Commerce City Sentinel Express 092823

SPECIAL PULLOUT INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Battery maker gets Brighton approval

Taxpayers may get lower refunds next year

BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN

Colorado taxpayers are projected to receive refund checks next year that are slightly smaller than anticipated, state economists said, though the exact amounts will be determined by whether voters approve a 10-year property tax relief plan on the NovemIf the ballot measure, Proposition HH, doesn’t pass, Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refund amounts will be at least $628 — or $40 less than anticipated — for people who are single tax lers and earn up to $50,000. e refund checks will be at least $1,834 — or about $150 less than anticipated — for people who earn $278,001 or more.

If Proposition HH passes, the TABOR refund checks will be at rate and not determined by income levels. Under revised data presented to the legislature Wednesday, the checks would be $832 for single tax lers, down from the $898 that was anticipated.

City Council clears way for Amprius Tech with zoning change

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Councilors gave their nal approval to plans to reuse the former Sears warehouse on Bromley Lane as a battery manufacturer.

Councilors approved rezoning the former Sears distribution center by a 5-2 vote on nal reading at their Sept. 19 meeting after two hours of public testimony. e nal vote followed closely with the nal tally from the rst reading on Sept. 5, with Councilor Ann Tadeo

switching her vote from a no to a yes.

Councilors Matt Johnston and Mary Ellen Pollack remained opposed. Pollack said she has not changed her mind.

“ ere is so much craziness going on with green new deals and whatnot, but what do we really know?” Pollack said. “We know there is a lot of politics and we know there is a lot of money involved. But I have not changed my mind. I am going to continue to support the residents of that area and the city of Brighton.”

Amprius Tech announced in March its intention to occupy the empty former distribution center on Bromley Lane, setting up their new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in the

775,000-square-foot building. eir rst phase would create 332 net new jobs in Brighton with an average annual wage of $68,516.

e batteries would be meant to power a variety of uses, including electrically powered aircraft.

e site is the former location of a Sears/KMart distribution center that contains 1.3 million square feet of space and parking but has been vacant for the past 18 months.

e previous zoning speci cally limits the building’s uses to warehouses and distribution centers. Amprius hopes to get the zoning changed to allow industrial, commercial and public uses.

Brighton sta , from planners to utilities to the re marshall, have

In both cases, the refund amounts are doubled for joint tax lers.  e exact sums could still shift slightly depending on the state’s accounting methods for tax revenue collected in the 2022-23 scal year, which ended June 30 and on which the TABOR refunds are based. e checks will be sent out next year after people le their 2023 tax returns.

Greg Sobetski, chief economist for Legislative Council Sta , the nonpartisan agency for the Colorado General Assembly, said Wednesday the downward reduction from the amounts the state estimated in the state’s 2023 ballot guide, also known as the blue book, happened because there has been a larger-than-anticipated number of tax lings in the state.

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DEAL LINKS

UNITED POWER, XCEL Agreement aims to boost renewable energy

Amprius, a maker of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and aircraft, hope to open their large factory in Brighton in 2024. They plan to take over the vacant former Sears/KMart distribution warehouse on Bromley Lane.

Adams County sets Operation Freebird for Nov. 18

e Adams County Sheri ’s

O ce and Human Services Department are teaming up for the annual Operation Freebird event. is event provides Adams County families in need with everything to prepare a anksgiving meal.

Operation Freebird will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 18 at Mountain States Toyota, 201 W. 70th Ave. Community organizations are welcome to participate to provide resources or information for residents. If interested, reach out to Karla Ojeda.

27J announces new special education director

Kristin Hanson-Hofmann, 27J School District’s special education specialist, has been named the district’s new special education director, 27J Schools Superintendent

Chris Fiedler announced Sept. 18.

Hanson-Hofmann will be responsible for the leadership, supervision, guidance and support for all school support sta

providing services to students with disabilities across special groups of students, including preschool.

She’ll also ensure the district provides special education services according to state and federal laws.

“27J Schools is lucky to have a leader like Kristin who is ready to step into the director role,” Deputy Superintendent Will Pierce said.

“She has a 13-year investment in this district and our special education department.”

Kristin came to 27J Schools in 2010 as a special education coordinator. In 2018, she was promoted to assistant director of special education and served in various leadership capacities in the district.

Rocky Mountain Human Services wins Adams, Denver counties contract e Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing is redesigning its case management process, naming a Colorado rm to manage responses for Adams and Denver counties beginning Nov. 1.

Colorado non-pro t group Rocky Mountain Human Services will provide streamlined case management services to individuals with disabilities or other complex needs that require long-term, home and community-based services and support.

e new contract is part of Colorado’s redesigned case management system intended to make it easier for people needing services to navigate the system and get the care they need. It is designed to make sure that people have one place to go for questions and support, and to improve the quality of care they receive.

“We are proud and honored to be selected as the Case Management Agency for Denver and Adams Counties,” said RMHS executive director Shari Repinski. “It’s essential to reduce the burden of a complex and siloed system of care by creating a more inclusive and streamlined Long Term Care system in Colorado that recognizes and caters to the diverse needs of individuals, regardless of their disability. RMHS looks forward

to making it easier for people to access care and to know that they have a trusted partner they can count on to treat them with the utmost respect and compassion.”

Preparedness program focuses on older adults

Each September, the Adams County Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness & Response team celebrates National Preparedness Month. is year, the 2023 campaign theme is “Helping Older Adults Prepare for Disaster.”

e program will focus on older adults who are from communities disproportionally impacted by an event that is a man-made emergency or a natural disaster. We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas. is yer, available in English and Spanish, is a powerful resource for viewers and readers.

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United Power powers up with low-carbon Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy partners with United to provide low-carbon, renewable electricity

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Colorado’s Xcel Energy will combine e orts with electric cooperative United Power to provide lowcarbon, renewable electricity for its members in the North, the two companies announced.

United Power and Xcel signed into a strategic partnership to combine e orts to expand a carbon-neutral portfolio meant to provide value to their customers.

“ is is a win-win for both utilities,” Mark A. Gabriel, United Power president and CEO, said in a Sept. 14 press release. “ e ability of two large utilities working toward a common goal will bene t everyone. Together we will plan our energy needs, negotiate

APPROVAL

lower pricing, and assure reliability for our members and customers. is is an important step as we enter the new future of electric procurement and delivery.”

United Power’s agreement with its current wholesale power supplier expires in May, so the electric cooperative continues securing various power

reviewed the project, discussed it with paid consultants and have found the project to be su ciently safe.

e facility would be located at 18875 Bromley Lane, just 600 feet south of Brighton’s Mt. Princeton St. and homes in the surrounding Brighton Crossings neighborhood and due north of Brighton’s water treatment plant. Brighton’s Planning Board advised the City Council to turn down the company’s proposal on Sept. 5, citing the project’s proximity to neighbors.

Neighbors of the proposed project accounted for the bulk of the public comments, saying they fear pollution from the plant and potential dangers if the lithium-ion batteries catch re.

Neighbor Gilda Ramirez said her concern is for the schools and families that live north of the building. She said a problem at the plant could a ect 1,832 students.

“ at’s versus, 350 jobs this could create,” Ramirez said. “I’m sorry, but I not only feel for our children but also for those of us who own homes here that are already being a ected. Does that mean anything to anyone?”

Jeremy Zamora said he thought it was a bad idea.

“Just for the simple fact that it’s a neighborhood you are talking about,” Zamora said. “It’s directly in a neighborhood. It’s not like it’s out in some eld somewhere. It’s next to schools, people’s houses, communities and if this goes through, it’s going to force me to move. I don’t want to live next to Rocky Flats.”

But Councilor Peter Padilla said he spoke with a doctor of chemistry who lives in his ward and within about 1,000

generation contracts. According to o cials, Xcel Energy will sell renewable energy to United Power at a discount price when excess energy is available.

e agreement lets the utilities move into a longterm partnership meant to drive down power costs and expand renewable energy o erings to both

feet of the facility. She told him that the facility would be safer than what exists there currently. He noted that Brighton’s re department sta has also signed o and he said he’s inclined to trust sta and experts.

With the council’s approval, the

United Power and Xcel Energy customers. It’s specifically meant to match the State of Colorado’s goals for renewable energy, according to o cials.

“ e electric industry is changing, and United Power is working with Xcel Energy to help lead this revolution,” Gabriel said.

“Meeting federal and state requirements, keeping costs economical, and making certain our load is predictable are planned outcomes of this strategic relationship.”

United Power Electric Cooperative services the northern front range, and Xcel Energy is the United States’ largest investor utilities company.

United Power services more than 110,000 meters and operates and maintains 6,500 miles of distribution lines. Its service territory covers 900 square miles north and west that borders Denver International Airport.

“Today’s announcement solidi es our close working relationship with United Power, one of the

company still needs permits from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Company o cials said they plan to submit their applications to the state this fall. e company hopes to be operating by the beginning of 2025.

largest and fastest-growing cooperative utilities in Colorado, by supplying increasingly carbon-free energy from Xcel Energy’s generation resources,” said Robert Kenney, President of Xcel Energy-Colorado.

“Our strategic relationship will maximize the value of both companies’ combined generation towards achieving our goal of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2030, from 2005 levels, and providing 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.”

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Standard Blade.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

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From left to right: Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO, and Robert Kenney, President of Xcel Energy-Colorado. COURTESY UNITED POWER

Adams County honors employee Dale Snyder

Building technician has been keeping county buildings running since 2018

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

County o cials gave hearty congratulations to the person who keeps the city buildings running at a Sept. 13 luncheon.

Adams County Building Maintenance Technician Dale Snyder was named the Adams County Employee of all-Season recognition for his dedication to maintaining the buildings’ core internal operations, according to a news release.

e board of commissioners honored Snyder with the annual Employee Recognition Luncheon on Sept. 13.

Adams County’s recognition program nominated and chose Snyder as the Fall Employee of the Season winner. It’s in the Unsung Hero category that honors employees’ astounding work behind-the-scenes.

“I was very honored to receive this award. ere are a lot of employees in Adams County, so I am fortunate to win it,” Snyder said. “You don’t

Family

win awards like this by yourself; it takes a team. My boss, Erik Bryant, promotes teamwork. He says to set the bar high and maintain it with teamwork.”

Snyder started working for Adams County as a Building Technician in the Facilities & Fleet Management

Department in 2018.

According to the nomination submitted to the county, Snyder goes above and beyond for the team and much of what he does is unseen and unheard.

e nomination for Snyder called out how vital he is to county opera-

tions.

“Do you ever wonder how your ickering light is xed?” the nomination asked. “How new pictures in your new o ce are hung? How the speed of a closing door xed so it does not slam shut? How did the air conditioning get xed when it is 95° outside? How did the ice machine suddenly work again? e answer to those questions and many more is Dale.”

e nomination also called out his positive attitude, saying he greets co-workers and sta by name and always smiles.

“Dale is a devoted, talented, and exceptional Adams County employee – the glue that keeps the building together,” the nomination reads.

“Dale is acknowledged for his hard work, dedication, and commitment to our county and its residents.

Adams County government building has about 2,680 employees serving 520,000 residents. Employees selected for the “Employee of All Seasons” recognition are nominated and voted by coworkers, the Recognition, and Adams County residents.

e employee recognition luncheon is an annual event recognizing employees with over 20 years of service.

Mary R. Alcaraz, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 30th, 2023, in Arvada, Colorado. Born on March 13th, 1926, in Wichita, Kansas, she will be remembered for her warm spirit, her dedication to her family, and her lifelong passion for serving her community.

Mary’s life was de ned by her unwavering love and dedication to her family. She is survived by her sons, Daniel Juarez and Anthony Alcaraz, and she was preceded in death by her daughter, eresa Juarez as well as her rst husband, Alex Juarez, and second husband, Joe Alcaraz (divorced). In addition to helping to raise ve-step children, she provided limitless love and support to her parents and ten brothers and sisters who are in heaven. She was a beloved grandmother to seven grandchildren, a loving greatgrandmother to fteen great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandmother to eight greatgreat-grandchildren. Mary’s love, wisdom, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her cherished family members.

Mary dedicated her professional life to serving others. In hospital services, her love for cooking extended to the kitchen, where she nourished patients and sta with her culinary skills. Beyond her work, she volunteered tirelessly at church food banks, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Her vibrant array of interests re ected

her joyful spirit and zest for life. As an exceptional cook, she delighted family and friends with her delicious meals, particularly her renowned dill pickles and homegrown vegetables. Her green thumb brought beauty and serenity to her home and garden through a collection of blooming owers.

Mary’s skilled hands were gifted in sewing, crocheting, and needlepoint, creating treasured gifts infused with love and care. Her handmade creations were cherished gifts, each stitch a testament to her love and dedication. Card games, especially Pinochle, brought her joy and friendship with her Nebraska neighbors.

An adventurer at heart, Mary’s journeys took her to visit loved ones across the country and embark on memorable trips to Mexico. Fishing and outdoor camping were her favorite pastimes, where she found tranquility in nature and collected precious rocks as mementos of her outdoor escapades.

Mary R. Alcaraz was a woman of strength, resilience, and boundless love. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and her commitment to serving her community. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones and everyone whose lives she touched.

From left: Commissioner Emma Pinter, Commissioner Eva J. Henry, Facility Operations Manager Erik Bryant, Dale Snyder, Facilities & Fleet Management Director Ameer Faquir, Commissioner Lynn Baca, and Deputy County Manager Chris Kline. COURTESY OF ADAMS COUNTY

ALCARAZ

Mary R. Alcaraz

March 13, 1926 - July 30, 2023

REFUNDS

( e blue book is sent to every Colorado voter.)

With more tax lers, the state has to send more refund checks out, meaning the size of the checks is reduced.

In all, the state is expecting to refund about $3.7 billion in revenue that was collected in the 2022-23 scal year. e state must refund the money because of the TABOR cap on government growth and spending.

e cap is based on annual growth in population and in ation. Any money collected over the cap must be refunded under TABOR, a 1992 constitutional amendment approved by voters.

e updated TABOR refund amounts were presented Wednesday to the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee as the panel received two tax revenue and economic fore-

casts, one from Legislative Council Sta and the other from the governor’s O ce of State Planning and Budgeting.

Both forecasts were relatively optimistic. e legislature is expected to thoroughly exceed the TABOR cap through at least the 2024-26 scal year, meaning lawmakers will have all the money they are entitled to spend under the scal policy.

Elizabeth Ramey, principal economist with Legislative Council Sta , said the risk of recession remains elevated, but that the risk has been dissipating throughout the year.

“Unemployment rates continue to be low and steady in both the state and the nation, which continues to indicate there was a tight labor market,” she said. “Overall and economic data continue to indicate that the economy is resilient, but we do have some pockets of weakness showing up in sectors that are particularly sensitive to interest rates.”

Alex Carlson, long-range planning and scal resilience manager for the O ce of State Planning and Budget-

ing, put the risk of recession in the next year at 33%, down from 45%.

“Labor demand could remain stronger than anticipated, despite slowing consumer spending over the course of the next year,” Carlson said.

Gov. Jared Polis celebrated the economic news.

“Colorado’s economy continues to be strong — companies and entrepreneurs are starting and expanding businesses in our state,” the governor said in a written statement.

But Polis acknowledged that “high housing costs contribute to in ation

and threaten our economic livelihoods.”

e next quarterly forecasts will be presented to the Joint Budget Committee in December ahead of the 2024 legislative session, which begins in January and lasts 120 days.

is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

the Golden area! Please send resume

to eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Solution

TRIVIA

1. LITERATURE: What is the name of the clown in Stephen King’s horror novel “It”?

2. ASTRONOMY: How o en does Halley’s Comet appear in the Earth’s sky?

3. U.S. STATES: Which state has the most electoral votes in 2024?

4. MOVIES: In “Jurassic Park,” what kind of container is used to store stolen dinosaur embryos?

5. ART: Which art movement is Salvador Dali associated with?

6. AD SLOGANS: Which car manufacturer used the ad slogan “Quality is Job 1”?

7. TELEVISION: Which TV show spawned the spino comedy/drama “Maude”?

8. FOOD & DRINK: What is the main ingredient in falafel?

9. GEOGRAPHY: What is the world’s shortest river?

10. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are a crab’s pincers called?

Answers

1. Pennywise.

2. On average, every 76 years.

3. California (54).

4. A canister that looks like a Barbasol Shaving Cream can.

5. Surrealism.

6. Ford Motor Company.

7. “All in the Family.”

8. Chickpeas.

9. Roe River, Montana.

10. Chelae.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

steps to retaining

By the Center for Creative Leadership

If retaining and developing women leaders are priorities in your company, what actions are you taking to achieve sustainable results?

Your organization, like others around the globe, may be struggling to overcome what’s now been coined the “SHEcession.” During the height of the pandemic, the unemployment rate for women was recorded about 2% higher than that of men — with the employment rate of women of

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color taking the biggest hit, according to statistics from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.

It’s now more critical than ever to take an intentional and systematic approach to retaining and developing women leaders. Your HR function may have created policies or processes aimed at supporting the women in your organization. Maybe diversity training or gender-specific hiring and promoting goals are in the mix. Perhaps some of the policies aimed at increasing flexibility that were established in the height of the pandemic are here to stay, in recognition that women are commonly burdened with more caregiving responsibilities than men.

But HR policies and initiatives are just one piece of what’s needed to prepare and encourage women employees to take on leadership roles. More is needed, and it starts with your culture.

5 Keys to Success

The culture of an organization or a department — and even the views of a single manager — can have a direct impact on whether women stay with an organization or leave for something better. The informal patterns of influence and unspoken performance expectations play a role. And, of course, a woman’s individual experiences and perspectives are powerful factors, too.

To provide an equitable work experience that helps to support, retain, and develop women leaders, organizations should take a broad, “whole systems” view.

1. Address women’s leadership challenges and needed competencies.

Ensure your female leaders have the experiences and the resources to learn what they need most. Interventions for developing women leaders on an individual level could include targeted training, guidance for onthe-job learning, coaching opportunities, and mentoring at work.

It’s important that the organization — and individuals — are clear on the perspectives, skills, and capabilities that are needed to be effective in various leadership roles in your organization. In general, our research has

found that:

The top four leadership challenges for women are typically establishing credibility, managing up and across the organization, negotiating adeptly, and influencing others.

The two most important competencies to start developing are managing organizational complexity and strategic thinking and acting.

2. Leverage the power of choosing.

Individual women also need to be intentional about their careers and their development as leaders.

The power to choose is sometimes overlooked by women, due in part to cultural conditioning. So encourage female leaders in your organization to recognize their own agency and: Exert greater influence over the choices they make.

Take the lead in shaping conversations about their career.

Take ownership over their career choices.

Create a personal leadership development strategy.

Be as strategic about family responsibilities as they are about workplace roles.

Women leaders should receive messaging from the organization that embraces a more individualized — and less stereotypical — perspective on professional and personal roles that may have historically been categorized as “men’s roles” and “women’s roles.” It’s all part of living with intention, both at work and at home.

3. Rethink systems and challenge assumptions.

Helping individual women become better leaders is not enough. While there are no easy fixes for rebalancing the global gender gap, one thing is clear: the pandemic and consequent “SHEcession” have highlighted systemic imbalances that have a great impact on women, organizations, and larger society. It’s clear now that we do not need to change women — we need to change systems.

Look for ways that unconscious bias in the organization affects opportunities and motivation for women, and make increasing gender equity in the workplace a priority for your organization.

When your leaders (at every level) are able to recognize conscious and unconscious biases and imbalances, they can proactively work to address

them. The key is to create an environment where women leaders feel the psychological safety to speak out and have the backing of an organization committed to driving widespread culture change.

Take concrete steps to evolve your organizational culture to orient toward building greater equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) — starting with a focus on equity — and connect developing women leaders to your broader EDI approach.

Meeting scheduling, social norms, networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and talent management policies and processes are some potential areas for focused improvement. Also, ensure that managers are aware that they should ask, rather than assume that they know, what women in the workplace want from work (this is also a good idea with all employees).

Above all, organizations should create the culture and systems that make it easier to have candid conversations.

4. Provide flexible women’s leadership development experiences.

Talented women want organizations to invest in their development, but be sure to include them in the program selection process. Offer flexible formats, including virtual options, and provide “air cover” and the permission for women leaders to put their dayto-day work responsibilities on hold to make space for their development.

Another consideration is whether an all-women or all-gender experience is more beneficial for your organization’s unique situation. Both approaches can have a positive effect on retaining and developing women leaders. When making the decision, evaluate these factors:

Are women a demographic minority in the leadership ranks of your organization? If so, they may benefit from an all-women leadership development experience. The opportunity to connect and network with other women across their ranks can sometimes be more meaningful when it’s less available in their day-to-day work lives.

Do you have executive-level support? All-women programs are most effective when they have the explicit support and involvement of executive sponsors. This sends a message to women leaders that their needs are seen and that the organization is in-

vesting in the value they are capable of creating.

Is the development hosted within your organization? If so, sponsoring and mentoring women on an ongoing basis should also be considered. Doing so can provide guidance and support from senior leaders to help women integrate what they’ve learned into day-to-day operations.

Mixed-gender leadership development settings are also highly beneficial. After all, women lead in organizations that are racially, culturally, socioeconomically, and gender diverse. All-gender development can help participants network, influence, and lead across demographics more effectively. And for women leaders struggling with burnout, it can be validating to hear that many of their challenges are shared across genders, functions, and even industries.

5. Create the right networks. The right relationships and ties are an asset in getting access to information, earning promotions, and gaining opportunities. Effective leaders rely on key networks and trusted partners to influence others and to get results. Many women have struggled with networking, especially during the pandemic — often due to a combination of factors including lack of time, cultural programming, and the belief that networking is insincere, manipulative, or inauthentic. But the networks that come easily are not necessarily the most beneficial.

Organizations can support women in developing the relationships they need to succeed. Women need a network of champions, including mentors, sponsors, and coaches. This can help women leaders gain a clear understanding of the network they have, compared to the network they need. New relationships and new connections can be built, with both the short and long term in mind.

Organizations serious about retaining and developing women leaders will want to ensure they are helping all their talent build the right relationships, political skills, and networks to succeed.

Reprinted with permission from the Center for Creative Leadership. To read more, sign up for their newsletter or to download their “5-Day Retaining Women Leaders Challenge,” go to CCL.org.

CEO shares her early-career tips to move up

(Family Features) Many young professionals, especially women, face unique challenges in navigating workplace cultures. Passionate about mentoring young professionals and sharing her methods for success, Morgan DeBaun, founder and CEO of digital media and technology company Blavity, partnered with Sharpie — makers of a wide selection of permanent markers, pens, highlighters and more for the classroom, office and home — to share these steps you can take and skills you can build during the early stages of your career to enhance your long-term goals.

Be proactive: Take initiative and identify areas you can contribute beyond your assigned tasks. Instead of waiting to be asked to do something, draft an email, spreadsheet or project board that could benefit the team. Showing a willingness to go above and beyond may lead to additional projects or responsibilities being sent your way in the future.

Write everything down: Putting your dreams and goals to paper can help you commit to them, track progress and stay on course to achieve them. Additionally, particularly in meetings, your brain is processing new information, ways of thinking and operational systems all while you are trying to come across as engaged and personable. Jotting down key action items and learnings along the way can save you later. Being an active listener and note-taker can increase your ability to retain information and contribute to your team.

Identify useful productivity tools: Look for tools and programs that can help make you more productive and successful then leverage them in your personal workflow. Whether it’s an email scheduling tool, calendar software or favorite writing utensil, ensure you are taking advantage of things that can help you succeed.

Develop and strengthen your organizational skills: Regardless of what role you are in, being organized and structured in the way you work can help keep you on track as you grow in your career. Whether it’s a smartphone app, old-fashioned to-do lists on paper or desktop reminders on your computer, find a system that works for you and stick with it — refining the approach as you go — for best results.

Embrace teamwork and learn from your peers: Across your company, you are likely working with bright, talented people who may have completely different skill sets and ways of working and thinking than you. Set up 15- to 20-minute virtual coffee chats to meet people not on your team during your first 90 days as a way to connect with your coworkers and learn more about not only them but the company and its environment as a whole.

Say yes to opportunities: Whether it is a work event, new project, meeting or class, take advantage of prospects presented to you. Taking advantage of opportunities to network, learn and grow in your career can help lead you on the trajectory you are aiming for.

Li leton Busine Chamber celebrates a of our women-owned busine es!

Photo courtesy of Sharpie

The Benefit of Hindsight

using old-fashioned techniques and whole ingredients, using the freshest produce and high-quality baking ingredients to create delicious and healthy meals. As business leaders, Lisa and Kris have learned a few things over the years navigating the world of small business and entrepreneurship. Their journey offers valuable insights and inspiration for women seeking to make their mark in the world of entrepreneurship:

skills and knowledge is key to staying competitive.

3. Embrace Risk: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and seizing opportunities.

4. Confidence Matters: Believe in your abilities and ideas. Confidence can be a powerful tool in breaking through barriers.

who can provide guidance and support. Learning from those who have been there can be invaluable.

8. Persistence: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. Success often comes to those who persist in the face of challenges.

Lisa Perl and Kristen Porter are well known in the Evergreen area as owners of Evergreen Bread & Cocktail Lounge along with John Porter. The team had a vision of a community-focused restaurant and bakery which can bring friends and family together. They make food

1. Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors. Networking is not just about who you know but also about who knows you.

2. Continuous Learning: Stay curious and committed to learning. The business world is ever-evolving, and acquiring new

5. Work-Life Balance: Finding balance between your professional and personal life is crucial for long-term success and well-being.

6. Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to speak up and advocate for what you deserve. Negotiate for fair compensation and recognition.

7. Mentorship: Seek out mentors

9. Give Back: As you succeed, remember to give back to your community and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Kris and Lisa are more than successful business owners; they are role models for women aspiring to advance in business. The journey of Lisa and Kristen underscores that the time for women to advance in business is now, and with the right vision and dedication, success is well within reach.

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Public Notices

Legals City and County

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public notice is hereby given that the following ordinances were introduced on first reading on the 18th day of September 2023, by the City Council of Commerce City and will be considered on second and final reading on the 16th day of October 2023.

INTRODUCED BY: ALLEN-THOMAS, CHACON, DOUGLAS, FORD, HURST, HUSEMAN, KIM, MADERA, NOBLE

Ordinance 2543 – AN ORDINANCE

AMENDING THE 2023 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL AFFAIRS GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,000 FROM THE DEFENSE COUNCIL FIRST APPEARANCE GRANT PROGRAM AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURE THEREOF

Ordinance 2544 – AN ORDINANCE

AMENDING THE 2023 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE COLORADO ENERGY OFFICE CHARGE AHEAD COLORADO GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,000 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES CENTER AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURE THEREOF

Ordinance 2545 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2023 BUDGET OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $120,280 FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCE CITY SAFETY ACTION PLAN AND THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE EXPENDITURE THEREOF

Copies of said ordinance are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, City of Commerce City at 7887 E. 60th Ave., Commerce City, CO 80022, for public inspection during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. During instances of the city facilities being closed, electronic copies may be requested via email to dgibson@ c3gov.com.

BY ORDER OF CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF COMMERCE CITY

BY: Brittany Rodriguez, Assistant City Clerk

Legal Notice No. CCX1162

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

NOTICE OF SUBDIVISION PLAT APPROVAL

COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO

Notice is hereby given that the following subdivision(s) will be considered for approval by the City of Commerce City Community Development Director on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

S-450-05-19-23 National Heritage Academies requests approval of the Second Creek Farms Filing 1, Amendment 2 final plat, to create two lots for a proposed school and cityowned park. The subject property is approximately 20.32 acres located at the northwest corner of Uravan Street and East 88th Avenue, zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development).

The case file(s) and a copy of the Land Development Code of the City together with the subdivision plat are on file for review by emailing the Community Development Department at cdplanner@c3gov.com. Any owner of property located within 300 feet of the subject property may invoke the public hearing process by submitting said objections in writing to the Director of Community Development in accordance with Sec. 21-3241 by no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Director of Community Development

Para más información, contacta 303227-8818

Legal Notice No. CCX1163

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

NOTICE OF VACANCY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CANAL AVENUE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Canal Avenue Metropolitan District, City of Commerce City, Adams County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 32-1-808, C.R.S., that vacancies currently exist on the board of directors of the Canal Avenue Metropolitan District (“District”). Any qualified, eligible elector of the District interested in filling such vacancy and serving on the board of directors should file a Letter of Interest with the board of directors of the District on or before the close of business on October 9, 2023, at the office of the District’s General Counsel.

Forms of Letters of Interest are available and can be obtained from the Canal Avenue Metropolitan District, c/o Catherine V. Will at McGeady Becher P.C., 450 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 592 4380.

DISTRICT

By:/s/ Paula J. Williams

McGeady Becher P.C. Attorney for the District

Legal Notice No. CCX1160

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public Notice

NOTICE CONCERNING PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET OF NORTH RANGE VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Directors of North Range Village Metropolitan District for the ensuing year of 2024; that a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of Wolfersberger, LLC, 8354 Northfield Blvd, Building G, Suite 3700, Denver, Colorado 80238, where the same is open for public inspection; and that such proposed budget will be considered at a public hearing of the Board of Directors of the District to be held on Monday October 2, 2023 6:00 p.m. held at Bison Ridge Recreation Center (13905 E 112th Ave, Commerce City, CO 80022).Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, inspect the budget and file or register any objections thereto.

NORTH RANGE VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: Charles Wolfersberger District Manager

Legal Notice No. CCX1164

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Public Notice

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE AMENDED 2023 BUDGET AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2024 BUDGET

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the TR RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (the “District”), will hold a meeting via teleconference on October 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., to consider adoption of the District’s proposed 2024 budget (the “Proposed Budget”), and, if necessary, adoption of an amendment to the 2023 budget (the “Amended Budget”). The public hearing may be joined using the following teleconference information

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88571299818

?pwd=WXFFbU44V21mMWNNMm9nYk

w4OWJ5QT09

Meeting ID: 885 7129 9818

Passcode: 683690

Call: 720-707-2699

The Proposed Budget and Amended

Budget are available for inspection by the public at the offices of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, 8390 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Any interested elector of the District may file any objections to the Proposed Budget and Amended Budget at any time prior to the final adoption of the Proposed Budget or the Amended Budget by the Board.

The agenda for any meeting may be obtained at https://trranchmetrodistrict.org/ or by calling (303) 858-1800.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-

TORS:

TR RANCH METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado

/s/ WHITE BEAR ANKELE TANAKA & WALDRON

Attorneys at Law

Legal Notice No. CCX1165

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

FINAL SETTLEMENT

Project Title:Windler 36” Waterline Relocation

Project Owners: Windler Public Improvement Authority

Project Location: City of Aurora, Colorado

The Windler Public Improvement Authority plans to accept the above titled project as substantially complete and for Final Settlement to Reynolds Construction, LLC after October 30, 2023. In accordance with the Contract Documents, the Windler Public Improvement Authority may withhold a portion of the remaining payment to be made to Reynolds Construction, LLC, as necessary, to protect the Windler Public Improvement Authority from loss on account of claims filed and failure of Reynolds Construction, LLC to make payments properly to subcontractors or suppliers. Project suppliers and subcontractors of Reynolds Construction, LLC are hereby notified that unresolved outstanding claims must be certified and forwarded to:

Contact Person:Barney Fix, P.E.

Address:5970 Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Greenwood Village, CO 80111

as soon as possible, but no later than October 23, 2023.

Legal Notice No. CCX1161

First Publication: September 28, 2023

Last Publication: October 12, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express Non-Consecutive Publications

Public Notice

HM METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO. 1

Public Notices

Harvest Road and 56th Ave Streetlights

The HM Metropolitan District No. 1 (the “Owner”) is accepting sealed bids for the Harvest Road and 56th Avenue Streetlights (“Project”). Sealed Bids for the Harvest Road and 56th Avenue project will be received by the District Engineer (Merrick & Company), at 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 10:00 a.m. local time on October 12, 2023. Bids shall be enclosed in a sealed envelope addressed to HM Metropolitan District No. 1 endorsed with the name of the Bidder and the Title “Harvest Road and 56th Avenue Streetlights”.

The Project will include: • Streetlights along Harvest Road from E. 64th Avenue to E. 56th Avenue and streetlights along 56th Avenue from E-470 to Harvest Road.

Bidding documents can be requested beginning September 14, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. There will be no charge for the bid documents. Contact Barney Fix at barney. fix@merrick.com to receive the PDF docu-

ments electronically.

Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) calendar days after the Bid date and time. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any errors or irregularities, and to require statements or evidence of Bidders’ qualifications including financial statements. The Owner also reserves the right to extend the Bidding period by Addendum if it appears in its interest to do so.

For further information, please contact Barney Fix at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.

Legal Notice No. CCX1144

First Publication: September 14, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express Non-Consecutive Publications

Notice to Creditors

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jacobo M. Martinez Jr., a/k/a Jake Martinez, Deceased Case Number: 2023 PR 292

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before January 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.

Stella Lucero

Personal Representative

7300 Krameria St Commerce City, CO 80022

Legal Notice No. CCX1145

First Publication: September 14, 2023

Last Publication: September 28, 2023

Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express

Healthier Colorado tracks dental gap

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

Just 49% of Coloradans are able to access the dental care they need, and health advocates say increasing the number of licensed dental therapists — especially in low-income areas, communities of color, and rural parts of the state — could help ll in the gap.

Kyle Piccola, vice president of communications and advocacy for Healthier Colorado, said dental health is directly linked to overall physical and mental health. When people go for days or weeks with pain in their mouth, it can lead to a

cascade of negative impacts.

“ e data is clear. Likely that person is going to miss work, their emotional well-being is going to go down. If you’re a young person, you’re going to be missing school,” Piccola outlined. “ ere are huge repercussions to not taking care of your oral health.”

More than one million Coloradans lack access to proper dental care, and there are more than 100 areas across the state designated as experiencing a Dental Care Health Professional Shortage, according to an analysis by KFF. e state would need to add at least 143 practitioners to meet the dental health needs of all Coloradans.

Dental therapists can be licensed in

Colorado after three years of instruction. It takes at least eight years to become a dentist.

Piccola pointed out clinics with dental therapists who work under the supervision of a dentist and are trained to provide most common treatments have seen improved outcomes, including lower numbers of tooth extractions.

“School-based dental therapists have been able to cut llings in half for those kids,” Piccola reported. “In tribes and rural areas, the wait times and the travel times that those people have been experiencing have been signi cantly reduced.”

Colorado is one of 13 states current-

ly set up to license dental therapists, and Piccola noted the state recently made it easier for people who want to relocate to the Centennial State to bring their credentials along with them.

“Any dental therapist can take any one of the dental therapy programs around the country,” Piccola emphasized. “As long as they meet the education training requirements, then they can go ahead and apply for a license to come and practice here in Colorado as well.”

is Public News Service story via e Associated Press’ Storyshare, of which Colorado Community Media is a member.