRED Emergency

Notification AND Smart911


Foothills Animal Shelter offerstips to keep in mind to helpyour pet stay safe during the

colder months:• Don’t leave your pets outside in

cold weather. They are much happier, healthier, and saferindoors. Remember, if you arecold and ready to go inside, yourpet probably is, too!

• Salt and other snow-melting chemicals are very harmful to pets if ingested. Be sure to use pet-friendly ice melts that areavailable at many pet supplystores. If you walk your pet onpavement that may be treated withchemicals, wipe their feet thor-oughly when getting back inside.

• Make sure your pet always hasaccess to fresh and unfrozen water.

• Warm engines in parked cars canattract cats and other small animals that may crawl under thehood to keep warm. Always bang

your hood before starting your car to avoid injury of any animalshiding underneath.

• Antifreeze is a poisonous toxin,but it tastes sweet and oftenattracts animals. Be sure to cleanup any spills. To be extra safe, donot leave a pet unattended in agarage or driveway.

• DO NOT take your dog off leashduring cold weather as it’s themost common time for dogs tobecome lost. They can lose theirway because their sense of smellcan be diminished in snow andcold temperatures.

• Be sure you have a current licensetag securely fastened to your dog’scollar in the remote chance he/shewould get away from you in thesnow. Identification is importantand makes it more likely your petwill be returned to you immediatelyif found

• Refrain from taking your dog in thecar with you when you run errandsin bitter cold temperatures. Just as

a car can act as an oven duringsummer months, it can alsoact as a freezer in the coldand can sometimes be asfrigid as being outside inthe weather. • Use common sense

and keep your petindoors as much aspossible during dangerously cold temperatures.

Keep Your Furry Friends Safe

in Cold Weather

Board MembersNeeded for theWalter MichaelNortheyMemorialFoundation

The Walther Michael NortheyFoundation is looking for citizensinterested in supporting thecommunity by participating onthe Board of Directors.

The Foundation, named afteran Arvada police officer who waskilled in the line of duty, providesscholarship money for Arvadahigh school students who wish topursue a degree in higher educa-tion. It also donates, on behalf ofthe Arvada Police Department, toofficers and their families who areinjured or killed in the line ofduty. Board members participatein the selection of scholarshiprecipients.

Citizen appointments to theBoard are for a two-year term and require participation in the quarterly meeting as well as thecoordination of the Foundation’stwo major fundraising events: theNorthey Drug Take Back (secondSaturday in April) and theNorthey Shred-a-Thon (secondSaturday in October).

For more information aboutthe Northey Foundation or to apply for a Board position,contact Bridgette Roberts at 720-898-6653 [email protected].

10

Plant Pinwheels with Ralston House and HelpPlant Hope


Limited Spaces Available in Spring 2016 Citizens Police AcademyLimited Spaces Available in Spring 2016 Citizens Police AcademyLimited Spaces Available in Spring 2016 Citizens Police Academy

Once upon a time there was alittle girl and a pinwheel. Thelittle girl lived in a home that

was pretty on the outside, but inside,where she should have been safe andcared for, she was being hurt bysomeone who was supposed to love

her. Andevery timethe hurtingstarted, thelittle girlwouldclose her

eyes and think about her pinwheeland imagine it whirling around so fastthat if she held on tight it would flyher away to a safe place.

It is difficult to think about kids inour own community being hurt in thevery places that we believe should besafe. If you think it is unrealistic for apinwheel to be strong enough to carrysomeone away to safety, imagine howdesperate someone must feel to clingto that hope. Pinwheels have becomea symbol of hope.

In April, for Child AbusePrevention Month, RalstonHouse is asking you to plantpinwheels to show kids theycan be safe and that there ishealing after abuse. Eachpinwheel planted representsa child or teen survivor of

abuse or trauma: One for thelittle girl who survived sexualabuse by her uncle. One for thelittle boy who survived watching

his mama nearly beaten to death by

his daddy. One for the teenage girl

who survived her mom giving her

away to a pimp in order to make

money. These are not made-up tales.

These are real kids that came to

Ralston House to tell their story.

In 2015, more than 1,000 young

survivors came to Ralston House

Child Advocacy Center, a safe place

where children can talk about their

abuse, and where people help to stop

the abuse and start the healing.

Ralston House works with law

enforcement, social services, and

health professionals to investigate

abuse in a safe, child-friendly place.

Go to www.ralstonhouse.net to learn

more about how you can help. And

when you see pinwheel gardens

springing to life in April, think of the

children who survived abuse and trau-

ma and have somewhere safe to go

because you cared.

11

Have you ever wanted to learn

more about the Arvada

Police Department or

wanted to get an inside look at

policing? Now’s your chance—sign

up for the Spring 2016 Arvada

Police Department’s Citizen’s Police

Academy (CPA).

The Academy meets on 12

consecutive Wednesdays between

March 16 and May 25, 2016.

Classes are held in both classroom

and field settings, and give

participants insight into many

aspects of police work including the

opportunity to do a ride-along with

an Arvada officer.

CPA instructors include police

officers and other police department

employees who lecture, teach, and

provide hands-on participation in

areas such as traffic stops, crime

scene investigation, building searches,

and officer survival. Other topics

covered include internal affairs,

media relations, preserving

evidence, SWAT, and dispatch.

The CPA also educates

participants about community

problem solving, availability of

police resources, law enforcement

tools, and community programs.

To register for the Spring 2016

Citizens Police Academy or for

more information, contact Alicia

Gomez at 720-898-6660 or visit

arvada.org/residents/crime-

prevention/citizens-police-

academy.


ArvadaFire Protection

District

The Arvada Fire ProtectionDistrict’s section of TheArvada Report is published bythe City of Arvada with con-tent provided by the ArvadaFire Protection District as aservice to the citizens ofArvada. The City of Arvada isnot responsible for the accura-cy of the information con-tained in this section of TheArvada Report.

Board of Directors

Edward G. (Ted) TerranovaPresident

Thomas D. (Tom) McAdamVice-President

Robert (Bob) Loveridge Secretary

Mathew M. (Matt) KramerTreasurer

Jeffrey E. (Jeff) Van Es Assistant Secretary-Treasurer

ArvadaFire Protection District

7903 Allison Way • Arvada, CO 80005

303-424-3012www.arvadafire.com

12

It is that time of year to share the

Fire District budget highlights for

2016 (pending approval of the

Board of Directors).

2016 is going to be the first year

that we will collect more revenue

from property taxes than we did in

2011, meaning that we have some

catching up to do. For example, we

have added another ambulance to our

fleet which will be housed at Station

4 (W. 68th Ave. and Pierce St.).

We therefore have hired six addition-

al paramedics, who began training in

January and will be ready to start

their positions by the end of April.

The 2016 budget includes:

• Purchase of a new high-pressure

air compressor to fill our SCBA

bottles. Our old compressor is

about 25 years old and cannot

achieve the necessary air pressure,

5,000 psi, to fill our new bottles.

• Construction of a new kitchen at

Station 1 in Olde Town Arvada, to

replace the 30-year old kitchen

which is in terrible shape.

• Replacement of the siding on the

outside of AFPD headquarters,

which is pulling away from the

building and taking on water.

• Purchase and installation of a

state-of-the-art video and audio

system at the training center.

• Establishment of an ongoing vehi-

cle replacement fund, allowing for

the future replacement of fire

apparatus that cost well over a

million dollars per year.

• Contribute to reserve funds in

order to hopefully hold off the

need for an increase to the mill

levy if we face another fiscal cri-

sis in the United States.

As you can see, there is a tremen-

dous amount of activity at the Fire

District, and we are grateful to have

the funds necessary to provide the

equipment necessary to ensure you

receive the best possible service.

The entire Fire District budget is

available for viewing online at

arvadafire.com; click on “important

district documents.” Please let me

know if you have questions.

Thanks for letting us be your fire

department. We know that when you

dial 911 you don’t have a choice on

who will respond, and that is our

responsibility to make sure you get

the best. !

Letter from the Chief

13


More than two million poisonings are reported

each year to the nation’s poison centers.

According to the American Association of

Poison Control Centers, approximately 90 percent of poi-

sonings happen at home, and 51 percent of poisonings

involve children under the age of 6. The majority of fatal

poisonings occur among adults, especially older adults.

It is vital that people arm themselves with basic infor-

mation on poison prevention in the home, such as keep-

ing chemicals out of the reach of children and carefully

reading the labels and dosages on all products. In case of

a poison emergency, contact your local poison center at

1-800-222-1222. !

National Poison Prevention Week is March 20 - 26

Scald injuries are painful,require prolonged treatment,and may result in lifelong scar-

ring or even death. Prevention of scalds can be

accomplished through simplechanges in behavior and the homeenvironment. In conjunction withBurn Awareness Week, (February 1-7) we would like to provide you withsome safety tips.

Although anyone can sus-tain a scald burn, certain peo-ple are more likely to be scald-ed: infants, young children,older adults, and people withdisabilities. These high riskgroups are also more likely torequire hospitalization, suffercomplications, and experiencea difficult recovery.

Most burn injuries occur in theperson’s own home and the vastmajority could have easily been pre-vented. Tap water scalds are oftenmore severe than cooking-relatedscalds.

The American Burn Associationrecommends the following simplesafety tips to decrease the risk toyourself and those you love from tapwater scalds.• Set home water heater thermo-

stats to deliver water at a temper-ature no higher than 120º F. Aneasy method to test this is toallow hot water to run for three tofive minutes, then test with acandy, meat, or water thermome-ter. Adjust the water heater andwait a day to let the temperaturedrop. Re-test and re-adjust as nec-essary.

• Provide constant adult supervi-sion of young children or anyonewho may experience difficultyremoving themselves from hotwater on their own. Gather allnecessary supplies before placinga child in the tub, and keep themwithin easy reach.

• Fill tub to desired level beforegetting in. Run cold water first,then add hot. Turn off the hotwater first. This can preventscalding in case someone shouldfall in while the tub is filling. Mixthe water thoroughly and checkthe temperature by moving yourelbow, wrist, or hand with spreadfingers through the water beforeallowing someone to get in.

• Install grab bars, shower seats, ornon-slip flooring in tubs or showersif the person is unsteady or weak.

• Avoid flushing toilets, runningwater, or using the dishwasher orlaundry machine while anyone isshowering.

• Install anti-scald or temperingdevices. These heat-sensitiveinstruments stop or interrupt theflow of water when the tempera-ture reaches a pre-determinedlevel, and prevent hot water that istoo hot from coming out of the tap.

Cooking-related scalds are alsoeasy to prevent. Some things youcan do to make your home saferfrom cooking-related burnsinclude: • Establish a “kid zone” out of the

traffic path between the stove andsink where children can safelyplay and still be supervised. Keepyoung children in high chairs orplay yards, a safe distance fromcounter- or stovetops, hot liquids,hot surfaces, or other cookinghazards.

• Cook on back burners whenyoung children are present. Keepall pot handles turned back, awayfrom the stove edge. All appli-ance cords should be coiled andmoved away from the counteredge. During mealtime, place hotitems in the center of the table, atleast 10 inches from the tableedge. Use non-slip placematsinstead of tablecloths if toddlersare present. Never drink or carryhot liquids while holding a child.Quick motions may cause spillingof the liquid onto the child. For more information contact

the American Burn Association at 312-642-9260 or visitwww.ameriburn.org. !


Scalds - A Burning Issue

14

Apply forPermanentAbsentee VoterStatus

An Application for PermanentAbsentee Voter Status form specificto the Arvada Fire ProtectionDistrict is available for download atwww.arvadafire.com. This form isfor citizens and/or property ownersof the District, who are registered tovote in the State of Colorado andwish to vote by mail. Electors mayalso call 303-424-3015 or [email protected] torequest an application be sent bymail, email, or fax.

If you live in the District, but arenot yet registered to vote in Colorado,you may register at www.govotecol-orado.com or in person at the DMVOffice at 6510 Wadsworth, #320. !


When we teach in the class-

rooms to youth about

smoke alarms, our mes-

sage is, “Smoke alarms have a

birthday!” It can be a useful analo-

gy for all of us to remember how to

maintain our smoke alarms.

“What do you get on your birth-day?” we ask the students.

“A present!” they exclaim. “Well, for smoke alarms we

want to make sure that they get apresent as well. Smoke alarms get anew battery once a year.”

The other thing to remember isthat smoke alarms are only good for10 years (or 10 birthdays). Like alldevices with electronic components,smoke alarms have a limited effec-tive service life. As electronicdevices, smoke alarms are subjectto random failures. In 10 years thereis roughly a 30% probability of fail-ure before replacement. After 15years, the chances are better than50/50 that your alarm has failed.That is too big a risk to take.Replacing alarms after 10 years pro-tects against the accumulatedchance of failure, but monthly test-ing is still your first and best meansof making sure your alarm willwork.Here are some more safety tips on

maintaining your smoke alarms:

• Install smoke alarms inside andoutside each bedroom and sleep-ing area. Install alarms on everylevel of the home. Install alarmsin the basement.

• Largehomes mayneed extrasmokealarms.

• It is best to useinterconnectedsmoke alarms. Whenone smoke alarm sounds they allsound.

• Test all smoke alarms at leastonce a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm isworking.

• There are two kinds of alarms.Ionization smoke alarms arequicker to warn about flamingfires. Photoelectric alarms arequicker to warn about smolder-ing fires. It is best to use of bothtypes of alarms in the home.

• A smoke alarm should be on theceiling or high on a wall. Keepsmoke alarms away from thekitchen to reduce false alarms.They should be at least 10 feetfrom the stove.

• People who are hard-of-hearingor deaf can use special alarms.These alarms have strobe lightsand bed shakers.

• Smoke alarms are an important partof a home fire escape plan. !

Smoke Alarms Have a Birthday


15

Arvada Fire Receives Financial AwardThe Certificate of Achievement for

Excellence in Financial Reporting has beenawarded to Arvada Fire Protection District bythe Government Finance Officers Associationof the United States and Canada (GFOA) for itscomprehensive annual financial report(CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is thehighest form of recognition in the area ofgovernmental accounting and financialreporting, and its attainment represents asignificant accomplishment by a governmentand its management.

The Award of Financial ReportingAchievement was awarded to AFPD ControllerLacey Jackson, as she was primarily responsi-ble for preparing the award-winning CAFR.

The CAFR was judged by an impartialpanel to meet the high standards of the pro-gram including demonstrating a constructive“spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communi-cate its financial story and motivate potentialusers and user groups to read the CAFR. TheGFOA is a nonprofit professional associationserving approximately 17,500 governmentfinance professionals. AFPD Controller Lacey Jackson

16

District 4 Councilmember

David JonesGrowing

up and rais-ing my fami-ly in Arvadais a privi-lege. It’s agreat placeto work andplay andoffers somany ameni-ties that wehave to safe-guard. I love

the countless miles of trails, our parks,and being snuggled up against themountains. I love the home town feeland that people are connected to theircommunities. I love that our police andfire departments are staffed with menand women who truly care about oursafety and welfare.

I ran for City Council because I amcommitted to keeping Arvada one of thegreatest cities in the nation. While I haveseveral priorities, I believe that growthin northwest Arvada and around thecoming Gold Line present increasedservice level demands which we mustquickly address, including additionalresources for public safety, infrastruc-ture, schools, parks, etc. There are alsoseveral capital projects that must beaddressed, including our streets, the

Jefferson Parkway, and several agingassets within the City. As a member ofCity Council I will do my part to ensurethat plans are developed, projects arefunded, and that implementation isstreamlined.

As a new member of Council, I amamazed at the number of moving partsof City Hall and how well City employ-ees at every level perform their duties. Ihave never been inside of a beehive but Ican only imagine what it must be likenow that I have been behind the scenesat City Hall. I stand and applaud eachand every employee of our great Cityand the work—both visible and invisi-ble—they provide every day!

District 1 Councilmember

Nancy FordI ran for

City Councilbecause Ibelieve thatmy diverselife and workexperienceswill benefitthe Council’sdecision-making andleadership.As Arvadacontinues to

grow, I would like to ensure that newgrowth compliments Arvada’s past whilemeeting the City’s changing needs. I feel

Arvada should encourage sustainablegrowth that enables us to maintain ourinfrastructure while supporting econom-ic prosperity and overall well-being forArvada’s residents.

I receive a lot of joy from living inArvada. My home and gardens provide aphysical space to be creative and I lovemy wonderful neighbors who are likefamily to me. I have developed friend-ships from the many knowledgeable andwarm-hearted City volunteers who givetheir time and talents to make Arvada agreat place to live. I love my neighbor-hood park and close proximity to a vari-ety of great stores and businesses, includ-ing the Arvada Center.

In addition to my regular responsibil-ities as a Councilmember, my top priori-ty for the beginning of 2016 is to estab-lish a venue such as a monthly meetingthat will foster consistent communicationbetween my constituents and me. Iwould like to reconnect with some of thewonderful people I met while campaign-ing, as well as start a conversation onwhat it means to be a good neighbor andhow we can increase our pride forArvada.

Since becoming a Councilmember, Ihave been pleasantly surprised by thecreative pursuits of many City employ-ees. We have a lot of talented and dedi-cated employees in Arvada and I am sohappy and proud to be a part of Arvada’sCity Council.


Looking for a New Years’ Resolution? Get Fit with the Couch to 5K Run/Walk Program

The Healthy Places Initiative, in partnership with Feat on the Street, is ready

to help you keep your fitness resolutions and reach your 2016 fitness goals with

the Arvada Couch to 5K Run/Walk Program!

Beginning in March and for three Saturdays per month through June, join us

in Columbine Park and at Foster Elementary to establish your fitness goals and

train for the Arvada Park to Park Half Marathon, 10K/5K, and Family Fun Run.

Participants who complete the program are eligible for a scholarship to cover

registration and participation in the Park to Park races in June.

This program is FREE and open to all!

For more information contact Rose Chavez, Healthy Places Coordinator at 720-898-7535 or [email protected] or Nick

Sterner at 720-369-1097 or [email protected].

Get to Know Newest Members of City Council

Open Year Round

Monday through Thursday,

and Saturday

October-May: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

June – September: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Located in 80-acre Majestic View Park we

offer public, school, scout, home school

and community group programs, and

rentals.

Pre-Registration Required for all class-

es: Call 720-898-7405 or stop by the

Nature Center. Full class descriptions

available at www.arvada.org/nature

School Field Trips: ElementaryExploration Program Topics are science standards based, spe-cific to grade level. After Nappers ClubWednesdays, February 3 - 24, 4 – 5 p.m.Ages 2 – 5 with adult, $12 for all four classes.A naturalist will guide your tyke through fun, outdooradventures.After School Club Wednesdays, February 3 - 24, 4 – 5 p.m.Ages 6 – 12, $12 for all four classes.Fun, nature themed exploration with a naturalist. Avian Arvada - Bird Walks inLocal SpacesSaturday, February 13, 8 – 11 a.m. All ages, Free.Join an Audubon Master Birder at Jack B. TomlinsonPark (51st and Garrison).

Mammals: Nose to Tail

Tuesdays, February 16 and 23, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Ages 8 – adult, $15/person.An interactive workshop. Covers most of the Boy ScoutMammal Study Merit Badge. Watercolor and Tea

Wednesdays, February 17, 24, and March 26 – 7:30 p.m.. Adults, $40.Tai Chi at Majestic View

Mondays, February 22 – March 28Beginning 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.Continuing 5 – 6 p.m. Adults, $60 for 6-week session.Training 101 with The

Downtown Aquarium

Saturday, February 27, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.All ages, $3/person, $10/family.Watch live animals and their trainers in action.Hunters in the Sky: Night with a

Naturalist Series

Tuesday, March 1, 6 – 7:30 p.m., All ages, Free.What is a raptor and why are they important.Preschool Fun with Animals

Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 10 – 10:45 a.m.Ages 3 – 6, $15 for four week session.Learn about snakes, porcupines, ants, frogs. Private Eyes - Pollution Patrol

Saturday, March 5, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Ages 4 – 10, Free. Hands-on fun discovering the sources of pollution.Seed Starting – Garden Ready

Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.Adults and teens, $3.A CSU Master Gardener teaches how to start plantsfrom seed. Herbs: Adding Flavor to Your

Garden

Tuesday, March 15, 5 – 6:30 p.m., Adults, $10. Pioneer Farmsteaders will help you integrate herbs intoyour garden, landscape, and containers.

Campout Crash Course:

Campfire Series

Wednesday, March 16, 6:30 – 8 p.m. All ages, $3/person, $10/family.Brush up on your camping skills with this class andmarshmallow roast.Birds Up-Close

Saturday, March 19, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.All ages, $5/person, $15/family.Presented by David Leatherman, an experienced forestentomologist and avid birder.Spring Break Half Day Camps

with Sarqit Outdoor Living

School

Tuesday through Thursday, March 22-24 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Ages 10 and older. Come to 1, 2, or all 3 days.Register at www.sarqit.com.Tuesday, March 22: Clay Beads, $30Wednesday, March 23: The Power of the Rope, $20Thursday, March 24: Natural Pigment Painting, $20Majestic View’s Egg-tacular

Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. All ages. $3. See different eggs and nests, and bring your own basketfor the Majestic View Egg Hunt!Butterfly Gardening and

Monarch Mania

Wednesday, March 30, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ages 10 – adult. $3/person, $10/family.Nature Art Around the World

Wednesdays, March 30 – May 18, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Ages 6 – 12, $72 for 8-week session.Use techniques and materials from unique cultures.Kite Making

Friday, April 1, 4-5 p.m. and Saturday April 2 at 9, 10, and11 a.m., and 1 and 2 p.m.Ages 4-10. $4 per person (materials included in fee).Assemble, decorate your own sled kite, then come outand fly your new kite at theArvada Kite Festival on April 3.

720-898-7405www.arvada.org/nature

www.facebook.com/majesticviewnaturecenter

7030 Garrison Street

Story Times

First Thursday and Third Monday at 10 a.m.All ages, Free.No registration necessary.


17


The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority -Making Great Things Happen ThroughoutArvada

The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority (AURA)

was involved in several undertakings in 2015.

Continuing its commitment to strengthen the

community and grow the local economy, AURA has

successfully navigated several public/private partner-

ships this past year. Demolition and clearing began at

two sites, construction is in its final stages at Park

Place Olde Town, and three agreements were executed

for new projects starting in the next few years.

Two of the most visible projects currently underway

are the demolition and clearing of the former Arvada

Plaza—now part of the Ralston Creek Development—

and Solana Olde Town Station. Both of these sites pre-

sented difficult conditions including environmental con-

tamination, aging infrastructure, and unique topography.

Walmart will begin construction in early 2016 at the

former Arvada Plaza and is anticipated to open in late

2017. On the north side of Ralston Road, Ralston Creek

North will be developed as a mixed-use project includ-

ing retail and multi-family units.

Solana Olde Town Station, located just east of the

Wadsworth Bypass and south of Grandview Ave. will

bring 352 market-rate apartments to the Olde Town

area.

Construction is wrapping up at Park Place Olde

Town. Located on McIlvoy Park’s eastern fringe at the

corner of Ralston Road and Wadsworth Bypass, this

project marks a major milestone in the Olde Town com-

munity, achieving a pedestrian friendly, transit-oriented

development (TOD) with access to the future transit

hub and commuter rail opening in October 2016.

Arvada Hotel Investors, LLC will break ground on

Arvada’s first branded hotel, a Hilton Garden Inn, in

early 2016. Featuring 137 rooms, 3,000 square feet of

meeting space, and a full service restaurant, the hotel

will create 60 – 80 jobs.

Finally, a significant project is planned adjacent to

the Olde Town Transit Hub. What is currently the nine-

acre RTD Park-n-Ride will be redeveloped by Trammell

Crow Companies into 40,000 square feet of retail and

restaurant space, along with multi-family housing.

Rendering of Solana Olde Town Station.

Park Place Olde Town at Ralston Road and Wadsworth Bypass.

The former Arvada Plaza, cleared and preparing for the construction of Walmart.

18

19


Project Details Breaking Ground OpeningWalmart(Former Arvada Plaza)

138,000 square foot SuperWalmart

Spring 2016 Spring 2017

Ralston Creek North

Mixed Use – Residential,Retail, and Commercial;approximately 250 multi-family units

Summer 2016 Phased 2017 - 2018

Park Place Olde Town 153 unit market-rate apart-ments

Fall 2014Opening in Phases now;completion early 2016

Solana Olde TownStation

15 acre development site; 352unit, garden style apart-ments; 1.4 acre public park

Winter 2015 - 2016 Spring 2017

9-Acre TOD Site

Mixed Use – Residential,Retail, and Commercial;40,000 SF retail/commercial;180-280 multi-family units

2017 Phased 2017-2020


Arvada Company Profile: Premium Panels

The Arvada Economic Development Association(AEDA) is profiling primary employers that are con-ducting business in Arvada. A primary employer isdefined as a company that sells the majority of itsproduct or service outside the community, therebybringing in new dollars to Arvada. In this issue,AEDA is showcasing Premium Panels Inc. locatedat 6270 Joyce Drive.

Premium Panels Inc. (PPI) is a family-owned andoperated metal roofing manufacturer, and customsheet metal fabricator.

PPI makes products from standard edge flashingsto complete metal buildings. The company special-izes in concealed fastener standing seam metal roof-ing panels, wall panels, and aggregate panels, andeverything in between. From one piece to as manypieces as the customer needs, PPI can manufactureit.

In 2000, the company started in owner JeffPatch’s garage and grew so much in the first year,

that in 2001 the business had to move to a smallstorage unit. When 9/11 hit, PPI lost every positionand had no work for five months, almost bankrupt-ing the company. As things were turning around, theflood gates opened and PPI started to gain momen-tum. The company was hired for job after job afterjob. In 2002, they invested in a roll forming machineto make commercial roofing panels. Business wasgood; in order to keep up PPI moved locations fromLakewood to Wheat Ridge. In 2008, PPI moved toArvada to find its permanent home (or so Jeffthought), moving into a 14,000 sq. ft. facility.However, in 2011, PPI had out-grown the buildingand the search was on for a new site. With help fromAEDA, PPI recently moved into its new location at6270 Joyce Street.

“Arvada has been a wonderful place for our com-pany to grow,” said Jeff Patch. “The City is wonder-ful to work with and the Arvada EconomicDevelopment Association has been more thanaccommodating - it’s one of the main reasonsPremium Panels was able to stay in Arvada. We loveit here and plan on staying and providing metal roof-ing for homeowners and business owners for manyyears to come.”

/InvestInArvada @InvestInArvada /InvestInArvada ArvadaEconomicDevelopment.org

(Left) Ryan Stachelski, AEDA Director; and (right) Don Rosier,Jefferson County Commissioner presented Jeff Patch, owner ofPremium Panels, a proclamation recognizing them as a 2015

Colorado Companies to Watch Award winner.

Panels installed.

20

Today PPI is a thriving Arvadacompany with over 30 employees.The company has more than doubled the size of its manufactur-ing space with its recent move,and is maintaining a rate of doubledigit percentage growth. Theywere also recently honored as a2015 Colorado Company toWatch, one of only 50 winners.To learn more about PremiumPanels and its business model, goto www.YouTube.com/investin

arvada and watch the video.

AEDA Announces 2016 Board

Appointments

The Arvada EconomicDevelopment Association(AEDA) would like to introduceits 2016 Board Officers: DaveDoherty with Piper Electric, pres-ident; Paul Heller with SopheonCorporation, past president; JodiThomas with FirstBank, vicepresident; and Alicia Svaldi withFaustson Tool, treasurer. AEDAadded three new Board members:Scott Marcum with MarcumCommercial Advisors, CityCouncilmember John Marriott,and Ron Slinger with Red RocksCommunity College.

AEDA also appointed two newRetention Committee Members:Andrew Heesacker with Arvada

RentAlls, and Cynda Trudell withBread Winners.

“We are all expecting 2016 tobe another big year for Arvada. Ilook forward to working with theAEDA Board and RetentionCommittee on a variety of vibrantprojects that will take the com-munity to new heights,” saidRyan Stachelski, AEDA Director.

AEDA would like to thankdeparting Board members FredBaker, Bob Dyer, and JanetSteinkamp for their years of service. AEDA would not bewhere it is today without theleadership and initiative of thesethree people. AEDA would alsolike to thank outgoing RetentionCommittee member LukeHeesacker with Arvada RentAlls,for his dedication and support ofthe organization.

New Arvada Businesses

The following are new busi-nesses that have either opened,are under new ownership or planto open soon in Arvada. For acomplete listing of Arvada busi-nesses, visit arvadaeconomicdevelopment.org – BusinessDirectory.Alameda Burrito

5273 W. 64th Ave.Applewood Our House

6435 Garrison St.Big O Tires

6510 Indiana St. General Nutrition Store

12326 W. 64th Ave.Iora Primary Care

8175 Sheridan Blvd.Jersey Mike’s Subs

15530 W. 64th Ave.Junkspirations LLC

6660 Wadsworth Blvd.Olde Town Exchange

5782 Yukon St. Pietros Cleaners

7867 Wadsworth Blvd.The Digital Frontier

5910 Ingalls St. Wallace Beattie Law Firm

6390 Gardenia St. Wells Fargo Advisors

7375 W. 52nd Ave.Wendy’s

9600 W. 58th Ave.Western Architectural Metals

LLC 5685 Gray St.


21

Invest in Arvada is the community’s shop local program. Theprogram encourages Arvada residents to shop Arvada first. Itis important to shop Arvada first because 3.46% of each pur-chase made in Arvada goes to pay for City services such aspolice, parks, and street maintenance. Keeping the dollars inArvada helps create and retain quality jobs, supports the envi-ronment and encourages a strong community economy.

From left to right, Dave Doherty, Jodi Thomas, and Paul Heller.


22

Arvada’s Public Works andUtilities Departments wererecently awarded the presti-

gious American Public WorksAssociation (APWA) Accreditation.The APWA Accreditation programrecognizes public works agencies thatgo beyond the requirements of themanagement practices establishednationally in the public works industry, as contained in the APWAPublic Works Management PracticesManual. Arvada began theAccreditation process in October,2011 and was awarded Accreditationon December 10, 2015.

Accreditation indicates the

Departments have met all applicable

Accreditation documentation and prac-

tices. “The awarding of the APWA

Accreditation shows we have dedicat-

ed ourselves to concepts of improve-

ment and in-depth self-assessment of

department policies, procedures, and

practices,” said Public Works Director

Bob Manwaring. “The heroes of this

prestigious APWA award are the

Public Works and Utilities staff, whose

mission is to provide services and pro-

grams that contribute to making

Arvada a great City.”

Arvada’s Public Works Department

plans, maintains, and improves City

infrastructure, maintaining more than

1,440 lane miles of paved streets;

1,000 miles of curb, gutter, sidewalks,

and medians; 2,300 storm and irriga-

tion ditches; and nearly 600,000 square

feet of facilities. The Utilities

Department provides City fleet

services, safe drinking water, waste-

water treatment, storm water manage-

ment, and safe building construction

services to the community.

For Arvada’s Accreditation review,

a team of public works professionals

from across the country completed a

thorough evaluation of operations

during their November, 2015 site visit.

“It’s great to have the Arvada reach

full compliance with their practices,”

said APWA Accreditation Director Ann

Daniels. “I commend their continued

and renewed commitment to the

detailed review of the agency’s

policies and procedures to qualify.”

Arvada is the 106th agency in

North America to receive APWA

Accreditation, and is the fifth in

Colorado, joining Aurora, Golden,

Greeley, and Cherry Hills Village.

Public Works, Utilities DepartmentsAwarded APWA Accreditation

New Bus Benches Coming to Arvada

You never know how much

you’ll miss something until

it’s gone. That’s what many

Arvada-area mass transit riders discov-

ered in November of 2014, when bus

benches began disappearing.

The Regional Transportation

District (RTD) does not install or

maintain bus benches at most bus

stops, nor does the City of Arvada. In

fact, for many years, a company called

Outfront Media (formerly known as

CBS Outdoor) had provided the

benches, making revenue through

advertising. Unfortunately, Outfront

Media decided to get out of the bus

bench business, and with little notice,

removed 153 bus benches from stops

throughout the community. City staff

were not even aware of the change

until tired bus patrons began calling to

complain.

City Manager Mark Deven looked

for a solution. “We do not want to get

into the ‘bus bench’ business with the

resulting maintenance issues

involved,” he stated, “but we were

nevertheless concerned for bus

patrons, particularly the elderly or

disabled, who now had no place to

rest.” As an interim solution, the City

installed old park benches at some of

the community’s stops, while reaching

out to the private sector to identify a

new company to provide the service.

In addition, with the coming of the

Gold Line commuter rail in 2016,

RTD is re-routing their bus service and

that plan needed to be finalized before

a new company could be chosen.

On December 7, 2015 the Arvada

City Council approved an agreement

with Creative Outdoor Advertising of

America Inc. for the installation and

maintenance of bus benches. The first

priority will be to fill in the areas

where benches were removed and

work towards having a uniform design

across the City.

“This agreement will provide our

community with high-quality transit

amenities, improving the experience of

Arvadans who use transit services,”

Deven said.

Installation of new benches is

anticipated to commence in February

of 2016.

“Creative Outdoor Advertising of

America Inc. is excited to introduce the

Lexington bench to the Arvada commu-

nity,” said Marc Ossterholt, Creative

Outdoor Municipal Affairs Manager.

“We look forward to upgrading the

existing benches to provide the transit

rider with a functional yet distinguished

and attractive transit bench.”


23

February

10 Art for the Young at Heart

4 - 6 p.m.Community Recreation

Center6842 Wadsworth Blvd.303-425-9583

13 Arvada Heart Throb 5K

10 a.m.Memorial Parkwww.heartthrobrun.com

13 Arvada Vitality Alliance’s

Time Traveler’s Ball

7 p.m.Arvada Center for the Arts andHumanitieswww.arvadavitality.org

March 19 Apex Easter Egg Hunt

11 a.m.

Stenger Soccer Complex

W. 58th Ave. and Quail St.

303-424-2739

April

High Tea for Seniors90+ Years Young

Saturday, March 122 – 4 p.m.

Apex Community Recreation Center6842 Wadsworth Blvd.

Celebrating Arvada seniors 90+ years ofage (and one guest). There is no charge toattend but reservations are required.Please RSVP by calling 720-898-7400 byWednesday, February 24, 2016.

14th Annual KiteFestival

Sunday, April 3 (rain date April 17)

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.Stenger Soccer Field, 11204 W. 58th Ave.

www.arvadafestivals.org

This is a perfect opportunity to getfamilies and kids of all ages outsideand have fun flying kites! Bring yourkite or purchase one at the event.Enjoy activities including jumping cas-tles, face painters, balloon artists,music, community booths, and foodvendors.

St. Patrick’s DayFestival

Saturday, March 1212 – 6 p.m.

Olde Town Arvada

Celebrate all things Irish at the St.Patrick’s Day Festival. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, Irishdancers, arts and crafts, kids’ activities,food booths, green beer, and more! Visitwww.oldetownarvada.org for moreinformation.

The Arvada Visitors Center is a one-stop-shop resource for the residents of Arvada and guests visiting the area. The Visitors Center is located in Historic Olde Town Arvada at 7305 Grandview Avenue. Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

on the weekends. For more information, contact Jean Gordon at 720-898-3380 or [email protected]. Online at visitarvada.org.

A Chocolate AffairSaturday, February 6

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.Olde Town Arvada

www.arvadafestivals.org

Sample chocolate-based food and drinkwhile raising money for a worthy cause!Activities include a treasure hunt, boothdecoration contest, cake decorating con-test, balloon artists, face painting, story-telling, chocolate playdough creations,and more! Tickets are $1 each. All pro-ceeds benefit Ralston House, an advoca-cy center for children who are victims ofabuse or neglect.

24

The Arvada Center–Treat Yourself to the Arts!To purchase tickets and for more information call 720-898-7200 or visitwww.arvadacenter.org

Arvada Center Happenings

24

8101 Ralston Road

Arvada, Colorado 80002

*****ECRWSSARVADA POSTAL PATRON Printed on Recycled Paper

PR SRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDLongmont, COPermit No. 16

arvada report 2-3-16_Arvada Report 4-5-2006.qxd

Documents

Transcript of arvada report 2-3-16_Arvada Report 4-5-2006.qxd