Skip to content

Search the site
Sign In Subscribe

What's Happening in Golden - Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 2024

News and events in Golden, Colorado. Tuesday, Nov. 12th, 2024

,   and  Barb Warden
11 min read
Click to enlarge

Snow Storm Melting Quickly

Photo by: Joyce Davell
Click to enlarge

What's happening in Golden today?

Events for Tuesday, Nov. 12th

Golden History Tours
Baby Time - Registration Required
Preschool Time - Registration Required
Team Trivia Tuesday
Trivia Tuesdays

For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar

5-7PM VIBE@Five @ Golden City Brewery


Business After Hours Social Event & Toast to Lora

VIBE@FIVE is Golden's Happy Hour! Come join other members of the Golden Chamber of Commerce for this "Very Important Business Event" - VIBE!

This event is for members of the Golden Chamber of Commerce and their guests as well as for members of the Golden Young Professionals.

Tonight we'll be celebrating Lora Knowlton, who is leaving her position as the Chamber's Programs & Events Manager to become the Executive Director of the Golden Welcome Center (Congratulations, Lora!).

More Information | Become a member

Stop in for a quick hello and a refreshment right after work and a chance to get to know fellow members of the Golden Chamber of Commerce and Golden Young Professionals. This is a great networking and socializing event. 

Golden City Brewery
920 1/2 12th Street (map)

5:30-7PM Golden Comprehensive Plan Community Engagement & Feedback @ Summit View Village Apartments


A Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that guides long-term decisions for the City, covering land-use decisions like rezoning, infrastructure investments, and programming choices. It lays the foundation for future zoning codes, which then turn the plan into reality.

This is another opportunity for public feedback.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Plan on the Guiding Golden page.

Summit View Village Apartments
17600 W. 14th Avenue (map)

5PM City Council Study Session @ City Hall

Golden Rotarians building the Rotary Amphitheater in 2004


Parking Passes for Volunteers
Downtown employees get free parking passes through their employers. Several downtown non-profits, such as Foothills Art Center, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, the Welcome Center, and the food pantries have similar parking requirements for their volunteers. Council will consider providing such passes.

Peace Pole at the Golden Rotary Amphitheater
In 2004, the Golden Rotary Club financed and built the small amphitheater behind the Welcome Center. They would like to add a "peace pole" near the sandstone marker that identifies the spot as "Rotary Amphitheater." The pole will say "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in difference languages on each of the 4 sides. (see photo on p. 2)

City Budget
They will discuss the budget. They still plan to borrow most of the $60 million needed to build a new City Hall & police building, but have identified opportunities to reduce spending next year, which would allow them to make a $7.5 million "down payment" on the proposed structure. The projected savings come from delaying purchase of new fire trucks and not buying an affordable housing property that they had planned to purchase. (pp. 1 and 2 of the memo)

In addition to the $7.5 million that they hope to spend on the City Hall, they hope to spend $1.1 million on solar projects at the City shops, Community Center, and Fossil Trace club house. They are also proposing $950K in various capital projects such as sound walls, park products, trails, etc. (p. 2 of the memo)

They propose spending about $164K on various projects for seniors. The City used to own buses that they used for senior field trips, but sold them several years ago. They are looking for ways to bring back some of the senior services. (pp. 2 and 3 of the memo)

They plan to continue the "compressed work week" (formerly called the "4 day/32 hour work week"). The reduction in hours considered "full time" has resulted in some part-time employees qualifying for full-time benefits. (pp. 5 and 6)

They hope to hire 3.5 additional employees, plus two new firefighters. (p. 6)

The Community Center hopes to raise fees by 5-10%. (p. 12)

Golden's voters approved a 1% sales tax in 1991, to be used on capital projects. They anticipate generating $53.6 million from that tax next year. $20 million of it will go into the proposed City Hall. (p. 21)

They plan to borrow $6.4 million for a new pump station at Fossil Trace. (p. 21)

They plan to borrow $7 million for drainage work in Lena Gulch. (p. 22)

They plan to borrow $8.5 million for the new sports fields in Ulysses Park. (p. 22)

They plan to borrow $4.5 million for the irrigation system at Fossil Trace golf course. (p.22)

Natural Medicine Regulations
Staff will provide an overview of new regulations required by the state to govern "natural medicine." This will regulate how psychedelic mushrooms (psilocybin) are distributed.

7PM City Council Business Meeting

CONSENT MATTERS
Topics on the "Consent Agenda," will not be discussed unless one or more of the Councilors requests discussion.

  • First reading of the budget that will be approved on December 3rd (more)
  • Resolution to amend an AGA with DOT regarding the US6 and Heritage Road interchange (more)
  • Resolution to approve a joint funding agreement with the USGS to investigate water resources (more)
  • Resolution to schedule next year's Council meetings (more)
  • Resolution to hire anew Finance Director (more)
  • Resolution to extend the contract with Jefferson County Housing Authority to manage two single family rental houses that the city owns (230 Depot Street-map and 1020 Archer Street - map). These houses were purchased with the goal of eventually demolishing them to make way for Heart of Golden development. (more)
  • Resolution to apply for a $2 million grant from the State of Colorado, Division of Local Affairs to assist with the costs of sustainability features in the proposed City Hall/Police Department. (more)

PROCLAMATIONS

HUNGER FREE GOLDEN PRESENTATION
This is an umbrella organization that represents many local organizations supporting food-challenged residents. This includes BGOLDN, City of Golden, Calvary Food Shelf, Golden Pantry & Thrift, Food Bank of the Rockies, Golden Farmers Market, Blaster’s Basket at Mines, Golden Nazarene Church, Jeffco Public Health, Jeffco Public Schools, GoFarm, Benefits in Action, Golden United, Jeffco Food Policy Council, Wheat Ridge Poultry & Meats, HFG Community Food Navigator, and HFG Community Advisory Council. (more)

PURCHASE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS
The City plans to buy a 6-apartment complex at 1501 Ford Street (map). The purchase price is $1.35 million. They will hire Jefferson County Housing Authority to manage the property at a cost of 8% of the rental income. (more)

Comment:
This will be the fourth low-income housing project located in the Central Neighborhood. It joins Lewis Court, the Flats at Ford, and Copper-Gold Apartments as projects managed by the Housing Authority. As explained during the Copper-Gold GURA meetings, the City's Affordable Housing Coordinator "shops" for properties that the City or the Housing Authority could acquire. So far she has found two--both in the same neighborhood where two large projects were already located.

When Affordable Housing was added to the City's Comprehensive Plan in 2017, there was much discussion of disbursing the housing among the existing neighborhoods. So far, the City is doing an inadequate job of "disbursing" affordable housing. Most of the City's neighborhoods are thusfar "NIMBY," while the Central Neighborhood has absorbed four projects. Where are the housing projects in Canyon Point, Mesa Meadows, Eagle Ridge, Stonebridge, or Beverly Heights? If the Golden community sincerely wants affordable housing, and still thinks it should not be concentrated into a designated low income area, we need to display more creativity in locating places to put it.

BUDGET
Council will hold their discussion about the budget during the 5PM Study Session, but residents are welcome to add their own comments during this Public Hearing at the end of the Business Meeting.

November Colors

Photo by Joyce Davell


If you're reading this as part of your morning newsletter, go to the website to work the puzzle: www.goldentoday.com/november-colors.

Live Music for Tuesday, Nov. 12th

Click to enlarge

For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar

Golden History: Eliminating Affordable Housing

Vanover Park - Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge


37 Years Ago
They were concerned about the specifics, but Golden residents who attended a meeting on a plan to make Clear Creek a more integral part of the community--with concrete bike paths, pedestrian bridges and an amphitheater--liked the concept.
Golden Transcript - November 12, 1987

The new version of a Clear Creek Master Plan called for concrete paths along both sides of the Creek from Highway 6 to the Coors property. There would be grassy areas along the creek for sitting and picnicking.

Golden Trailer Park at Ford and Water Streets
Golden Trailer Park, predecessor to Vanover Park – Golden History Museum collection – enlarge

The plan proposed eliminating a trailer park and apartments at Ford and Water Streets.

Several residents of the trailer park attended the meeting. Most were silent, but one man remarked,"I know there's a lot of low-income people that live there. I have lived there eight years because it's a fantastic deal on rent and I'm out of work a lot."

"Advantages to the city of relocating the trailer park outweigh disadvantages to the residents," according to the City's consultant. "Not only is it a flood hazard, but it also is cramped."

Photo by Dave Powers

The consultant suggested improving the creek to allow "small scale boating such as rafting and kayaking."

Some residents expressed concerns with the plan.

"Why are you making a recreation area out of our neighborhood?"

"If the paths are concrete, bicyclists using them may pose a threat to pedestrians."

One resident sent out a flier "saying the city wants to tear down your house or business...increase pedestrian traffic...and improve Clear Creek only for the benefit of tourists."

The owner of the trailer park, Scott McDougal, was not interested in selling the property. He explained that his family had owned it for 30-40 years. The park included 15 trailer spaces and six apartments. The trailer spaces rented for $75/month. He said many of his tenants lived on low incomes and many had lived there for several years. He thought it unlikely that they would be able to “find anything comparable in the Golden area.”

The City condemned the property, and built Vanover Park on that spot.

Thank you to Wendy Weiman for sponsoring Golden History Moments for the month of November.

News About Golden - November 12, 2024

Click to enlarge

Overnight closures on Lookout Mountain Road start this month

By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript

After years of discussion and months of planning, Jefferson County Open Space has installed new gates to close a 4.1-mile stretch of Lookout Mountain Road overnight... Read more...

Memorial service announced for Golden police officer killed in suspected DUI crash

By Lauren Penington
Denver Post

The Golden police officer who was killed last week in a suspected DUI crash on Colorado 58 will be honored in a private memorial service on Wednesday, according to Colorado’s Fallen Hero Foundation... Read more...

Memorial pays tribute to Golden officer killed in crash

9News

View video...

4A Football: Second-Round Matchups Nearly Set

CHSAA

AURORA - No. 17 Loveland and No. 19 Golden were among the winners this weekend in first-round 4A state football playoff games. They were the only teams in 4A to post wins over teams with better seeds. There is one first-round game still scheduled for Monday... Read more...

Holidaily Brewing Company Earns Coveted U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO--100 Award, Recognizing America's Top 100 Small Businesses

By Holidaily Brewing
PR Newswire

GOLDEN, Colo., Nov. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – Holidaily Brewing Company, the nation's leading dedicated gluten-free brewery, is proud to announce its inclusion in the prestigious U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO—100 Award list for 2024. This exclusive list recognizes 100 of the best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses across America... 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, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Colorado Railroad Museum, Golden Hayride Outpost, Kona Bowls, Unite Fitness, 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, and The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum

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, and Bud Rockhill

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, Casey & Gina Brown, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Carol Abel, 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, and Jamie Cookinham.

Followers:
($5-9.99/month)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser

Highlights