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September 4, 2014 VOLU M E 6 9 | I S S UE 43 | 5 0 ¢
WestminsterWindow.com
A D A M S C O U N T Y A N D J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O A publication of
Bond question, mill levy override headed to voters Adams 12 to consider $220 million bond By Ashley Reimers
areimers@colorado communitymedia.com Applause filled the board room after the Adams 12 Five Star school board approved two resolutions to place a bond question and mill levy override on the November ballot. After recommendations from the Strong Schools, Strong Communities Panel, a group of 25 district residents
During Family Heritage Day on Sept. 13 at the Adams County Historical Museum in Brighton, people can enjoy tours of Hoffman Hall, which is filled with historical artifacts like buggies and tractors and also take a tour of an old blacksmith shop. Photos by Ashley Reimers
Voters continues on Page 9
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WESTMINSTER WINDOW
(ISSN 1072-1576) (USPS 455-250) OFFICE: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, Colorado, the Westminster Window is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210, Westminster, CO 80031. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. G ET SO CIAL WITH US
P L EA S E R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Museum event offers a look at the past
By Ashley Reimers
areimers@colorado communitymedia.com For over 15 years, the Adams County Historical Museum has hosted Family Heritage Day, an opportunity for the community to step back in time and learn about the county’s history. This year’s event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the museum, 9601 Henderson Road in Brighton and will feature a variety of activities, including a classic car show. From live music to historical storytelling, Family Heritage Day will offer something for everyone. “The event is an opportunity to come and experience great music and the history of Adams County and Colorado,” said Dixie Pierce, museum administrator. “People get to see what life was like and how things were done 50 to 100 years ago.” Not only will attendees have the opportunity to tour the many historical buildings, like the 1887 Victorian house and replicas of a filling station, black smith shop and school house, but they can also learn about flint knapping and check out old farm equipment. “Family Heritage Day started because we really wanted to showcase what the museum has
to offer,” Pierce said. “We keep adding more activities and events all the time.” Over time the museum itself has grown too. Pierce said pretty much everything on display was donated by people in the community. Items like old scales, medical equipment and even a historical printing press are just a few of the many items on display in the Hoffman Hall. The hall is divided into sections like a tool section and home section, which allows people a close look at past items that were used every day. “With the new electronics and technology, kids have no concept of what got us to this stage,” Pierce said. “The museum is a way for kids to learn about the past. Some kids come to the Victorian house and find out for the first time that their grandparents used an ice box for their refrigerator.” For 14 years Pierce has been the museum administrator and during those years, she’s continued to make history relevant to the community. She said she hopes more people experience what the Adams County Historical Museum has to offer during Family Heritage Day. “There’s so much to learn and discover here,” she said. “There is something different out here every day to learn, you just have to be
quite and listen.” Cost for the event is $5 per vehicle and cash is preferred. For more information, visit www. adamscountymuseum.com.
Drafting begins on collective bargaining ordinance By Ashley Reimers
areimers@colorado communitymedia.com During the Aug. 25 Westminster city council meeting, councilors were faced with frustrated residents addressing whether voters or the council should have the final say on Westminster firefighters gaining collective bargaining rights.
The issue arose after city council directed staff to move forward in drafting a collective bargaining ordinance during an Aug. 18 study session. The direction was established after council majority support from mayor pro tem Faith Winter and councilors Alberto Garcia, Emma Pinter and Anita Seitz. Before the study session the city received a notice of intent to circu-
late a petition to place a question on the November ballot asking voters to choose whether or not the Colorado Firefighter Safety Act should apply to IAFF Local 2889’s firefighters, the local firefighter union. The Colorado Firefighter Act establishes a process whereby a specified collective bargaining approach can be put into place. The Westminster firefighters submitted a notice to petition
with 104 valid signatures, which is more than the 75 percent of the existing fire personnel, which is required by the Colorado Firefighter Act. In lieu of going to the voters, staff is beginning work on a city ordinance that would establish a collective bargaining approach, which could become the basis for Drafting continues on Page 9