March 2014 • Published by the City of Centennial
Meet your new City Council Members! Last November, Centennial voters re-elected Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon and elected four new City Council Members, one in each of the four districts. The new-elect were sworn into office on January 6. Meet your new Council Members: Cathy Noon Mayor Mayor Cathy Noon was re-elected for another four-year term. The Mayor is co-owner of a small 28-year-old business. She currently works for Community Resource Services managing water and metro districts. Mayor Noon is a lifelong community volunteer and organizer. Some major accomplishments during her first four years in office include the hiring of a new city manager who shares Centennial’s philosophy of smart government, the realigning of staff and contracting, renegotiating a new Public Works contract with increased citizen services at a lower cost and performing the City’s first Sheriff and City Attorney Office contract reviews. Kathy Turley District 1 Council Member Kathy Turley is a retired sales executive and has 40 years of community service experience by serving on several boards and commissions, ranging from early childhood to senior concerns. Governor Owens appointed Turley to the White House Conference on Aging and Centennial City Council appointed her to serve on the Senior Commission. Doris Truhlar District 2 Council Member Doris Truhlar practices law with her husband at Truhlar and Truhlar, L.L.P., located in Centennial. Prior to becoming an attorney, Truhlar was a newspaper reporter, and covered municipal government. She recently completed a six-year term on the Judicial Nominating Commission for
the Colorado 18th Judicial District, an appointment made by the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Governor and the Attorney General. She also works as a volunteer at the Arapahoe County Bar Association’s Pro Se Clinic, of which she was the founder a number of years ago. This clinic is set up to help unrepresented lowincome residents obtain free legal advice. Mark Gotto District 3 Council Member Mark Gotto has lived in Centennial for more than five years, has served on the City’s Open Space Advisory Board and is a member of the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods (CenCON). Throughout the past 20 years, he has obtained executive leadership experience leading organizations in sales and customer service. Before deciding to be a stay-at-home dad, his last position was Vice President of Customer and Technical Support of a Fortune 200 company. For the last two years he has volunteered at the Children’s Hospital. Charles “C.J.” Whelan District 4 Council Member C.J. Whelan is an entrepreneur and small business owner. With the exception of attending college out of state, he has been a resident of what is now Centennial since 1979. Whelan currently serves as President of the Cunningham Fire Protection District Board (a publicly elected position), is on a number of City committees and is the former President and Treasurer of his Homeowners Association. C.J. is an avid road cyclist and skier. He loves working on cars and bicycles.
Register to receive District E-Newsletters from your Council Members at www.CentennialCO.gov/ElectedOfficials
See what’s new at Centennial Center Park! Centennial Center Park will be enhanced this spring with the construction of a performance platform cover in the amphitheater, just in time for the summer film festival, events and concerts!
The performance platform cover is a structural steel canopy with a metal roofing system and stone columns that reflect the Park design elements. The cover is designed
to protect the performers from the sun and inclement weather and promote the mountain views.
Other improvements to the Park include permanent electrical service to the amphitheater and overflow parking lot, the installation of shade elements near the water play area and a loading pathway from Peakview Ave. for performance equipment.
Summer Blastoff Family Concert
featuring The Long Run: Experience the Eagles June 7 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Centennial Center Park 13050 E. Peakview Ave.
Come kick off your summer and celebrate the grand opening of the improved amphitheater with a free concert featuring the amazing Eagles tribute band, The Long Run: Experience the Eagles, local favorite Katey Laurel and a youth band from the School of Rock. Enjoy live music, pyrotechnics, children’s activities and great food. Be sure you don’t miss out on this summer launch celebration! Mark your calendar for summer events at Centennial Center Park! Stay tuned… there’s more to come!
Friday Film Fest
Free outdoor movie series at Centennial Center Park Entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m. June 13 • June 27 • July 11 • July 25
All events are dependent upon weather and construction taking place at Centennial Center Park. Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/events to check out a full listing of summer events at the Park.
Page 2 • Centennial Connection • March 2014
These improvements are being funded with a portion of the City’s share of voter approved Arapahoe County Open Space tax dollars and Colorado Lottery supported Conservation Trust Funds. Centennial Center Park is located at 13050 E. Peakview Ave.
Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/CenterPark for construction updates and event announcements.
Ken Lucas elected Mayor Pro Tem Centennial District 3 Council Member Ken Lucas was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem on March 3. This position is elected annually and serves mayoral functions during any temporary absences of the Mayor. Council Member Lucas was elected unanimously by his fellow Council Members. Council Member Lucas will replace District 4 Council Member Stephanie Piko and will serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the duration of 2014.
www.CentennialCO.gov
Centennial’S ONLINE COMMUNITY The City of Centennial has launched a new and improved website, www.CentennialCO.gov. Along with the new URL comes a clean look and new layout with several features aimed at making it easier for users to access City services and information. More and more people are accessing the internet from their mobile devices or tablets, therefore the City has incorporated a responsive design, which means the site is resizable for any screen, including any mobile device. The new site is hosted on
Visit Centennial’s new online town hall and share your thoughts with us!
Citizens now have the opportunity to engage through www.ConnectCentennial.com to share ideas, creativity and
This inaugural class is making history! Learn more about this exciting new program at www.CentennialCO.gov/Centennial101.
www.CentennialCO.gov
the Amazon Cloud for reliability and availability. Other features include easy-to-share documents and pictures, new navigational options based upon popularity and timeliness, advanced predictive search capabilities, online services, enhanced mapping capabilities and an electronic record portal.
perspectives. Join the conversation to shape Centennial’s future! By signing-up for Connect Centennial you can: • Share photos • Submit, refine and prioritize ideas • Take instant polls and planning surveys • Talk with your neighbors • Earn rewards and prizes
Don’t forget to check it out at
www.CentennialCO.gov
SOCIAL MEDIA The City now offers new ways to connect, share ideas and receive information. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ CentennialGov and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentennialGov to receive important news and information about the City.
ConnectCentennial is updated regularly. Visit often to check out new and exciting topics.
The City of Centennial kicked off the first “Centennial 101” citizen’s academy class February 6 at the Eagle Street Facility located at 7272 S. Eagle St.
March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 3
Meeting Room Rental now available at the City’s new Eagle Street Facility! The City’s new facility at 7272 S. Eagle Street features three meeting rooms that may be rented by non-profit organizations. Each organization is allowed one rental every 30 days.
The Lonely Culture By Rod Winget During the holidays, Libraries and Service Agencies report there is generally an increase in the number of calls from seniors who appear to need nothing more than someone to talk to for a few minutes. We are hardwired to connect. Are we lonely? Do we feel isolated? Is this especially true for seniors? According to Robert Putnam, Harvard professor of public policy, social engagement has been in steady decline in modern times since the advent of suburbia and that decline is accelerating.
Community Room
For more information visit www.CentennialCO.gov/ meetingroom or call (303) 325 8000
Large Conference Room
Small Conference Room
We’ve Moved! Centennial Animal Services, Code Compliance and the Public Works Departments are now located at 7272 S. Eagle Street, Centennial, CO 80112
AARP magazine published a survey in 2010 of 3,012 Americans over the age of 45 entitled “All the Lonely People”. Thirty-five percent suffered from chronic loneliness, up from 20 percent a decade earlier. This observation cuts across age, gender, race and education categories, although the percentages vary with age. Research and anecdotal experience show that people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others if the interactions lack emotional depth and resonance. Loneliness may have more severe consequences than an empty feeling, such as increasing the chances of diabetes, sleep disorders, mental health issues, high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, we can say community connection can literally strengthen the immune system. The Centennial Senior Commission has developed a resource guide for social and civic engagement. The Senior Commission looks for ways seniors can be seen and heard and provide aging Americans with the opportunity to help reconnect the social fabric of our communities. Each of us can reach out, one person at a time, to engage friends or strangers. Give yourself away!
Civic Center Arapahoe Road ad Ro ker Par
oad nR rda n Jo les th o .6 mi Sou
Potomac Street
Rod Winget (77) and his wife Carol make documentary movies about senior issues. Rod is a member of the Senior Commission.
Eagle Street Fremont Street
Page 4 • Centennial Connection • March 2014
Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/ seniorcommission to view the complete resource guide.
www.CentennialCO.gov
Nominate your Centennial “Snow Hero” today! Thank you Centennial Snow Heroes! The City of Centennial applauds the residents, businesses and organizations for taking the time to show their family, friends, patrons and neighbors they care about their well-being by clearing sidewalks of snow. Below is a list of recently nominated Centennial Snow Heroes:
Do you know someone who clears sidewalks of snow and ice immediately following a snow storm? Do they even shovel for a neighbor in need? Be a good neighbor and nominate your Centennial Snow Hero today! The Centennial Snow Hero initiative was created in response to community input on the need for sidewalk snow removal, especially in business parks and multi-family residential buildings. Centennial does not currently have a snow removal ordinance but encourages all citizens to voluntarily shovel walks directly in front of, within, and adjacent to their property within 24 hours of a snow storm. The City will recognize those who participate in the volunteer snow removal initiative and keep sidewalks on and near their property safe and clear of snow and ice. Nominees will be presented with Centennial Snow Hero window decals for display and will be recognized on the City’s website and social media.
Spring Street Sweeping
Residents Julie Pfannenstein Patricia Litson Kirk Shubert Donald & Crystalina Wedlaw Businesses & Organizations Arapahoe Business Center H & R Block Suncor Energy The Salvation Army Visit our new mobile site, www.CentennialSnowHero.com, or visit www.CentennialCO.gov, to view a list of Snow Heroes or to nominate your very own Centennial Snow Hero.
For more information on the City’s Snow and Ice Plan, snow plow routes and winter safety tips, visit
www.CentennialCO.gov/snow or call
303-325-8000.
The City’s 2014 Street Sweeping Program includes the sweeping of the curb lines of all public streets within Centennial. City crews will complete a spring, summer and fall sweep with each pass taking approximately six weeks to complete. The spring double-sweep will begin in April and is more extensive due to the accumulation of debris over the winter. When your area is scheduled for sweeping, please make sure vehicles are not parked on the street so the gutters may be completely cleaned when your area is scheduled for sweeping. Residents may access the street sweeping schedule by the end of March on the City’s website at www.CentennialCO.gov/StreetSweeping. Residents are encouraged to register online to receive email notifications regarding their sweeping schedule at www.CentennialCO.gov/ notifyme. Street sweeping schedules are dependent upon the weather and may change slightly to adjust for program delays.
www.CentennialCO.gov
March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 5
latest news on Arapahoe Rd. Waco to Himalaya widening On February 3 the Centennial City Council allocated an additional $6 million to Arapahoe Rd. from Waco St. to Himalaya Way widening project to make the project whole. Of the total estimated project budget of approximately $15 million, the City of Centennial is contributing $10 million. Other funding participants include: Arapahoe County ($1.87 million plus an additional $2.26 million for utility undergrounding), the City of Aurora ($500,000) and the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) ($561,000). The 1.5 mile stretch of Arapahoe Rd. will be reconstructed and widened from the existing two-lane section to an interim four-lane section while preparing the roadway for a future six-lane section. Three existing signalized intersections will be redesigned. Several existing drainage
outfalls along the project will be redesigned and constructed in coordination with the SEMSWA. Additionally, overhead electric lines on both sides of Arapahoe Rd. will be relocated to accommodate the ultimate six-lane roadway section, utilizing Arapahoe County’s additional $2.2 million funding contribution. The design will be coordinated with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA). In the coming months, the City will begin a public outreach process to connect with adjacent property owners, neighborhoods and commuters along the corridor. The City will meet individually with property owners along Arapahoe Rd. to discuss the impacts the project will have on each property. Following the one-on-one meetings, the general public, citizens and commuters who are interested in the project are encouraged to attend an open
house in early summer. The roadway widening construction is anticipated to begin in early 2015. Citizens and commuters may expect to see activity along the roadway throughout 2014 as the project team continues to collect field information and performs preparatory work on the roadway. Please visit the project website, www.ArapahoeRoad.com, for project information, photos, contact information, construction details and more.
Dry Creek Road Utility Construction Update Denver Water is installing a 16-inch water main beneath Dry Creek Rd. from S. Colorado Blvd. to S. University Blvd. During construction, Dry Creek Rd. will be reduced to one traffic lane in each direction from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend or extended work hours may be needed on occasion, as approved by the City. This project is scheduled to be complete by June 1, weather permitting. Following the completion of this utility work, the City will resurface the section of Dry Creek Rd. from Colorado Blvd. to University Blvd. in mid-summer 2014. This street rehabilitation work was originally scheduled for 2013, but was delayed until the completion of the utility work located along this corridor. Please contact Denver Water at 303-503-5260 for more information on this project. For after hour emergencies, please contact 303-628-6801.
Page 6 • Centennial Connection • March 2014
www.CentennialCO.gov
City of Centennial Offices
13133 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, CO 80112 Phone: 303-325-8000 (24/7) Office Hours: (excluding holidays) M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. E-mail: info@CentennialCO.gov
www.CentennialCO.gov
Centennial Connection is published by the City of Centennial. It is also available in PDF format on the City website. Comments and questions: Kersten Baldwin, 303-325-8087
C ITY O F C E N TE N N IAL O F F I C ES Main Telephone Number for all City Information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
ELECTED OFFICIALS Cathy Noon, Mayor 303-754-3350 cnoon@CentennialCO.gov
Kathy Turley Council, District 1 303-754-3451 kturley@CentennialCO.gov Keith Gardner Council, District 2 303-754-3359 kgardner@CentennialCO.gov Doris Truhlar Council, District 2 303-754-3346 dtruhlar@CentennialCO.gov
303-325-8000 SIGN UP FOR INFO
Mark Gotto Council, District 3 303-754-3407 mgotto@CentennialCO.gov
Vorry Moon Council, District 1 303-754-3354 vmoon@CentennialCO.gov
All articles in this newsletter may be reprinted, with attribution, without permission.
Ken Lucas, Mayor Pro Tem Council, District 3 303-754-3367 klucas@CentennialCO.gov
Emergency Notification www.ArapahoeSheriff.org www.SouthMetro.org City News - E-News Sign Up www.CentennialCO.gov/NotifyMe
Stephanie Piko Council, District 4 303-754-3374 spiko@CentennialCO.gov C.J. Whelan Council, District 4 303-754-3412 cwhelan@CentennialCO.gov
Every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m., Mayor Cathy Noon is at the Centennial Civic Center to speak with Centennial citizens about ideas, concerns, questions– just about anything that’s on your mind. Stop by and say hello!
Emerald Ash Borer Threatening Trees to the North You may have heard recent news reports about an invasive insect called the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) that is deadly to ash trees. EAB was found in Boulder, CO in September, 2013. It has not yet been found in our area. We will continue to monitor this situation and report the findings and recommendations of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, as we learn more. Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/EmeraldAshBorer for more information.
www.CentennialCO.gov
March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 7
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Denver, CO Permit No. 497
City of Centennial Newsletter 13133 E. Arapahoe Rd. Centennial, Colorado 80112
March 2014
District Meetings District 1 Meeting April 28 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St. District 2 Meeting March 18 • 7:00 p.m. Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St. District 3 Meetings March 27 • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Innovation Pavilion, 9200 E. Mineral Ave. District 4 Meeting May 1 • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Eagle Street Facility, 7272 S. Eagle St.
Celebrate the
of Centennial! Picture Centennial highlights the wonderful art of the area, provides a free venue for the display of art and supports local artists in the community. Selected artists will be featured in the Centennial Civic Center for three months, with an open house artist meet-and-greet session at the beginning of each installment. Artist meet-and-greet sessions feature hors d’oeuvres and free wine tasting. Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/art to learn more about this program. The Centennial City Council and artist Cathy Lester celebrate the art of Centennial during the January 16 “Picture Centennial” showcase.
From left to right: District 2 Council Member Keith Gardner, District 4 Council Member Stephanie Piko, Cathy Lester, Mayor Cathy Noon, District 3 Council Member Mark Gotto, District 3 Council Member Ken Lucas.