Sunset Over the M
Photo by Chris Davell
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Tuesday, Mar. 25th
- All day - CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUMS
- All day - Live Workouts with Community Center Pros
- All day - Golden History Tours
- 9-10AM - Women's Exercise and Bible Study
- 9:15-9:45AM - Baby Time - Registration Required
- 10:15-10:45AM - Preschool Time - Registration Required
- 10:30AM-12PM - Fraud & Scams - What's the Latest!
- 1:30PM - Triad - Senior Safety
- 4-5:30PM - After School Art Club
- 5:30-7:30PM - Exploring the Elements of Art
- 6-8PM - Books & Benders
- 6:30PM - City Council Regular Business Meeting
- 6:30-8:30PM - Team Trivia Tuesday
- 6:30-8PM - Waterwise Yard Seminar - Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Design and Materials (Virtual)
- 6:30-8:30PM - Trivia Tuesdays
- 6:30-8:30PM - Bar Bingo Night
- 7PM - Pub Trivia
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
4-5:30PM After School Art Club @ Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
Come join us to learn how we can apply creative thinking to our lives through diverse projects and activities. This afterschool program will not focus on just one single medium, but instead we will dive headfirst into many creative outlets. This program is perfect for students who are interested in a wide range of activities and want to try them all.
Location:
Foothills Art Center - Creative Campus
809 15th Street (Map)
When:
4-5:30PM on Tuesday, Mar. 25th
6:30-8PM Waterwise Yard Seminar - Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Design and Materials (Virtual)
Learn how to create and maintain low-water landscapes that save water and protect property. Great for all levels of gardeners.
Register
When:
6:30-8PM on Tuesday, Mar. 25th
6:30PM City Council Regular Business Meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers
- Meeting Agenda
- Watch the meeting streaming live starting at 7PM
- Attend the meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers - 911 10th Street - (map)
- Send comments on any of the following topics to PublicComments@cityofgolden.net BEFORE 3PM, or
- Provide in-person comment (limited to 3 minutes) during the meeting, at 6:30PM.
Public Comment
The meeting begins with public comment. If you want to address Council, you will have three minutes to speak. Any public comments received by email before 3PM will be posted in the meeting packet after 3 (so check back then!).
Consent Matters
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered non-controversial, not needing discussion. Everything in this section will be approved at once, with one vote.
Any councilor wishing to discuss one of the issues can request that it be removed from the consent agenda and discussed and voted on separately.
These are the items on the Consent Agenda:
RESOLUTION NO. 3174 (additional $344,305 in architectural expenses)
Last July, the City signed a contract with an architecture firm to design the new city hall for "a lump sum fee not to exceed $2,620,610."
Tonight's meeting packet says "That contract did not include sub-specialties, including, lighting, signage design, low voltage design (re security and IT), and acoustics, but they were all anticipated expenses in the owner’s soft cost budget. In addition, the base architect design proposal did not include structural design for the parking deck that has been added to the design on the east side of the building."
These necessary features will cost an additional $344,305.
RESOLUTION NO. 3175 (additional $176,942 in "pre-construction cost")
Last October, the City signed a contract with a construction firm to provide "Construction Management/General Contractor Services" on the new city hall for "with the award for pre-construction services not to exceed $90,000."
Tonight's meeting packet says:
...it is appropriate now to consider some additional preconstruction activities necessary to assure design accuracy and some preliminary activities related to the anticipated next steps in the project. These proposed additional site investigations include:
- Drill one 500’ deep Geothermal test well
- Conduct earthwork to do further soils tests related to defining slope shoring requirements, verify the depth of cut off caissons left during building demolition, install and maintain erosion control measures for the overall project
- Surveying related to the overall project
- Xcel Fees for temporary power installation for the overall project.
RESOLUTION NO. 3176 ($184,700 for evaluation of the east zone amenities)
This hires an additional architecture firm "to consider a comprehensive evaluation of the properties east of Washington Avenue, including Parfet Park, Vanover Park, Tucker Gulch, the land west of Archer Street acquired from Coors in 2019, and the portion of the property east of Archer Street between the proposed Police/Municipal Building and the Farmers Highline Canal and Clear Creek."
This does not include the creek trail underpass of Ford Street, which contract will be awarded in April.
This will cost "a lump sum fee not to exceed $184,700."
RESOLUTION NO. 3181 ($336,000 for wastewater treatment plant advisory services)
Molson Coors treats two-thirds of Golden's wastewater. The City shares some of the costs. This contract hires an engineering consulting firm to "support the City’s participation in Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) compliance efforts, wastewater treatment capital planning, and authorizes HDR to serve as Golden’s Owners Advisory during design, construction, and negotiations of required upgrades at the Molson Coors Wastewater Treatment Plant"
A new contract would cost $336,000 and cover $199,990 for the toxicity evaluation, and $136,010 for owners' advisory services, through December 31, 2027.The City may be required to contribute to long-term treatment solutions depending on the findings of the study.
RESOLUTION NO. 3183 (accepting additional right of way at 24th and Illinois Streets)
The corner lot at 2315 Illinois Street (map) is being subdivided into three lots. In the course of surveying the property, the owner discovered that a corner of the property should be part of the City right of way. This resolution allows the City to accept the property as part of the right of way.
RESOLUTION NO. 3184 (extending the lease for the Astor House)
Foothills Art Center leases the Astor House under an agreement that currently extends until 2052. In order to qualify for state historic preservations credits, Foothills needs a lease that will cover at least 39 years. Accordingly, the City has agreed to extend the term until 2062.
RESOLUTION NO. 3185 - (replacing the boilers at the city shops for $210,700)
Two Ordinances that were scheduled for discussion tonight will be postponed until April 8th:
- Redistricting the wards
- Updating several rules regarding Golden elections, including campaign finance, recalls, initiative and referendum and petition requirements
END OF CONSENT MATTERS
PUBLIC HEARING FOR ORDINANCE 2263 (parking code amendments)
Currently, approximately 20% of parking tickets go unpaid. This ordinance allows them to be sent to a collections agency. The City currently makes about $600,000/year in parking revenue. For reasons I don't quite understand, the meeting memo says, "City staff do not anticipate additional annual parking revenue as a result of the proposed amendments." Perhaps that means that the additional funds collection will all go to the parking management firm?
There is one public hearing tonight regarding parking management.
Location:
City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street (Map)
When:
6:30PM on Tuesday, Mar. 25th
Live Music for Tuesday, Mar. 25th
- More Live Music
6PM Karaoke with Linda @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
6PM Open Bluegrass Pick Night @ Over Yonder Brewing
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Proud, Ecstatic, and Excited
Four presidents involved in the evolution of SERI/NREL – from the “History” section of NREL’s website
Click to enlarge
48 Years Ago
The March 25, 1977 Golden Transcript announced the gladsome tidings that Golden had been chosen as the site for a new federal facility.
Proud, ecstatic, excited–those are the reactions of local officials to the announcement that a national Solar Energy Research Institute…. The Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) announced Thursday that the Golden site was picked unanimously from a field of 19 candidates.
SERI was established under the Jimmy Carter administration. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush elevated its status, making it the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The organization started with a skeletal staff of 75, but the article quoted a local business leader as saying that they predicted 500 employees once the site was built out.
According to NREL’s website, they now have 3,675 “employees, postdoctoral researchers, interns, visiting professionals, and subcontractors.”
NREL is expanding their campus to create space for energy-related industries. This includes the former minimum security prison along South Golden Road.
Weather
Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 45, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. West wind around 8 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 67. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly Clear, 43°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 71°F
Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 46°F
Thursday: Mostly Sunny, 74°F
Thursday Night: Partly Cloudy, 47°F
Friday: Partly Sunny, 72°F
Friday Night: Chance Light Rain, 42°F
Saturday: Chance Light Rain, 56°F
Saturday Night: Chance Light Rain then Slight Chance Rain And Snow, 36°F
Sunday: Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Light Rain, 57°F
Sunday Night: Slight Chance Light Rain then Mostly Cloudy, 38°F
Monday: Partly Sunny then Chance Light Rain, 62°F
News About Golden - March 25, 2025
Colorado climber dies after apparent 20-foot fall in Boulder Canyon
By Daniel Boniface
Denver Gazette
A 41-year-old climber is dead after deputies said he appears to have fallen 20 feet while climbing with family and friends on Sunday... Read more...
Electricity restored to 17,000 Denver-area residents amid high winds; nearly 2,000 still without power
By Lauren Penington
Denver Post
Power outages hit nearly 19,000 people across the Denver area early Monday morning as strong, damaging winds swept across Colorado. By mid-morning, though, electricity had been restored to most of those customers.
As of 6:55 a.m., Xcel Energy crews were responding to 12 outages impacting 18,977 people in Lone Tree, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Golden... Read more...
Supporters
Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden? If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!
Sponsors:
($100/month and up)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Joy Brandt, Tom Reiley, and Michael Mason
Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $550/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Beth Bidwell, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, and Vic DeMaria
Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $250/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, AC Development, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, and Kurt & Janet Siegfried
Members:
($10-24.99/month or $110/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Vicki Olson, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, and Barb Robie
Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton
