September 24, 2015
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Slash program cuts fire risk Jeffco’s mobile program open through Oct. 25 By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
LATE SUMMER SUN A slight fall breeze passes by at Arvada’s Broad Lake Park highlighting the beautiful green, golden and red colors of fall beginning to settle in. The first day of fall was officially Sept. 23. PHOTO BY CRYSTAL ANDERSON
Council candidates meet in forum Construction defect ordinance among matters discussed By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com The implementation of a construction defect ordinance rose to the top of focus for community members and the eight city council candidates at the Sept. 18 Arvada Chamber of Commerce City Council Candidate Forum. “I loved that all the candidates said yes to construction defects,” said resident Dot Miller, CEO of Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado and former Arvada Chamber president. “They (the city) need to get involved and create an ordinance.” The event, held at the Lamar Street Events Center, 5888 Lamar St., was an informational forum where citizens could hear from Arvada City Council candidates on issues. In his opening remarks, Arvada Chamber chairman John Bodnar noted the event has been held for more than 30 years and is a city tradition. Along with the discussion around constructions defects, candidates spoke about their priorities, the needs of their districts and the city at large, and where they see the city going in the future. Each candidate presented opening and closing statements and replies to short-answer and rapid-fire questions about such topics as urban renewal, transportation, recreation and affordable housing. “I love how they all wanted to help the community out and I liked how they explained what they wanted to do,” said
District 4 candidates David Jones, right, and incumbent Bob Dyer, center, discuss their approaches to providing access to services and increasing small business in West Arvada. Jim Siedlecki, left, served as the forum moderator. Photo by Crystal Anderson Elizabeth Garwood, a seventh-grade Early College of Arvada student. “They were prepared and very educated about what they wanted to do.” As the only open forum scheduled for this year’s city council elections, several candidates and the moderator said the event was unbiased and expressed disappointment that not all those running attended. “I do think these forums are very valid, and I am very disappointed, starting with the elephant in the room, that my opponent is not here today,” said Mayor Marc Williams in his opening remarks. “It’s insulting to your intelligence to think that you can’t look at the
candidates, hear what they have to say and make your own decision.” Mayoral candidate Dave Chandler, District 2 candidate Dave Palm and councilman-at-large candidate Carl Campanella did not attend, citing bias and a lack of transparency. “It’s a pity the other candidates didn’t come, especially Mr. Chandler,” said John Kiljan, a resident of the Ralston Creek neighborhood. “He could’ve come and stood up and defended his position — this is the only open forum for them to do that.”
Council continues on Page 16
Imagine covering the football field at Mile High Stadium with 10 to 12 feet of debris. That’s how successful Jefferson County’s 2015 Slash Collection Program has been. “And we’re not even done collecting this year,” said Bret Roller of Rolling R Ranch Co., which oversees the program for the county. The major reason to To learn more about the clear slash slash program, or find out — tree which dates it will be at debris such each location, visit www. as limbs, jeffco.us/slash. bark and pine needles Additional questions can — from be directed to Mark Danner, Jefferson County’s properties facilities and construction is to reduce management director, fire danger at 303-271-5008 or Bret around Roller of Rolling R Ranch homes, Co. at 303-589-4698. Roller said. “Every little bit helps to mitigate fire losses,” said Mark Danner, Jefferson County’s facilities and construction management director. The slash program, which began the last week in May, will wrap up Oct. 24-25. Unlike years past when only three collection dates were offered, Jefferson County residents have been able to drop off slash almost every weekend since it started in locations that moved throughout the county. Public response has been great, Roller said. “People are so thankful and excited. The big thing is that it’s so close to people’s homes. It allows them to get more done.” Residents also like the flexibility on when they can get the work done, Danner said, because they know a collection site will be nearby on any given weekend. Additionally, he said, people can drop off slash quickly and efficiently because more frequent collection sites eliminates long lines. Removing this type of flammable material gives firefighters a better chance of saving a home in case of fire, Roller said. Pine needles and bark must be bagged, as loose loads will not be accepted. Tree limbs should be less than 8 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter. Items not accepted are commercial refuse, construction materials, household trash, tree stumps, metal, rocks and grass clippings. The slash is chipped on site, then hauled to compost yards for further re-use. “None of it is going to the landfills,” Danner said. This year hasn’t seen much fire threat, Roller said, but that can always change quickly. So the 2015 program was designed to be the most efficient for residents being proactive, he said. “The public deserves a huge amount of credit,” Roller said. “They’re out there working hard.”
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