Westy Connection Spring 2023

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Rich Seymour rseymour@ cityofwestminster.us

Sarah Nurmela snurmela@ cityofwestminster.us

Lindsey Emmons lemmons@ cityofwestminster.us

Your hub for City happenings, stories, and neighborly advice at www.cityofwestminster.us/ TheWestyWord

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WATERWISE WAYS TO A

better garden

he sun has returned to the Front Range, and Westminster residents to their gardens. As you plan your upcoming garden projects, remember there’s much more to consider than plant selection. Due to an increased need to conserve our most precious resource, the City of Westminster is promoting waterwise garden programs through a partnership with local conservation-focused company Resource Central.

Shelly Woodcock, a Westminster resident and beekeeper, transformed her lawn into an oasis when she participated in Resource Central’s Garden In A Box program in 2022. “We were tired of spending a small fortune watering our lawn, which would ultimately die in the heat of July and August.”

Garden In A Box is a DIY solution that offers customers a hand-selected collection of lowwater plants that replaces 100 square feet of

lawn per box. More than 40,000 of these kits have been sold to date along the Front Range, saving an estimated 228 million gallons of water. Woodcock says all the work to replace her lawn was worth it, and she noticed the savings immediately. “Our water bill went from $250 per month in the summer to a high of $65," she said.

The Garden In A Box program offers several different styles of gardens, which provides a great opportunity to sprinkle your personality throughout your lawn. Alan Hromatko, a Westminster resident who already had a xeric landscape at his home, chose the vegetable Garden In A Box in 2022. “Many of the vegetables would be twice as much at a local box store or garden center to buy and plant. It saved us time having to design our own garden and pick out dozens of plants. The ease of picking it up all at once was a time saver.” Hromatko was also impressed with the yields from his new garden. “It could provide a family with all the vegetables they need for 3-4 months, with more for freezer storage.”

Westminster Senior Water Resources Analyst

Drew Beckwith has been tracking the success of these programs. “We have a long-standing partnership with Resource Central who provides many water-saving programs for our single family customers, including Garden In A Box, Slow the Flow sprinkler consults, and the Lawn Replacement Program.”

These programs aren’t the first to be introduced in an effort to conserve water in Westminster. Beckwith recalls, “The programs have changed over time, focusing first on indoor water uses like toilets, but are now almost entirely focused on outdoor water use. We also have a large-

landscape irrigation audit program for HOAs and commercial properties who are interested in making sure their sprinkler systems are working at top efficiency.”

Beckwith said that there is no downside to replacing lawn with waterwise gardens, but notes that it can take some time for the gardens to become lush and fill in the space. “Waterwise plants start small and your garden may look a little sparse at planting, but resist the urge to put in more! Over the next few years, these plants will more than triple in size, providing your yard with amazing new colors and textures all with lower water use.”

With spring just beginning, it's the perfect time for Westminster residents interested in participating in Garden In A Box 2023 to get started.

STEP ONE: Measure the space to replace and choose a kit appropriate for the amount of sunlight that space receives. You can find tips on Resource Central’s webpage. Agents are also available for questions over the phone.

STEP TWO: Remove the area of grass the new garden will replace. Customers will be able to pick up their Garden In A Box between May and early June at designated locations.

STEP THREE: Plant the garden, witness it beautify with time, and enjoy lower utility bills for years to come!

For more information on waterwise gardens and other conservation programs, please visit: www.cityofwestminster.us/ Residents/Water/Conservation

Did you know?

SINCE 2016, WESTMINSTER HAS SAVED 320 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER THROUGH XERISCAPING PROGRAMS.

NEIGHBORLY ADVICE

We ’re here to help! For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant.

How to Report a Pothole

Potholes are a reoccurring problem on Colorado roads, especially during the spring months. Thanks to the continual "freeze-thaw cycle" we've grown to accept here in Colorado, drivers will notice more potholes forming on our streets. If you see a pothole, report it for repair by following these simple steps:

1. Determine who is responsible for repairs

• Scan the QR code for a map highlighting Colorado Department of Transportation-maintained roads vs. City-maintained roads.

report a Pothole

2. Residents can report potholes on City-maintained roads by calling 303-6582501 or by visiting www. cityofwestminster.us/ AccessWestminster.

3. If a pothole is located on a CDOT-maintained street, report it by calling (303) 759-2368.

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 303-658-2400

(then press “0” from the menu options)

SPRING PAVING SEASON

Springtime also means the start of street paving season in Westminster. The City’s 2023 paving projects will kick off as early as May, with crews expected to repave more than 100 lane miles of road throughout the city.

What to expect during paving:

• Typical work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Advanced notice if your driveway is impacted by our work.

• Lane closures or lane shifts to accommodate work.

• Heavy machinery, loud noises, dust, and vibrations throughout the repaving process.

• Nighttime paving may be allowed in some locations depending on traffic impacts and noise variances

• Tar and asphalt are very hot and sticky. Be careful when walking your pets around fresh pavement.

Did you know?

Residents can preview the list of streets that will be repaved in 2023. Due to potential weatherrelated delays, an advanced construction timeline is not available.

Scan the QR code or visit www. cityofwestminster.us/StreetProjects for a list of 2023 projects and FAQs about how construction might impact you.

VIEW THE MAP

SPRING EVENTS

Warmer temperatures and longer days mean more Westminster residents are ready to enjoy the great outdoors! This spring, the City is bringing back some of the community's favorite events while also introducing you to some new and unique festivities, like Neighbor Nights, which features a diversity of musicians and entertainment in parks and facilities across the city. With something for all ages, we look forward to connecting with you and your family at one of our many events this spring.

Cuisine with Cops

Tuesday, May 2, 5p.m. - 7p.m.

Big Dry Creek Park 1700 W. 128th Ave.

Neighbor Nights

May-Sept,every Friday evening, 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Locations vary (see Special Events webpage for details)

Pride of the Farm

Presented by The Catamounts

May 20-June

Thursdays,Wednesdays,11, Fridays, & Saturdays at 7p.m.

Metzger Farm 12080 Lowell Blvd.

Great

Sponsored by Waste Management & O'Toole's Garden Center

Saturday, April 22, 8a.m. - 1p.m. Westminster and Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District

Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 20, 10a.m. - 11a.m.

Armed Forces Tribute Garden 6001 W. 104th Ave.

SummerPartyBlock

Friday, June 2, 6:30p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Historic Westminster

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? SNOWBUSTERS

t’s about 25 degrees outside, with several inches of fresh snow covering Harlan Street near Little Dry Creek. In front of a single-story house, a red minivan attempts to pull away from the freshly shoveled sidewalk. It’s stuck.

Miguel Saenz hops out of the van along with his three children: Diego (18), Olivia (16), and Audrey (13). Audrey hops in the driver’s seat and guides the van while the rest of the family pushes. The van gains traction, and it’s time for this “Snowbusting” family to head to the next house needing assistance.

Volunteering to shovel their neighbors’ sidewalks has been a part of the Saenz family winter routine for nearly a decade. They are part of the Westminster Snowbusters, a volunteer program offered by the City as a way for neighbors to help out residents who are unable to shovel their sidewalks after a snowfall.

Diego said he enjoys both volunteering and the feeling of satisfaction that comes after a job well done.

“It feels awesome,” he said. “It’s tiring, but with more people it takes less than 10 minutes.”

The Saenz kids have been volunteering with Snowbusters as long as they can remember, ever since their father Miguel first passed on his community service traditions.

“We’ve been in Westminster since 2000. I grew up volunteering in my community, so we found a way to get involved,” Miguel said. “Just going through the holiday festivities at City Hall helped introduce my kids to the community. We really felt there was something cool about Westminster and found a way to volunteer with Snowbusters. It’s part of their identity because they’ve done it for 10 years. Because of that, they continue to volunteer at school and it’s one great way to give back to the community.”

The Snowbusters program enables volunteers to shovel snow for elderly residents and residents experiencing disability. Volunteers commit to removing snow from the walkways within 24 hours after a measurable snowfall.

Sean McCartney, an employee in the City’s planning division, has been volunteering with

Snowbusters since he started with Westminster in 2016.

“It’s amazing how far a simple act goes for those who can’t do this themselves. I always consider as if I am shoveling for my own parents and understand how important it is for them to have a clean driveway and sidewalk just in case of an emergency.”

Lubben started volunteering with Snowbusters three years ago. She remembers her first assignment as a volunteer and triple-checking the address to make sure she was shoveling the right sidewalk.

Longtime Snowbuster volunteer Sean Howe said he normally volunteers with his wife and two sons. He said his youngest boy enjoys volunteering with his family and will even remind them when it’s time to go shovel.

Howe’s advice to any Westminster residents interested in Snowbusters: give it a shot.

For Theresa Lubben, a retired ICU nurse of 35 years, “Snowbusting” is a great way to get a little exercise while giving back.

“Shoveling is hard,” she said. “Having our own house to shovel made me realize that anybody who had surgery or anything like that could use the help. It’s good exercise and it makes me feel good to help someone who needs the help.”

“It’s not a big commitment at all,” he said. “It’s really simple, and an easy way to get outside with your kids. A strong community is important. It’s fun, and it’s a great way to have undistracted family time. The City does a great job of matching you up with somebody close by so it doesn’t take long at all to get there.”

Longtime Westminster resident John Carlson who proudly said he is 86 years young appreciates all the hard work of the City’s volunteers.

“If you’re in a situation where you need help, you can rely on the Snowbusters to help you out when you need it,” he said.

The Snowbusters program is typically active from October to April, and volunteers are usually matched with residents within five miles of their home address.

To learn more about Westminster Snowbusters, scan the QR code or call Outreach Coordinator Martha Heinz at 303-658-2089.

I absolutely love this program and have witnessed firsthand the benefits customers receive.

- Sean McCartney, Westminster employee

BIG DRY CREEK BIG IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO

Phase two of construction at Big Dry Creek near City Park is expected to begin in late fall. As frequent trail users already know, construction has been underway in the area since late 2020, but 2023 marks a new milestone as the sewer improvement project wraps up and the streambank restoration project begins. Here’s everything you need to know about the projects happening along Big Dry Creek.

WHAT’S BEEN DONE SO FAR?

In 2020, Westminster embarked on a largescale project to repair and replace sections of aging sewer pipe throughout the northern part of the city, also known as interceptors. A key component of the city’s sewer infrastructure runs underground along Big Dry Creek, near City Park.

Rather than replacing the entire system, the City was able to use cured-in-place pipe technology, saving money and reducing disruption to the area. Rudy Archuleta, a senior engineer with the City of Westminster who oversees the project, said the repaired sewer interceptor benefits residents in multiple ways.

“As that infrastructure ages, it may not necessarily fail and be a catastrophic environmental event,” Archuleta said. “But rather over time, the pipe faces obstacles inside it and around it. For example, inside, materials build up, and around it, over time, roots and water can enter the pipe through cracks. All of this creates additional costs for the maintenance of the collection system and treatment costs at the plant.”

Additionally, the City was able to add a parallel sewer pipe to make the entire system more resilient and able to support the area for decades to come.

levels change due to residential and commercial development within the Big Dry Creek basin, the interceptor can accommodate for those new levels as the city develops.”

Throughout the project, City staff has used a variety of tools to minimize disruptions to daily life in Westminster. One example of this was using a tunnel boring machine to dig underneath Sheridan Boulevard rather than closing down the entire road for an extended period of time.

Although the teams working on the Big Dry Creek Sewer Improvement Project encountered several challenges, including supply chain disruptions and quality control issues from manufacturers, the sewer work is expected to wrap up this summer — just in time for the Streambank Restoration Project to begin making major improvements to the trails and ecosystem around the creek over the next few years.

“That allows us to change how wastewater flows to the treatment plant, or use one of the other sewer pipes depending on time of day or other factors,” Archuleta said. “This helps prevent either failures or backups into commercial properties. Additionally, as wastewater flow

WHAT’S NEXT?

The City of Westminster is teaming up with Mile High Flood District to improve Big Dry Creek’s water quality, address safety concerns, and improve the overall ecosystem around Big Dry Creek Trail. The Big Dry Creek Streambank Restoration project is slated to start in fall 2023, and will transform the area with trail improvements for residents as well as make the ecosystem more resilient.

“It’s going to create a better floodplain,” said Andrew Hawthorn, Westminster’s stormwater utility administrator. “This helps with diversity of

the ecosystem. You get better plant life, better bugs, more bunnies. People are able to walk through the area more safely, the trail system is better, and commuters will be more connected."

A key part of the project is restoring the streambanks and adding length to Big Dry Creek itself. Decades of flash flooding have resulted in erosion of the slope alongside the stream, leaving hazardous 20 to 30-foot vertical embankments.

“Old design, old building practices decades ago didn’t require detention of stormwater runoff,” Hawthorn said. “So you get these big flows coming off a large subdivision that doesn’t have any detention, and it hits the creek carrying all the loose gravel and silt, washing it all away. This happened for decades, so now we’re left with these huge embankments.”

Frequent trail users might be aware of one of the primary concerns of the project: removing the small pond near the Westin hotel that captures debris.

“All of that stormwater runoff, that stuff that picks up from the parking lots, the oil, the grease, the sediments, the trash, that stuff ends up here in that pond,” he said. “It was designed decades ago, and it served its purpose then.”

Although that pond will be removed and replaced, the large fish-shaped pond next to City Park will see some major upgrades. Currently, the pond receives both stormwater runoff and reclaimed irrigation water, and that water cannot be discharged once it is mixed. To solve this issue, stormwater runoff will be directed around the pond, which will be drained and re-lined to hold only reclaimed irrigation water. This water can then be used to supplement the irrigation needs of City

Park and the surrounding area. Additionally, the banks of the pond will be made more gradual to improve safety for residents.

In addition to the environmental improvements, residents will notice major upgrades to the trail system along Big Dry Creek. The current proposal will add new pedestrian bridges, create separate routes for bicycle commuters and include a new boardwalk over wetland areas for wildlife viewing.

“This is going to transform the area. This is going to be an amazing final product,” Hawthorn said. "The trail system is going to be hugely improved. There’s going to be so much more access. So many different ways to get from one side of the creek to the other. This is setting the stage with Public Works to piggyback off of what they’re doing underground. That’s essential to making all this work.”

The Mile High Flood District is funding half of the work on restoring Big Dry Creek, as well as funding all of the work occurring upstream and downstream of City Park. The City’s partnership with the district greatly reduces the overall cost of these projects, saving millions in taxpayer dollars.

The Big Dry Creek Restoration Project is scheduled to start this fall and wrap up in 2025. During this time, residents can expect more trail closures in the area, which will be communicated as they occur.

“You can’t have improvements without going through construction,” Hawthorn said. “But a couple years after that it’s going to be amazingly different. More than worth it. We’re just asking for a little patience.”

To learn more about the Big Dry Creek Restoration Project visit www.cityofwestminster.us/ StreambankRestoration

We’re here to help with all your health needs and concerns.

A primary care provider (PCP) is the first person you go to for health questions and concerns. When you choose one of our PCPs, you form a relationship with someone who knows your history and is here for you, year after year. Your primary care provider is your partner in health through every stage of your life and we’re here to help you find someone just right for you.

“PCPs are generalists who see babies, kids and adult patients for common ailments including respiratory infections, headaches, back pain, rashes and urinary infections,” said Angela Bryant, PA-C, a PCP at SCL Health Medical Group - Westminster. “They also manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety and depression. A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

You should establish care with a PCP who truly listens to your concerns, offers advice and allows you to make decisions regarding your health that you both think are best.

“Even if you have never had a primary care provider, developing a relationship with one now will allow you to reach out to someone who can give advice if you are not feeling well, as well as give you recommendations to keep you healthy for the future,” said Angela.

Scan the QR code to learn more about primary care services offered at SCL Health’s Medical Group clinics

Need a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant?

“A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

of the

The BIG BEN WEST

You see it while driving to work on U.S. 36 or while walking along 92nd Avenue. It soars 130 feet into the air and welcomes residents and visitors alike to Westminster. You might not think about it often, and seeing the 14-story structure has likely become a part of your daily routine. However, the bell tower at City Hall serves as much more than just a reminder of what time of day it is. The iconic landmark is an interesting piece of Westminster’s history, and something we’re reminded of each time the bells ring.

The bell tower was built in 1988 as part of the new City Hall building at 4800 West 92nd Avenue. City staff at the time wanted to include a unique feature that would also serve a greater purpose.

“ Any element the City could initiate to help strengthen the sense of community, and identity, we wanted to do,” said Bill Christopher, former city manager of Westminster (19782001). “I have always felt that suburban communities struggle with their identities, especially with Westminster being in three school districts, and having seven or eight ZIP code districts. We thought having something very distinct that would catch your eye would help with the identity feature. ”

The idea of a bell tower was born out of creativity and a desire to connect with a city of the same name across the pond. Westminster, England is a borough of London and home to England’s government buildings, including Buckingham Palace and the most iconic clock tower in the world, Big Ben.

“

Big Ben is a symbol of the center of the community,” explained Alan Miller, former assistant city manager of Westminster (1978-2001). “That’s where this all came from it was all about symbolism and trying to give [City Hall] a sense of place. ”

Miller served as project manager for the City Hall and bell tower construction project and proudly supported building a smaller-scale Big Ben in Westminster, Colorado. When it was time to break ground in 1986, the City welcomed the Lord Mayor of Westminster, England to attend a ceremony at the City Hall site and celebrate the connection between our two cities. The Lord Mayor gifted our community with an English oak tree which is still located on the City Hall property.

When the project was completed in 1988, the finished product included 181 steps to the top of the tower, a clock, 14 bells, and a pyramidshaped steel mesh structure, which inspired the City’s logo.

“

My sense at the time is that the bell tower was pretty well accepted in the community. People seemed to take pride in it… so we later had the idea to add to it and make it a regular carillon, ” said Miller.

A carillon is a pitched percussion instrument that is played with a keyboard and consists of at least 23 cast-bronze bells. To fund the purchase of 10 additional bells, the City launched a fundraising campaign in 1997 to collect the money privately through donations.

It didn’t take long for the City to secure enough generous donors in the community to fund the remaining bells, which cost $3,000 each. The new bells were cast by the Petit & Fritsen Bell Foundry in the Netherlands and were added to the tower in 1998 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the City Hall building. With the upgrade, Westminster’s bell tower became the secondlargest carillon in Colorado. The largest is located at the University of Denver.

For years, the tower was open to the public, allowing residents to experience the 360-degree view of the Front Range. For a short time, residents were even allowed to play the carillon. Public tours ended years later due to enhanced security measures.

Today, the bells ring Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every hour on the hour, with the number of rings corresponding to the hour.

DID YOU KNOW?

THERE ARE 181 STEPS IN THE BELL TOWER THE BELL TOWER IS 130 FEET HIGH THE BELLS WEIGH 40-340 LBS. EACH

“ When I hear the bells, they’re so soothing,” said Mayor Nancy McNally. “For me, whether I’ve been the mayor, not the mayor, even before I thought of being on the city council, [the bell tower] has been a special place. Plus, where else would our police officers learn to rappel? ”

In the past, the Westminster Police Department utilized the bell tower for training SWAT officers in rappelling. At certain special events, officers have also dressed up in superhero costumes and rappelled off the tower, lowering themselves below to the smiling crowds.

Whether it’s inspiring logos, achieving a community identity, or serving as a training tool for the SWAT team, there is no denying that the bell tower has become synonymous with Westminster.

Former City Manager Bill Christopher sums it up. “ The main motivation was to create a sense of community, a sense of belonging, a place where residents can proudly say ‘this is my city.’ I think we accomplished that. ”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SMITH

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTMINSTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

City of Westminster

4800 West 92nd Ave.

Westminster, CO 80031

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