Golden Informer - June 2021

GoldenInformer JUNE 2021

SUMMER IS BACK! Events, Farmers Market, Bike Library, and more!

CLEAR CREEK: New Ways to Maximize Fun and Safety City Services Back in Person Father's Day in Golden INSERT INSIDE: 2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

2021 Golden City Council

Laura Weinberg Mayor

JJ Trout District One

Rob Reed Ward One

Paul Haseman Ward Two

Casey Brown Mayor Pro Tem District Two

Jim Dale Ward Three

Bill Fisher Ward Four

303-384-8179 E-mail: lweinberg @cityofgolden.net

720-880-5084 E-mail: jtrout @cityofgolden.net

303-431-9891 E-mail: rreed @cityofgolden.net

303-513-2310 E-mail: phaseman @cityofgolden.net

303-900-2003 E-mail: cbrown @cityofgolden.net

303-916-0810 E-mail: jdale @cityofgolden.net

303-588-3389 E-mail: bfisher @cityofgolden.net

To contact the entire City Council, e-mail citycouncil@cityofgolden.net.

IN T H IS ISS U E The Golden Informer is produced and published monthly by the Golden City Manager’s Office and mailed as a source of news and information to all residences and businesses inside the City limits. Comments on The Informer are welcome.

Please write to: City of Golden 911 10th St. Golden, CO 80401 or e-mail communications@cityofgolden.net

Cover photo by photographer, Gabriel Rovick, F4D Studio.

5 C ity Manager's Message: To the Golden Community

5 N ew Boards & Commissions Members

6 Summer Clear Creek Fun & Safety 7 2 nd Draft of Zoning Code Rewrite 8 B ody Cameras for Golden PD 8 N ew Golden PD website

13 Ethnography Study Grant 14 Farmers Market Opens June 5 15 Special Events are Back!

16 Golden Summer Jam on June 24 20 20 CITY OF GOLDEN

with CRIMEWATCH Network Report Water Quality

9 T he Future of Transit in Golden 10 Visit Golden for Father's Day

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City of Golden Department Managers

Jason Slowinski City Manager

Carly Lorentz Deputy City Manager

Dan Hartman Public Works

Rick Muriby Monica Mendoza Interim Comm.

City Clerk & Econ. Dev.

Rod Tarullo Parks and Recreation

Bill Kilpatrick Police

Alicia Welch Fire Chief

Jeff Hansen Finance

Teresa Reilly Human Resources

Communications

Jiles McCoy Innovation and Technology

303-384-8012 303-384-8098 303-384-8063 303-384-8150 303-384-8014 303-384-8120 303-384-8033 303-384-8090 303-384-8020 303-384-8017 303-384-8010 communications@ clorentz@ rmuriby@ jmccoy@ dhartman@ mmendoza@ rtarullo@ bkilpatrick@ awelch@ jhansen@ treilly@ jslowinski@ cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net cityofgolden.net

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HEADS UP: Important Upcoming Items

Leadership Golden Now Accepting Applications Now in its 38th year, Leadership Golden is accepting applications for the 2021-22 Program. This tuition-free program provides local learning about Golden with 11 sessions from September through April, including Golden history, government, public works, finance, development, education, arts, recreation, and others. Great program for new-comers and long-term residents interested in the fabric of Golden. Visit www.leadershipgolden.org for all the details and to complete an application form online. The application deadline is July 31.

To meet and speak with the Leadership Golden Board of Directors, Steering Committee, and Alumni, you are invited to attend the “Meet and Greet” reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 at Café 13, corner of 13th and Arapahoe. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. Call Paul Haseman for more information at 303-513-2310.

Golden Bike Library Set to Open in June The Golden Bike Library is set to open for its fifth season this year! Watch for more information on opening day at www.cityofgolden.net/bikelibrary. The Golden Bike Library is located downtown behind the Golden Visitors Center. Bikes are available Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are sanitized after each use. The first two hours are free; those looking to rent for longer periods pay just $10 per day and may utilize a convenient key-drop box to return bikes after hours. Riders are required to sign a waiver and those under 18 must have a parent signature. A valid ID and credit card is required for rentals.

Golden Rotary Peach Sale The Golden Rotary Club will be selling boxes of sweet, delicious Palisade peaches. Order yours before they run out. Sales begin in June, with a pick up date to be announced for a date in August. Watch for Keene, the Golden Rotary Peach Ambassador, on Facebook, Instagram, and email blasts for more details! Visit www.rotaryclubofgolden.org for updates and to place your order.

Golden Visitors Center Open Daily The Golden Visitors Center, 1010 Washington Avenue, is now open to the public, 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and see what’s going on in Golden.

I GOT VACCINATED... so I could SAFELY see my friends again!

Find a vaccine near you at covid19.colorado.gov/vaccine.

For resources to help during the COVID 19 crisis, visit www.HelpGoldenNow.org.

Golden City Council's Monthly Calendar

Meetings are held on TUESDAY Nights at 6:30 p.m.

Council Chambers City Hall, 911 10th St. In-person meetings are set to begin in June.

For more information, visit www.cityofgolden. net/agendas. __________________________

June 8

Regular Business Meeting

June 15

Regular Business Meeting

__________________________ Council’s upcoming agendas, packets and meeting minutes are available online under the City Council link at www.cityofgolden.net/ agendas.

Public comment is welcome on the agenda at all regular business meetings.

If you want to send your comments to the City Council directly, you can email them councilcomments@ cityofgolden.net.

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MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor

Laura Weinberg

Building Back Better in Golden

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lected officials have been talking for months about recovery and building back better than before. It is a popular idea because it recognizes that our economy and our communities were not perfect before the pandemic and there is room for improvement. We have heard this message nationally and at the state level here in Colorado. What does it mean for local governments like Golden?

The City had revenue impacts in 2020 and did postpone projects and hiring. This year will see many of the previously postponed projects completed, but without additional funding sources, not many additional projects or additional programs to help the community recover.

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed into law in March provides direct stimulus dollars to local governments. Golden will receive about $4.45 million dollars. The funds will be provided in two separate installments and must be spent by the end of 2024.

Guidelines have been provided regarding eligible uses for the funds. The main categories are supporting public health expenditures; addressing negative economic impacts; replacing lost public revenue; providing premium pay for essential workers; and investing in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

This opportunity to invest in our future and an equitable recovery is incredibly exciting. I don’t know that Golden has seen anything like this before nor ever will again. Taking our time to identify the efforts that will be lasting and broadly benefit the community is important. The City has chosen to incorporate discussions regarding the new funds into our already established budget process.

Our process includes two budgets, the Biennial Budget and the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This year, and for the next several, we will add another category for the ARPA funds. The CIP identifies possible timeframes for projects and is reviewed each year to determine any shifts in priorities or ability to accelerate timeframes with additional funding. Funding capital projects in the city are a possibility for the new funds and partnering with other cities or the county on larger regional needs is another possibility to be explored.

Additionally, there continues to be need in the community for individuals, families, and businesses disproportionally impacted by the pandemic. The city has partnered with non-profits and other agencies to support programs to address hunger, housing insecurity, rent relief, and access to services. Those funds are needed and appreciated, and the ARPA funds will allow for continuing contributions. The additional dollars also allow us to consider possible new programs and systems that provide longterm community benefits.

Our annual budget process includes numerous opportunities for input from advisory boards, citizens, staff, and City Council across multiple channels and in multiple meetings. I hope that you will help City Council as we work through the budget process by providing your input and ideas for the allocation of these new funds. This is a great opportunity to invest in our City and I am excited to work with all of you to build a better Golden.

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City Manager's Message: To the Golden Community

ince March of 2020, Mayor Weinberg, members of the Golden City Council, and our City staff leadership team, have all spent considerable time, energy, and focus on responding to the unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic. While the circumstances were difficult, our goal was simple: Carry out one of the core functions of local government, that is, to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our community. This, of course, would not be possible without the incredible work of our dedicated City employees—often on the front lines and often face-to-face helping those they serve.

The unpredictable nature of the pandemic dictated that we adjust our City operations to meet the moment. Virtual meetings, limited person-to-person contact, creative online programming, and reservation-type systems all became part of the norm. Our beloved special events were canceled and many of our facilities were closed, with some services being temporarily suspended. “Normal” business activities were often put aside in favor of more pressing, COVID-19 related matters. All of this was necessary to protect those that call Golden home.

Beginning Monday, June 7, you will notice a significant change, signaling a slow, yet rewarding return to normal. Next week, City Hall and the City’s Administrative Offices, will once again be open to the public for normal services without appointment. City Council will meet again, in person, in City Council Chambers starting Tuesday, June 8. The City’s many Advisory Boards and Commissions will also return to in-person meetings. While we may need to hang onto some of the COVID-19 protocols a little bit longer based on public health guidance, our goal is to return to services as close to normal as possible during the month of June.

It has been a long year Golden. For everyone. I have appreciated the patience and understanding that you have extended while we have worked to minimize the impacts of COVID-19 in our community and respond to the unique challenges created by this pandemic.

Jason T. Slowinski, City Manager

CITY COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

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ity of Golden Mayor Laura Weinberg and the City Council announced the appointment of new Boards and Commissions members during the April 20 City Council meeting. Boards and Commissions members are an important part of the community as they assist the City in strategizing to implement policies, programs and meet goals.

The selection of new Boards and Commissions members from the many amazing applicants is difficult.

Golden is lucky to have so many highly qualified and engaged citizens.

Members were appointed to

serve on the following boards and commissions: Community Sustainability Board, Allison Schwabe (term ending 2022), Downtown Development Authority, Jonathan Bortles and Heather Schneider (terms ending 2025), Economic Development Commission, Sarah Hudson, Paul Robbins, Petyon Rose and Cynthia Weisrock (terms ending 2025), Fire Pension Board Wendy Towber, (term ending 2025), Golden Urban Renewal Authority, Yen Chau and Adam Schiche (terms ending 2026), Historic Preservation Board, Sandra Knecht (term ending 2022), Parks, Recreation

and Museum Advisory Board, Pete Erslev, Craig Middleton, Kermit Shields and Michele Minihane (terms ending 2025), Planning Commission, Tyler Scrable (term ending 2022) and Public Art Commission, Kristie Brice, Lisa DeCaro and Katalin Wishart (terms ending 2025).

Additionally, regularly visit www.guidinggolden.com or attend board meetings to provide your input on important projects for the City.

We value your voice and contributions to the City’s efforts and encourage you to consider applying for a Board or Commission in the future.

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City Introduces New Ways to Maximize Fun and Safety at the Creek

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s Golden residents can attest, June signals the start of another busy summer season in Golden.

This year, City officials anticipate activity levels that may exceed the norm for summertime in Golden. After many months of limited activities, interactions, and events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people will likely seek to get out and participate in the many customary activities they have missed. In Golden, that means outdoor recreation — especially, along and in the popular Clear Creek.

After years of continued growth in activity in the Clear Creek corridor, this year the City will be introducing new measures aimed at improving conditions in the corridor so that all may experience equal enjoyment of Clear Creek and adjacent trails and parks, regardless of one’s preferred activity.

Several months ago, City Manager Jason Slowinski pulled together a group of stakeholders to review management practices in the Clear Creek corridor.

This working group — representing neighborhoods, civic organizations, the Golden Visitor’s Center, local businesses, outdoor recreation industry representatives, equipment rental companies, and Golden residents — met regularly since February discussing issues, challenges, and potential strategies, to address the issues caused by the growing popularity of Clear Creek.

The group’s work focused on issues concerning water use and safety, trail use, traffic and parking, communications, enforcement of rules and regulations, and environmental concerns.

At the City Council meeting on May 11, the City Manager briefed the City

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Council on the work of the group and the likely changes in management practices expected during the upcoming 2021 summer season. Among the more significant changes you will likely see are:

• An expanded Park Ranger program with focus on the enforcement of rule violations; and • A central online portal for visitor information related to Clear Creek

These changes, and many others, • The implementation of color-coded are based on recommendations of the water safety protocols tied to actual working group. In addition, the group water flow conditions; identified a number of other possible • The introduction of a Clear Creek actions and strategies for consideration Ambassador program in an effort to in future years.

Recognizing the important asset that better inform, educate, and establish Clear Creek is for the community, the City new cultural norms around enjoyment will be seeking feedback from residents of the Clear Creek corridor; and visitors related to these changes • Better signage to communicate rules, throughout the summer season. This expectations, and other important feedback, along with other data points, information; will allow us to learn from these changes • The separation of certain uses on the and will help guide future adjustments adjacent Clear Creek trails in order and recommendations. to minimize user conflicts, to include For more information and further a preferred path for tubers and a details on the strategies, visit seasonal bicycle dismount zone; www.guidinggolden.com.

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Zoning into the Second Draft of the Code Rewrite Process

ity of Golden Planning staff has been working on a project with a code consultant to review our 50-yearold code and provide recommended changes to the community for ongoing feedback. The first draft of the proposed code is form-based and can be viewed on Guiding Golden. Based on community feedback and a meeting in March with City Council and Planning Commission, the second draft of the proposed code is in progress and will be presented with more opportunities for feedback this summer. Some of the key topic areas that have been discussed are:

REZONING (USES VS DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS) The proposal for the new code DOES NOT rezone singlefamily neighborhoods to multi-family neighborhoods. If your property has single-family zoning today, you would still have single-family zoning with the proposed new code. Likewise, if you have multi-family zoning, that would not change either.

The change is how you can build on your property in the future within the same zoning uses that are currently in place. Instead of allowing more multi-family developments, the proposed new code requires multi-family developments to better match the established neighborhoods that they are allowed in. Multi-family developments would be comprised of a series of smaller cottages rather than large multi-tenant apartment complexes. People could still build duplexes and triplexes but only on properties that permit those developments today. The biggest duplex and triplex permitted through the proposed new code is much smaller than any of the similar developments allowed by our existing code over the last several years.

compliance with specific zoning code provisions. More details will be shared in the second draft.

SINGLE FAMILY ZONING (PERIPHERAL ZONE)

Staff received direction from Council and Commission to only include form types in the Periphery zone (R1, R1-A, RE use districts) that will maintain the minimum lot sizes already permitted in the single-family zone districts under the current code. These include the Suburban House, Side-Drive House, and Village House form types. There will be no small lot subdivision permitted in single-family zone districts moving forward. The biggest difference between today’s code and the proposed new code with regards to singlefamily is a proposed cap on the total building size permitted PARKING The existing downtown and neighborhood corridor parking in the future. We are proposing a cap of 3,200 square feet, standards found in Chapter 18.36 of the existing code shall not including garages, or finished basements, but would be maintained with no reduction for small tenant spaces include an ADU. within commercial parking requirements in the new code.

After we, as a community, have had the opportunity to The residential parking standards are proposed to remain get the regulations adjusted in the correct manner, staff the same as well with only minor modifications related to will focus on how to “map” the form types across the City. specific form types.

When the second draft is released, staff will reintroduce the office hours where anyone in the community can call and SITE PLAN REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESS Staff is working on a concept that would allow a public ask questions about the proposed code. As always, individual review period for each development application approved by appointments can be set up with staff anytime to ask the Planning Division. This process would provide Council questions about the proposed new code at your convenience. the right to “call-up” an application for Planning Commission For more information, visit www.cityofgolden.net/agendas review if there are concerns from the public related to and www.guidinggolden.com/zoning-code-update.

June 2021 | 7

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Body Worn Cameras in Golden

he Golden Police Department is proud to announce that Body Worn Cameras (BWC) are now part of all 52 sworn officers’ uniforms as of March 2021. Our policy has been reviewed and meets all legal requirements as outlined in Senate Bill 20-217 Enhancing Law Enforcement Integrity.

The policy can be viewed on our website at www.cityofgolden. net/pd-policies-procedures-training.

Officers will activate cameras when responding to calls for service or during any interaction with the public initiated by the officer, whether the contact is voluntary or involuntary and for the purpose of enforcing the law or investigating possible violations of the law. Officers will have discretion to turn the camera on during other citizen contacts or official duty circumstances, or to turn the camera off to protect sensitive information, privacy of individuals or confidentiality concerns.

After careful consideration, the department moved forward with Axon Enterprise Inc., as the chosen vendor and was able to reach a 10-year $934,269.09 contract for services and equipment. Axon provides full data collection and storage using Evidence.com which offers safe, unlimited data storage and other needed functionality for a successful program. Axon also offers equipment that will automatically activate the camera if a conducted energy weapon (Taser) and/or handgun are pulled from the holster.

Studies across the nation have shown that the presence of BWC's strengthens accountability and assists in de-escalating conflicts between police and members of the community. The department is seeking to enhance our high level of community trust by providing this technology to our members. We hope that the program will improve faith in the police function for the community, provide a useful tool for documenting evidence, provide an opportunity for training officers, and foster an environment of mutual respect during interactions with community. For more information about the program and for any questions, visit www.goldenpolice.net.

Golden PD launches new website with the CRIMEWATCH Network

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he Golden Police Department has launched a new website at www.goldenpolice.net, providing the Golden community a more effective way e-mail alerts regarding crime to help fight crime and stay informed. committed in certain areas.

Developed in partnership with CRIMEWATCH Technologies, the new • Submit a tip to local law enforcement. website is part of the CRIMEWATCH Network, a communications platform • View recent arrests and “most developed specifically for law wanted” lists. enforcement agencies. The new platform • Register camera and alarm systems. has many new features that will help • Share information with others the public stay involved with safety in through social media. their neighborhoods, and strengthen • Get connected with resources and the already great partnership our police services. department has with the community.

You can also download CRIMEWATCH Visit www.goldenpolice.net, and you Mobile from the Apple App Store or can now do the following: • Sign up for a free account to receive Android App Store to connect quickly

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and easily with your mobile device.

According to Police Chief Bill Kilpatrick, "This new website is the perfect entry point for establishing better police and public partnerships.

Technology gives us the opportunity to streamline communications with the public, improve transparency, and strengthen our already great partnerships within the community… several police departments throughout the country are having remarkable success using this technology.”

Golden Police Department is the second Colorado agency to go live on the CRIMEWATCH Network. Visit www.goldenpolice.net and let us know what you think!

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Golden Looks to the Future in Transit

he future of transit begins right here in Golden! The Colorado Smart Cities Alliance has chosen Golden for a one-year pilot program that will employ a free shuttle service using driverless vehicles. Thanks to a partnership between the Alliance, the City and the Colorado School of Mines, a transit company called EZ Mile which specializes in autonomous vehicle technology, will be deploying 7 driverless shuttles on three different routes through Golden beginning on the first of August.

EZ Mile is a leader in transit innovation and has been using this technology worldwide since 2014, including an autonomous shuttle that has already been in operation on the NREL campus in Golden. The vehicles can reach speeds of up to 12 mph, and although they are ‘driverless’ each one will have a CSM Mines student in the role of Customer Service Ambassador, who will be trained to answer questions and take the controls should any intervention be needed. The vehicles are fully electric and will return each night to specially installed charging stations on the Mines campus to recharge. Up to six passengers seated with seatbelts can ride in each vehicle.

Golden was selected as one of just three EZ Street deployment sites for several reasons. It represents a unique and compelling downtown/university campus use case that will serve the transit needs of residents, students, and visitors alike.

The downtown and campus operating environments are highly

conducive to reliable, safe operation of autonomous shuttles and lastly, because the City and Colorado School of Mines have demonstrated a high level of engagement and willingness to partner on this innovative effort.

The three routes in this shuttle system were chosen based on the operating needs of the autonomous vehicles. The plan is to run them from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with variations that will help maximize ridership. One route will link the student housing at Mines Park to campus; the downtown route will link campus to west downtown and the third route links the stadium to central campus. The shuttle schedules and routes will be incorporated into the RTD website under their ‘trip planner’ feature. Detailed maps of the determined routes can be found on www.guidinggolden.com.

This exciting innovation is coming to Golden thanks to federal and state approvals, with minimal financial impact to the City. Our contribution to the success of the program is the coordination of public outreach and information about the pilot project, and ensuring that the infrastructure within the City’s right of way, such as transit stop signage, paint markings and concrete pads for passenger loading, is conducive to the operation of the vehicles. We are excited to be part of this innovative transit solution.

Staying Safe in the Great Outdoors

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s the weather continues to warm, and there is a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many people are eager to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful recreation opportunities that Colorado offers. While it’s fun to explore, it’s important to remember that the Colorado backcountry, and even our own foothills, can be wild and unpredictable.

Make safety a priority when planning your adventure, and follow these tips brought to you by the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) and the Golden Fire & Life Safety Division.

Whenever possible, have a partner on your adventure. If that’s not feasible, let someone know your plans, including

where you intend to be, and what time you intend to return. Make sure to take a fully charged cell phone should you or someone else have an emergency.

Remember that cell phone service can be spotty or non-existent in some places, so don’t rely on your phone for route finding or GPS. Always keep a map and compass accessible. Pack a basic first aid kit, including any medicines you may need, such as an inhaler or even an ‘epi-pen’ if you are known to have allergic reactions.

Colorado is known for its sunshine, but the weather can change quickly and drastically. Be sure to wear proper footwear and bring sunglasses and

sunscreen. Carry extra layers: a wool or synthetic insulating layer, gloves, rain gear, a warm hat, and extra socks. Avoid cotton which is a poor insulator and doesn’t dry quickly.

In case of an unexpected overnight, a headlamp is a good way for hands-free lighting. Always carry extra food and a firestarter like a lighter or matches (it never hurts to have both). Lastly, the CMC recommends keeping at least 2 liters of water in your pack. Even though alpine water often appears clean, it contains microbes that can make you sick.

Learn more about exploring the Colorado outdoors safely by visiting www.cmc.org.

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Your active participation is helping to shape the future of Golden at GuidingGolden.com ZONING CODE UPDATE

STRIVING FOR RACIAL EQUITY

The second draft of the Golden Zoning Code update is anticipated to be released in the first two weeks of June. New feedback opportunities will be available at www.guidinggolden.com/zoning-code-update for specific inclusions in the second draft.

Proposals received from firms interested in working with the City to create a racial equity plan have been narrowed to six. Preview the proposals and give us your feedback at www.guidinggolden.com/striving-for-racial-equity. The JEDI Subcommittee will consider community feedback when they present a recommendation to City Council in June.

KINNEY RUN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The Kinney Run Improvement Project is a Public/Private Partnership between the City and Molson Coors for improvements to the Kinney Run Flood Plain Area on the east side of Ford Street in downtown Golden, between 14th Street and Clear Creek. This project is related to the G150 project, and there will be trail and street closures in the area from Spring - Fall 2021. Please follow the page and sign up for updates for information on closures and the work being done.

THE FUTURE OF THE ASTOR HOUSE The Historic Preservation Board reviewed the Foothills Art Center plan for rehabilitation of the Astor House on May 3 and continued the discussion to their June 7 meeting.

You can view the FAC proposal and recommendations for revisions from City staff and HPB at www.guidinggolden. com/astor-house-future and give us your feedback.

Father’s Day in Golden…

Golden has everything you need to make Dad feel special, right in your backyard. Golden is a perfect spot for outdoor adventure, family fun, and even burgers and beer too! There are lots of Golden ways to celebrate Dad: Golfing with Dad, Burgers & Biking, Explore Dinosaurs & Trains, Morning Hike & Breakfast, Picnic w/ Pops, or a Scenic Drive w/Dad. For more information or other ideas, head to www.visitgolden.com.

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Social, Economic & Environmental Issues

Sprinkler Consultations Start June 14

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ow can you maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn while saving water? The City of Golden partners with Resource Conservation whose trained sprinkler technicians will conduct efficiency tests on your sprinkler system to determine exactly how long you should run your zones to keep your lawn green and healthy, without over watering. They will leave you with a customized watering schedule to take the guesswork out of watering your lawn, and provide bi-weekly, weather-based watering recommendations so you always know you’re giving your lawn the water it needs to thrive. Conserving water doesn’t have to look like a brown lawn! Visit www.resourcecentral.org/ sprinklers to sign up for a Slow the Flow consultation today.

What’s the Deal with Plastic Bag Recycling?

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reminder that plastic bags are NOT accepted in Golden’s Pay-As-YouThrow curbside recycling program. The light, flexible plastic used to make those standard grocery bags gets stuck in the recycling facility’s machines, which then have to be shut down to manually remove the blockage. Additionally, though plastic bags themselves are considered recyclable, they contaminate the sorted bales of other materials that the material recovery facility produces.

The contamination by plastic bags in single-stream recycling lowers the economic viability of recycling any material that enters the facility.

Good news for committed recyclers: King Soopers on South Golden Road accepts plastic bags for recycling. King Soopers combines its collected materials

with other “film” plastics used in-store, and ships it to be made into composite decking. By combining the two sources of film plastic, King Soopers can ensure a cleaner stream of recyclable plastic, which makes it economically viable to recycle. Through Kroger’s Zero Hunger/ Zero Waste initiative, the store is able to accept the following in their drop-off bins: • Single use grocery & retail shopping bags • Food storage bags (including Ziplock, produce, and bread bags) • Dry cleaning bags • Newspaper sleeves • Plastic cereal box liners • Package overwrap (including soft plastic packaging found on paper goods, diapers, bulk snacks and bottles)

• Fully plastic shipping envelops, bubble wrap, and air pillows (deflated) As with all recycling, be sure to keep film plastics clean, dry, and remove any extra labels or stickers if possible. Note that cling wrap, degradable bags, and prepared food bags (including frozen food and prepared salad bags) are NOT recyclable. Your help will insure a higher quality of recyclable material and decrease the chances of contamination.

The future of single-use disposable plastics is under scrutiny this year, with Colorado legislators considering a bill (House Bill 21-1162) to reduce our reliance on plastic bags. To reduce plastic waste in your own home, reuse bags that you already have- whether that’s plastic bags from the last shopping trip, a repurposed t-shirt bag, or a cute cotton tote.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR SUMMER WEATHER Tired of filling your home with cool air this time of year, only to have it disappear? Invest in a home insulation upgrade to help keep temperature-controlled air where it belongs, and even get money back for qualifying projects. The City of Golden is currently matching select rebates offered by Xcel Energy. Check out www.cityofgolden.net/sustainabilityrebates to find out how to double your savings.

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Golden Community Center activities calendar For more information and to register, visit https://rec.cityofgolden.net.

GCC Fitness Classes Additional Fitness classes are added to the schedule all the time! Tai Chi, SilverSneakers Classic, SilverSneakers Circuit, All Levels Yoga, Power Training, Dynamic Circuit and more now available.

Visit rec.cityofgolden.net (under Wellness & Fitness) for the complete list, live schedule and ways to register.

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JumpBunch® Intro to Sports Parent/Tot

JumpBunch® Sports Exploration Pre-K - 2nd Grade JumpBunch® provides children experiences and opportunities so they can begin to create the foundations of their identity, determining how they want to show up in the world. We’ll introduce your child to a wide-range of sports, as we focus on developing beneficial skills for the whole child. Our trained coaches provide support and positive reinforcement so children can achieve success while challenging their bodies and exploring their abilities. Through our sports, fitness and movement-based program, you will observe your child’s physical and emotional being evolve as they play, learn, grow, and have the time of their life!

This program is taught by a contractual instructor who plans the program based upon the number of students registered 48 hours prior to the start of the program. Therefore, we cannot grant refunds, credit or transfer requests after 48 hours prior to the start of the class.

Age: 3 - 7 years, Min/Max: 4/12 #455721 Tuesdays, 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.

(04) June 1 – 29 (5 weeks, $60 Resident, $65 Non-resident) (05) July 6 - 27 $48 Resident, $53 Non-resident #455721 Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

(10) June 3 – July 1 (5 weeks, $60 Resident, $65 Non-resident) (11) July 8 – July 29 $48 Resident, $53 Non-resident

Enjoy hands-on interaction with your toddler as they explore their bodies while also expanding their minds, skills and abilities! JumpBunch® encourages development of the whole child through play, exploration, and movement. Your little one will feel inspired to try new things as they develop the confidence to believe in themselves, starting them on the path to living a happy, healthy and active life.

This program is taught by a contractual instructor who plans the program based upon the number of students registered 48 hours prior to the start of the program. Therefore, we cannot grant refunds, credit or transfer requests after 48 hours prior to the start of the class.

Age: 1.5 years - 3 years, Min/Max: 4/12 #455711 Thursdays, 4:45 – 5:15 p.m.

YOUTH & TEEN ACTIVITIES (05) June 3 - July 1 (5 weeks, S.T.E.A.M. Survivor $50 Resident, $55 Non-resident) Are you ready for a challenge?

(06) July 8 – 29 $40 Resident, $45 Non-resident Snapology’s S.T.E.A.M. Survivor program

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will put your students’ design, building, and critical thinking skills to the test!

They will be given daily challenges for which they must design functional solutions with their teammate! They will earn Survivor Bucks when they perform well and be able to use those survivor bucks to purchase supplies or prizes throughout the camp. The goal of this program is to encourage our students to carefully work through the engineering design process to see how often they can design with a purpose.

Age: 5 - 12 years, Min/Max: 5/12 #455127 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

(02) June 28 – July 2 ($75 discount if registered for 455128-02) $200 Resident, $225 Non-resident

Poke-Heroes In Snapology’s Pokémania program, students will explore the Pokémon world and practice their Pokémon training skills! They will create their own training gyms, unique battles, and even their very own generation of Pokémon. Your student will also explore some real-world science as they examine the habitats, characteristics, and needs of different Pokémon. They will do more than catch ‘em all, they will build and examine them all very closely and have a blast doing so!

Age: 5-12 years, Min/Max: 5/12 #455128 Monday - Friday, 1 - 4 p.m.

(02) June 28 – July 02 ($75 discount if registered for 455127-02) $200 Resident, $225 Non-resident

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Golden Receives Grant for Ethnography Study

ative Americans have lived in the region that is today known as Golden, Colorado, for more than 12,000 years. They possess a rich history and culture, but were forcibly removed through warfare, displacement, disease, and other factors brought on

by White settlers. Yet, dozens of tribes maintain this region as part of their historic homelands. Goldenites would love to create an opportunity to foster these links and learn from Indigenous communities what they are willing to share about their land and way of life.

To begin this work, the City of Golden has formed a partnership between its division of Planning and Museums, in addition to the support of Historic Preservation Board (HPB), to engage ethnographic consultants and tribal representatives to create an Ethnographic Study of the Golden region. The City was the recipient of a $25,000 Certified Local Government grant from the State Historical Foundation for the project.

The Ethnography Study would fulfill two immediate City goals: 1) help the museum and the City as an organization address a significant deficiency in their historical understanding of the Golden region, and 2) help address key goals within the City's Historic Preservation Plan.

This Ethnography Project is intended to be a first step in nurturing nascent relationships with descendant Native

communities. The City hopes to lay the foundation of trusting and collaborative relationships that could be grown over time to include Native participation in preserving and interpreting Native history, developing future educational initiatives, and adding underrepresented voices in the City’s ongoing work to preserve regional heritage. The ethnography will include a compilation of literature and historic writings about tribal history in the area, oral histories from tribe members, records from site visits to Golden, and stories related to the importance and meaning of the landscape, natural features, as well as flora and fauna from an Indigenous perspective.

The project begins with a request for proposals in May followed by review and selection of a qualified ethnographer.

Visits and interviews will likely occur in late summer and fall and the final report will be drafted over the winter.

The entire project should take about a year to complete. Once finished, the Museum and HPB will explore ways of incorporating the information into future exhibits, programs, school outreach, and historic preservation.

The ethnography is intended to be a foundation on which other subsequent projects and ethnographies can be built.

Interested in the Native American Ethnography project?

Visit www.guidinggolden.com/ethnography to learn more about the project, ask questions of the project leads, get progress updates, and suggest ideas for how to share the information and implement future projects.

Golden History Museum & Park • 923 10th St. • 303-278-3557 Check GoldenHistory.org for hours of operation, calendar of programs, and special event details.

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Farmers Market Opens June 5

he Golden Farmers Market opens Saturday, June 5 and runs through the first week of October. Shop local and fresh at the Golden Farmers Market, sponsored by the Golden Chamber of Commerce. Local growers and artisanal vendors offer a wide selection of produce, prepared food and health, beauty and wellness items. The market welcomes SNAP Benefits and offers Double Up Bucks for its patrons. Look for the market in its customary location next to the Golden Library at 10th & Illinois Streets, on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please plan to follow COVID-19 shopping guidelines so we can keep the market up and running through October. For more information visit www.GoldenFarmersMarket.org.

SATURDAYS 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 5 – October 2 10th & Illinois

The Golden Farmer’s Market accepts SNAP payments and Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB). Participants receive an incentive that matches the amount spent in federal nutrition benefits toward the purchase of healthy, fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

PARKS IN GOLDEN ARE WATERED WITH THE DROUGHT IN MIND

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ave you ever wondered how the Parks Division maintains over 250 acres of beautiful, healthy turf, flowerbeds, planters and traffic medians, while keeping water conservation in mind? Drought conditions in Colorado have forced many communities, including Golden, to look at invoking voluntary water restrictions. Just as we ask residents to be mindful of water consumption, the Parks Division irrigates with best water conservation practices in mind.

Smart watering solutions begin by applying only the necessary amount of water to specific turf and plants each week. Using the ‘cycle and soak’ method of irrigation, watering times are broken into 3 cycles per night, so a zone requiring 30 minutes of watering time is broken into three, 10-minute cycles. This allows the water to soak into the ground and minimizes surface water runoff. Most irrigation occurs at night, after parks close at 11 pm to reduce evaporation in the hot sun. Watering days are spaced throughout the week when possible, and to encourage deep root growth, areas are not watered on consecutive days. Watering times are

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also affected by the weather and in drier, warmer periods, you may notice that the irrigation systems are running for longer periods of time than in the spring and fall.

Technology plays an important role in irrigation, with the use of centralized and smart irrigation controllers, along with rain shut off sensors. Centralized controllers allow for adjustments to be made from one central location, obviating the need to travel to each individual controller, and use sensors to monitor daily temperature and rainfall to ensure accurate and not wasteful watering. Rain shutoff sensors are used to suspend irrigation if more than .25” of precipitation falls during a rain event. Employing a fulltime Irrigation Technician who performs routine inspection, repair and scheduling of irrigation schedules ensures yearround best practices. The use of mulch and the selection of drought tolerant perennial plants, as well as subsurface drip irrigation systems are important ways the Parks Division stays mindful of precious water resources and uses only the amount of water necessary to maintain healthy plants and turf for public enjoyment.

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Special Events are Back!

s events are being added to the summer and fall calendar, it is a hopeful sign that life is returning to normal in Golden. Public health is still top of mind and all events will comply with any regulations or capacity restrictions that are in place at the time. We are excited for a summer with the safe community events we all love.

Get your costumes ready because the Golden Bicycle Cruise is back!

Make sure your calendars are marked for the last Tuesday of the month, June through September, in the new location at Celebration Plaza, next to Calvary Church at 13th & Arapahoe Streets.

And yes, there will be fireworks! The Fourth of July tradition returns, with a Festival in Lions Park, put on by the Golden Lions Club, culminating in a fireworks display put on by the City of Golden. To keep in line with public health and safety guidelines, the festival will make some changes, including not having any children’s rides or face painting, as well as being of shorter duration. The raffle will still take place, so keep an eye out for the yellow-vested Lions Club members selling tickets for a great selection of local prizes. The raffle funds help support all the work the Lions Club does over the year in our community.

The Foothills Art Center will host their Fine Arts Festival, July 10 and 11, in downtown Golden, featuring artists from Colorado and beyond, followed up by the Chamber of Commerce’s Golden Fine Arts Festival, August 21 and 22. Both festivals are renowned for the quality of artisans and artists working in a variety of media and styles.

The City of Golden is excited to bring back Movies and Music in the Park.

The beloved community event brings neighbors and friends together on family friendly summer evenings in August. Watch our calendar and social media sites for movie announcements.

We are all looking forward to a lively summer event season in Golden; be sure to stay tuned in for more details on the events in the Golden Informer and on the City’s Community Calendar and website at www.cityofgolden.net.

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PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID GOLDEN, CO PERMIT #26

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