COLUMBINEVALLEYVOICE
FROM THE MAYOR
In this column I would like to address safety issues and things the Town is doing to try to mitigate some of them. I also will address some things our citizens can do to minimize the known risks to their property and well-being.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Department announced that a group has been targeting luxury homes in Cherry Hills Village (four), Columbine Valley (one), Littleton (two), and Unincorporated Arapahoe County (two). The group has stolen about $1,000,000 worth of goods from nine homes.
Between Feb. 2 and Oct. 18, 2024, burglars have targeted homes during dinner hours, usually one to two hours after sunset. The burglaries typically happened in homes that back up to open space, greenbelts, canals, trails, or golf courses, or feature heavy tree cover along the property lines. The majority of burglaries occurred when the homeowners were not home. Residents are asked to call 911 to report an in-process crime or use the non-emergency number 303-795-4711 to report suspicious activity.
MAYOR & BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bruce Menk, Mayor (Term Expires April 2026)
Bill Dotson, Mayor Pro Tem Trustee (Public Safety) (Term Expires April 2026)
Betsy McCain Trustee (Community Affairs) (Term Expires April 2028)
Mike Giesen Trustee (Finance) (Term Expires April 2028)
Ed Icenogle Trustee (Public Works) (Term Expires April 2026)
Dave Huelskamp Trustee (Planning) (Term Expires April 2028)
Al Timothy Trustee (Building) (Term Expires April 2026)
Mail Correspondence To: 2 Middlefield Road
Columbine Valley, CO 80123
Or Email To: BoardofTrustees@columbinevalley.org
MAYOR (continued)
Theft-Protection Tips
The Columbine Valley Police Department recommends that you leave lights on or use automatic timers to make your home look occupied. Install motion sensor lights outdoors to eliminate dark areas and consider purchasing exterior/interior cameras. Some cameras allow you to notify police of crimes in progress. Consider installing shatter-proof window tinting to prevent criminals from breaking the glass. Be wary of people loitering around your house. If something looks suspicious, trust your instincts and call the Police. Use a watch list and look out for your neighbors.
House Watch Requests
Columbine Valley residents may request a house watch for when they plan to be away (ColumbineValley.org > Police > House Watch). During normal patrols of the neighborhood, the Police will pay particular attention to homes on the watch list and look for anything unusual. This may involve checking all doors and windows and noting anything that might suggest the home is vacant (such as accumulated packages on the front porch). You will be contacted about any issues of concern.
Health & Safety Actions by the Town
In addition to Police actions, the Town has undertaken the following measures regarding resident safety and welfare:
• Vaccinated scores of people at the Flu Shot Clinic at Town Hall
• Collected 5 garbage bags worth of medications on Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
• Notified 370 residents by email and 730 residents by newsletter about the location of the 8 Littleton Public Schools bus stops to remind drivers to watch out for kids
• Clarified and posted all golf cart rules at Columbine Valley.org > Police > Golf Carts
• Completed an assessment of all existing traffic signs to replace any in poor condition
• Started providing bilingual cards to contractors to alert drivers about the speed limit in Columbine Valley
• Completed street striping to encourage safe driving I hope this information will positively impact the safety of our community. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Town Hall for additional information.
Happy and
Safe Holidays
to All, Bruce A. Menk, Mayor
How to Get Answers to Your Top 10 Calls!
Town Hall get plenty of calls with questions about the community. Staff is always happy to help during normal business hours or you can visit ColumbineValley.org for 24-hour service. Here’s where to look on the website.
1. How do I pay a ticket? Court > Pay Summons
2. Why isn’t my street plowed yet? Public Works > Snow Removal
3. Who does animal control? Public Works > Wildlife & Animal Control
4. How can I request another trash can? Public Works > Trash & Recycling
5. How do I get an overnight parking permit? Police > Parking & Overnight Permits
6. Where can I get a pet waste bag? Community > Dogs
7. Who is president of my HOA? Community > HOAs
8. What are the Town boundaries? Community > Maps
9. How can a new resident learn about services and events in the Town? Community > New Residents
10. Do I need a permit? Building > Building Permits or Other Permits
2025 Directory Updates
If you are new to Columbine Valley or have updates to any information in the directory, please email columbinevalley.org Town Hall at 303 Copies of the Columbine Valley 2024 Directory are still available for pickup at Town Hall, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Be Safe While Shoveling!
Harvard Health Publishing shares the following tips for safe shoveling:
• Warm up your muscles before starting.
• Shovel many light loads instead of fewer heavy ones.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Don’t feel that you need to clear every speck of snow from your property.
Head indoors right away if your chest starts hurting, you feel lightheaded or short of breath, your heart starts racing, or some other physical change makes you nervous. If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911.
Visit ColumbineValley.org > Public Works > Snow Removal for more tips on shoveling and help neighbors in need if you’re able.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
