MAY 2017
CENTENNIAL
CONNECTION
SUMMER ISSUE
A PUBLICATION BY THE CITY OF CENTENNIAL
STAY COOL THIS SUMMER AT CENTENNIAL CENTER PARK CENTENNIAL CENTER PARK HOURS May 1 - October 31 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.
November 1 - April 30 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
SPLASH PAD HOURS Memorial Day - Labor Day 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
The SPLASH PAD at the award-winning Centennial Center Park opens Memorial Day weekend and will operate from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Labor Day. Centennial Center Park is perfect for celebrations and reservations are filling up fast. The Park is equipped with picnic tables, newly expanded restrooms, six barbecue grills, sun shades and benches. When planning your visit to the Park, please be aware the following items are prohibited unless a permit is issued by the City: • Alcoholic beverages • Selling goods or services • Amplified sound • Smoking is only allowed in designated areas around outer edges of park
CALL FOR ARTISTS CENTENNIAL CHALK ART FESTIVAL Calling all artists! Chalk artists & artisans are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Centennial Chalk Art Festival September 23-24 at Centennial Center Park. Join us for two fun-filled days enjoying whimsical chalk art, bites from local food trucks, live entertainment, artisan crafters and more. Register at centennialco.gov/events.
CENTENNIAL
NEXT
COMMUNITY INPUT KEY TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUCCESS Centennial NEXT, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, continues to make progress towards learning what our citizens hope to see in Centennial throughout the next 15 years. We recently hosted three public workshops where residents identified areas in the City that may be developed or redeveloped as “opportunity sites,” and provided examples of what potential development could look like. If you would like to share your thoughts on both the future land use of the City as well as how we can make our Trails and Recreation opportunities even better, visit centennialco.gov/centennialnext. Both plans are scheduled to be complete by end of this year.
Centennial community members shared input on opportunity sites and future land uses in the City at Centennial NEXT and Trails and Recreation Plan Open House Workshops last month.
OPPORTUNITY SITES & FUTURE LAND USES
Which of these would you like to see more of in Centennial?
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Take our survey today and let us know! Visit centennialco.gov/centennialnext.
STATE OF OUR CITY CELEBRATING OUR JOURNEY At the 13th Annual State of Our City event last month, Mayor Cathy Noon’s address focused on the milestones and challenges that have shaped Centennial’s journey. “I am proud to have been part of this amazing journey and even prouder that we are creating a new roadmap for future generations to enjoy living, working and playing here,” Mayor Noon said during her final address, due to being term limited. Watch the Mayor’s State of Our City address online at centennialco.gov/stateofcity.
FIBER COMMISSION ADDING CITIZEN MEMBERS The City of Centennial is in the process of selecting two qualified citizen voting members to serve on the Fiber Commission. Currently the Fiber Commission consists of three City Council Members: District 4 Council Member C.J. Whelan as Chair, Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Piko as Vice Chair and District 3 Council Member Ken Lucas. The Fiber Commission was established to oversee Centennial FiberWorks, a program to implement the City’s fiber backbone. This backbone will connect and complete the City’s underground fiber infrastructure, connecting to key City sites and other community anchor institutions. The two citizen voting members must be residents of the City and will be appointed at-large, meaning they will represent the citizens throughout the City. For more information about the formation of the City’s fiber initiative, visit centennialco.gov/fiber. Pictured at right: Fiber backbone being constructed in the City earlier this year.
CENTENNIAL
FiberWorks
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HONORING EXTRAORDINARY YOUTH CENTENNIAL'S ANNUAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS In April, six outstanding Centennial high school students were recognized by the Centennial Youth Commission and SAFEbuilt with Youth Achievement Awards. These awards honor and recognize Centennial youth who have made a significant impact in the community through volunteer work or other special deeds that demonstrate exceptional leadership. The recipients of the 2017 Youth Achievement Awards each received a $500 scholarship.
Prize for Gold Award Excellence. Her Girl Scout Gold Award project led her to create the Score A Friend, Inc. club to help include students of all abilities in school activities, especially those with limited access to social activities. Score A Friend chapters have been established at Front Range Christian School, Louisiana State University and Northern Arizona University and nine new clubs are underway in local area schools.
BETTINA MESKE, a junior at Arapahoe High School, is a
member of Key Club, National Honor Society and a Peer Minister at Our Father Lutheran Church. She volunteers with Jiminy Wicket, an organization that matches high school TREVOR BROWN, a senior at Cherry Creek High School, students with Alzheimer’s patients to play croquet. She also has served as a volunteer counselor leader for children with volunteers at Crossroads Church’s free daycare and food special needs at Camp Barnabas and was Co-Chairman of bank facilities. She not only volunteers herself, but recruited the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of other members of her own church to volunteer at the innerthe Year campaign and served as a volunteer partner athlete city Crossroads Church as well. on both Unified Lacrosse and Basketball teams. He has spent time as a Children’s Ministry volunteer and vacation NATHAN MILLER, a senior at Cherry Creek High School, bible school leader at Greenwood Community Church. is a member of National Honor Society and volunteer at
CAMERON CARR, a freshman at Arapahoe High School,
is currently a tutor and mentor at East Elementary School. She is a summer camp counselor at St. Luke’s Performing Arts Academy and volunteers through St. Andrew United Methodist Church. Her favorite volunteer activities include serving the Denver homeless youth population through the Urban Peak program and delivering food to seniors through TLC Meals on Wheels.
SARAH GREICHEN, a senior at Front Range Christian
School, is a volunteer at Adam’s Camp and served as president of various Unified Sports Clubs at both Heritage and Front Range Christian schools. She is on the Special Olympics Youth Activation Committee and earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and Stephanie A. Foote Leadership
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Greenwood Community Church. He helped co-found a Unified Lacrosse team after discovering there were no lacrosse opportunities for teens with disabilities. He also spent a week doing repair projects and socialization events on a Navajo reservation.
CAITLIN WEBER, a sophomore at Cherry Creek High
School, volunteers as a tutor at Holly Hills Elementary School and is a Manna Thanksgiving and Denver Rescue Mission food and meal service volunteer. She is a member of Playstrong Colorado, a group that raises funds for cancer research. She also works with students with disabilities as a therapeutic riding volunteer for Children’s Advisory Network and is a team volunteer at Cherry Hills Community Church.
Pictured above: Back row, from left to right: Caitlin Weber, Council Member Mark Gotto, Bettina Meske, Sarah Greichen, Commissioner Caitlyn Holt, Council Member Ken Lucas, Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Piko, Commissioner Delwin Maben, Commissioner Paul Pak, Commissioner Jackson Daichendt, Mayor Cathy Noon, Trevor Brown, Nathan Miller, Council Member C.J. Whelan. Front row, from left to right: Commissioner Audrey Fischer, Council Member Kathy Turley, Commissioner Edwina Maben, Cameron Carr, Commissioner Lindsey Glenn, Council Member Doris Truhlar, Council Member Carrie Penaloza, Commissioner Eleana Welsh, Commissioner Maddie Mercier, Building Services Director Shirley Berg and Council Member Candace Moon.
MEETING WITH APRD BOARD City Council discussing upcoming projects with the Arapahoe Park and Recreation District board.
STATE OF OUR CITY
CENTENNIAL EARTH DAY 2017
Council Members Turley, Whelan and Lucas at the 13th Annual State of Our City address.
Mayor Noon planting seed paper in the meadow of Centennial Center Park with Youth Commissioner Maddie Mercier.
CITY COUNCIL IN
ACTION COUNCIL MEMBER PIKO SERVING AS MAYOR PRO TEM In March, Centennial District 4 Council Member Stephanie Piko was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. This position is elected annually and serves mayoral functions during any temporary absences of the Mayor. Council Member Piko serves as a liaison to a number of community organizations, which include: Centennial FiberWorks Commission, Chair of the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) Board, Arapahoe Park and Recreation District and National League of Cities, among others.
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PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE STAY IN THE KNOW The existing Municipal Code allows Code Compliance officers to enforce outdoor storage/ stockpiling and junk/inoperable vehicle regulations only when the areas in violation are visible from the adjacent public right-of-way. However, after reviewing citizen input and assessing the community’s needs, City Council will be considering amendments to the current Municipal Code. The proposed amendments to the code will allow Code Compliance officers to assess outdoor storage/stockpiling and junk/inoperable vehicle violations from private yards when granted access by property owners.
Junk or Inoperable Vehicles
Outdoor Storage/Stockpiling •
Outdoor storage or stockpiling of materials anywhere on private property (including rear and side yards), unless located within a fully enclosed structure.
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Property must be free of junk, debris, garbage, scrap, tires, inoperable equipment and other stockpiled items.
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Junk or inoperable vehicles anywhere on public or private property (including rear and side yards), unless they are screened from view or enclosed within a structure or associated with a permitted and licensed auto repair business.
Council will also be considering amendments to the Municipal Code regarding proper storage of garbage cans. The proposed amendment would require homeowners to: •
Remove garbage cans from public streets within 24 hours of placement.
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Store garbage cans in areas not visible from the street.
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Use trash lids to minimize odors, prevent the spread of trash on neighborhood streets and keep pests from accessing trash.
City Council will also consider an ordinance requiring residents to remove trees that are dead, broken, diseased or infested by insects from their private property, or if the tree is a danger or public safety issue. •
A tree would be considered a danger if it impacts the well-being of other trees, shrubs or vegetation, or if it causes a potential threat or hazard to people or property.
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A nuisance tree would only be considered a potential threat or hazard if it is close enough to cause damage to persons or property if it were to fall.
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Aesthetic concerns alone will not constitute a nuisance under this provision.
These items will be discussed at the June 5 City Council meeting, occurring at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Civic Center. This meeting is open to the public and you may also listen to a live recording of the meeting by visiting centennialco.gov/listentomeetings. For more information, please call our Citizen Response Hotline at 303.325.8000. Find the Centennial Municipal Code at centennialco.gov/municipalcode. 6
The City is a proud sponsor of the 111th annual Arapahoe County Fair taking place July 27-30 at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. Enjoy carnival rides, a rodeo, concerts on the main stage, two nights of fireworks, a petting farm, tractor pulls, high-octane motor sports and more. Kids can also compete in the mutton bustin’ contest and learn the ways of the old west in the Heritage Tent and the Homestead area. For more information visit arapahoecountyfair.com.
FAIR FUN FOR EVERYONE ARAPAHOE COUNTY FAIR JULY 27 - 30 STREET SWEEPING AND REHABILITATION STAY NOTIFIED
FIREWORKS REMINDER
Spring street sweeping will continue through May until all public streets are swept and street rehabilitation will continue through October of this year. Stay informed on when your street may be swept or rehabilitated by checking the City website or signing up for notifications. To view the sweeping schedule, visit centennialco.gov/streetsweeping. To receive email notifications regarding changes, register at centennialco.gov/notifyme. You may also receive notifications by subscribing to the private neighborhood social network, Nextdoor.com.
INTERESTED IN
RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
This November, five seats are up for election. If you are a Centennial resident considering running for elected office, visit centennialco.gov/runforoffice to learn more about what you can expect as an elected official. You may also contact the City Clerk at 303.325.8000 for more information.
I-25/ARAPAHOE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
JOIN US FOR
WITH THE MAYOR
Every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., Mayor Cathy Noon is at the Centennial Civic Center to speak with citizens about ideas, concerns, questions or just about anything that’s on your mind. Stop by and say hello!
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For details on the project background and planned improvements, visit coloradodot.info/projects/I25-Arapahoe or call the Project Hotline at 720.580.2525. Sign up for project updates by emailing: dot_i25arapahoe@state.co.us
Centennial residents may use and possess fireworks that do not explode, leave the ground or fly through the air. For example, sparklers, cones, snakes and fountains are allowed. The sale of all forms of fireworks in Centennial is prohibited. The use and possession of all forms of fireworks continue to not be allowed in parks and open spaces in the City. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous. Please be safe and responsible. For more information visit centennialco.gov/fireworks.
CONTACT US ONLINE centennialco.gov FACEBOOK facebook.com/centennialgov TWITTER @centennialgov INSTAGRAM @centennialgov PHONE 303.325.8000 LOCATION Centennial Civic Center 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd. Centennial, CO 80112 HOURS M - F | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays)
SIGN UP FOR INFO CITY NEWS: E-NEWS SIGN UP centennialco.gov/notifyme DISTRICT E-NEWSLETTERS centennialco.gov/electedofficials CUSTOMER SERVICE SURVEY centennialco.gov/survey EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS arapahoesheriff.org | southmetro.org For more information regarding accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please visit centennialco.gov/ada.
City of Centennial Quarterly Newsletter 13133 E. Arapahoe Road Centennial, Colorado 80112
DISTRICT MEETINGS District 1
Monday, August 28 | 6 - 8 p.m. Southglenn Library | 6972 S. Vine Street
District 2
Wednesday, June 7 | 6:30 - 8 p.m. Koelbel Library | 5955 S. Holly Street
District 3
Thursday, June 15 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Public Works Facility | 7272 S. Eagle Street
District 4
Thursday, August 10 | 7 p.m. Location TBD. Please check centennialco.gov for more information.
TOPICS INCLUDE: Centennial invites you to CENTENNIAL 101, an interactive seven-week program to discover how our City works.
- Introduction to Centennial - Where Your Tax Dollars Go - A Look at City Planning - Roads & Public Infrastructure
- Public Safety - Life Safety: Fire & Building - How to Get Involved Find out more and apply online at centennialco.gov/centennial101.
Admission to all events is FREE! Food and beverages will be available for purchase at all events.
Saturday, June 3 | 5 - 10 p.m.
co-hosted by Arapahoe Libraries Saturday, June 24 | 6 - 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 15 | 3 - 7 p.m.
Kick off your summer at Centennial Center Park! Join us for Puppets & Things on Strings, starring award-winning ventriloquist Mark Hellerstein, at 5:15 p.m. Plus, special summer safety demos with all three of Centennial’s emergency services providers: South Metro Fire Rescue, Cunningham Fire Protection District and Littleton Fire Rescue. Music starts with Supermagick from 6:30-8 p.m., a powerhouse funk band known for their horn section; followed by Raising Cain from 8:30-10 p.m., playing everything from classic rock to Motown.
Check out all the cool things Arapahoe Libraries has to offer! Food trucks and library booths open at 6 p.m., with plenty of games and activities. Join us for an evening of music by a local favorite, 6 Million Dollar Band, from 7-8:30 p.m. followed by a screening of The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (not rated) from 8:30-10 p.m. The City’s 2nd annual BBQ & Beer Tasting Festival will feature local breweries coupled with local BBQ. Enjoy live music by Sweet Lillies followed by Matt Rouch and the Noise Upstairs. All ages are welcome. Must be 21 or older to participate in the beer tasting. Admission is free; cost for beer tasting: $15 for punch card and tasting mug which includes 10, 3 oz. sample tastings. Tickets may be purchased in advance any time after June 1 at centennialco.gov/events. Participating BBQ food trucks and breweries will also be listed on the website.
Join us for an evening of live music followed by a screening of the popular animated movie, Trolls (rated PG). Live music begins at 7 p.m.; movie starts at dusk. Saturday, July 29 | 7 - 10 p.m.
Centennial Center Park | 13050 E. Peakview Avenue For more information, visit centennialco.gov/events or call 303.325.8000.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office will be on scene with demonstrations and vehicles. Try the distracted driving course and see why texting and driving is not a safe choice! Tuesday, August 1 | 5 - 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 12 | 6 - 10 p.m.
Don’t miss this 12th annual event featuring food trucks, free face painting, live music by the Tom Petty Project, Colorado’s premier Tom Petty cover band, and a dazzling laser light show at the end of the evening!
Join us for an evening of live music followed by a screening of the critically acclaimed film, Hidden Figures (rated PG). Live music begins at 7 p.m.; movie starts at dusk. Saturday, August 26 | 7 - 10 p.m. The City’s 2nd annual Car Show will feature an exciting collection of classic and exotic cars with music by The Nacho Men from 5:30-7 p.m., a local band playing swing and hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond. There will also be a variety of booths, food trucks, and a Senior Resource Fair. co-hosted by the Centennial Senior Commission Saturday, September 9 | 3 - 7 p.m.
Join us for a colorful weekend as talented artists bring masterpieces to life right at your feet! Enjoy live music along with a variety of fine art vendors. September 23 - 24 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Centennial Center Park | 13050 E. Peakview Avenue For more information, visit centennialco.gov/events or call 303.325.8000.