| Mead | Erie Consumer Report
WHY??
Call Volume has tripled since 2006 and is up 26% since 2020
Medical emergencies account for 79% of 911 calls
Service population has grown nearly 40% in the last decade and is projected to keep growing 7% annually
Revenues dropped by $4.3 million last year due to changes in state property tax laws and declining oil and gas valuations
Operating costs for re stations have risen 33% since 2021
Demand for re ghters and paramedics has never been greater
Having enough trained re ghters and paramedics is critical
Access to reliable emergency equipment is essential
This is NOT a property tax
Out-of-town visitors/shoppers would help fund our emergency services
A half-cent sales tax would add just 5 cents to a $10 purchase
Many items would not be taxed, including groceries, prescriptions, diapers, and all other current state exemptions
Use of Proceeds
Fire ghters & Paramedics
Add 12 within 2-3 years
Add 9 more by 2030
Retain & Train First Responders
Stay competitive to retain quali ed re ghters and paramedics
Provide further training in medical and other emergency services techniques
Emergency Equipment
Emergency radio communication equipment
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Protective clothing
ermal imaging cameras
Medical heart monitors
Diagnostic devices
Rescue equipment
Apparatus
Add two ambulances
Add two re engines
Meet apparatus needs within 5 years
For more information, visit www. yesfffd.org
Look for your mail ballot arriving this week! Voting is mail-in only and ballots must be postmarked by May 6.
2025 FFFD Board Member Election
Five candidates are running for a Director seat on the Frederick-Firestone Fire District Board of Directors. Get to know more about the candidates at: www.fffd.us/board-meetings
Jim Fox
Edward (Ed) Weimer
Je rey (Je ) Jurgena
Kathryn (Katie) Maselbas
Dawnn Short
Look for your mail ballot arriving this week!
Voting is mail-in only and ballots must be postmarked by May 6.
Tri-Town Cruisers and Sharing Hunter’s Voice Car Show
Sharing Hunter’s Voice, dedicated to nancially assisting families in purchasing Speech Generating Devices for their nonverbal
is partnering with Tri Town Cruisers on
21st to have a car show fundraiser at
Mountain Christian Church at the Frederick Campus. Food Trucks - free, and they get to keep all pro ts Booths - $60 at fee for space, bring what you need Sponsorships appreciated. $300+ waives booth/table fee, get logo on o cial yer, and receives a thank you plaque. See www.huntersvoice.net for more info.
Begin Life Anew Coaching with Tracy Rewerts $20 Off a 8 Session Mobile Personal Training Package!
Offering One-on-One Sessions:
Mobile Personal Training/Health Coaching
Betrayal Trauma Coaching
Life Transition Coaching
Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Consultation Today!
Group Coaching:
Group Fitness Classes Monday, Wed & Friday
Betrayal Trauma Healing Groups
Tracy Rewerts, NASM CPT, CES, CCLC, APSATS Trainee www.BeginLifeAnew.com | Tracy@BeginLifeAnew.com
Letter to the Editor:
As residents of Frederick, we all have a stake in how our town grows.
A recent proposal to rezone a single, isolated plat of land from Public to R-2 at 320 Maple Street may seem like a minor change, but it is far from insigni cant. is plat, designated as an Adaptive Neighborhood in the Comprehensive Plan, is not adjacent to most homes in town. However, the implications of this rezone should concern every resident in Frederick.
Why? Because this isn’t just one plat. Multiple parcels around Frederick are labeled Adaptive Neighborhood, a designation intended to allow for creative in ll and diverse housing options.
But adaptive should not mean anything goes. e R-2 zoning classi cation is broad, allowing duplexes, triplexes, and multi-family dwellings that may be incompatible with the historic, small-town character that makes Frederick unique.
If this rezone is approved without stricter limitations or context-sensitive design requirements, it sets a precedent. Developers may pursue similar rezonings throughout these Adaptive Neighborhood areas, resulting in piecemeal intensi cation that strains infrastructure, increases tra c, and alters the fabric of our neighborhoods. is is not an argument against growth. oughtful development that respects community character and scale is vital. But rezoning to R-2, especially in isolated instances, invites a patchwork of higher-density housing without cohesive planning. A better approach would involve targeted rezones with clear design guidelines that respect adjacent properties and ensure community input.
Let’s not dismiss this proposal as someone else’s issue. If you live anywhere near an Adaptive Neighborhood, your street could be next. Now is the time to pay attention and speak up. Please support the e ort in opposing the rezone of 320 Maple Street from Public to R-2. Frederick Citizens Opposed to 320 Maple Street Rezone
Area
FIRESTONE MAYOR, DON CONYAC
Hello Firestone Residents,
Carbon Valley Help Center
e Carbon Valley Help Center is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Recently, we’ve seen a wonderful increase in people reaching out—whether to volunteer, adopt a shelf, or drop o food donations.
If you know anyone who would bene t from the assistance we o er, or to volunteer, please have them call us at 303-833-6626 or send us an email at carbonvalleyhelpcenter@gmail.com
We currently have vacancies for the Secretary and Treasurer positions on our Board of Directors. If you’re interested in serving the community in one of these roles, please reach out to us at carbonvalleyhelpcenter@gmail.com
Recently the Little Thompson Water District (LTWD) sent a communication to Barefoot Lakes residents about their water service. In addition to being the treated water provider for Barefoot Lakes, LTWD is the Town’s partner in the St. Vrain Water Authority. Together, through the Authority, the Town and LTWD oversee the operations of the
Responsible Growth: Mead Place, located at the northwest corner of Hwy 66 and CR 7, is a 154-acre mixed-use development currently under construction. The project includes 311 single-family residential lots, 13 acres designated for multifamily housing, and 29 acres of commercial space. As with all new developments in Mead, Mead Place is subject to impact fees—onetime payments to support public services. Additionally, developers are responsible for funding critical infrastructure improvements such as new
FREDERICK MAYOR, TRACIE CRITES
As we welcome the energy of May, I want to thank you for being such an engaged part of our community. Whether it’s through casual conversation or celebrating milestones together, these connections are what make Frederick truly special.
Office Hours with the Mayor - This month, I’ve set aside a time on May 13, from 4 pm -5:30 pm for open office hours. These are informal sessions—no appointments needed—just dedicated time to sit down and talk with you. Whether you have a question, concern, or just want to share a story
St. Vrain Water Treatment Plant.
For a little bit of background, the Town and LTWD have recently been discussing several aspects related to future expansion of the Water Treatment Plant. That conversation is complicated as it centers around a critical water asset that will serve the Town of Firestone for generations. As is often the case in these kinds of matters, there isn’t always 100% agreement, and that’s fine. The Town will continue to work in good faith to reach the best, mutually beneficial outcome to serve all Firestone residents. What isn’t fine though, is LTWD’s attempt to influence ongoing negotiations by scaring Barefoot Lakes residents.
Barefoot Lakes is not served by the St. Vrain Water Treatment Plant. Not one household in Barefoot Lakes gets its water from the St. Vrain Water Treatment Plant. In fact, LTWD has no way of getting raw water to the plant to be treated, nor treated water
roads, turn lanes, roundabouts, and sidewalks, aligning with the Town’s commitment to ensuring that growth contributes to long-term sustainability.
Reliable Infrastructure: Mead’s first-ever Community Center is taking shape on 3rd Street, right next to Town Hall. The 11,000+ square foot facility will include a full-sized cross-court gymnasium, a multipurpose/programming room, and much-needed storage areas. Site improvements include alley paving, new curbs and sidewalks, outdoor gathering spaces, and a dedicated parking lot. The Community Center is expected to open and begin offering programs by fall 2025.
Public Safety: The Mead Police Department, in partnership with TBK Bank, will host a free community shredding event on May 31 at Mead Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event offers residents a secure, convenient way to dispose of sensitive documents and protect against identity theft. The Mead Police Department is committed to community policing by providing proactive, service-oriented programs that build trust, promote public safety, and support the well-being of residents.
about your neighborhood, I’m here and happy to problem solve with you.
Community Tour & Talk – No Name Creek Park, May 21. Our Community Tour & Talk series kicks off this month, and I couldn’t be more excited. We’re starting at No Name Creek Park, and I hope to see many of you there. These events are designed to bring Town staff, elected officials, and residents together to ask questions, offer feedback, and learn more about what’s happening in Frederick. From key infrastructure upgrades and road improvements to projects that support long-term water reliability and expand our parks and recreation offerings. We’ll also introduce the 2025–2026 Strategic Plan and show you how to track our goals and accomplishments using the Town’s new public dashboard. We look forward to sharing what’s ahead!
filled with love, laughter, and a little bit of well-deserved pampering.
Celebrating Moms – Mother’s Day, May 11. To all the incredible mothers in Frederick- Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you enjoy a day
Honoring Our Heroes –Please Join us for the Carbon Valley Memorial Day Ceremony at Crist Park on Friday, May 23 at 4 pm to
Mayors’ Report—For those of us who don’t attend meetings
away from the plant to customers. Perhaps LTWD will at some point have the necessary supplies and infrastructure in place, but it doesn’t today. The implication that ongoing negotiations over future expansion, capacity, and financing have any impact on current Barefoot Lakes residents is misleading at best. It seems designed to scare barefoot Lake’s residents into pressuring the Board of Trustees into making a decision under a completely false premise.
The Firestone Board of Trustees is committed to the long-term health and viability of all our neighborhoods, and a big part of that is growing and improving our water supply portfolio and our treatment capacity. The St. Vrain Water Treatment Plant is an asset of critical importance to the Town’s future, and we expect the same is true for LTWD. As such the Town will continue examining and considering ways to make the best use of its assets and provide the best possible return on investment.
Fiscal Stability: In November 2024, the Town of Mead proposed a 1.0% sales and use tax increase to support key public safety priorities, such as hiring additional officers, expanding SRO coverage, and improving facilities and equipment. The measure was narrowly defeated by 189 votes. While it didn’t pass, the need for reliable police funding remains, and we will continue to seek community input on future funding solutions.
Connected Community: The Town of Mead will host a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on Saturday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Founders Park. This will be the second monument of its kind in Colorado, honoring families who have lost loved ones in military service. Stay updated on Mead’s events and projects by subscribing to our monthly Mead Messenger and signing up for email notifications: bit.ly/mead-emails. If you are new to Mead, check out the Resident Information page at bit.ly/47PocLg
take a moment to remember and reflect on the courage and dedication of those who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
King Soopers Marketplace – Opening Soon in Frederick!
Frederick’s newest shopping destination is almost here! King Soopers Marketplace is preparing to open its doors in Frederick in the coming weeks! As the largest grocer in the Carbon Valley, this full-service marketplace will bring a new level of convenience, selection, and service to the community. This highly anticipated opening represents a major investment in Frederick’s future. The Marketplace will generate local jobs and fuel economic development. It’s the result of years of planning and partnership—and soon, it will be a reality.
Whether we’re welcoming new businesses, honoring our heroes, or connecting at local parks and events, it’s clear that this community thrives because of your involvement, your ideas, and your heart. Thank you for continuing to show up, speak out, and support one another. I look forward to seeing you this month—and as always, I’m proud to serve as your Mayor.
MEAD MAYOR, COLLEEN WHITLOW
Troubleshooting
CV
Chamber initiates New Latino Network Committee
By Linda Allour
Recommended Messaging Apps
Chris Eddy Principal Geek
We’ve had several customers ask us about secure messaging recently. Last year it was disclosed that text messages between Apple and Android don’t use End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). is means (theoretically) that a message your iPhone sends to your friend’s Android could be compromised and read by others.
With Facebook/ Meta tracking, retaining, and selling almost everything about us, we need to look elsewhere for secure messaging. Messenger and WhatsApp are not recommended.
Other messaging apps that you may have heard of include Telegram, Session, reema, and Signal. I’ll look at each with the following criteria in mind:
• End-to-End-Encryption (E2EE)
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Allows texting, phone calls, and video calls.
• Only collects and stores a minimum of personal data.
• Works with Apple and Android
• Works Internationally
• Free to sign up and use
• Ease of use - can you convince your non-techy friends to use it too?
Telegram requires access to your Contact list and does not have full E2EE.
Session doesn’t use true 2FA for authentication and is reportedly very slow. reema would get our recommendation EXCEPT for 2 things. First, it’s not free, so you may have a hard time getting your contacts to convert. Second, it’s not widely used, except in Germany. As Chris says about adopting new technology: “Cutting edge is good. Bleeding edge is not.”
Signal is the app that we recommend. It’s got E2EE, works with Apple and Android, and only collects your phone number. I started using it a month ago and have convinced many of my non-technical friends to also make the switch. e one downside is that it uses centralized servers. For reasons that I don’t understand, decentralized servers are better. (Chris explained it to me, but it didn’t stick!) Signal allows audio and video calls in addition to texting.
Recent news about Signal doesn’t concern me. e reasons this was a problem are a) e person setting up the group chat included someone they shouldn’t have included, and b) US law states that government communications of this type must be preserved inde nitely. is chat was set up to delete all messages within a few weeks. ere were other reasons, but those are the biggies.
Conclusion: Download the Signal app and start asking your family and friends to use it too. One friend is already using Signal to communicate with family overseas! (303) 618-7669 | www.GeekForHireInc.com | www.facebook.com/GeekForHire
Carbon Valley Chamber News
Join us for a special Monthly Luncheon on May 8th as we celebrate and award three outstanding graduating seniors from Carbon Valley! Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Carbon Valley Chamber of Commerce to support their continued education. United Power - Carbon Valley Service Center at 9586 E I-25 Frontage Rd B in Firestone ank you to all our members for your continued engagement and support. We look forward to another month of growth, collaboration, and exciting opportunities! info@ carbonvalleychamber.com www.carbonvalleychamber.com 501 Walnut St. | Frederick | 303-833-5933
e chamber has introduced a new Latino Network Committee, with a goal to empower Latino business owners, support the broader business community and celebrate the cultural diversity. e focus of the new initiative also includes nding ways help the speci c needs of the Latino community by raising awareness of chamber resources and bene ts. Jennifer Norman, the CV Chamber President, partnered with Jesse Esparza, Eastern Colorado Small Business Development, to start this committee.
e committee meets the rst Tuesday of each month at the Chamber o ce, 501 Walnut Street, Frederick at 8.15am. e Networking Cafecito is held the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7.30am. Erie Co ee Roasters (ECR) in Frederick has graciously hosted two of the three so far monthly Cafecito gatherings. Co-owner, Libby Nelson, was happy to be a part of this new chamber initiative. Nelson said “we were looking for a way to reach out to this part of the community.” ECR also hosts a “Spanish Conversation Club” the second Saturday of the month at 10am facilitated by Teresa Nunez (helping people learn Spanish).
e last Cafecito was hosted by Casa Cortez. Owners Edith Urquizo and her husband Ruben, were excited by the turnout. Urquizo said it was nice “meeting new people and getting touch with other businesses, not just Latino.” She did notice an increase in business after the Cafecito, “not many people know about us.”
e committee would like the monthly Cafecito to rotate and change locations each month to further encourage the networking. e May 27th Cafecito will be held at the Dacono Donut Shop – Amazin Glaze Donuts 2, by owners Silvia and Kenny Herrera.
Marlen Estrella, with Premier Credit Union, is currently the only o cial Ambassador of this new committee. She is seeking additional volunteers to help reach out and connect with the Latino community. Estrella says, “We saw this committee as a great opportunity to reach out to the small businesses in Carbon Valley...help them grow and show them resources.”
For more information and to be a part of this new committee, contact Jennifer Norman at 303.833.5933 or email info@carbonvalleychamber.com
Join us for Interval/Strength Training Class Mondays & Fridays at 9:30am, Cardio Dancing Weds at 7pm. See website for details and how to sign up. Plus, Mobile Personal Training where I come to You! Visit https://beginlifeanew.com/health-and-wellness-coaching/ or call 303.828.2856 for more info. Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certi ed Personal Trainer & Corrective Exercise Specialist.
By Ben Pilon
We are more than just a grocery store; we’re a community dedicated to providing high-quality organic foods, all-natural household essentials, and personal care products while minimizing environmental impact. Proudly partnering with numerous Colorado vendors, we bring you a variety of unique local goods alongside carefully curated sustainable alternatives.
Embrace a conscious shopping experience by re lling your own containers, utilizing our complimentary compostable bags, or selecting from our diverse range of reusable glass jars and
If you want to know what’s going on in Firestone, Frederick, and Dacono, LIKE www.facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport and get regular
cations.
La Cámara de Comercio de CV inicia el Comité de la Nueva Red Latina
La cámara ha presentado un nuevo Comité de Redes Latinas, con el objetivo de empoderar los propretarios de impresas Latinas, apoyar a la comunidad empresarial en general y celebrar la diversidad cultural. El enfoque de la nueva iniciativa también incluye encontrar formas de ayudar a las necesidades específicas de la comunidad latina al recaudar conocimiento de los recursos y beneficios de la Cámara. Jennifer Norman, presidenta de la Cámara de CV, se asoció con Jesse Esparza, Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas del Este de Colorado, para iniciar este comité.
El comité se reúne el primer Martes de cada mes en la oficina de la Cámara, 501 Walnut Street, Frederick CO a las 8:15 a.m. El Cafecito de Networking se lleva a cabo el quarto Martes de cada mes a las 7:30 a.m.
Erie Co ee Roasters (ECR) en Frederick, ha tenido la gentileza de recibir dos de los tres Cafecito reuniones mensuales hasta ahora. La copropietaria, Libby Nelson, estaba feliz de ser parte de esta nueva iniciativa de la cámara. —dijo Nelson—””Estábamos buscando una manera de llegar a esta parte de la comunidad””. ECR también alberga un “”Español Club de Conversación”” el segundo Sábado de cada mes a las 10 de la mañana, facilitado por Teresa Núñez (ayudando a la gente aprender Epañol). El último Cafecito fue organizado por Casa Cortez. Sus propietarios, Edith y Ruben Urquizo, se encontraron emocionados por la concurrencia. Urquizo dijo que “fue agradable conocer gente nueva y entrar en contacto con otras personas e empresas, no solo latinos””. Se notó un aumento en el negocio después del Cafecito, “”no mucha gente sabe de nosotros””. Al comité le gustaría que el Cafecito mensual rotara y cambiara de ubicación cada mes para fomentar el networking. El Cafecito del 27 de Mayo se llevará a cabo en la tienda de donas en Dacono, Amazin Glaze Donuts 2, de los propietarios son Silvia y Kenny Herrera. Marlen Estrella, de Premier Credit Union, es actualmente la única embajadora oficial de este nuevo comité. Ella está buscando voluntarios adicionales para ayudar con la meta de conectarse con la comunidad Latina. Estrella dice: “”Vimos este comité como una gran oportunidad para llegar a las pequeñas empresas de Carbon Valley... Ayúdarles a crecer e informarles sobre recursos disponibles para sus negocios””.
Para obtener más información y ser parte de este nuevo comité, comuníquese con Jennifer Norman al 303.833.5933 o envíe un correo electrónico a info@ carbonvalleychamber.com .”
Articulo traducido por Silvia Herrera. Amazin Glaze2/Daylight Donuts, Dacono.
bottles. At Minimal Market, we empower you to take greater control over what you bring into your home and onto your body, fostering a rewarding connection between your well-being and the planet’s health.
Our goal is to create a unique and positive shopping journey where reducing waste is simple and accessible. By choosing Minimal Market, you’re supporting sustainable practices, local businesses, and a healthier future.
Locations: 522 Oak St. in Frederick, south of MeCo and Zilla’s and 266 E 5th St. in Loveland
Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekends
Instagram: @minimalmarketco; Facebook: minimalmarketco; email: hello@minimalmarket.co; Website: www.minimalmarket.co; 720-843-9200.
E & Q @frontrangemercantile for more info
1201 S. Sunset St | Longmont | 303.776.6605 Store Hours Mon. - Sat. 9am-6pm
Alea Rodriguez Chair, Northern Colorado Continuum of Care rodrigal@larimer.org
Submitting the Consolidated Application and Priority Listing to HUD.
Managing the CoC Program NOFO and CoC Planning Grant applications.
Leading the annual Point-in-Time Count and Housing Inventory Count.
e Northern Colorado Continuum of Care (NoCO CoC) is pleased to announce the selection of a new Collaborative Applicant, Homeward Alliance, following a thorough and competitive process. e transition follows a regularly scheduled process outlined in the CoC’s Charter to ensure ongoing growth, responsiveness, and sustainability of the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care.
e NoCO CoC Board initiated this transition with the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) on November 26, 2024, seeking an agency to serve as the Collaborative Applicant and HMIS Lead. After a comprehensive review process, which included a special selection committee comprised of board members and a representative from the Lived Experience Council, the Board voted unanimously on February 11, 2025, to designate Homeward Alliance for this critical role.
e Collaborative Applicant plays an essential part in the success of a Continuum of Care, responsible for:
Facilitating the region’s Coordinated Entry system (CAHPS) and supporting case conferencing.
Monitoring CoC program performance and o ering technical assistance and capacity building.
Maintaining e ective communication with partners, stakeholders, and HUD.
e Board expresses its deep appreciation to United Way of Weld County (UWWC) for serving as the Collaborative Applicant for the past ve years. rough UWWC’s leadership, the region made signi cant strides in building a coordinated response to homelessness in Northern Colorado. eir e orts helped lay the foundation for a robust system rooted in collaboration, innovation, and commitment to ending homelessness.
“ is transition marks an exciting new chapter in the Continuum’s journey,” said the NoCO CoC Governing Board. “We are incredibly grateful for the groundwork laid by United Way of Weld County and are thrilled to welcome Homeward Alliance as our new lead partner. Together, we will continue to strengthen a responsive and resilient system that meets the needs of our community.”
e transition process has already begun and is expected to be complete by May 31, 2025. During this time, Homeward Alliance will work closely with NoCO CoC leadership, member agencies, and partners to ensure a seamless hando and sustained momentum toward shared goals.
For more information about the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care and this transition, please contact: