4 Roots beautyplantWestminstersuccessOFHighSchoolStudents50treestopromotehealth,andequity. C O N N E C TIO N A N E X US O F N E W S , C O MMU N I T Y SP O TL I G H T S AN D C I T Y HA PP EN I N G S Fall 2022 Make Music with Colorado Sound Studios 8 SurveyResidentsSays:RateWestminster10 Meet the Next City Manager 12
WWW.CITY0FWESTMINSTER.US2 82% CONTENTS 4 Roots of Success Newly planted trees bring more than just shade and beauty to Historic Westminster 8 Small Business Spotlight: Colorado Sound Studios 10 Community Survey Garners Most Responses in Nearly a Decade Westminster exceeds the regional and national average in dozens of categories 12 Meet Westminster’s New Leaders 13 Fall Events Are Here! 14 Donated School Supplies Set Students Up for Success 15 Neighborly Advice 12 8 10 14 13 4
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“We’ve also got 40 maroon-coloredprettyfloweringchokecherrytreesflowers,
“The students this summer have been studying equity in their neighborhoods in all kinds of ways,” said Diana Maggiore, Math and STEAM Instructor for the TRIO Upward Bound Program “They’ve been researching statistics including things like crime, housing, and this project is about tree canopy equity .”
We’re trying to apply math to real-world causes, especially in our community.
the community is able to experience the mental and physical benefits of trees by improving air quality and lowering surface temperatures
After watching a demonstration from City staff, the students separated into groups and planted a total of 50 trees along the bank of Little Dry Creek, including 10 lanceleaf cottonwoods, and 40 chokecherry trees
foliage, and a sweet smell, so that’ll be a equity,asalsotrail,aestheticsimprovingBesidesthroughcomingwhentoimprovementnicetheareayou’rehere”theofalocalthestudentsplantedthetreesawaytopromotecanopywhichensureseveryone in
Students Plant With a Purpose To Refresh and Revitalize Historic Westminster
MARIANA PATINO, STUDENT
The tree planting event was just one part of a bigger lesson the students have been learning
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The added foliage is a result of a partnership between the City of Westminster and the TRIO Upward Bound program, which prepares students from limited-income backgrounds at Westminster High School for college and career “We want to improve the look of the area, and these students attend the high school nearby, so this is a great location for them to have a large impact by planting some small trees,” said City Forester Bryan McCoy McCoy says the Little Dry Creek corridor was an ideal place for this project due to the gap in canopy cover in the area .
“Lanceleaf cottonwoods [are] they’ll grow quite large ones around here,”
Mariana Patino, a rising junior at Westminster High School, said she has enjoyed being able to find tangible ways to put statistical analysis and research skills to use
Little Dry Creek Trail near 72nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard will have more shade and beauty in the coming years, thanks to a group of Westminster High School students who planted 50 trees along the path .
“We recently learned by looking at statistics in Colorado,” she said . “We’re trying to apply math to real-world causes, especially in our community ”
I think it’s essential that we work together and pool our resources to improve our communities.
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“There are so many wins here,” said Tomás HerreraMishler, Westminster’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Libraries “The young people are winning because they have this opportunity to make their neighborhood better They’re learning about the environment They’re learning about all kinds of
This tree planting project is one of many programs the City has implemented in recent years to add more trees to Westminster with the goal of diversifying and protecting the urban canopy
career opportunities talking to our foresters and arborists There’s a lot of rich learning going on here, but it’s all in the context of making their world a better place .”
“I think it’s essential that we work together and pool our resources to improve our communities,” she said “It would’ve been much harder for the program to plant this many trees in the community without the partnership of the City of Westminster, so we really appreciate the partnership and the willingness of the staff to demonstrate, model, talk about their jobs and how they’re making a difference . A big part of our program is identifying what college or career path might be the right one for them, so the more they interact with professionals in the field the more they see what’s possible .”
The cottonwood and chokecherry trees planted by the TRIO Upward Bound students can be seen along Little Dry Creek near 72nd and Lowell, west of the Little Dry Creek Dog Park (3655 W 69th Place)
To learn more about how the City is working to protect our urban canopy and the forestry pro grams that are available to residents, please visit: www cityofwestminster us/Forestry
DR. MARISOL ENRIQUEZ, TRIO UPWARD BOUND
Once the newly planted trees mature, Little Dry Creek Trail users will have more shade, colorful foliage, and a natural barrier between the path and the industrial businesses on the other side of the creek The cottonwoods will eventually grow roots deep enough to draw water from the creek and become more resistant to shock from flooding and temperature swings .
Academic Counselor Dr Marisol Enriquez said partnership between the City and TRIO Upward Bound was key for the tree planting project to take shape .
WWW.CITY0FWESTMINSTER.US 7 Are you on Medicare? One Medical Seniors is here for you. One Medical Seniors is a doctor’s office designed for adults 65 and older on Medicare. onemedical.com/sixty-five-plus | 720.798.3822 Saturday, Nov. 12 8-11 a.m. CLEAN UP RegisterOPENWATERWAYSOURANDSPACE!by:Nov2 Contact Julia Kast JKast@cityofwestminster.us or 303-658-2389 Honor E & Imagine a more beautiful Westminster!
Kevin Clock: I always loved music, but I also loved electronics and technology. The recording studio seemed to blend the best of both worlds.
CREDIT: COLORADO SOUND STUDIOS WWW.CITY0FWESTMINSTER.US8
SCMANE!
KC: After doing this for over 40 years, it is difficult to pinpoint one fa vorite. We’ve been fortunate to have been a part of numerous shows, capturing the music of countless iconic artists at Red Rocks and other famous venues. The list is insanity—we’ve been so lucky to work with so many different types of artists. We’ve recorded Stevie Ray Vaughn, the first live internet broadcast from Red Rocks Amphithe ater with Hootie and the Blowfish, Mumford & Sons (The Road to Red Rocks), Nathaniel Rateliff, and Dave Matthews.
STUDIOSSOUNDCOLORADO
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
WC: Why did you choose Westminster?
WC: Do you have a favorite recording session or concert?
WATCH VIDEO
Kevin Clock, owner of Colorado Sound Studios
A
KC: We’ve been in Westminster since 1981. We chose to locate in Westminster because it is a central hub between Denver and Boul der, with easy access from the airport, I-25, RTD rail, and the Boulder Turnpike. We love the community and the vision of the City. We hope to build a Music and Arts District in our community.
Big Head Todd being recorded while playing in the studio.
Westy Connection: Why did you start Colorado Sound Studios?
In more recent times, we’ve recorded One Republic with the Colora do Symphony, Halsey, and the Wu Tang Clan—all at Red Rocks. We’ve welcomed a multitude of artists in our studio including D’Angelo, Eminem, Natasha Bedingfield, Macy Gray, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lettuce, Motet…the list goes on.
ABOUT COLORADO SOUND STUDIOS
Since 1977, Colorado Sound Studios has provided top quality recording services for local and national artists and businesses. We talked with owner Kevin Clock to find out why they chose to locate in Westminster, and some of their most memorable experiences over the years. Kevin is a seasoned producer and engineer, and has worked on more than 700 albums and projects for artists all over the world.
PHOTOS
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WC: And you are working to bring these experiences to future generations…
WC: How have you expanded your business over all these decades?
$ 11 SLOW-ROASTEDWEDNESDAYSBURGERLOADEDHALFOFFLARGEPIZZAMONDAYS$4PIZOOKIE®TUESDAYS‡$17.50THURSDAYS SPECIALS†DAILY BREWHOUSE AT BJ’s WESTMINSTER AVAILABLE FOR DINE IN, TAKE OUT OR DELIVERY †Available in participating restaurants only where permitted by applicable state and local law. Promotions vary by geographic location. Check with your local BJ’s restaurant for participation details. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. Tax and gratuity not included. ‡Offer not valid for Pizookie® Trio. DAILY BREWHOUSE SPECIALS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: COLORADO SPRINGS | DENVER WEST | BOULDER 29TH STREET AURORA | FORT COLLINS LEARN MORE bjsrestaurants.com/daily-brewhouse-specials BJ062722_LRM_Colorado_Ad_3.25x9.25_r4.indd 1 7/12/22 9:24 AM Studio A at Colorado Sound Studios Learn more about Colorado Sound Studios at www coloradosound .com
We are also home to local legends such as Hazel Miller, Chris Daniels and the Kings, and Hot Rize, along with a plethora of amazing artists that make up the collective artist community in Colorado. We will say, though, that some of our favorite sessions are those of clients who come in for the first time, not entirely sure of what to expect, and walk away with an experience and finished product they can truly feel proud about. We work with a wide spectrum of clients, from those just beginning their journey to high end international artists, and everything in between.
KC: Our newest journey the last few years has been integrating video production to support artists in developing relevant visual art to pro mote their music. This includes music videos and the building out of our new facility, Studio W, which is adjacent to the long-standing studio complex. Studio W is a multi-faceted creative space that we use for all sorts of fun things: shooting music videos, live streams, album release parties, rehearsal space, photo shoots, podcasts, and corporate parties.
KC: We continue to expand our educational pro gram through Colorado Sound Media Labs. We feel the need to give back and educate up-andcoming engineers, producers, artists and people wanting to be on the production side. We have a lot to give and hope to expand this side of our recording studio complex.
Satisfied with the overall quality of life in the city 83%
When it comes to quality of life in Westminster, the data showed residents have a positive perception of the city, with 83% of respondents rating Westminster as a good place to live. The city’s 63 parks, 3,700 acres of open space, six recreation centers, and two librar ies play a role in this positive outlook. An average of 8 in 10 residents say Westminster’s parks, recreation programs and facilities, and libraries satisfy their needs allowing them to maintain a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically.
Rated Westminster as an “excellent” or “good” place to raise children
Rated Westminster as an “excellent” or place“good”tolive 70%
City of CommunityWestminsterSurveyResults
Residents Have a Positive Perception of the City
Home is a place where you feel happy, safe, and secure . It’s a place where high-quality services and amenities keep you engaged, active, and healthy . Home is a place where you want to raise a family and have confidence in a successful future . Home is Westminster!
Satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of our parks and programs/facilitiesrecreation 70%
That is how residents who participated in the 2022 Westminster Community Survey described the City of Westminster The survey, which was first mailed to a set of randomly selected res idents in April and then made available to all residents online in June, garnered the most responses in nearly a decade More than 1,000 people weighed in on City services and specific policy questions, offering their opinion, feedback, and suggestions
82%
Community Survey Garners Most Responses in Nearly a Decade
To view the full report of results please visit: www cityofwestminster .us/CommunitySurvey
WWW.CITY0FWESTMINSTER.US10 82%
Areas for Improvement
The City of Westminster is Setting the Standard for Service Delivery
Westminster is always exploring ways to improve the quality of life for our residents, and the survey highlighted high-priority areas for our commu nity. With 26% of residents dissatisfied with the maintenance of street and sidewalks, and the flow of traffic, it affirmed the City’s plan to invest an additional $4 million annually to the street improvement fund to proactively maintain and improve streets and sidewalks. Residents can also look forward to greatly improved connectivity with the Sheridan Underpass project that is currently underway. Linking the US 36 Bikeway, Downtown Westminster, and the U.S. 36/Sheridan RTD station will make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedes trians to travel without competing against vehicle traffic. The project also includes improvements to the roadway, medians, and lighting.
Value received for city tax dollars and fees satisfied
The City of Westminster is setting the standard for service delivery, rating above the regional Front Range average and the national average for overall quality of City services. In addition, residents appreciate the value received for city tax dollars and fees, once again rating Westminster above the regional Front Range average and the national average.
How Westminster Compares
26% Dissatisfied theDissatisfiedstreets/sidewalksmaintenancewithofcitywithflowoftraffic Street/SidewalkMaintenanceWater & ServicesSewerPolice, Fire Ambulance& PreparednessEmergency City EnforcementCode City Services Most Important to Residents City Council and City staff are grateful for the record number of participants in the 2022 Community Survey We appreciate the invaluable feedback and are proud to serve the residents of Westminster The community survey is administered every two years, so if you were not able to participate this year, we hope you will consider joining the community in making your voice heard in 2024
City of Westminster met or exceeded
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61%
averageU.S. in
Overall quality of services provided by the City satisfied
45%51%
52%
45of58categories
40% 34% WestminsterFrontRangeU.S.
Westminster continues to stand out among other mu nicipalities along the Front Range, rating at or above the regional average in 44 of the 58 categories. On a national level, the city rated at or above the national average in 45 of the 58 categories. Westminster rated significant ly higher than the national average in 32 categories, including: as a place to live, as a place to raise children, quality of water and sewer services, quality of customer service from City employees and the effectiveness of City communications with the public.
FrontaverageRangein 44of58categories
Meet Westminster’s Next City Manager
Before making the move back to Westminster, Mi nard spent three years as Chief of the Savannah Fire Department in Savannah, Georgia. Now back in the department where he started his firefighting career, Chief Minard is tasked with leading 144 personnel and six fire “Westminsterstations.is my community,” said Chief Minard. “Through nearly three decades of service here, I have vested time, energy, and passion into the organization and residents we serve. I am excited to get back to work protecting the great people of Westminster.”
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A graduate of Westminster High School, Minard first joined the Westminster Fire Department in 1991. Over the next 24 years, Minard moved up the ranks from firefighter and paramedic, to lieutenant in fire prevention, and EMS chief. Minard also played a role in developing the department’s Wildland team, which he led as captain and battalion chief for several years. In addition to serving the community as a firefighter, Minard is also a veteran of the United States Army and has completed National Fire Academy’s prestigious Executive Fire Officer certification program.
A
Freitag graduated from West Point and earned a Mas ter’s Degree in National Security Strategy from the Na tional War College in Washington, D.C., and a Master’s Degree in Management from St. Mary College.
Meetservice.
WATCH VIDEO
ABOUT CHIEF MINARD
“I am honored that the City Council has selected me as Westminster’s next city manager . I look forward to having the opportunity of lead ing the City’s staff and serving the wonderful people of Westminster!”
Welcome home, Chief Derik Minard! The City’s new fire chief started his role in August, returning to the Westminster Fire Department where he previously served for 28 years, including his last four years as deputy chief of operations.
Westminster’s New Fire Chief
“We have learned a good deal about Mark through this intensive recruitment process,” said Westminster May or Nancy McNally. “We believe he will bring the focus and leadership needed to strengthen the City’s core services and improve our community’s quality of life.”
Freitag begins his new role as city manager this fall.
SCMANE!
MARK FREITAG, NEW CITY MANAGER
The City of Westminster has selected Mark Freitag for city manager after an extensive engagement process with the community and City staff.
Freitag joins Westminster after serving nearly a de cade as the city manager of Janesville, Wisconsin. Prior to his civil service, Freitag served our nation in the U.S. Army, including three combat deployments, and retired with distinction as colonel.
Minard took over as chief when Doug Hall retired from the Westminster Fire Department after 43 years of
During his time in the military, Freitag directed oper ations and logistics as Garrison Commander for Fort Hood in Texas. Leading a staff of 5,500 personnel, Fre itag was tasked with managing a $400 million annual budget, and the daily life, training, and operations on the base for 90,000 residents including soldiers and their families.
FALL EVENTS
Holiday craft show Sat, November 5 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. The MAC
Holiday pottery sale Sat & NovemberSun,12& 13 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. City RecreationParkCenter
Our summer events have been a hit! From Top Taco to the 4th of July Celebration to the Westy Craft Brew Fest, there’s been plenty of fun for everyone. As we roll into the fall events season, be sure to check out Westy Fest—formerly known as Halloween Harvest Festival—and our holiday events schedule. Meet your neighbors and celebrate with the whole community!
4th of july Celebration
Westy craft brew fest
Holidayceremonylighting Sat, December 3 5:30-8:30 p.m. WestminsterCityHall
Upcomingevents
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Boo at the View Sat, October 29: 3-6 p.m. West ViewCenterRecreation
TOP TACO FEST
Presented by SCL Health
Westy Fest (formerly Halloween Harvest Festival) Sat, October 22: 12-8 p.m. Downtown Westminster Presented by SCL Health
Vintage Baseball
Partner event: Hometown Christmas in historic westminster Fri, December 2 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fireman’s Park, Historic Westminster Presented by WestminsterSocietyHistorical
Honor the land & streams Sat, November 12 8-11 a.m. Register by Nov. 2
The donated backpacks and school supplies make the start of the school year a little less stressful for
Find out more about Fill A Backpack and A Precious Child at www apreciouschild org
The new school year is well underway in Westminster and neighboring com munities, and thanks to our residents and City staff, more kids along the Front Range were prepared for the start of classes.
The City of Westminster once again participated in the Fill A Backpack do nation drive, organized by the nonprof it group A Precious Child. With help from the City of Westminster, more than 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies were collected for fam ilies in need. More than 100 of those backpacks were distributed to families impacted by the 2021 Marshall Fire.
said Molly Mayber, a report spe cialist with the City of Westmin ster who spearheaded the City’s donation drive. “The Fill A Backpack program is one of my favorites because everyone deserves fun and new school supplies. It is important to help out those who are less fortu nate than us, especially our kids.”
All of the donated items were distributed to students over the summer through A Precious Child’s Resource Center, local schools, hu man services organizations, youth centers, homeless shelters and foster care organizations.
families in need, something the pro gram has aimed to do since its incep tion in 2016. A Precious Child CEO Carina Martin said with the cost of school sup plies jumping by about 34 percent since last year, Westminster’s partnership was much appreciated.
“Every year, families struggle to pay for new school supplies,” Martin said. “A Precious Child’s partnership with the City of Westminster has always been an important piece of ensuring children in need receive back packs with grade-appropriate school supplies during our annual Fill A Backpack program.”
Donated School Supplies Set Students Up for Success
The City supports the program by setting up donation drop-off locations inside recreation centers and other City facilities. The donated school supplies were a welcomed sight after two years of not participating in the program due to the pandemic.
DISTRIBUTEDBACKPACKS 20,000+ PARTNERSAGENCY 55 DISTRIBUTEDBACKPACKSTOMARSHALLFIREFAMILIES 138 FOR GENEROSITYYOUR WWW.CITY0FWESTMINSTER.US14
The City of Westminster recognizes the value in equipping our young people with the tools they need to participate and excel in class, and we’re grateful for another successful year of Fill A Backpack. To all the Westminster resi dents who participated, thank you for your generosity and for helping local students feel more prepared and confi dent to succeed this school year!
“A Precious Child is based in Broomfield but does so much for Westminster and the surrounding communities,”
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For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant
REMOVED: If the tree appears unhealthy and has moderate to severe damage, contact an arborist for removal options. Keeping unhealthy ash trees that are not candidates for treatment can help promote the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
For more information about signs of Emerald Ash Borer activity, how to determine if you have an ash tree, and how to find a qualified arborist, visit: www.cityofwestminster.us/EmeraldAshBorer or scan the QR code.
As the seasons change, now is a great time to consider getting your home ready for winter and improving its energy efficiency. Consider the following three tips to make your home more comfortable and save on your utility bills:
SAVE MONEY AND IMPROVE THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME!
1
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower during winter.
Monday-Friday,8am.to5pm.
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A great way to get started with home energy efficiency is scheduling a FREE Home Energy Squad visit courtesy of Xcel Energy and the City of Westminster. The Home Energy Squad will come to your home and make it more efficient by swapping out traditional lightbulbs for LEDs, installing a programmable thermostat, weather-stripping a drafty door, and installing energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. Home Energy Squad visits are being provided for free (or $50 off a Home Energy Squad Plus visit) for a limited time, on a first-come, first-served basis.
303-658-2400
Install Weather Stripping or insulation in drafty areas.
Westminster residents can sign up for a free Home Energy Squad visit by calling 303-446-7910, Option 2 and using promo code Westminster2022.
Determine whether you have an ash tree in your yard
Fall is the perfect time to assess your tree health and plan ahead for spring, when treating or removing ash trees may be necessary due to invasive beetle activity. Although they are small in size, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) have a big impact each year, including here in Westminster where ash trees make up an estimated 14% of the city’s tree canopy. The beetles are re sponsible for the death and decline of hundreds of millions of trees nationwide, and the City Forester says our best defense against EAB is treating or re moving ash trees. Check out the guide below for help with your decision.
Use the tree identification guide on the City’s website
Decide if your ash tree should be treated or removed 2
Switch to LED light bulbs and ENERGY STAR certified home appliances.
We’re here to help!
Treated: If the tree is healthy, in a good location with access to water, and has minimal prior damage, it can and should be saved. Contact an arborist for treatment options.
YOURSAVEASH!How to Protect Ash Trees from Harmful beetle Species
AdviceNeighborly
City of Westminster 4800 West 92nd Ave. Westminster CO, 80031 POSTAL PATRON PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. Westminster,32CO80031 *********************************ECRWSS********** NOON–3 DURING THE FESTIVAL! BBQ COMPETITION PRESENTS FORMERLY HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL SATURDAY, OCT. 22 Noon–8 p.m. Downtown Westminster 5453 W. 88th Ave. *Weather permitting Free carnival Trick-or-treatinggames Balloon glow* Live music Local breweries Food trucks Pumpkin patchASSOCIATED WITH SUPPORTED BY
