Weekly Digest July 19
City of Golden /  911 10th Street  /  Golden, CO 
(303) 384-8000
A Bicycle Built for Golden!

Golden Bike Library Video
Like most summers, there's a ton happening in Golden, from the Mopar Street Party this Thursday to the Farmers Market on Saturday to a bunch of activities for all ages at the Golden Library...and don't forget Buffalo Bill Days, which kicks off in a little over a week! To make it a little easier to get around this summer, whether you're event hopping or just enjoying the views along Clear Creek, come check out Golden's new Bike Library. The video right will tell you all about it, and you can learn more and reserve a bike online at www.goldenbikelibrary.com.

Please read on to see more of what's happening in Golden (including the Golden Bicycle Cruise next Tuesday!), and have a great week!

Your friends at the City of Golden
Current Projects
Linking Lookout Logo
Linking Lookout (US 6 & 19th St. Interchange)
 
Saturday work will occur most Saturdays for the foreseeable future.
  • Paving ramps is being completed this week.
  • There will also be some repaving of sections of 19th Street where the ramps connect to make the US 6 through traffic detoured to the ramp smother, there is currently a sever cross slope because of the grade of 19th. This paving will begin at 5 a.m. on Friday July 22 on the east side of Hwy 6, and then proceed to the west side. You can expect some minor delays.
  • Traffic is now scheduled to move to the new ramps Monday night July 25. Work will begin at 7 p.m. and be complete by 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. Traffic will be able to get through on 19th and US 6 throughout the changeover, but minor delays can be expected. Alternate routes may be advised.
Pile driving for the bridge will begin Monday the 25th. There will be noise associated with this activity. Driving the piles will occur from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The contractor expects it will take two weeks to complete all the piles.

19th Street and Elm roundabout
  • Concrete for the north half curbs and center island will be poured this week. The north half will be paved late this week, and uphill 19th street traffic will be shifted to the new pavement next week.
Please note, these plans can change at any time depending on weather and other factors. 
Follow us on Twitter!
Follow us on Twitter for real-time updates! You can also get lots of project information, including maps and long-term plans at LinkingLookout.com.
2016 Utility Replacement

Installation of new water main on 10th St. should begin later this week.
West Fork Kenney Run Drainage Improvements

The Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) process for Kenney Run continues. All post project survey is complete. Area survey info is still being collected. Submittal to the City for review is anticipated next week. Formal submittal to FEMA is anticipated to occur the week after. Preliminary flood modeling indicated floodplain reduction from upstream of 24th to just downstream of 15th St.
Stormwater Work

Weather permitting, crews will continue channel work and excavate a new pond for the bike park.
New Water Meter
Water Meter Replacement project

Replacements continue citywide with approximately 2,400 meters replaced to date.
 
Contact Les Major at 303-384-8170 or Keith Mehls at 303-384-8171 with questions regarding this project.
Upcoming Events
Public meeting regarding CDOT partnership for new wildlife crossing
   
CDOT has requested the City of Golden partner with them on a grant application to design a wildlife crossing for US 6 between Heritage Road and 19th St. The city is soliciting public input around the City's participation in this grant request.

The meeting to review the request and provide public information to guide City Council in its decision happens  Wednesday, July 20, at the Golden Community Center 1470 10th St. from 6:30 - 8 p.m. 
Economic Development Commission Meeting
 
The Economic Development Commission will meet tonight, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Golden Public Works Building at 1445 10th Street in Golden.
 
At the meeting, the following will be considered:
  • The recent City Council request for budget input.
  • Networking Events
  • Communications updates
For more information on this or other upcoming board meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page
Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee Meeting 
 
The Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee will meet on July 20, at 7:30 a.m. in the Golden City Hall Council Chambers at 911 10th Street in Golden.
 
At the meeting, the main topics of discussion will be as follows:
  • 6 & 19 Update by Dan Hartman
  • 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
  • 2nd Quarter Financial Report
  • Financial Trend Monitoring System (FTMS)
  • CIP and Operating Budget Review
  • City Updates
For more information on this or other upcoming board meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page
Planning Commission Meeting 
 
The Planning Commission will meet on July 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Golden City Hall Council Chambers at 911 10th Street in Golden.
 
At the meeting, the main topics of discussion will be as follows:
  • Commissioner comments and potential new business
  • Housing Affordability draft policies
  • Healthy Communities draft code changes
For more information on this or other upcoming board meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page
City Council Study Session
 
The Golden City Council will meet July 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 911 10th Street in Golden.
 
At the study session the following will be considered:
  • Council will receive an update on water and sanitation providers in the City of Golden with a focus on the hybrid arrangement in the West 3rd area near the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
  • City Council will be updated on the condition of the city's streets, and discuss investment strategies for the future. 
  • Staff will update Council on the progress made on Astor House rehabilitation and discuss further options for the site's future interpretation and public use.
  • Council will discuss with Staff their communication objectives and desired outcomes, including the effectiveness of communication tools such as the Council Hotline.
  • Council will review the schedule for future study sessions and regular meetings
For more information on this or other upcoming board meetings, please visit our Agendas, Minutes, Web Casts and Schedule page
Mopar Street Party

Come to downtown Golden on July 21 at 6 p.m. to kick off the Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Enjoy live music, concept cars, race car driver autographs, and local car displays. Food and beer will also be available for purchase.
Golden Farmers Market

The Golden Farmers' Market runs every Saturday through October (except for during Buffalo Bill Days on July 30), from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Located west of the Golden library, the market includes a variety of vendors offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade jams, soaps and locally sourced honey. There are also plenty of kids activities, food trucks and more.
Colorado Railroad Museum
Dinosaur Express Train

Ride and discover on the Dinosaur Express Train at the Colorado Railroad Museum on July 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make fresh tracks through prehistory with exciting activities for the whole family.
Golden Bicycle Cruise

This family-friendly bicycle cruise is held on the last Tuesday of the month, May through October. Grab your lightsaber and join us on July 26 for a Star Wars themed ride!

Cruise participants gather around 6 p.m. in the parking lot next to the library at 10 th and Illinois, to listen to music and drink beer. The cruise leaves at 7 p.m. to ride the paths of Golden on a pre-determined route. There are stops along the way to socialize, and the cruise ends back at the parking lot, where there is beer, music and food, and family fun available until 9:30 p.m.

Once again, the New Belgium Brewing Company will be pouring their fabulous Fat Tire Amber Ale and one other summer brew. Local bands will be serving up great music, and there will be food and fun for everyone! As always, there will be prize drawings after every ride, so be sure to get your drawing tickets!
Jefferson County Public Library
Golden Library Events - July 19 & 26
  • Lego Play and Build (July 19 & 26, 4 p.m.) -You're never too old (or young!) to play with LEGOs! Join the Golden Library all-ages LEGO Play and Build program. Build something based on the month's theme or use your imagination! Everyone is welcome, just drop-in. Space is limited, however, and program is limited to 45 participants.
  • Book Group (July 19, 6 p.m.) - Join us for our Tuesday NIght Book Group. This month's book is The Wright Brothers by David McCullough.
  • DIY Kids (July 20, 4 p.m.)If you love to invent, create and reimagine things, DIY Kids if the place for you! We'll be making and experimenting in this awesome, hands-on program! Registration is required. Please register up to one week in advance. Join us for experimenting with magnets and creating your own on the go compass! Suitable for: Ages 6 - 11
  •  Wee DIY (July 22, 11 a.m.) - Little ones will love this hands-on approach to learning. Join us as we explore, create and construct new things, all while growing our imagination. This month we're exploring water science. Meet in the library and then we head outside for stories and experiments.  Suitable for: Ages under 6
  • Meditation and Gentle Movement for Stress Reduction (July 23, 10:30 a.m.) - 
    Anyone who needs to reduce stress is welcome, no matter your experience level. Come find some inner peace. Suitable for: Adults
  • Public Meeting-Scandinavian Alliance of Colorado (July 24, 12:30 p.m.)The Scandinavian Alliance of Colorado is a non-profit organization, that will be reviewing the 2016 Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in preparation for the next Festival. This festival will be held on June 24, 25 & 26 in Estes Park. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet in the Golden Library, and would welcome any new volunteers to our planning committee.
  • LibLab Create! Printmaking with Fruits & Veggies (June 25, 4 p.m.) - Creative celery, artistic artichokes, imaginative mushrooms! Create art using fruits and veggies. Experiment with food in the library laboratory. Please register with the Golden Library one week in advance. Walk-ins welcomed as space allows. Suitable for: Grades 1-6
  • Public Meeting: Turning 65? Questions about Medicare (July 26, 11:30 a.m.)Turning 65 and have questions about how Medicare works? What your options are? Medicare can be confusing. We will be available to answer your questions and give you guidance that will fit your needs.
  • Creatures of the Night (June 26, 3 p.m.)Nocturnal animals (nighttime critters) and crepuscular animals (twilight critters) have different physical features and behaviors to help them be active. Join us for this popular program presented by our friends at Nature's Educators and learn what keeps them up at night. You'll probably meet an owl along with a few other creepy-crawly critters to show off their amazing adaptations. Whooo knew?
    Suitable for: All Ages
  • Public Event - Golden Investors: Learn More about IBD's CAN SLIM Investing and Meet Other Investors (July 26, 6 p.m.)I am pleased to announce the July IBD Meetup. It will be in the Golden Library and the renovation has been recently completed on the whole library including the meeting room.The agenda includes the following: Introduction (5-10 minutes) Current Market Conditions (15 Minutes) New Initial Public Offerings- Model Portfolio(30 Minutes) Stock Review (15 Minutes) MarketSmith Stock Simulation (15-20 min)
For more information or to register for programs that require pre-registration, please visit the Golden Library website .
Parks & Rec considers new park rules at upcoming public meeting

The City of Golden offers its residents and visitors one of the most comprehensive park and recreation systems in the country, contributing to the City's reputation as a preferred location for people to live, work and play. The Golden Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a public meeting on  Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 6 p.m. in the Golden Community Center to accept input and ideas on Golden Park Rules.

Golden Parks and Recreation enthusiasts are invited to review the attached draft of a limited number of guidelines requested to protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, and to ensure that those new to Golden are aware of what is required to maintain quality parks and open spaces. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you on August 2 .
Please contact Ashby Leavell in Parks and Recreation at  [email protected], 303-384-8191 with any questions.
Around Town
The Splash will be open for limited hours this weekend
 
the Splash
The Splash at Fossil Trace will be hosting the Foothills Swimming Association's League Championship Meet on Saturday July 23 and Sunday July 24. Over 400 swimmers from the local swimming clubs will be competing.

Due to the event, The Splash will not open for operation until after 1 p.m. on both days. Please check the Splash website or contact the front office at 303-277-8700 for more information. 
Used cooking oil no longer accepted at recycle yard
 
Used cooking oil is no longer being accepted at the recycle drop off yard located west of Hwy 93 off Golden Gate Canyon Road. 

The cooking oil collection containers were removed after several instances of illicit dumping. We regret that the actions of a few have resulted in this service no longer being available. We will work with the recycling vender on a possible short term collection program after Thanksgiving.
Pride Days tree limb dump site now closed
 
Because of the amount of illegal dumping at the site where citizens were allowed to dump tree limbs during Pride Days, the site has been gated and closed. 

Please be aware that anyone dropping material off without permission from the City could be prosecuted, so please find an alternative site. For more information on how to dispose of any out of the ordinary items, including tree slash and yard waste, please see our Recycling & Disposal Centers page.
 
Mulch is still available at 11th and Maple, so please help yourself!
Temporary fire restrictions now in effect
 
With the current risk for wildfires rated "High" and weather forecasts showing an extended period of dry weather, the City of Golden has instituted a temporary stage 1 fire restriction effective as of noon on July 11, 2016. (Please note, Jefferson County instituted a Stage 2 Fire Ban for unincorporated Jefferson County lands on July 14.)
Stage 1 fire restrictions:
  • Building, maintaining, attending or using any fire or recreational campfire, except a recreational fire within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, private residence or picnic area. (NOTE: For permitted private residential recreational campfires, citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the Golden Fire Department dispatch center at 303-384-8045 to advise of start and finish times to alleviate smoke check responses.)
  • Smoking at a recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least six feet diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.
  • Open Fire and Open Burning, including "bon fires" that require a permit from the Golden Fire Department. (NOTE: Burn permits issued and not executed prior to the effective date of these temporary fire restrictions shall not be authorized unless approved by the Golden Fire Department on the day of execution.)
Exemptions approved under temporary Stage 1 fire restrictions:
  • Use of liquid or gas fueled appliances
  • Approved wood pellet grills
  • Charcoal barbeque grills not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area
  • Portable outdoor fireplaces not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area
  • Welding and cutting torch appliances (as described in the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Notice Order ) may only be operated in an area no closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area.
  • Recreational fires not closer than 30 feet from an undeveloped area
  • Permitted fires by persons with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited act such as professional fireworks displays. Contact must be made with the Golden Fire Department to verify the status of permits issued prior to the establishment of burn restrictions.
  • Fire Department/District training fires
  • Burning of explosive wastes by manufacturer or explosives in areas zoned for industrial use, when the burning is supervised by the Golden Fire Department.
  • Open fires or open burning by any federal, state, or local officer in the performance of official fire suppression functions

Thank you for your diligence to keep our city and County safe! Please note that JeffCo went to Stage I Fire Restrictions as well. If you have any questions, please email the Fire Prevention Division of the Fire Department at  [email protected].
Public Works Citizens Academy registration now open!
 
Have you ever wondered how Golden's water is treated? How we maintain and repair infrastructure? How we map and track water, sewer and street-related assets within the community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should join the Public Works Citizens' Academy. This free 20-hour program, which is geared toward adults, kicked off on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 1.

It will include interactive hands-on training activities, tours of City facilities and presentations by Public Works staff. This program will include one Thursday evening, three Tuesday evenings and two Saturday sessions. To conclude the program, graduates of the Academy will be awarded Certificates of Completion at an October City Council meeting.

The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 26. The class size is limited, so please register early.

Police Citizens' Academy now accepting applications
 
The Golden Police Department is accepting applications for the 2016 Citizens Academy. 

The Academy is set to begin August 17 and is scheduled for 11 weeks of classroom and skills education.  Academy attendees will learn what police officers and police employees do in the performance of their duties and the rules and laws that guide them.
 
The Academy combines classroom presentations with hands-on activities to provide the participants with a comprehensive experience. Participants will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, and two Saturdays for firing range and driving track training. 

Throughout the course of the Academy, participants will be exposed to K9 patrol, drug enforcement, traffic accident investigations, communications, patrol duties and realities, DUI traffic enforcement, the Jefferson County Regional SWAT team, a tour of the Jefferson County Jail, crime scene investigations, firearms simulator, taser and driving track training.

The Golden Police Department began conducting an Adult Citizens Police Academy in 1995. We felt that exposing citizens to knowledge about police work would help them to better understand and relate to police involvement in the community. Our hope is that the graduates of the Citizens Academy will share this knowledge with others in the community.

Cutting Water Use in the Heat of Summer
 
sprinklers
Most of us don't know how much water our landscaping needs, and because turf can often accept excess water without damage, over-irrigation is more common than you might expect. It has been reported that 30 percent of single-family homes and 20 percent of multi-family properties are over-irrigating. Reducing over-irrigation can provide significant water savings with no impact to landscape quality. 
 
Some ways to reduce water and save money on your turf include:
  • Install a soil moisture sensor so that your sprinklers don't turn on when it has rained recently.
  • Adjust the range of your sprinklers so that they don't water the sidewalks.
  • If you are landscaping, try Xeriscaping. Select drought-tolerant plants for your yard, reduce the size of your lawn, and install drip irrigation where possible.
But say you're irrigating efficiently and providing just the right amount of water to your landscaping, then what are your options for conserving water?

From replanting, to indoor efficiency audits, and upgrades to replace your fixtures with WaterSense-labeled models, there are many other ways to curb water use. Delve into other effective methods to save water residentially and learn about efficiencies in irrigation and agriculture, as well in industry and other businesses by paging through the Citizen's Guide to Colorado Water Conservation.