Wheatridge transcript 0313

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March 13, 2014

50 cents Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 30, Issue 37 A publication of

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Ride-sharing services to be regulated By Vic Vela

vvela@coloradocommunitymedia.com Ride-sharing service companies will face state regulations – but not to as strict a standard as are traditional taxi services – under a bill that passed the Senate on March 10. Transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft allows passengers to book rides through a smart phone application. The companies have been able to provide services without government regulations because they claimed to have fit under a different operating model than taxi companies, an assertion that has upset the taxi

cab industry. But legislators were forced to take regulatory action after the Public Report Utilities Commission began investigating whether companies like Uber and Lyft are complying with state transportation rules. “I think it’s an important bill, and it’s something that has to be done because the PUC is saying these businesses are acting outside of the law,” said Sen. Ted Harvey, R-Highlands Ranch, a bill sponsor. “And,

Capitol

without this bill, they would no longer be able to do business.” The bill is one of many nationwide responses to the relatively new industry – Uber, for example, began operating four years ago. Local governments across the U.S. have struggled with determining whether transportation network companies fall under the umbrella of a motor vehicle service or as web-based transportation companies that are entirely different animals, altogether. The bill would require businesses like Uber and Lyft to carry liability insurance, conduct background checks on drivers, inspect vehicles and receive permission to

FARMERS FIRMLY PLANTED AS NO. 1

operate from the PUC. The amended version of the bill also requires that drivers not be allowed to drive more than eight hours in any 24-hour period and that companies keep files containing driver insurance and proof of background checks on file. However, the bill would not require companies like Uber and Lyft to comply with the same set of guidelines that regulate taxi companies, such as regulation of rates and operational requirements. Taxi companies say that the new transportation Services continues on Page 14

Nonprofit coffee shop sets up in Wheat Ridge By Clarke Reader creader@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

Wheat Ridge’s Max Marcum unloads a shot last season for his lacrosse team that went on to win a state championship. The Farmers were ranked as the No. 1 team in the state this season. See story on Page 17. Photo by Daniel Williams

Council releases added funding for 32th By Hugh Johnson Wheat Ridge council approved a budget appropriation for $500,000 for the 32nd Avenue widening project during a special council meeting after the study session March 3. The city awarded a contract Nov. 7 in 2012 to Concrete Works of Colorado in the amount of $4,600,776.34 for the completion of the widening project at 32nd Avenue. The contract included a 10 percent contingency amount of $460,000, bringing the contract construction budget total to $5,060,776.34.

Now that the project is nearly done, city staff reports that it is nearly $1.1 million over budget. The city disputes a large portion of that number but has confirmed that at least an additional $470,000 is due to the contractor. Gerald Dahl, the city attorney, recommended that the city council allot an even $500,000 for contingencies. The majority of the funds came from Denver Regional Council of Government’s Transportation Improvement Program which awarded the city a $2.924 million federal grant in March 2011. Jefferson County contributed $1.25 million for the construction. The remainder was funded by the city of Wheat Ridge. Now, both the

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funds from the grant and the county are depleted. Councilman Zachary Urban, District 2, questioned what staff is doing to prevent overruns from happening again. He stated that staff needs to take steps to ensure the Wheat Ridge’s partners can trust that it can manage funds for these kinds of projects. City Manager, Patrick Goff, cited a variety of reasons for the overrun, including a low contingency amount and bids for the job coming it at a lower number than they turned out to be. Overall, Goff stated that it’s tough to predict what’s going to happen with this type of project. “I think it’s part of a contract’s work to make sure you get the work that you need ... there’s always going to be unforeseen issues that come up in projects like this,” Goff said. “Can’t ensure this is not going to happen again ... I think this is a very unique project which unfortunately there were a lot of circumstances that were out of out our control.” The widening at 32nd runs from Braun Court to Wright Court. The project will increase the street’s capacity while serving to reduce traffic during congested hours.

Coffee drinkers looking for a warm place to go for a cup or ministry have a new stop in Cup of Faith. A local non-profit community shop, located at 11460 W. 44th Ave., Unit No. 5, Cup of Faith opened in late November with a simple mission — offer an independent coffee shop atmosphere and spread Christian ministries. “We’re not affiliated with any church or denomination,” Laurel Imer, manager at Cup of Faith said. “There is no shop like this in the area at all.” The shop is open 7-11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, and 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday and Saturday. According to Imer, everything at the shop comes from donations, and all the food and drinks that Cup of Faith offers is available for donation. Soups are available on Monday and Friday and breakfast burritos on Thursday. “All of the funds donated at the shop go to the costs of running the place and our ministries,” she said. “We’ve got a program called ‘Blessing Bags’ which collects items to be given to homeless people in the community.” In addition to the food and drink offered, Cup of Faith is a site for Bible studies, homework clubs and community meetings. Imer said clubs like a local Tupperware and woodworking groups have used the space, and the shop is doing outreach to churches and local organizations to spread the word. “Not every church has the space to host people, and a lot of people aren’t able to open up their homes,” she said. “We are providing a resource for people who need it.” In the summer Cup of Faith is looking to offer Bible study, as well as other opportunities for young people. “We started slow but have been getting the word out and the reception has been great from the community,” Imer said. “We want to people to think of us and know if they need help, coffee or a friend, we’re here.” For more information, call 303-4249760 or visit www.cupoffaithco.com.


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