Weekly Digest February 12 2019
City of Golden /  911 10th Street  /  Golden, CO 
(303) 384-8000
RTD Proposes Cuts to Saturday Light Rail Line into Golden
 
The City of Golden and representatives from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) will host a meeting this Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 911 10th St., to facilitate discussion and input on a series of proposed RTD service adjustments that could occur in May 2019. Everyone concerned with Light Rail service into Golden is invited to attend!

The proposed changes suggested for May 2019 include an additional cut to the Saturday service. If enacted, this service reduction would change the frequency of Saturday "daytime" rail service from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes to match Saturday evening and Sunday all-day service. RTD staff estimates that this service reduction would save approximately $134,000 a year based upon the reduction from seven all-day trains to six. The recommendation is based upon Saturday ridership levels below RTD standards.

Golden City Council has identified concerns with the new proposal, as well as a continued concern that the W Line end-of-line station at the Jefferson County Administration Complex was placed into a "fare zone" that results in a dramatically increased fare ($5.25 vs $3.00) compared to the next station on the line at Red Rocks Community College.

RTD evaluates its overall service plan for buses and rail three times a year. This effort is intended to match the level of service provided within the district to available resources. Potential service enhancements or reductions are identified and presented to the public in a series of public meetings prior to board consideration and action. In the past, the City of Golden has requested adjustments to the RTD recommendations, most recently in August 2017 to request that RTD hold off on reducing the frequency of trains for non-peak (mid-day) hour rail service from 15-minute to 30-minute frequency. Based in part on our request, RTD did not reduce "mid-day" weekday or Saturday rail service frequency in those changes that went into effect in January 2018. Comments about the proposal can be provided to RTD representatives at the February 13th meeting, be sent directly to the RTD board, or at RTD public hearings to be scheduled in March.

Keep reading for more on what's happening in Golden, and have a great week!

Your Friends at the City of Golden
Current Projects
Notice about upcoming mailing

The City was recently notified that American Water Resources will soon send a letter to Golden residents informing them of their service-line maintenance responsibilities. 

American Water Resources is in no way connected to the City of Golden. We do not endorse their product and individuals should assess any risk to their service-line maintenance themselves. 

This type of insurance is available from other sources, so if you are concerned with these issues, consider starting with your own insurance agent.
Astor House Gazebo removed
Astor House Gazebo Demolished

The Astor House gazebo has been demolished.

Originally built in the late 1970's, the gazebo was inspired by reports that previous owners had a structure on the property, but no one really knew what it looked like.  Steve Silk (principal of Happel and Associates) said he designed it years ago as a way of teaching young carpenters different skills. It has reached well past the end of its life.

Attempts were made to donate and relocate it, but the cost, logistics, and poor condition of the structure made it unfeasible to move.
Arapahoe Street Temporary Closure

Arapahoe Street, between 13th and 14th Streets (in front of Calvary Episcopal Church), is closed for construction activities. The closure will last about another month and a half. Parking spaces will also be lost during this time.

17th Street Extended Closure

The closure of 17th St. between Washington Avenue and Jackson Street for construction staging and access for CSM's new project at 1750 Jackson St has been extended. The closure is now anticipated to last  until the end of March.
Water Tank Recoating Project

Interior coating of the Water Tank started last week.

Contact Les Major with questions: 303-384-8170.
Washington Complete Street Project

Road work continues on North Washington Avenue. The road is closed to through-traffic for the duration of this phase of work.

There is a one-way access lane northbound for residents who live in and need to park within the closure. The road is closed from 2nd St to 6th St with a signed detour via Hwy 58 and Hwy 93. This phase is anticipated to be completed Mid-April, weather dependent.  Find more details on the project at GuidingGolden.com.

Contact John Hardy 303-384-8195 or Dan Hartman 303-384-8150 with questions.

Washington Ave Work
Upcoming Events
Economic Development Commission Meeting (new location)
 
The Economic Development Commission (EdComm) will meet tonight, Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 911 10th St. Note, EdComm has permanently moved from its former meeting location in the Public Works Building to Council Chambers.

At the meeting, EdComm will discuss the following items:
  • Golden business / non-profit collaboration
  • Denver West Women Who Startup Basecamp
  • Program Contracts update
See the meeting agenda for more information.

For information on upcoming meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page .
RTD Public Meeting
 
The City of Golden and representatives from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) will host a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers, 911 10th St.

See top section of newsletter for more information.
City Council Meeting
 
City Council will meet on Thursday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 911 10th Street.
 
During the meeting, City Council will consider the following:
  • Consent Matters - All items listed under Consent Matters are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion and vote. To see all items included in the motion, please see the meeting agenda.
  • Mayor Marjorie Sloan will sign a proclamation naming February Heart and Soul month in Golden.
  • City Council will consider a request to amend Chapter 4.84 of the Golden Municipal Code to allow retail liquor store or liquor-licensed drugstores to offer tastings of alcoholic beverages subject to certain limitations.
  • City Council will review a recommendation from the Community Sustainability Advisory Board to update Golden's Sustainability Goals and adopt new targets for energy, waste, and water. 
  • Staff will brief Council on two possible applications for federal funding for transportation projects, with possible submittal to the Denver Regional Council of Governments later this month. The two projects include the design phase for a possible future interchange at US 6 and Heritage Road, and a complete street project for West Colfax Avenue. Council is expected to provide direction on whether to submit the applications.
  • The City Manager will provide a public briefing regarding property acquisition currently under consideration by City Council.

Following the regular meeting, Council will adjourn into Executive session. 

 

See the complete agenda for more information.

For information on upcoming meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page .
President's Day
 
Please note, City of Golden administrative offices will be closed in recognition of President's Day on Monday, February 18. 
Utility Rate Study Citizen's Committee Meeting
 
The first meeting of the Utility Rate Study Citizen's Committee will take place on Tuesday, February 19 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Public Works / Planning Building at 1445 10 th Street, and the public is welcome.

The first meeting will include an overview of the three city-owned utilities, a history of rates and a description of the current rate structures, and the objectives of the rate study.

For more information, please contact Anne Beierle 303-384-8153.
GHS Chili Cook-off and Silent Auction
 
Bring the family to Golden High School,  701 24th St, for all-you-can-eat chili (mac-n-cheese for the non-chili eaters) and dessert and help support the GHS PTA on Thursday, February 21 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

The Chili Cook-off will also feature a silent auction. In past years the silent auction has included event tickets, vacations, art, sports memorabilia, jewelry and more.

All proceeds help support Golden High School students.
Golden History Museum & Park Events & Programming
 
Golden History Museum
Golden History Museum & Park events and programming explore a variety of historic subjects presented by expert instructors. Learn about your community or neighborhood. Apply historic skills in a modern way. Create something with your hands. There is sure to be a program to suit your interests!

Upcoming programming:
  • Feb 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | The Story of Reuben Benton Hayward's Murder, part 2
  • Mar 6, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | The Failed 1976 Denver Winter Olympics
Visit GoldenHistory.org  for more information and to register for these and more upcoming programs.
Jefferson County Public Library
Jefferson County Golden Library Events
 
Every week our Golden branch of the Jefferson County Public Library, located at 1019 10th Street, features events and classes for all ages, from DIY Labs to Book Clubs to creative and educational workshops. 

Visit JeffcoLibrary.org for a calendar of upcoming events. There you can also register for  programs that require pre-registration.
Around Town
Meet the newest Golden Police Department member, Mao!

K-9 Officer Mao
Officer Shawn Henslee is finishing up training with our new K-9 named Mao.

They have completed apprehensions, call-offs, obedience, yard searches and the obstacle course as part of the training. 

When completed, Mao will be a regional resource and part of the Golden family.

Welcome to Golden, Mao!

Seasonal Wildlife Closures on Jeffco Open Space

Red Tailed Hawk by Audrey Boag
Each year, Jeffco Open space uses seasonal wildlife closures at the park to protect species at sensitive times in their life cycles. This year's seasonal wildlife closures affect numerous Jeffco Open Space parks and trails and are in effect now, unless otherwise noted.

Centennial Cone Park
Elk Range Trail at Centennial Cone Park, including the interior of the park, is closed through mid-June to protect elk during their calving season. All other trails are open.

Clear Creek Canyon Park
Portions of Clear Creek Canyon Park near Mile Marker 270 and near Tunnel 2 are closed to all public use uphill of US Highway 6 through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory. This closure includes the following rock climbing sites: Bumbling Stock, Stumbling Block, Skinny Legs, Blonde Formation, Ghost Crag, Highlander, Evil Area and Tetanus Garden. The Fault Caves are also included in this closure.

Deer Creek Canyon Park / Hildebrand Ranch Park
The entirety of Black Bear Trail, which connects Deer Creek Canyon Park and Hildebrand Ranch Park, is closed through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory.

North Table Mountain Park
Rim Rock Trail at North Table Mountain Park is closed through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory and ground-nesting bird habitat.

Cathedral Spires Park
The entirety of Cathedral Spires Park is closed from March 1 through July 31 to protect raptor nesting territory.

Crown Hill Park
The Crown Hill Park National Urban Wildlife Refuge is closed from March 1 through June 30 to protect nesting and brooding waterfowl.