Laura Weinberg Mayor
303-384-8179
E-mail: lweinberg @cityofgolden.net
JJ Trout Mayor Pro Tem District One
720-880-5084
E-mail: jtrout @cityofgolden.net
Rob Reed Ward One
303-503-5945
E-mail: rreed @cityofgolden.net
Paul Haseman Ward Two
303-513-2310
E-mail: phaseman @cityofgolden.net
Casey Brown District Two
303-900-2003
E-mail: cbrown @cityofgolden.net
Don Cameron Ward Three
720-295-4370
E-mail: dcameron @cityofgolden.net
Bill Fisher Ward Four
303-588-3389
E-mail: bfisher @cityofgolden.net
To contact the entire City Council, e-mail: citycouncil@cityofgolden.net.
Scott Vargo City Manager 303-384-8010 svargo@ cityofgolden.net
Carly Lorentz Deputy City Manager 303-384-8012 clorentz@ cityofgolden.net
Joe Harvey Police Chief 303-384-8030 jharvey@ cityofgolden.net
Kasey Beal Fire Chief 303-384-8090 kbeal@ cityofgolden.net
Monica Mendoza City Clerk
303-384-8014 mmendoza@ cityofgolden.net
Tammy Tucker Parks and Recreation 303-384-8120 ttucker@ cityofgolden.net
Anne Beierle Public Works
303-384-8153 abeierle@ cityofgolden.net
Jeff Hansen Finance
303-384-8020 jhansen@ cityofgolden.net
Kristen Meier Human Resources
303-384-8017 kmeier@ cityofgolden.net
Meredith Ritchie Communications
303-384-8132 mritchie@ cityofgolden.net
Jiles McCoy Innovation and Technology
303-384-8063 jmccoy@ cityofgolden.net
Rick Muriby Community & Econ. Dev.
303-384-8098 rmuriby@ cityofgolden.net
Theresa Worsham Sustainability
303-384-8117 tworsham@ cityofgolden.net
Sarah Vaine Thriving Communities 303-384-8075 svaine@ cityofgolden.net
Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve Golden for the last four years! I am not campaigning again because six months after I was elected, I was promoted to the executive team for my full-time job. While I’m glad to devote more attention to my career, I was still able to give my all to both roles because luckily, the opportunities to lead in Golden and at a national advocacy organization mirrored each other.
Of fundamental benefit was that both my CEO and our Mayor (who has an MBA and runs small businesses) recognized the value of shaping their leadership teams into clockmakers rather than time-tellers. What does that mean? In Built to Last, Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, you’ll read that time-tellers are leaders who take charge of making decisions on their own. This style can be enticing and effective upfront. However, once time-tellers move on, we’re left with no one else to fill their shoes. With clockmakers, leaders democratize time-telling by building systems that allow others to participate and continue forward.
And this council with diverse skill sets - attorneys, health care professionals, government workers, teaching engineers, and nonprofit workers - excelled at collaborating together, with staff, and with residents to build systems for a better future. We built clocks so that all could be part.
I am most proud that in the midst of surviving a pandemic, our Mayor set the stage for Council to create our first strategic plan. We then directed staff to make a transparent dashboard and give regular updates so that all of Golden could follow the progress. Our Mayor also had the foresight to create council subcommittees
Continued on page 5
As I reflect on my 8 years on the Golden City Council, the night I was sworn in, I recall feeling apprehensive. I didn't really know what to expect and felt I had so much to learn. I quickly learned that my fellow councilors greeted me warmly and set a positive tone for us to work collaboratively to accomplish goals for Golden. I learned that while residents can be surprisingly negative on social media, they are generally friendly and respectful in person, and are truly appreciative of efforts to help address their concerns. I learned that individuals may retire from Council, but they never stop contributing to the community.
Most importantly, I learned that the need to learn never stops–there is a constant need to keep learning from the experiences and expertise of the community, my fellow Councilors, and knowledgeable city staff.
Now, 8 years later, I’m feeling no apprehension about my departure. Instead, I am looking forward to expanding the community of current and retired Councilors in Golden. Further, I can’t wait to learn from their ideas and perspectives on how to improve the quality of life for the Golden community.
5 Business Corner
5 Stay In Touch
6-7 Clear Creek Corridor Information
8 New Affordable Housing Policy Coordinator
8 City Partners with Hunger Free Golden
9 Building a Culture of Equity-Based Policing
9 Update on REDI Task Force
10 Welcome to New Fire Dept Members
11 Plug In to New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
12 Irrigation Updates
13 Expanding Indigenous Representation
14 Golden Roadway Safety
15 2024 Claim Form for 2023 Sales Tax Refund
City Council Meetings
Council Chambers
City Hall, 911 10th St. 6:30 p.m.
October 10* & 24
November 14* & 28
December 5* & 12
Public comment is welcome on the agenda at all regular business meetings.
You may also send comments to City Council directly at councilcomments@ cityofgolden.net.
*Study sessions begin at 5 p.m. Check online for up-to-date information at www.cityofgolden.net/agendas
Honor or remember family, friends, or a special occasion by ordering an engraved sidewalk brick for $100 from the Downtown Development Authority. Bricks may be installed on Washington Avenue and side streets between 10th and 14th Streets. Order forms are found at www.cityofgolden.net/ media/DDABrickOrderForm.pdf.
Are you a small business owner who would like to meet with a small business development center specialist at no charge? Every Friday, the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation hosts an SBDC specialist in its offices in Denver West. Consulting services include feasibility analysis, business plan writing, marketing, financial assistance and more. Sign up at bit.ly/SBDC-Counseling.
Continued from page 3
early on, allowing each councilor, our board members and commissioners, staff, and the community to contribute meaningfully to Golden’s future.
• Policy Prioritization Subcommittee: Built a form and process for new proposals, making it clear how to bring new ideas and where they should fit within Council’s strategic plan. My favorites were forming JEDI with Rob (see below), making it easier to walk and bike, supporting businesses and neighbors during and after the pandemic, and any aimed at improving wellbeing, especially Golden’s first pesticide-free park.
• Legislative Advocacy Subcommittee: Created the first legislative guide, making it easy for Council and staff to advocate at the regional, state, and federal levels. As just one councilor, I testified dozens of times a year, mostly for sustainability and cleaner air.
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Subcommittee: Shaped our action plan and the formation of a task force.
• Clear Creek Subcommittee: Works with residents and businesses to help staff and Council direct and measure iterations of creek management efforts.
• Boards and Commissions Oversight Committee: Sets our hundreds of engaged volunteers up for success.
• Appointee Evaluation Subcommittee: Ensures our City Manager and others can do a great job.
Thank you for allowing me the honor to help make Golden even brighter. It is obviously a team effort, so with my last Informer words, I want to send deep gratitude to our effective and thoughtful Mayor, dedicated Council, wonderful City Manager and staff, and hundreds of engaged neighbors on and off our boards/ commissions/task forces. Golden is in very good hands. If you haven’t thanked any of these hard-working people yet, do so today!
While the Informer may be quarterly, there are a number of ways to access up-to-date information happening around the City, delivered straight to your email.
• Interested in receiving a weekly update from the City?
Sign up for Golden’s newsletter, the Weekly Digest, at www.cityofgolden.net
• Want to participate in surveys and provide meaningful feedback on City projects? Register at www.guidinggolden.com.
• Looking for athletic programs, activities, camps, or memberships?
Sign up for the monthly Parks and Recreation email at rec.cityofgolden.net.
• Want to stay in the know on emergencies?
Sign up for Lookout Alert at smart911.com
• You can also find us on social media at @CityofGoldenColorado.
While Clear Creek is one of the City’s most prized natural resources, the influx of interest in outdoor summer activities has posed challenges. Over the last few years, the City has implemented strategies to prepare for and mitigate problems that come with seasonal usage of the creek to work to make it enjoyable, safe and clean for everyone.
Our goal is to proactively manage the Clear Creek corridor for the benefit of a wide variety of users (including pedestrians, cyclists, tubers, and kayaks), in consultation with Council, staff, residents, businesses, and Jeffco Open Space, while sustainably protecting the environment.
This year, staff focused on several key areas: increased safety measures, addressing congestion on the trail, enforcement, keeping Clear Creek clean, and collecting data to better inform future decision-making.
• Adding Information Station(s) – providing 1,368 hours of creek safety and regulatory education in the parking lot and along the creek
• Installing creek corridor ‘mile markers’ to assist first responders
• Distributing safety video and social media campaigns with consistent messaging for all tubers
• Increasing crossing guards at high-volume locations for peak hours
• Expanding shuttle services to include rideshare with outfitters that don’t offer shuttles and people who bring their own tubes to lessen tuber traffic on the trails. This new public tubing shuttle option was used by over 1,500 visitors and saved 3,300 trips along the trail.
• Adding distinctive lines and traffic patterns along the entire Clear Creek trail and Jefferson County trail in Clear Creek Canyon
• Adding wider trails at points of congestion
• Increasing police presence along the Corridor due to the Police Department being more fully staffed than in previous years
• Seeking compliance with the rules and laws through increased contacts from 1,509 in 2022 to 2,981 in 2023
• Increasing parking compliance by distributing 1,378 parking citations between 9th and 10th Streets and other locations within the city between July 4 and September 11
• Increasing parking violation fines to $100 in the Creek Corridor test area
• Adding trash and recycling cans to the 304 10th Street Parking Lot
• Hosting weekly city staff and volunteer cleanup events, totaling over 9,900 hours between June 12 and September 5
• Testing “smart stickers” for all tubes that “ping” nearby poles to collect data about volume, bring-your-own tubers versus outfitter usage, and peak times
This information will be reviewed and refined for next year which may help inform the need for timed entry for all creek users in future years.
City staff are already discussing ideas for next year as they continue to progress on managing the amount of people who recreate on the creek. Staff will bring these ideas to City Council this fall, which include:
• Expansion of trail at the RV park
• Change “beach” area to be less conducive to large gatherings
• Upgrading stickers to a longerlasting model that withstands wear and tear
For more information on the management of the creek, go to www.guidinggolden.com/clear-creekmanagement-strategies.
Lauren McKinney was recently hired as the Affordable Housing Policy Coordinator for the City of Golden. Prior to her promotion, Lauren worked in the City’s planning department and assisted with facilitation of the Affordable Housing Committee which brought recommendations to City Council in May 2023 on housing needs and assessments, updates residents on Golden’s housing initiatives and bridges the gap between the City’s Planning staff and affordable housing.
Ample low-income housing in a community is one of the strongest safeguards against homelessness. Roughly 30% of Golden households are low or extremely low income, and data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition
indicates that across the state, there is a shortage of affordable and available rental homes. With the cost of both rental and for-sale housing increasing much faster than household incomes or wages, there is a gap between what households can reasonably afford and what is available in the community.
This is why the City has aligned the Housing Needs and Strategies Assessment and the Affordable Housing Committee to prioritize diverse housing options to provide for a wide spectrum of residents. You can read more about them both on the City’s website under Housing.
If you have questions about affordable housing or the City’s initiatives, email LMcKinney@cityofgolden.net.
Hunger Free Golden (HFG) community collaborative works to ensure all members of the Golden community have equitable access to enough fresh, healthy and culturally relevant food. Its members are committed to working together to build and sustain a strong, resilient food system inclusive of producers, distributors and consumers.
With the financial support and involvement of the City of Golden through a Thriving Communities Grant, HFG is focusing its efforts on five key areas in 2023:
• Purchasing fresh, local food items distributed through four local pantries (BGoldN, CAG, Calvary Food Shelf and Blaster’s Basket at CO School of Mines), serving over 1,000 different households this year;
• Supporting pantry infrastructure and operations;
• Addressing transportation barriers to accessing food;
• Providing food education on growing, preparing and preserving food; and
• Expanding community engagement efforts to ensure a broader array of community voices are being heard and specific needs are being addressed.
GoFarm Mobile Market and BGoldN received additional funding to implement programs to increase food access. The GoFarm Mobile Market regularly visits three sites in Golden to bring nutrient-rich and locally grown food to areas of
the city that are less accessible by public transportation or lack adequate financial resources. They use a flexible pricing model for purchasing food and accept SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and WIC benefits. BGoldN provides snacks to six local schools and workspaces with school staff to connect households with their Fresh Food Pantry. They have extended their food delivery program to more families this year and are implementing an innovative program with the Golden Farmers Market that also allows families to access locally sourced food.
Learn more about HFG at www.hungerfreegolden.org
The rebranding of the department’s philosophical approach to professional law enforcement through building public trust started in March 2022. The following year, the Golden Police Department formally announced its new Mission, Vision, and Values. Now, the vision “To elevate public trust through accountability and equitable policing” is moving into Phase II of implementation.
This phase will include a partnership with community members, civic leaders, academic professors, and professional consultants, and will start with analyzing and assessing the department’s policies, procedures, best business practices, annual evaluations, and more. Additionally, all members will be provided education and formal training. We want to identify the things we are currently doing great and those areas in which we can improve.
The members of the Golden Police Department are your guardians, dedicated to providing the highest level of public safety and service. They are
committed to treating all people with dignity, respect, compassion, empathy, fairness, and impartiality. Our members have always been faithful to policing unbiasedly manner. Incorporating this new philosophy serves to enhance our obligation to you, the citizens of the
City of Golden.
For additional information, visit the Golden Police Department’s website at www.crimewatch.net/us/co/jefferson/ golden-pd, and subscribe to receive news and notifications and learn more about your police department.
The REDI (Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Task Force is composed of community members and city staff who have a key role in implementing aspects of the REDI Action Plan, finalized by the City in November 2022. This plan identifies goals, strategies, and actions to achieve a vision of Golden as a place where all are welcomed, included, represented, honored, and treated fairly, regardless of identity or ability.
• Cultivate a culture of inclusion and belonging in the City.
• Increase access to services and resources for diverse community members.
• Foster an organizational culture and environment committed to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Expand economic opportunity for diverse businesses.
The Task Force, which began meeting monthly in June 2023, has three subcommittees to focus on training for city staff and community, improved community engagement and making events more inclusive and diverse to appeal to a wider audience.
The REDI Task Force, comprised of city employees and community members, meets in Council Chambers (911 10th St.) on the first Thursday each month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
The selected task force includes city employees and community members: Camille Keyes, Eric Barthold, Eric Trout, Latara Durand, Michele Minihane, Morgan Snyder, Philip Rogers, Shakira Hollis, and Virginia Ortiz.
For questions or to provide input, please contact the Thriving Communities Director, Sarah Vaine, at svaine@cityofgolden. net.
The Golden Fire Department (GFD) welcomed several new members over the past few months, including some who are new to the fire service field or have come from other agencies across Colorado. The largest group of newcomers are 13 new volunteer firefighters, who graduated from an 18-week part-time fire academy on August 26. These new graduates will continue to hone their skills alongside career and volunteer firefighters with the City of Golden during their probationary year.
Other notable entrants are our eight new full-time career staff which include: Engineer Joe Bechina, formerly with PlattevilleGilchrest Fire; Engineer Cody Kalb, formerly with Black Hawk Fire and Golden as a volunteer firefighter; Engineer Kellan McTague, formerly with Pleasant View Fire; Lieutenant Sean Stull, formerly with Franktown Fire; Firefighter Mike Gotwald, formerly with Sable-Altura Fire Rescue; Lieutenant Alan
Johnson, formerly with Platteville-Gilchrest Fire (Pleasant View Fire and Golden Fire as a former volunteer before that!); and Stephanie Forbes, our new civilian Administrative Technician II, formerly with JeffCom 911. Sean Jones also joins the Golden Fire Department as the Deputy Chief of Operations; Sean is a seasoned fire service professional, with roots dating back to his years at Colorado State University and tenure with Poudre Fire Authority, where he most recently served as Planning and Analysis Battalion Chief.
Many of these hires are as result of the recently awarded SAFER grant that will cover 100% of 7 full time salaries for 3 years and allow GFD to open Fire Station 24 full-time on October 1. Golden Fire Department is also in the final stages of hiring a Fire Marshal, Deputy Fire Marshal, career Engineer, and two firefighters to return the department to being fully staffed.
With the winter holiday season approaching, the Golden Fire Department reminds everyone to keep your home safe from potential fire.
Golden is fortunate to have very few house fires annually, trending between 15-20 per year in the last two years (or less than 0.001 percent). Even with this positive data and Golden’s comprehensive residential fire sprinkler ordinance, it takes the commitment of each of us to protect our community from preventable fires:
Turn off the stove when leaving the kitchen and remain in your home while cooking, even if you’re feeling tempted to step outside to play in the snow! Use a timer to check your dish regularly. Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.
Avoid using a ladder alone. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for appropriate use and connections, and replace old or broken bulbs. Be sure to use clips, not metal components,
to hang lights. Turn them off (or unplug them) before leaving home or going to bed. Replace older light strands with new LED lights; they are cool to the touch and safer to use with live Christmas trees.
Keep your favorite holiday candles at least 12 inches from flammable items. Place candles in stable holders and on steady surfaces away from small children and pets. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles instead which can look and smell like real candles.
Make sure your Christmas tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. If you have a natural tree, water it every day. A dry tree can burn very hot and very fast, typically under one minute. Dispose of your tree before it completely dries out; do not set it against your home or garage.
The Golden Fire Department wishes you a safe and wonderful holiday season. Please contact the Fire Marshal's office with any safety questions at 303-215-8886.
Help ensure that more of the materials collected through Golden’s residential waste collection program can become finished compost by placing only food scraps and yard trimmings in the City’s green collection carts.
Compost adds vital nutrients and retains moisture in our soil which is extremely important in our dry Colorado climate. Contamination, such as plastic bags, trash, pet waste and plastics, are extremely difficult to separate from organic materials and can make some compost unusable.
To help with this effort, in October, City volunteers and Republic Services will walk neighborhoods on compost service days to leave feedback for households with contaminated materials.
One of the most common issues of Golden homeowners come springtime is burst waterlines due to improper winterizing of sprinkler systems. In addition to being expensive, broken water lines also lead to wasting water. Help Golden achieve its goal of responsible water use, which includes a reduction per capita by 15% by 2030, by winterizing your sprinkler system properly.
If you have a manual drainage system, here are the steps to take:
• Shut off the water supply to the system.
• Look for the manual valves at the ends and low points of the piping.
• Open all the valves and drain the water from the system.
• Make sure you also drain the backflow device.
If the sprinkler heads are equipped with check valves, empty them separately. If you have check valves on your sprinkler system, raising the sprinkler heads can allow the water to drain out. The valves can be closed once the entire system has been drained.
If you have an automatic drainage system, here are the steps to take:
• Turn off the water supply.
• Briefly run one of the sprinkler heads to relieve the water pressure in the system.
• Automatic draining should begin, clearing the pipes of excess water.
Consider having your irrigation system professionally purged with compressed air. Adjust the valves on your irrigation backflow device, which allows water to drain, and prevents water in the backflow device from freezing and cracking during the winter.
Ten new public EV chargers will be installed this fall as part of a $205,000 grant the City received through the State. Building on the system of existing public charging stations downtown, the new chargers will be located near city parks and multi-family residential neighborhoods.
Since the time that the first public charging stations were installed in 2016, Golden’s stations have been free to use. With the new stations, City Council will consider a proposal this fall for a fee for service program to cover costs of annual maintenance, licensing and energy consumption.
Visit www.cityofgolden.net for more details on the proposed fees.
This year has been unusually wet in Colorado, turning our horizon into lush greenery as far as the eye can see. With June as the wettest on record along the Colorado Front Range, Golden documented average precipitation of 24.63 inches1 as of July 28, which is a significant gain from years past between 17.44 and 22.3 inches2 for that same time period. This rainfall came with higher intensity, lower duration storms, including the June 22 event that dropped 1.5 inches over an hour period (recorded at the intersection of Lena Gulch and US Highway 6). That storm was 0.11 inches from being considered a 25-year storm event, though variations across town with this storm and others is significant.
The unusual weather in Golden offered different challenges for the City’s Public Works teams, requiring frequent days of post-storm inspection and cleanup. These storms exposed weaknesses in the system that, in a normal year, may not have been exposed. Despite these challenges, the City of Golden stormwater system performed well, due in large part to the leadership of our Stormwater Maintenance Division, led by Brian Matzke.
The Stormwater Maintenance Division performs regular inspection and maintenance on the system which ensures that, even in unusual circumstances, the City’s system performs as best it can. In locations where the system has been overwhelmed or where inlets or pipes have been clogged with debris due to the storm, the Stormwater team partnered with the Utilities and Streets Divisions to quickly respond, including wading into waters two to three feet deep to unclog an inlet.
Together, our teams were put to the test with the unusual summer weather but fared well to remedy flooding as quickly as possible.
1usclimatedata.com
2climate.coloradostate.edu
You could receive up to $100 for installing water-saving technology. Applicants must be a registered user of Aquahawk Alerting to qualify. Rain sensor and smart irrigation controllers for residents and commercial properties can be found at www.cityofgolden.net/ live/sustainability-initiative/rebates.
Golden is hosting free educational presentations on water efficiency for HOA's in preparation for the Waste of Water Ordinance which goes into effect next summer.
If you live in or are a board member of an HOA and have an interest in this educational opportunity, please contact Katie Duke at kduke@cityofgolden. net or at 303-384-8180.
In 2021, Golden History Museum & Park received a grant from History Colorado that would help expand Indigenous representation in its exhibits, collections and programs. The goals and intentions of this funding are to honor the historical importance of Indigenous populations in the area and foster a community of learning with staff, community members, city leaders and cultural partners to expand understanding of Indigenous history, culture, genocide and perseverance.
Over the last two years, the effort blossomed into:
• The creation of a Native American Advisory Council that helps to guide appropriate historical representation of Indigenous populations in Golden.
• Training for museum staff to be more culturally aware.
• Plans to construct a Native arbor at History Park to honor tribal lands.
• More thoughtful inclusion of Indigenous people and performers in special events.
But the work doesn’t stop here. As stewards of equity and historical accuracy, the museum team is committed to future planning and growth which may include an Ethnobotanical interpretive trail in the park and the garden adjacent to the museum and continuing to expand the Indigenous collection at the Museum.
As we reflect as a community on our history, inclusion and access will continue to be driving forces in our work to celebrate all of who we are and the many diverse historical perspectives we bring.
The Golden History Museum & Park offers programs and events for children and adults year-round. On Thursday, Nov. 2 the museum will host an event on the Indigenous Connections Project. In 2021, Golden History Museum & Park embarked on a new project to elevate Indigenous voice and representation in the Museum’s exhibits, collections, programs and interpretation. Learn about the progress the Museum has made in the past two years as well as plans for future exhibits, research and outreach.
Learn more about this event and others at www.goldenhistory.org/learn-do/events.
The City’s Planning Division has been working for the past year to develop the 2023 Pedestrian and Bike Plan which will help advance capital projects, programs and policies to support multimodal travel and recreation. The Plan was reviewed and adopted by City Council at the Sept. 12 meeting and details can be found at www.guidinggolden.com of the final plan.
While this plan details activities over many years, the Public Works Department already began implementation of several recommended projects approved and adopted by the City:
RAISED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND CROSSING
BEACON (Eagle Ridge Drive and Iowa Drive)
Two raised crosswalks were installed on Eagle Ridge Drive at Entrada Drive and Iowa Drive at Rubey Drive. Raised crosswalks are shown to slow vehicles, making pedestrian crossings safer. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) will also be installed at both locations to better alert drivers of the presence of pedestrians within the crosswalks.
The City’s Public Works Department also purchased nine additional RRFBs which will be added to existing crosswalks throughout Golden with an emphasis on school zones and frequently used school walking routes.
The City is contracting to improve or add bike lanes on several streets in central and south Golden including:
• Ulysses Street Buffered Bike Lane Improvements (10th Avenue to Mount Vernon Road)
• 10th Avenue Bike Lane Improvements and Extension (Ulysses Street to Jefferson County Parkway)
• Illinois Street Bike Lane Addition (Jefferson County Parkway to the Fossil Trace Shared Use Path)
• 13th Street Buffered Bike Lane Addition (East Street to Ford Street)
There are many more improvements yet to come to improve the pedestrian and bicycle networks in Golden to make biking and walking safer for all users.
Across our state and right here in town, motor vehicles sharing the road with cyclists is crucial for ensuring safety and preventing accidents. In the last three years, Golden has seen 23 bicycle-related traffic accidents with the most impact at 13th and Ford, 10th and Ford, and 18th and Ford. Both drivers and cyclists have distinct responsibilities to keep our community safe.
Cyclists hold the responsibility of following most of the same traffic rules as motorists, including yielding the rightof-way when necessary, signaling their intentions when turning or changing lanes and obeying the posted speed limit. In 2022, traffic guidelines for cyclists changed to include cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign, and a red light as a stop sign.
When passing a cyclist, drivers must allow a three-foot distance between their vehicle and the cyclist. Drivers also need to be vigilant when opening car doors to avoid colliding with cyclists which can be extremely dangerous to both parties.
Cyclists must use bike lanes when they are available, and if not, they can use the rightmost lane or shoulder. However,
they are not restricted from using regular traffic lanes when necessary for their safety. Drivers must also be considerate of cyclists in bike lanes and avoid obstructing their path, especially when making a right-hand turn in front of an oncoming cyclist, which is the most reported bicycle-related traffic accident in Golden.
By understanding and adhering to these shared responsibilities and laws, both cyclists and drivers can coexist peacefully on our city streets, creating an environment of safety and mutual respect.
The sales tax refund is limited to senior, low-income or disabled individuals who have lived within the city limits of Golden for at least 90 consecutive days in 2023 and cannot be claimed as a dependent on any other person’s tax return. The refund amount for 2023 is $125. This will be adjusted for partial year residency in Golden and partial year at age 65. Please email salestax@cityofgolden.net or call 303-384-8024 with questions.
Please check one box only:
q Senior Refund (must be 65 years or older)
q Low Income Refund
Proof required. Attach a photocopy of one of the following:
• State of Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate approval notification
• Proof of Medicaid benefits
• Proof of LEAP eligibility
• Proof of eligibility for food stamps
q Disabled Refund
Proof required. Attach a photocopy of one of the following:
• State of Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate approval notification
• Proof of full benefits from Social Security Disability Income, SSI or the Department of Human Services
• Proof of total disability from a public or private insurance plan
Please print or type:
Name: Mr(s).
Age: Date of Birth:
Name: Mr(s).
Age: Date of Birth:
Physical Address: Golden, CO ZIP
Mailing Address: City State ZIP
Phone:
How many months did you reside in the city limits of Golden during 2023? months
Were you claimed as a dependent on any other person’s income tax form? q yes q no
Signature: Signature:
This form must be submitted by no later than April 15, 2024.
Refund Donation Option:
You have the option to donate your refund to a City of Golden program or department by checking one of the boxes below:
q Golden Volunteer Fire Department
q Golden Cemetery
q Other City program or department (please identify):
Office Use Only:
q Golden History Museum & Park
q Community Grant Program
q Golden Senior Front Porch
El reintegro de impuestos a las ventas se limita a las personas de la tercera edad, de bajos ingresos o discapacitadas que hayan vivido dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Golden durante al menos 90 días consecutivos en 2023, y no puedan ser declaradas como dependientes en la declaración de impuestos de otra persona. El monto del reintegro de 2023 es $125. Este monto será ajustado por año parcial de residencia en Golden y por año parcial a los 65 años. Si tiene preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico a salestax@cityofgolden.net o llame al 303-384-8024.
Marque solo una casilla:
q Reintegro para las personas de la tercera edad (debe tener 65 años o más)
q Reintegro por bajos ingresos
Se requiere comprobación. Adjunte una fotocopia de uno de los siguientes documentos:
• Notificación de reembolso de impuestos a la propiedad/alquiler/calefacción del estado de Colorado.
• Prueba de beneficios de Medicaid
• Prueba de elegibilidad para el LEAP
• Prueba de elegibilidad para cupones de alimentos
q Reintegro por discapacidad
Se requiere comprobación. Adjunte una fotocopia de uno de los siguientes documentos:
• Notificación de reembolso de impuestos a la propiedad/alquiler/calefacción del estado de Colorado.
• Comprobante de beneficios completos proveniente de los pagos por discapacidad del Seguro Social, SSI o Departamento de Servicios Humanos.
• Comprobante de incapacidad total de un plan de seguro público o privado.
Escriba en letra de molde o con computadora:
Nombre: Señor(a)
Edad: Fecha de nacimiento:
Nombre: Señor(a)
Edad: Fecha de nacimiento:
Domicilio: Golden, CO Código postal
Dirección postal: Ciudad Estado Código postal
Teléfono:
¿Cuántos meses residió dentro de los límites de la ciudad de Golden durante el 2023? meses
¿Se le declaró como persona dependiente en el formulario de declaración de impuestos de otra persona? qsí qno
Firma: Firma:
Este formulario debe enviarse a más tardar el 15 de abril de 2024.
Opción para donar su reintegro:
Tiene la opción de donar su reintegro a algún programa o departamento de la Ciudad de Golden, marcando una de las siguientes casillas:
q Golden History Museum & Park
q Programa de subvenciones comunitarias
q Departamento de Bomberos Voluntarios de Golden q Cementerio de Golden q Golden Senior Front Porch
q Otro programa o departamento de la Ciudad (indique cuál):
Solo para uso oficial: Account #01-3031-61900 STR Vendor #
Fossil Trace city staff aren’t just busy when the greens are at their greenest; in fact, they’re busy year-round. While the grass is not actively growing on the 18 picturesque holes, it is still alive, and the Turf Care Team has to ensure the harsh winter environment is not detrimental to its health.
Since the in-season golf schedule is non-stop, tasks such as bunker renovations, flower garden installations, and other potentially disruptive but necessary projects must take place during the off-season. Bunkers are covered during the winter to keep extreme winds from blowing sand about. Green complexes are cordoned off to keep heavy winter guests (ELK!!) from stomping and feasting on the greens.
While snow is welcomed and much a part of Colorado living, it is often removed from the greens to keep ice from forming. Suffocating turf from ice or a constant “freeze-thaw” cycle can be fatal to finely manicured turfgrass. Similarly, extreme dryness can be devastating to turf. Don’t be surprised if you see irrigation running when the weather allows. Though the intent is to blow-out the irrigation system during the winter, often the Turf Care Team finds it necessary to recharge the system and water critical areas.
The Turf Care Team also updates stakes, tee markers, signs to be in tip-top shape for in-season, and performs
preventative maintenance and equipment repairs in-house.
Fossil Trace is open for play during the winter if there is no snow on the course. It is common to have warm weather even in January, and though daylight hours are fewer, Fossil Trace is still happy to provide guests the opportunity to come out and enjoy the great outdoors.
With winter weather looming, you may be considering what indoor alternatives are available to keep your workout routine going strong—or starting a new one altogether! The Golden Community Center has many options for you and is excited to show off our beautiful facility with some exciting upgrades.
In addition to the GCC’s indoor lap pool and leisure pool, indoor track and courts, the weight room now features stateof-the-art equipment to build strength. Cybex Circuit Strength Equipment creates an updated look and feel in ergonomics and upholstery. TORQUE Fitness X-CREATE equipment adds a new element to the Center, designed to support training that prepares the body for real-life movements and activities.
Even if you have never been to the Golden Community Center, staff are ready to help. Free weight room orientations help you feel comfortable and confident in the gym, and our skilled personal trainers are available to help you achieve your fitness goals and build a workout routine.
Come for the day, purchase a discounted 10 Visit Pass, or sign up for an annual membership. Golden Residents always receive priority pricing.
Sunday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Autumn Fest
A free, family-friendly community event presented by the Golden History Museum & Park. The day will be filled with crafts, big trucks, food trucks, dancers and historic interpretations. Activities at both the Golden History Museum and the Golden History Park. www.goldenhistory.org/learn-do/events
Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Golden Farmers Market
Don’t miss the last Farmers Market of the season at 10th and Illinois Streets. Sponsored by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. www.goldenfarmersmarket.org
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Metro Denver Green Homes Tour
Find out how your neighbors are living better AND saving money at the annual Metro Denver Green Homes Tour, featuring a Green Homes Expo, speaker series, a Tiny Green Home, e-bikes, a growing dome and an electric vehicle roundup. www.newenergycolorado.com
Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Safety Day - Golden Fire Department
Fire Station #1 at 911 10th Street will host a free, Fire Prevention Week-themed Safety Day with local and regional partners. Activities for all ages include fire truck tours, live fire demonstrations, and the opportunity to practice hands-on fire safety skills with first responders. Light refreshments provided.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. Coffee with Councilors
Join your Councilors in the Golden Community Center Bear Creek South room (1470 10th St.) or online. This month's event features a discussion on Golden's Housing for All affordable housing initiatives and strategies with Thriving Communities Director, Sarah Vaine.
Saturday, Oct.14, 1 – 4 p.m. Beer Tasting and Chili Cookoff
Individuals, businesses and restaurants offer up their best chili for tasting and competition at Parfet Park. In partnership with Coors Distributing Company, this event will showcase 30+ brands - from domestic beers to imports to specialty crafts. Sponsored by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. www.goldenbeerchilicookoff.org
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 6 - 8 p.m. Candidate Forum
Leadership Golden will hold a Candidates Forum in Council Chambers at City Hall. The election on November 7 is for the Mayor and the two District Councilors. The public is invited. Leadership Golden has solicted questions from the public which the candidates will address. Candidate statements will be included in the October Voter Guide.
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Trick or Treat Street
Bring your young, costumed trick or treaters to Washington Avenue for a non-spooky afternoon of gathering treats from our partner merchants. Free.
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. Coffee with Councilors
Join your Councilors in the Golden Community Center Bear Creek South room (1470 10th St.) or online. This month's event features a discussion on Creek Management update with Parks and Recreation Director, Tammy Tucker.
Monday, Nov. 6 - 10, 8 a.m. Fall Yard Waste Collection
For residents who participate in the City’s Pay as You Throw residential waste collection program, the semi-annual fall yard waste collection is scheduled for the week of
November 6 - 10. Yard waste should be placed at or near where your trash is collected by 8 a.m. on your weekly service day. www.cityofgolden.net/live/residents-guide/trashrecycling
After Thanksgiving Christmas Tree Purchase
Fresh Christmas trees and wreaths from Michigan will be sold by the Breakfast Golden Optimists and Boy Scout Troop 329 as a fundraiser for both organizations. Sales will begin after Thanksgiving at the U.S. Bank parking lot at 19th and Jackson and continue until supplies run out. www.goldenoptimist.org
Saturday, Nov. 25 Small Business Saturday - Shop Local!
Celebrate our small and local businesses in Golden's five shopping areas. Stop at the Golden Visitor Center Welcome Station from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and pick up a free tote bag and special offers. Shopping continues through the holiday season! www.visitgolden. com/events/annual-events/small-business-saturday
Friday, Dec. 1 – Friday, Dec. 29
Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.
Closed Christmas Eve and Day
Holiday Art Market
Shop for unique and extraordinary gifts at the Foothills Art Center Holiday Art Market at the Foothills Art Center Gallery space in the former Astor House Museum, 822 12th St. www.foothillsartcenter.org
Friday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Candlelight Walk
Join us for the traditional Candlelight Walk on Washington Avenue. Gather at 15th Street and Washington Avenue. The walk starts at 6:30 p.m. followed by the lighting of the lights.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Coffee with Councilors
Join your Councilors in the Golden Community Center Bear Creek South room (1470 10th St.) or online. This month's event features an update on GPD's 32-hour workweek trail with Golden Police Chief Joe Harvey.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m.
Golden Concert Choir presents Magic of the Season
The Golden Concert Choir will hold its holiday concert in the Great Hall of Golden’s historic Calvary Episcopal Church. Do some shopping at the gift and craft sale following the concert. www.goldenconcertchoir.org
Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m. Olde Golden Holiday Parade
Line up on Washington Avenue to watch your favorite parade entries celebrate the joy of the season.
Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Jingle on the Avenue
Stroll and visit with your favorite holiday characters. Washington Avenue will be closed with photo opportunities, including the “Selfie with an Elfie” station.
Tuesday, Dec. 26 – Saturday, Jan. 27, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christmas Tree Drop Off
Drop off your Christmas trees at the former Golden Recycle site, just west of Highway 93 and north of Golden Gate Canyon Road. Please leave trees at the south end of the site where signage is posted and strip trees of all ornaments, lights, and tinsel. For further details, call 303-384-8141.
Information is subject to change. Please use contact information to confirm the details of an event. To list a community event happening in Golden, please send your listing by e-mail to communications@cityofgolden.net. Listings should include the date(s), the event name and a brief description of the event, which may include cost, location and contact information. Submissions must be received by the first of the month two months prior to the issue you would like them printed in (i.e., Nov. 1 for the January – March issue). Email communications@cityofgolden.net with questions or for more information.
