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Minutes are not a verbatim transcription but rather an attempt to capture the intent of the speaker by the City Clerk.
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Burkholder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Lakewood Civic Center South, 480 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.
ITEM 2 - ROLL CALL
Those present were: Mayor Steve Burkholder, Presiding
Ed Peterson
Sue King
Mike Stevens
Vicki Stack
Bob Murphy
Cheryl Wise
Ray Elliott
Doug Anderson
Diana Allen
Absent: Debbie Koop
Others in attendance: Joni Inman, Acting City Manager
Tim Cox, City Attorney
Full and timely notice of this City Council meeting had been given and a quorum was present.
ITEM 3 - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mayor Burkholder welcomed Tim Cox to the Lakewood team.
BOY SCOUT/GIRL SCOUT INTRODUCTION
Mayor Burkholder introduced Boy Scout Troop #437 which was present in the audience.
ITEM 4 - RECOGNITION - LAKEWOOD ON PARADE AWARDS
Mary Bindner and Judy Repp presented awards to the following Lakewood on Parade recipients:
Green Mountain High School received the award for the best marching band.
The Lakewood Business Leadership Committee (Jewell/Wadsworth Business Association aka JWBA; the Alameda Gateway Community Association; the West Colfax Community Association and the West Chamber of Commerce) received the best commercial entry award.
The Westernaires received the award for the best equestrian entry.
Elmer Haight and family received the award for the best-motorized entry.
The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Lakewood received the best non-commercial entry award.
Cub Scout Troop 437 won the award for the best Scout entry.
The Colorado Mestizo Dancers and Sandy Garcia were presented the award for the best youth (non-Scout) entry.
ITEM 5 - PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED 2007 REVISED/2008 BUDGET
Larry Dorr, Director of Finance gave an overview of the City's 2008 budget. The details of the City's budget are available for reading in the Jefferson County libraries as well as online at www.Lakewood.org. On July 23, 2007, the City Council's Budget and Audit Committee previewed this budget. As required by City Charter, Council had its budget study session. Tonight is the first of two public hearings - the second hearing is scheduled for September 24, 2007, when the budget will be formally adopted.
The budget process is managed in the City's Finance Department. The Director of Finance and the Budget Management Analyst work with managers and project planners from various departments in the City to develop estimates of income, expenses and changes to the budget. This information is presented to the Budget and Audit Committee to test the assumptions, economic forecasts, changes in projects and changes in the City's reserves.
For the seventh straight year, the City has received the Government Finance Officer's Association (GFOA) Award for Distinguished Budget Presentation. Cathy Barum, Budget Management Analyst, was recognized for her role in managing the budget process, which led to receipt of this award.
Mr. Dorr continued, saying the Budget and Audit Committee is very unique to Lakewood and includes three Council representatives; Councilman Elliott, Councilwoman Allen, Councilman Stevens, and three citizen representatives: Brian Bissell, Vice President of Colorado Christian University; John Ludwigson, who works with the General Accountability Office; and Zenat Shariff Belkin, who is a Professor at Regis University.
As required by City Charter, the City retains an independent accounting firm to conduct an audit of the City's financial records. The City's Budget and Audit Committee is responsible for receiving that audit plus comments and feedback from the City's external, independent auditor. For the seventeenth time, the City has received the Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. This document is available in printed format and on the City website (www.Lakewood.org).
Richianne Sullivan, Accounting Division Manager, Jeanne Anderson, Nancy Love, Sara Pence, Sheila Becker and Cathy Barum were thanked for helping the City earn this award.
Mr. Dorr stated that the majority of the General Fund comes from sales and use tax and large economic development projects that have occurred in the City. Nearly one-fourth of the general fund sales tax comes from these projects. The majority of spending that occurs in the general fund is for personnel. In the 2007 revised and 2008 proposed budget, general fund revenues and expenses are virtually equal. The City will have an estimated reserve of $18.5 million at the end of this year, or nearly 20 percent of expenses - a very dramatic change from a few years ago. When accounting for new retail and changes in retail, the estimated economic growth is just under two percent. The expenses are not all operating-related; there are some projects mixed in, but without the projects, there is still a very good balance between operating expenses (regularly occurring expenses) and income.
There is a slight change to the numbers proposed for 2008. At its last meeting, Council approved the purchase of an evidence storage facility for the Police Department, and there was discussion during the budget study session regarding liquid de-icing of snow and ice-covered roads. The budget figures are based on a very conservative growth forecast of just over 1.5 percent. Mr. Dorr gave an overview of several plans and projects included in the 2008 budget.
Mayor Burkholder invited the public to comment on the proposed budget.
Michael O'Beirne complemented staff on the budget's format. He questioned why the development participation is static at $50,000 as shown on page 449, and asked how developers contribute to that fund. He proposed eliminating the business and occupation tax. He questioned the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program on page 53 and suggested that perhaps Council could direct some CDBG funds toward the Alameda and Sheridan neighborhood. He asked for clarification regarding certificates of participation and the $18 million dollar reserve fund.
Mayor Burkholder thanked Mr. O'Beirne for his comments and questions and stated that these would be responded to at the second Public Hearing.
As there were no other public comments, Mayor Burkholder closed the public hearing and invited Council members to make comments.
Councilwoman Wise thanked Mr. Dorr for his presentation to Council. She reviewed the discussion at a recent study session about reinstating the community clean-up project. Council officers looked into it and forwarded a memo to Council in late August with information about the cost of reinstating the program. She stated she would submit an amendment to the budget on September 24th for funds to reinstate this program. The total cost is estimated to be about $117,000.
Councilman Elliott stated that during the Ward 4 meeting last week a number of constituents wanted to make sure that reserves were being added to and not taken away from. He expressed concern that for 2008, we are projecting a $92,000 reduction in the reserves and, with what Councilwoman Wise is adding, potentially another $100,000. He asked about year-end estimates for 2007.
Larry Dorr commented that this was discussed with the Budget and Audit Committee who looked at both the estimates and the outcome. In 2006 the City had a substantial increase in reserves. The City would be increasing its reserves even more in 2007 and 2008 if it weren't for some one-time projects, which are much needed. The Budget and Audit Committee will evaluate the situation if it appears that the economy or revenues are weakening.
Councilman Elliott inquired about the one-time projects in 2007 and 2008.
Larry Dorr responded that $5.9 million is budgeted for these projects: (2007) C-470 interchange, $1 million; PD communications center, $1.2 million; Public Safety Center, $460,000; (2008) $2,300,000.
Councilwoman Stack commented that if we have $150 million in revenue and a $155 million in expenses, how can we say we have a balanced budget?
Larry Dorr agreed that for the General Fund for 2008, there is a slight difference. Per City policy, the annual draft budget submitted by the City Manager must have a balanced general fund, but Council may approve a different final budget. Other project funds of the City, grant funds, etc. will not necessarily be balanced within a particular year.
Councilwoman Allen stated that she explains to constituents that per TABOR law, the City must have three percent of its budget in reserves. Lakewood requires ten percent in reserve and currently we are running at 18-20 percent, which is very conservative. She commented that she wants money in reserves in case something happens, but added that we have to be careful about how much we keep in reserves because people are paying taxes for services. Some of the capital investments that people expect from their tax dollars need to be accomplished.
Councilman Stevens agreed, saying the intent was to spend this money to catch up on some one-time projects for things that were neglected in the past. We intended that revenues be on the positive side. Since that initial draft budget, Council has identified a couple of items which citizens were very clear they wanted. The opportunity came for getting the evidence storage facility and we needed to take advantage of that. He suggested reviewing the budget to find a lower priority project in order to create balance in the general fund.
Councilman Peterson commented that the monies collected through our sales taxes and other revenue sources are monies that should be invested in our community and City services. There comes a point in time when reserve funds need to be looked at in light of current needs (e.g. capital improvement projects such as resurfacing; the deicing of the streets, etc.) He stated he supports Councilwoman Wise's proposal to add the clean-up project because these are the types of things that affect our quality of life, property values and the general perception of our community.
Acting City Clerk Sharon Blackstock read the following Consent Agenda items into the record:
ITEM 6 - RESOLUTION 2007-48 - ABOLISHING FOUR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSIONS AND CREATING AN "ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY."
ITEM 7 - RESOLUTION 2007-49 - SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION TO GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO REQUESTING FUNDING FOR PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT BELMAR PARK AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT IF APPROVED
ITEM 8 - RESOLUTION 2007-50 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, AUTHORIZING THE ASSIGNMENT OF $6,069,425 OF THE CITY'S PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND ALLOCATION FOR 2007 TO THE COLORADO HOUSING AND FINANCE AUTHORITY; AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF AN ASSIGNMENT OF ALLOCATION; AND PROVIDING OTHER DETAILS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
ITEM 9 - ORDINANCE O-2007-30 - LEVYING TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2007, TO DEFRAY THE COSTS OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2008, AND ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008
ITEM 10 - ORDINANCE O-2007-31 - ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2007 FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, AND FURTHER ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 2008, AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2008, ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO BE RAISED BY TAX LEVY BASED ON SAID BUDGET SO ADOPTED, ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE DERIVED FROM OTHER REVENUE SOURCES, SETTING FORTH THE APPROPRIATIONS FOR EACH FUND
ITEM 11 - ACCEPTING MINUTES OF THE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Lakewood Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage Licensing Authority Meeting, July
12, 2007
Lakewood Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage Licensing Authority Meeting, July
26, 2007
Mayor Burkholder invited public comment on Consent Agenda items.
Johann Cohn - 1208 S. Brentwood Street, Lakewood, CO, President of Lakewood Citizens for Open Space, stated that he and his organization are pleased there will now be a vehicle for citizens to advise Council on parks, trails, open space and the environment, assuming this resolution is approved. We have some residual concerns regarding the role of the commission coordinator and a concern that commission members not be overburdened by meetings. We hope this new commission will fulfill Mayor Burkholder's vision of capturing some of the voices of those who aren't usually heard.
John Fox - 1133 S. Eaton Street, Lakewood, CO, member of Lakewood Citizens for Open Space, said he is concerned about having a committee meeting with 60 individuals each month trying to reach consensus. He asked that Councilwoman King's suggestion for a review after six months be added to the resolution.
As there were no other comments, Mayor Burkholder closed the public hearing.
Councilwoman Wise made a motion for approval of the Council minutes, for acceptance of the minutes of the Boards and Commissions, order all ordinances introduced on first reading to be published in the Rocky Mountain News and public hearings set for the dates included in the ordinances and for adoption of resolutions, all of which are included in the Consent Agenda items introduced into the record by the Acting City Clerk. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Wise requested that item #6 be pulled (Resolution 2007-48).
Councilman Anderson requested that item #7 be pulled (Resolution 2007-49).
Councilwoman Stack requested that item #10 be pulled (Ordinance O-2007-31).
Vote on the Consent Agenda with items 6, 7 and 10 being removed for separate vote: 10 Ayes. No Nays. The motion carried.
ITEM 12 - ORDINANCE O-2007-28 - AMENDING SECTION 1.16.080 OF TITLE 1 OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS, AMENDING SECTIONS 5.24.010 AND 5.24.360 OF TITLE 5 OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS, AND AMENDING SECTIONS 9.32.260, 9.43.030, 9.43.040, 9.50.080, 9.60.010, 9.60.020, 9.63.020, 9.64.010, 9.64.020, 9.65.010, 9.65.020, 9.65.030, AND 9.70.010 OF TITLE 9 OF THE LAKEWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY
Public Comment: None
Councilwoman Wise made a motion to adopt Ordinance O-2007-28 on second and final reading. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Vote on O-2007-28: 10 Ayes. No Nays. The motion carried.
ITEM 13 - ORDINANCE O-2007-29 - AUTHORIZING SIGNATURE OF A NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION LINES AND RELATED APPURTENANCES ACROSS TRACT B, DANIELS PLACE SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF NELSON STREET SOUTH OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT PROPERTY IN THE VICINITY OF WEST 13TH AVENUE AND NELSON STREET, LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, FURTHER DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Public Comment: None.
Councilwoman Wise made a motion to adopt Ordinance O-2007-29 on second and final reading. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Vote on O-2007-29: 10 Ayes. No Nays. The motion carried.
ITEM 14 - GENERAL BUSINESS
RESOLUTION 2007-48 - ABOLISHING FOUR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSIONS AND CREATING AN "ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY."
Councilwoman Wise stated that one of the strengths of this community is the willingness of citizens to participate in their local government. This last year, we spent a lot of time looking at different ways to improve citizen participation. The resulting plan is a radical change from the way we've done things in the past. Because it is so different, she proposed revising the resolution so that any future changes be made by Council resolution. This will address her concern that Council will no longer have liaisons appointed to these different groups. She also proposed adding a six-month review because this is a work-in-progress.
Councilwoman Wise moved to amend Resolution 2007-48 by eliminating the last sentence and adding "as needs change, by resolution", so that Section 6 would read: "The City Council shall have the authority to create or abolish subcommittees of the Advisory Commission for an Inclusive Community as needs change, by resolution"; and by adding a six-month review. Councilman Peterson seconded the motion.
Joni Inman asked that the six-month review be six months from the time of the first meeting. She stated that a Section 7 could be added regarding a six-month review from the date of the first meeting in January, 2008, noting that staff will word it per City Council motion. Council members agreed by consensus.
Vote on the amendment to Resolution 2007-48: 10 Ayes. No Nays. The motion carried.
Councilwoman King stated that there are some conflicts on Wednesday evening
and some people currently serving on commissions will not be able to attend.
She asked Joni Inman to clarify that the people who are currently serving will
not need to re-apply for their position on the commission. She said she also
prefers the term "retiring" over "abolishing".
Joni Inman explained that there will be a meeting this Wednesday with existing members of boards and commissions to explain the process from this point forward. Existing commissioners will be invited to indicate whether they wish to continue serving. Once we know how many commissioner openings we have, we will advertise in "Looking at Lakewood", on Channel 8 and on the website, she said.
Councilwoman Allen gave an overview of the work done by her, Ms. Inman and Chief Burns to determine the best way to make the City's boards and commissions effective. Some of their findings included the need for:
• A point person on staff who can work effectively with commissioners
and Council members
• A larger group where commissioners can communicate more with each other
• A representative group, similar to an Executive Board, that would come
to Council meetings and study sessions
The intent of this restructure is: 1) to give the commission more power, not as one interest group, but as a collective body; 2) to have better communication with Council; and 3) to give commissioners the respect they deserve, including training, a staff person and resources. There still are concerns and we will probably make changes in the next few months, she concluded.
Joni Inman clarified for those listening for the first time, that we're talking only about advisory commissions and not regulatory boards and commissions (i.e. Planning Commission and Liquor Authority), which remain intact under the current system. She added that as we did research around the country, we found that the model we were currently using was not working very well. Lakewood is creating a model for citizen participation with this new structure.
Councilman Murphy stated that he was very excited about the restructuring and he sees it as energizing and empowering our commissions.
Councilman Anderson commented that the staff position being created would be warranted if it focused on creating volunteer labor for the City. There is a wealth of individuals in this community who have skills and services that they would love to provide in every single department in this City. He said he would like to have the utilization of volunteer effort be an integral part of every paid employee's job.
Joni Inman responded that the coordinator job description includes a component of working with the Department of Employee Relations to create volunteer positions and coordinate volunteers for potential positions within the City.
Mayor Burkholder stated that Council is fully apprised of why we wanted a staff member to be coordinator. We've had staff members for each of these commissions spending untold hours over and above their regular job responsibilities for years. This is a way to be more effective and efficient, not as a gatekeeper, but as a liaison for the community.
Councilwoman Wise made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-48 as amended. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Vote on the amended Resolution 2007-48: 8 Ayes. 2 Nays (Stack, Anderson). The motion carried.
RESOLUTION 2007-49 - SUPPORTING A GRANT APPLICATION TO GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO REQUESTING FUNDING FOR PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS AT BELMAR PARK AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE GRANT AGREEMENT IF APPROVED
Councilman Anderson spoke in opposition to the resolution regarding new playground equipment for Belmar Park. He cited several other uses for $120,000 that he would prefer, including purchase of 1,000 bicycles for kids (to avoid obesity), 100 computers for Belmar Library to reduce the demand for computers every afternoon, purchase of a couple of police cruisers so the third watch on Fridays and Saturdays doesn't have to double-up in vehicles. He commented that five or ten kids use the playground area in Belmar Park right now; spending $120,000 to improve it is nuts.
Councilwoman Wise said it was incredibly important that children know they are part of the community and parks equipment is one way to show that. If $120,000 keeps two children connected to the community and keeps them out of an institution, it's worth the cost.
Councilman Stevens stated that playgrounds are a very important part of our community. The playground equipment at Belmar is antiquated and unsafe. Funding this project is money well spent and I'm going to support it, he said.
Councilman Peterson commented that it has been demonstrated through many different studies that a sense of community pays huge benefits down the road. He said that spending money on playground equipment is an investment in the future; all children should have an opportunity to recreate in Lakewood parks. "I will be strongly supporting this", he said.
Joni Inman clarified that $60,000 of Lakewood taxpayer dollars and $60,000 of Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds would be used to purchase this playground equipment.
Councilwoman King stated that the parks in Lakewood are real gems and so are our children. She commented that Mr. Anderson doesn't like parks in general, referring to an earlier discussion about Ray Ross Park. "I'm thrilled that we'll be able to bring improvements to this park", she said.
Councilwoman Allen thanked Mr. Anderson for keeping her entertained. She added that she has two small children, ages 3 and 5. She spent almost 5 years as a stay-at-home Mom and visited Lakewood's parks 4-5 days a week. There are probably 30,000 school-age kids in our City, she said, and she hopes Lakewood continues to invest money in its 95 parks because they are important assets. She commented that 25% of Lakewood is open space, including 95 parks, and that she hopes we continue to invest in them.
Councilman Elliott stated that parks are an important part of the community for kids and families, but the issue is how much money do we need to spend? He said he's a believer in limited government and would love to have all of these new things, but realizes there is a cost. He wants to see Lakewood invest in itself, but wonders at what point we can't afford it anymore. He said would vote against the motion.
Mayor Burkholder commented that this proposal is for one park improvement, not for every park in the City. Mr. Dorr has shown us that fund balances will increase over the next few years, so we need to look at the big picture regarding how we're utilizing tax dollars, he said.
Councilman Anderson clarified to Councilwoman King that he does not hate parks and that he was very concerned over the $6 million makeover of Ray Ross Park that added only one parking space, which was the #1 major concern. With regard to Belmar Park, he said we could add a couple of swing sets at industrial prices, plus teeter-totters, slides and some handicap accessible equipment for a lot less than $120,000. What's proposed here is some new-fangled theory on playground equipment that is a lot of salesmanship and very little product; it is absurd to spend $120,000 for a little bit of playground equipment, he commented.
Councilwoman Wise made a motion to adopt Resolution 2007-49. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Vote on 2007-49: 7 Ayes. 3 Nays (Stack, Anderson, Elliott). The motion carried.
ORDINANCE O-2007-31 - ADOPTING A REVISED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2007 FOR THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, COLORADO, AND FURTHER ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 2008, AND ENDING ON DECEMBER 31, 2008, ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY NECESSARY TO BE RAISED BY TAX LEVY BASED ON SAID BUDGET SO ADOPTED, ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE DERIVED FROM OTHER REVENUE SOURCES, SETTING FORTH THE APPROPRIATIONS FOR EACH FUND
Councilwoman Wise made a motion to adopt Ordinance O-2007-31 on first reading, to set the date for the second and final reading of September 24, 2007. Councilman Murphy seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Stack asked Mr. Dorr if there is something that can be removed to balance the budget before second reading since a couple of new projects have been added?
Joni Inman clarified that pulling items from the budget is Council's role as policy makers.
Councilman Stevens suggested that Councilwoman Stack bring a proposal to the next meeting.
Councilwoman Stack responded that she could do that.
Mayor Burkholder read the motion to adopt Ordinance O-2007-31 on first reading, to set the date for second and final reading of September 24, 2007.
Vote on O-2007-31: 10 Ayes. No Nays. The motion carried.
ITEM 15 - PUBLIC COMMENT
Bob Zachman - 13182 W. Jewell Circle, Lakewood, CO
Introduced a new membership brochure for the Heritage, Culture and the Arts
Alliance (HCA), which is available at several City facilities. He announced
that the alliance will host its second annual wine tasting event, "Tie
One on Lakewood" on October 4th. Scarves and ties made by City Council
members, local artists and HCA Board Members will be sold.
Michael O'Beirne - P.O. Box 260313, Lakewood, CO
Discussed a February 16th Rocky Mountain News article regarding a Belmar proposal
for a two-megawatt solar project, and an August 3rd Denver Post article regarding
a possible one-megawatt solar project at the Federal Center. He asked if Lakewood
is pursuing energy efficiency goals. He also asked about the Wi-Fi wireless
system that's been proposed for this area and whether there is a cost to the
City. He said the plan appears to be a heck of a deal for business.
As there were no others wishing to speak, Public Comment was closed.
Mayor Burkholder asked Joni Inman to explain the process for follow up responses to previously asked questions at Council meetings.
Joni Inman stated that when questions of general interest to the Lakewood community are asked at a Council meeting, a response will be provided under Public Comment or General Reports at the next meeting. We'll also provide this information on the Lakewood News Program on KLTV8 and on the Lakewood website, she said.
Ms. Inman stated that regarding Mr. O'Beirne's question about sustainable community and greenbuild efforts, City Council members and the Mayor have individually been very strong on the issue of greenbuild, but Council has taken no formal action at this time. There are several efforts underway and information about those efforts will be reported back to you at the next council meeting, she said.
Ms. Inman responded to the wireless system question, saying that Boris Naschansky, the City's Information Technology Director, has done much of the work on the wireless network. The City Council recently approved entering into an agreement with other communities to develop this program.
Ms Inman responded to questions presented at the last meeting about Forsberg-Iron Spring Park:
"Why is Forsberg-Iron Spring Park closed?"
Forsberg-Iron Spring Park is part of Rooney Valley, which is located east of
C-470 and southwest of Alameda and Jewell. The entire park is not closed. Thirty
acres of the 138 acres is temporarily closed while Carma, the developer of Solterra
homes, makes $1.2 million worth of park improvements. This is still Lakewood
parkland; it does not belong to Carma.
"Why is the ground being scraped?"
There are about 31 acres east of Indiana Street that had to be reshaped to accommodate
for permanent parking, parks and trails, a park pavilion, a fenced area for
dogs running off-leash and a Xeriscape demonstration garden. The area has just
recently been reseeded with native grasses. This is part of the $1.2 million
that is being provided for park improvements by Carma, the developers of Solterra.
"Why is dirt being hauled out of Green Mountain?"
Consolidated Mutual Water Company, which provides water to many Lakewood residents
and will be providing water to the Rooney Valley, is building an underground
water tank on William Frederick Hayden Park. The tank will be covered and contoured
once it's completed and vegetation will be re-established; it will be the twelfth
water tank on Green Mountain.
"Why are the ravines being filled in that area?"
There are no ravines on City property being filled. The owner of the private
property south of the park may be filling in some of the areas in accordance
with the grading and drainage plan for the new development.
ITEM 16 - REPORTS
Mayor Burkholder commented that Lakewood High School is open and the official
grand opening will be the first week of October. Groundbreaking for the new
Bear Creek High School has taken place and the ribbon cutting was done for the
Bear Creek K-8 School. There are some great things happening with Alameda High
School thanks to Ms. King, Mr. Peterson and the Alameda Gateway Community Association.
Councilman Murphy reminded everyone that this weekend is Festival Italiano at Belmar.
Councilwoman Allen stated that there is no Ward 5 meeting this month because the Carmody Recreation Center will be closed temporarily for some electrical maintenance.
Councilman Elliott noted that Ward 4 meetings are being held again and there has been a good turnout. He thanked Candidate Murphy for his attendance and expressed his appreciation for answering the questions. The other two candidates did not attend.
Councilwoman Stack stated that Ward 1 meetings will be held every third Saturday starting September 22, 2007 at the Lakewood Library on 20th and Miller at 10:30 a.m.
Councilwoman King had no report but extended an invitation to join her and Mr. Peterson for the Ward 3 meeting this coming Monday at 8:00 at Whole Foods.
Acting City Manager Joni Inman reminded Council Members that anyone who wants to come to the information meeting about creation of the new advisory commission is welcome to attend.
ITEM 16 - ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Burkholder adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Submitted by,
Sharon Blackstock, Acting City Clerk
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