South Adams County Water and Sanitation District considers ballot measure
BY LONDON LYLE
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e clock is ticking down to the Sept. 9 deadline to add ballot measures for consideration in Colorado’s upcoming November general election.
e South Adams County Water and Sanitation District, which supplies drinking water to Commerce City, is among the entities considering adding a question to the ballot in the next couple of weeks.
e proposed measure would seek voter approval to exempt the district from the revenue collection limits imposed by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional amendment
passed by Colorado voters in 1992 that limits the amount of revenue that state and local governments can collect and spend.
e practice of gaining voter approval to transcend these scal limits has been dubbed “de-Brucing” here in the Centennial State, snidely named after the author of TABOR, Douglas Bruce.
If it passes, the water district will join the ranks of the majority of Colorado cities and districts that have undergone the process, including the City and County of Denver, which approved a deBrucing measure in 2012, numerous municipalities in Boulder County, including the city of Boulder and the Boulder Valley School District, and even Commerce City and the South Adams County Fire Protection District.
“Adams County themselves have done this,” said eresa Friess, Public A airs Coordinator
at the water district. “But we’re a special district. As a water and wastewater provider, we’ve just never gone to the voters with this request before.”
e district’s Board of Directors hosted a special Aug. 26 meeting to listen to public input before deciding whether to place the measure on the ballot. Should the board decide to move forward with the measure, it will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
Only voters within the district, which primarily provides water and wastewater services to Commerce City and parts of unincorporated Adams County, would be eligible to decide the measure’s fate. An estimated 70,000 residents rely on the water district’s services, according to a recent press release.
Adams County distributing bug repellant
E orts to stem West Nile
STAFF REPORT
As more communities across the Front Range report instances of West Nile virus, Adams County is stepping up e orts to help residents avoid the disease and the mosquitos that help spread it.
e Adams County Health Department will be distributing free cans of insect repellent that contain Picaridin at its clinics beginning Aug. 28. e o ces are located at 1401 W. 122nd Ave. #200, in Westminster, and at 7000 Broadway Suite 400, in Denver.
Picaridin is an odorless, non-greasy insect repellant developed as an alternative to DEET, which can be harmful to plastic items such as sunglasses and clothing. Picaridin doesn’t irritate the skin or damage plastics, according to the county, and can be used on children older than two months old.
e health department also plans to give out the repellant at community outreach events throughout the end of summer and into the early fall. More information is available at the health department’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X pages.
Colorado reported its rst human case of West Nile virus in 2024, a woman in Arapahoe County, in June. Since then, the disease has been reported in Denver and Colorado Springs. Boulder County reported its rst human case of West Nile virus in Longmont on Aug. 20. e virus was rst detected in mosquitoes in Adams County in July.
August and September are traditionally the two months with the highest number of people catching West Nile Virus from bites of infected mosquitoes. In 2023, Colorado had 634 re-
The Metro Water Recovery Northern Treatment Plant is part of the water district and serves portions of Adams County, Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, and Denver International Airport.
BRIEFS
Adams City ‘84 alums seeking missing classmates
Adam City’s class of 1984 is scheduled to host its 40th class reunion at 5 p.m. Aug. 30 at the 30/70 Sports Bar and Grill, 18856 W. 120th Ave. in Westminster.
Organizers are trying to contact a few remaining missing graduates. If you attended ACHS with the class of 1984 or have a family member who did, please get in touch with Susan Zale Vanness (303) 513-1333 or vannessrealty@comcast.net or Tracey Snyder (303) 921-2114 tjsnyder07.ts@gmail.com
Legal self-help clinic
e Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of every month.
e program is for those without legal representation and needing help navigating through legal issues.
Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss family law, civil litigation, property, and probate law. Call 303-405-3298 and ask for the Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours before.
largest waterpark, is hosting its 7th Annual Bow Wow Beach Doggie Day Sept. 7.
Dogs of all sizes are invited to splash, swim, fetch, and play in four of the park’s signature attractions before Water World drains and cleans the pools for winter. is annual event is organized in partnership with Adams County’s Riverdale Animal Shelter, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the shelter.
is year, the shelter is also collecting gently used blankets, towels, and washcloths at the entrance to the event. Each family who brings a donation will receive a free dog treat.
Water World goes to the dogs Sept. 7 Water World, Colorado’s rst and
While the dogs play, their human family members can enjoy food and beverages for purchase and visit community booths from Riverdale Animal Shelter, the City of Federal Heights Police and Animal Control Department, Hike Doggie, Fi Smart Collars, and Oat Paws Ice Cream. $1 from every Oat Paws purchase will be donated to Riverdale Animal Shelter.
Tickets are $9.99 per pup (plus taxes and fees) and can be purchased online at WaterWorldColorado.com.
Dogs can choose from one of three play sessions: 8:15am-
9:45am, 10:00am-11:30am, and 11:45am-1:15pm.
All pups must be 1+ years of age, have a signed vaccination waiver, and be accompanied by a responsible adult owner. Humans are not permitted in the water. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.WaterWorldColorado.com.
‘I Voted’ design competition opens to high school students e Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce is inviting high school students to participate in its “I Voted” digital sticker competition. e winning design will be sent to voters via BallotTrax after they vote in the upcoming General Election. It will also be featured on the Secretary of State’s website, media channels, press releases and in media coverage. Sta from the Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce will also present the award during an assembly at the artist’s school. e entry deadline is Sept. 2. More information can be found at https:// www.sos.state.co.us/pubs//elections/votedSticker/contest.html.
Unscrambling the 2024 November ballot over breakfast
A fur ban, property taxes, school choice, the fate of mountain lions
and more are topics before Colorado voters in November. e nonpartisan Common Sense Institute will highlight these issues in its 2024 ballot guide, a resource for voters that includes data, analysis and a description of the issues. A discussion costs $25 and will take place from 7:30-9 a.m. Sept. 10 at the Dome at AMG, 6295 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village. Link: https://tinyurl.com/ mvanhk27.
Alliance Business Assistance Center grants available e Alliance Business Assistance Center is excited to announce that 2024 business grants are now available to support your business endeavors. Sta at the center can assist residents by helping to identify grants that align with their business goals and industry, providing guidance through the application process, ensuring that they have the best chance of success and providing other valuable resources for local business. To get started, visit our website at https://businessinthornton.com/ local-business/small-businesssupport-programs/business- nancial-assistance.
New homes from $400s
Introducing Farmlore, a new community taking root in the heart of Brighton.
Farmlore’s warm, rural character will blend beautiful new homes with the area’s rich agricultural roots creating a friendly, small-town vibe all its own.
Here Are the Work-Arounds That Will Keep Sellers Paying Buyer Agents’ Commission
The biggest work-around is Section 29 of the state-approved (and mandated) Contract to Buy & Sell, shown at right.
As shown below in this week’s (and last week’s) featured new listing, many ads, brochures and websites for listings will now contain the notice that “Seller offers __% compensation to buyer brokers.”
Absent that offer, however, the buyer can use Sec. 29.1 of their purchase contract to specify the compensation paid by the seller to their agent. This is where the offered compensation, such as for the listing below, is to be inserted — or, if none is offered, the buyer’s demand for compensation is inserted.
amendment to their buyer agency agreement setting the commission rate at 2% and writing that amount in Sec. 29.1 of the purchase contract. Or, they could decide to write 2.5% in Sec. 29.1 anyway and see if the seller will sign it. If the seller counters the offer, changing it to 2.0%, if the seller wants to accept the counterproposal, they can still amend the buyer agency agreement before signing the counterproposal.
Of course, the buyer might like his broker so much, that he or she will offer to pay the extra 0.5%, although that would be unusual. As I wrote last week, I’ll be surprised if many (or any) buyers end up paying anything to their broker.
wants to sell her or his home is going to deny any compensation to buyer brokers and that you can defer the conversation about adjusting the buyer compensation until the buyer is ready to make an offer of a house they want.
One complication of this strategy is that the buyer will have already signed a buyer agency agreement with his or her broker, stating the commission amount, if any, that the buyer is willing to pay, and if the seller falls short of that percentage or dollar amount, the buyer must make up the difference.
But, not to worry — there’s a simple workaround for that. At any time during the term of the buyer agent agreement (called the “Exclusive Right-to-Buy Listing Contract”), it can be amended by mutual agreement of the buyer and his or her broker.
Let’s say, for example, that the buyer has signed a buyer agency agreement with 2.5% as the promised compensation to their broker. A seller has offered 2.0%. In discussion prior to writing the offer, the buyer might negotiate an
The opposite scenario could be true. The buyer may have signed a buyer agency agreement in which the rate is 2.5%, but the seller has advertised that they will pay 2.8%. The rule is that the buyer’s broker can’t accept more than is specified in their signed agreement with their buyer. No problem — amend the buyer agency agreement to 2.8% before writing the offer. However, if there’s a bidding war, the buyer and broker might decide to write 2.5% into their offer, hoping that competing offers will include 2.8% for their buyers’ brokers.
Buyers will likely say upfront that they don’t want to pay a dime (or more than a nominal amount) to the broker representing them in their home search.
The smart broker (which, of course, includes all Golden Real Estate brokers) will point out Sec. 29.1 and quote this article saying that it has become a “buyer’s market” and that no seller who
3-BR Patio Home in Lone Tree Golf Community
$695,000
Meanwhile, a broker wanting to represent a buyer needs to be confident enough of the value he or she provides to the buyer to say that they won’t work with that buyer unless they agree to some minimum compensation for that value. For me personally, I would put that minimum at a minimum of 2.0%, given the value every buyer gets from
me — knowledgeable, experienced representation and negotiating skill, use of our free moving truck, free moving boxes and packing materials, and team members at their disposal from our inhouse handyman, cleaning personnel, loan officers, inspectors and more. All of us at Golden Real Estate are aware of the value we provide to our clients, both buyers and sellers, and we look forward to serving both with the skill that we know we have. If you want proof, click on the “Testimonials” tab at www.GoldenRealEstate.com. We look forward to earning your good review!
Broker Associate Austin Pottorff Specializes in Land
Personally, I prefer to work one-onone with buyers and sellers, as do most of my broker associates. But Austin Pottorff is different. He loves to find owners of larger parcels of land and help them sell to one of his many buyers, some of whom are developers looking for sites to build multi-family neighborhoods.
Earlier this year, with a little help from me, Austin sold a commercial property in Golden (Mountain Muffler, at 2200 Ford Street) to a developer. He currently has three land parcels under contract, one in Pleasant View, and two in Arvada, and he has three
active listings, including a veterinary hospital on three acres at 9251 N. Wadsworth Ave. for $2,490,000, an 8acre parcel on the I-70 south frontage road in Wheat Ridge for $6,000,000, and another land parcel elsewhere in Jefferson County.
If you have land you’d like to sell or are looking to buy land, give Austin a call at 970-281-9071, or email him at Austin@GoldenRealEstate.com
Austin’s fellow associates and I are impressed at the quality of his work identifying such land opportunities and even creating aerial videos of them as part of his marketing strategy.
This Column Is Now Published on Substack
Everything you read in this ad each week is published in blog form (with extra content and active hyperlinks) at http://RealEstateToday.Substack.com and comes to you by email automatically each Wednesday.
I’m also publishing a political column you might like. Find it, too, in blog form at http://TalkingTurkey.Substack.com
Rita and I are on a transatlantic cruise during August and September. Read my continuing travelogue at http://WhereAreJimandRita.Substack.com.
I have free cell and email throughout, so feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Enjoy maintenance-free living in the quiet community called Masters Park. This townhome at 9444 Southern Hills Circle is being sold by its original owners, who purchased the home 25 years ago. You’ll like the updated kitchen and primary suite with its updated 5-piece bathroom and its spacious deck overlooking the green space behind. As you will see on its website, this home has been tastefully decorated including, for example, the walls of the powder room painted by a local artist in a bamboo theme! It’s a friendly community too, with get-togethers Monday evenings in the gazebo next to this home. The golf course is behind the homes across the street! Some furniture is available for purchase outside of closing. Look for the list with prices on the coffee table. Visit www.LoneTreeHome.info for interior and exterior photos, floor plans, a narrated video walk-through and an aerial video. Greg Kraft will be holding it open on Saturday, Aug. 31st, 11 to 1, or call 720-353-1922 to request a showing. Note: Seller offers 2.8% commission to buyer’s broker.
Jim Smith
Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851
Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com 1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401
From undocumented to health advocate
Julissa Soto brings a health fair to Commerce City
BY ROSSANA LONGO BETTER ROSSANA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
La Ciudad attended the “Feria de Salud” at the Our Lady Mother of the Church in Commerce City on Aug. 18. More than 400 people came and went throughout the daylong event. e fair o ered essential health services and resources, addressing critical gaps in healthcare access for the local Latino community. We had the opportunity to inter-
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view Julissa Soto, one of the event’s organizers and a renowned health justice advocate. Soto, who serves as the Commissioner of Health Equity for the state health department and is CEO and founder of Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting, has been inspired by her personal experience, from being an undocumented resident to a leading advocate for equitable healthcare access for the Latino community. is article has been edited for length and clarity.
Colorado Community Media
Why is bringing this type of health event to our community so important?
Julissa Soto and equality, but our community in Colorado is not receiving it.
We have so many immigrants coming to us, and I don’t understand why they can’t access all the services which are not well-created. It’s very important to not just translate the information but to create it so they understand it with cultural validation. We need to reach out to our people, go where they are, and not wait for them to come to us.
at’s very important.
CCM: What health di culties do Latinos experience that this health fair addresses?
Soto: Firstly, vaccines for children — very few people know it’s the law here in Colorado for children to be vaccinated before starting school. We are ranked 44th in measles cases. at’s one of the services we’re bringing here, in addition to how to apply for health insurance like Medicaid. at’s very di cult. Navigating government systems is not designed for us Latinos.
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So, with these health fairs, we try to help them navigate the health systems and better understand them.
CCM: Today, people can get free exams such as hearing tests. What other exams are available?
Soto: Blood pressure and cholesterol tests are crucial for our community. Today, we’re doing all kinds of medical exams and o ering assistance with immigration issues, like understanding immigration requirements. We have many clinical services, but we also have many informational tables. We try to bring clinical services and combine them with relevant information for our communities. First, we need to educate people and raise awareness. Once they are aware, we direct them to the clinical services.
CCM: You’ve been working toward community health for a long time. Can you share your personal story that motivates you to keep bringing these large-scale health events to the Latino community, especially here in Commerce City?
Soto: I arrived in this country 27 years ago. I crossed the border in the trunk of a car. I was in the trunk for 16 hours. I crossed the border from Tijuana, California, and arrived in Colorado. At that time, I didn’t know the language. Being undocumented was a huge challenge to access the health system. I promised myself that if I had the power to change things, I would
change them a little for our community. God has allowed me to do that and more. Now, 27 years later, I am one of the Colorado department of health commissioners.
I have my own business, and I volunteer at these health fairs to help our community and our children.
CCM: You made a public announcement at the end of the Mass here at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Commerce City. Do you consider this strategic for reaching our people?
Soto: Absolutely. Seventy-eight percent of Latinos in Colorado are Catholic. So you have a captive audience that is listening to you. ey can’t leave before hearing you, and you can raise their awareness. For me, it’s very important to make that announcement and raise awareness, during the Mass, of what we are bringing, what services are available, and how they can access them, because health fairs are held, but they don’t explain what is offered.
In addition to services, you can get free diapers, medical insurance like Medicaid, blood pressure exams, and vaccinations for children before they start school.
If you go to a clinic, you’re charged a co-pay. Here (at the fair), everything is free. You don’t need a separate appointment. We need to take care of each other and show love to ourselves.
I was once an undocumented woman, but now that God has given me the wisdom to navigate the health system, I am committed to the community to give back and provide this service.
CCM: As you say, the health system is inaccessible to our community. Today, we are in Commerce City, which is primarily Latino, with a nearby oil re nery. Is this type of fair even more urgent?
Soto: To me, our community will always live in the cheaper places where they can access the American Dream of buying a house. Having a re nery nearby a ects our children, especially those su ering from chronic diseases like asthma. It’s about raising awareness and asking, Is it worth living in a community like this, when your health is being compromised? You’re saving on a house, but you’re also harming your health.
In the long run, it will cost more for your health than you saved on a house.
CCM: But often, there are no options. What options, apart from this health event, do you nd exist for Latinos, undocumented individuals, and those who, in some way, don’t have the money to access healthcare, which is a universal right?
Soto: Health is a right, as you say, but I can’t tell you that other events focus on undocumented individuals. We don’t produce for AngloAmericans, so there aren’t many events like these. I call on all my colleagues and fellow Latinos to organize these events for our community and raise awareness because I can’t tell you of other events that focus on the immigrant community, perhaps undocumented or those with mixed-status families.
Julissa Soto details the di erent services o ered at the Feria de Salud. ROSSANA LONGO BETTER
Anythink Commerce City reboots library image with user-guided tech support
BY JACKIE RAMIREZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e perception of libraries became a little outdated in people’s minds with the advent of Kindles and iTunes. To this day, they might think of librarians shushing anything that moves while they sit inside a moldy storehouse of books.
Ricardo Cardenas, the branch manager of Anythink Commerce City, understands how people may perceive libraries and why they may seem unappealing, but that vision is far from reality.
“Most days, libraries are ahead of the curve and trying to think, ‘How can we best serve our community?’”
On Aug. 17, Anythink Commerce City opened its doors to help folks receive one-on-one help with their technology devices. is “tech-help” drop-in hour is not a novel idea at the library, located at 7185 Monaco St. e need for the service comes after workers encountered several customers coming to the library asking for help, especially since most documents like job applications or mail correspondence have become paperless.
Our Family Helping Your Family
EARLE
“To be able to provide that little extra help that somebody might need, … where we’re able to provide
Sam Stephen “Steve” Earle September 5, 1945 - August 11, 2024
Automotive Parts Service & Medical Equipment R & D
Sam left this earthly realm on August 11, 2024, after battling health complications due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Sam served in Vietnam, arriving in Cam Rahn Bay, on his 23rd birthday. He was stationed in Phan Rang with his brother Mike, both in the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion.He is survived by his wife Angie, his siblings,
his children, and ve grandchildren.
While there will be no public services, your stories, and experiences with Sam (Steve) will keep him alive in our hearts and minds.
In memory of Sam our “Wizard” listen to some Pink Floyd, drive some fun cars and carry humor in your life everywhere.
on a kind of on-the-go basis, is important,” said Cardenas, who was in charge of the drop-in hour on Aug. 17. “When somebody comes in, they might be looking to do something really basic, like, ‘Oh, I just need to print something, or I just need to change a couple things on this docu-
Cardenas emphasized that the library workers are not your typical “Geek Squad” — experts in dealing with technological problems — but they try their best in the areas that they can solve. Anythink Commerce City sets up a drop-in hour at least once a week to o er extra help or space for technology questions.
“We’re not teaching a curriculum or a set of skills. It’s meant to be more user-guided,” he said. “We are about access to technology, to information and we want people to be able to learn the basics of how to do those things.”
Cardenas shared that for some people, it’s very basic computer literacy and perhaps it could be “a generational gap thing,” especially when it seems like newer generations were born knowing how to work an iPad or a computer. e need to know the basics of technology grows more every day.
Karleen
May
Karleen Rose (Snyder) Ring was born on May 17, 1957 in Sheridan Wyoming to Robert Snyder and Marjorie (Sanders) Snyder. She graduated from Brighton High School, in Brighton Colorado in 1975. She later earned her associates degree from Aims Community College. Karleen married the love of her life, Bradley A. Ring on December 1, 1990. Karleen and Brad have two children; Kari (Ring) Nielsen and Caleb Ring who they raised in ornton Colorado, before moving to Brighton Colorado in 2000. Karleen proudly has eight grandchildren; Austin Nielsen, Kennedi Nielsen, Creighton Nielsen, Colt Ring, Jayne Ring, Jemma Ring, Clyde Ring and Corbin Ring.
hours creating beautiful memories for her family to cherish for years to come. She often hosted “crops” all over Colorado, enjoying time with friends laughing, sharing stories and creating beautiful displays for her families. She loved building her collection of custom Longaberger Baskets, even visiting their headquarters in Ohio with her sister Lynette. Karleen loved her time at their family farm in Crook Colorado, attending branding, helping with harvest and being a part of a great community. Her dream was to live on the farm in Crook, that was her happy place.
Karleen adored her family and proudly dedicated her life to the ones that she loved. She enjoyed hosting friends and family at her home, creating so many wonderful memories and family traditions including her annual Pumpkin Carving Party for the last 20 years. She never missed a sporting event for her children, nieces or nephews, always supporting from the sidelines and cheering as loud as possible; sometimes for both teams. She was proud to be the team Mom, she quickly became the snack provider for her entire section during the countless Colorado Rockies games she attended.
Karleen loved scrapbooking, spending
Karleen was incredibly talented professionally; she owned and operated a Cake Bakery creating the most intricate cakes for every occasion. She was a Certi ed Master Gardener for Adams County, she also worked as at an accounting rm and later spent over 15 years working for the State of Colorado government.
Karleen had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and lovingly recognized the positive in each day, making sure to point out the “God Winks” along the way. She was later saddened by her limitations, but never complained and she accepted the path she was given with such grace.
She is preceded in death by her dad, Robert G. Snyder; father-in-law Melbourn D. Ring; mother-in-law Angela M. Ring; and her grandson Austin M. Nielsen.
Ricardo Cardenas, Anythink Commerce City’s branch manager of six years, shared with La Ciudad three tips to help with tech issues that they commonly work with at the library.
JACKIE RAMIREZ SEE REBOOT, P6
RING
Rose (Snyder) Ring
17, 1957 - August 12, 2024
LIMITS
Signi cantly, if approved by voters, the measure won’t raise taxes –for anyone. Instead, it would grant the district authorization to collect, retain, and spend all revenue it receives, including funds from state
and local grants, sans any TABORimposed caps.
“As a water utility that serves an environmentally impacted community, we need the exibility to access all of the grant funding we are quali ed to receive. at’s why this ballot question is urgent now,” District Manager Abel Moreno said in the release. at kind of increased nancial
exibility could help the district as it seeks to address several pressing water quality issues in Commerce City, including managing emerging chemical contaminants such as PFAS, revamping water and wastewater infrastructure, and improving its sustainability e orts.
According to their website, the district’s primary sources of revenue are water and sewer bills, property tax revenue and grant funding. However, due to current TABOR restrictions, their ability to increase annual revenue is limited. is is because their property tax revenue cannot exceed the previous year’s tax revenue plus in ation and a local growth factor, or 5.5% of the previous year’s total tax revenue, whichever is less. TABOR also puts a cap on non-utility fund revenue increases.
As a result, the district can’t take advantage of all potential grant opportunities, because the revenue from these grants could go beyond the legal revenue limit. is poses a serious problem to the district’s ongoing environmental endeavors, especially those concerning water.
One of the key water quality improvement projects that the district has taken on is the Ennis Water Softening Facility. e facility, which opened in 2021, uses a sustainable process to remove calcium “hardness” from drinking water. It is the largest of its kind in the United States.
e result is “softer” water that not only meets the needs of local residents but also providesnancial bene ts, because it makes household appliances run more efciently and last longer.
is April, the district took on the Klein Enhancement Project, which cost $80 million. e project aims to tackle the presence of PFAS
REBOOT
“Because we grew up with technology, you kind of take it for granted, … but it feels like such a big barrier for somebody who comes in. Back in the day, it used to be that you could ll out a job application on paper. You could go in, ll it out on paper, hand it to a manager and it would make its way to where it needed to go,” Cardenas said. “I don’t think that’s really the case anymore. Everything is online.”
Based on Cardenas’ and other sta ’s experience helping folks with their technology, he shared three tips with La Ciudad to help prevent tech issues.
1. Keep passwords in a safe place
“I would say one thing we deal with a lot here at the library is people who get locked out of an email account or don’t remember their passwords,” Cardenas said. “ Whether it’s writing them down in a notebook or some other place, because depending on the email service that you are using or the last time you used it, sometimes it can be really dicult to track down that information. Without a password or a way to retrieve that information, it’s kind of just lost.”
in the district’s water supply. e man-made chemicals in PFAS have been linked to adverse health effects, something that has long been a concern among residents, making their removal from the water supply a top priority for the district. e Klein Enhancement Project will utilize ion-exchange water treatment technology to ensure that the community has access to safe, highquality drinking water.
Given the steep price tags attached to these water-related projects in a community so a ected by water issues, the ability to access additional funding through state and local grants would speed things along. But the TABOR revenue limits in place do the opposite, slowing down progress.
e proposed ballot measure would allow the district to secure the necessary resources to continue its work on these and other projects, without relying on ratepayers to foot the bill.
Friess said the water district encouraged residents to participate in this civic engagement process by attending the Aug. 26 meeting.
“ e board is going to discuss the merits of this proposal and make the ultimate decision on if we are going to go to the voters or not,” she said. “ is is a great opportunity for residents or community members to share any comments or feedback they would like to provide before the board makes that nal call.”If you would like to attend, it will be held at 6 p.m. at the Stevenson Administration O ce, at 6595 E. 70th Ave., Commerce City. ere is no need to pre-register; even if you plan on participating in the public comment portion of the meeting. It is open-forum style with each speaker given three minutes to speak.
2. Find your local library
“Any library nowadays has computers, printers, fax machines, scanners, and Wi-Fi, and most library sta (want) to help people with their own expertise,” Cardenas said. “ at’s kind of what we’re here for. A lot of times when people think about the library, they think about books, and of course, we have a lot of those, but we’re also a very important resource for access to technology.”
3. Practice makes perfect “ e more you practice, especially for people who might be from an older generation, I could see why they’re uncomfortable trying to learn something new. But really, once you learn some of the basics, like how to get onto the internet, how to open your email or send an email, you’re kind of able to do what most people use their computers for in the rst place,” Cardenas said. “So practice, try to learn. I know it’s scary, but it’s worth it because so much of our world is computer-driven nowadays.”
Cardenas also adds that at Anythink Commerce City, most of the sta is bilingual and able to help with either technology-related questions or any other questions a customer may have.
FROM PAGE 5
ADVOCATE
CCM: is is something very common. Can you give us a nal re ection on your social service journey and information about the next event you’re organizing so people can attend?
Soto: Well, I arrived in this country 27 years ago with nothing. And now, look at me here.
We need to ght for our community. Twenty-seven years later, I am here ghting for my people. When you reach the place I have, you need to keep ghting. e ght continues. Many people think that because I’m now a commissioner, things are easier for me. It’s more di cult because I now have the responsibility of representing my people and doing things for them.
Here is a call to action: Our next health fair will be in November, and we will be in Douglas County every three months. We are moving to different counties to reach people. People don’t have to come to us. We understand all the challenges they face in accessing healthcare.
So, we will go to them. ey don’t
have to come to us.
CCM: is event, in particular, was organized thanks to which organizations?
Soto: e Catholic Medical Association and my business, Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting, are organizing this event.
When I emphasize reaching people, I mean, we have the Colorado Department of Health here. People, especially departments, often want (people) to come to them. e di erence is that (departments) are coming to the community. So, they are establishing that relationship with the community. If they want us to trust their services, they must establish a relationship with us before we will go to them.
CCM: How do you think this election year will shape the future, especially for Latinos and for those who are undocumented?
Soto: Well, those of us who are citizens need to be alert and vote. ose who haven’t voted need to vote. New citizens need to vote because otherwise, with these new elections, the most a ected will always be us, Latinos, the undocumented and the poor. So, we need to rise up. If we want glory, we will have to go to war.
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Legals
City and County
Public Notice
Case Name: Accessory Commercial
Vehicle Parking and Storage Text Amendment
Case Number: PLN2024-00004
Planning Commission Hearing Date: 09/12/2024 at 6 p.m.
Board of County Commissioners Hearing Date: 10/01/2024 at 9:30 a.m.
Case Manager: Ella Gleason, Senior Long Range Planner, Egleason@adcogov.org 720.523.6923
Request: An amendment to the Adams County Development Standards and Regulations to amend the accessory commercial vehicle parking and storage regulations.
Parcel Number (s): County-Wide Applicant:
Adams County Community and Economic Development Department
4430 S. Adams County Parkway Brighton, Colorado 80601
Public Hearings Location: 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Brighton, CO 80601
Please visit http://www.adcogov.org/bocc for up to date information. The full text of the proposed request and additional colored maps can be obtained by accessing the ADCO CEDD website at www.adcogov.org/planning/currentcases.
Legal Notice No. CCX1402
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024 Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the City Council of Commerce City on September 16, 2024 at 6:00 p.m in a hybrid format, or as soon thereafter. Persons wishing to testify in person will need to appear at the Council Chambers, Commerce City Civic Center, 7887 E 60th Avenue. Persons wishing to testify virtually must register in advance. Registration information can be found at https://www.c3gov.com/government/ city-council/virtual-meetings or by phone or email requests submitted to the City Clerk at 303-227-8791 or dgibson@ c3gov.com. The hearing will also be broadcast on Channel 8 in Commerce City and livestreamed at https://www. c3gov.com/video.
CU-131-24 – Crown Associates LLC is requesting approval of a Conditional
Use Permit for the stacking of shipping containers higher than 20 feet. The subject property is currently zoned I-3 (Heavy-Intensity Industrial), consisting of approximately 28.24 acres, and is located at 10051 Dallas Street.
Ordinance 2616 – Comprehensive Plan: An update of the Commerce City Comprehensive Plan
PUDA23-0003– Southwestern Property Corporation is requesting approval of the Commons at 104th 2nd Amendment PUD Zone Document, to allow additional land uses, for the 16.57 acre property generally located at the southeast corner of Potomac Street and East 104th Avenue.
BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE CITY COLORADO
ATTEST: Brittany Rodriguez, Assistant City Clerk
Legal Notice No. CCX1401
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher:
Commerce City Sentinel Express
Metro Districts Budget Hearings
Public Notice
NOTICE CONCERNING PROPOSED 2023 BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR SECOND CREEK FARM METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO 2
NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget amendment has been submitted to the Board of Directors of Second Creek Farm Metropolitan District No 2 for the 2023 year; that a copy of such proposed budget amendment has been filed in the office of Wolfersberger, LLC, 8354 Northfield Blvd, Building G, Suite 3700, Denver, Colorado 80238, where the same is open for public inspection. The Board of Directors will consider adoption of the proposed budget amendment of the District for the 2023 year at a special meeting of the District to be held online on Thursday August 29, 2024 at 6:00pm at the following online location: https://meet.goto. com/Wolfersberger Any elector within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the proposed budget amendment, inspect the budget amendment and file or register any objections thereto.
SECOND CREEK FARM
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT NO 2
By: Charles Wolfersberger District Manager
Legal Notice No. CCX1403
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express Bids and Settlements
Public Notice
NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT
NOTICE is hereby given that the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (“District”) of Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment at its offices at 6595 E. 70th Avenue, Commerce City, Colorado, 80022, on September 16, 2024, at the hour of 3:00 p.m. to Brannan Construction Company, of Denver, CO for all work done by said Contractor(s) in construction work performed for the District.
Project Contractor: Brannan Construction Company
Project Name: 2024 SACWSD 12-INCH IRRIGATION DISTRIBUTION LINE –CHAMBERS ROAD (103RD PL TO 96TH AVE)
Project Location: Primarily located along Chambers Road between E. 103rd Place and E. 96th Avenue. Other work areas were in various locations in the Harvest Meadows and Fronterra Village developments adjacent to Chambers Road.
Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provisions, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by any contractors or their subcontractors, in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplies rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work, and whose claim therefor has not been paid by the contractors or their subcontractors, at any time up to and including the time of final settlement for the work contracted to be done, is required to file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim, to the District at the above address, Attn: Dawn Fredette, District Clerk, on or before the date and time hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release the District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents, and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.
All of the above is pursuant to §38-26-107, C.R.S.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOUTH ADAMS COUNTY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT acting through
its SOUTH ADAMS COUNTY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT ACTIVITY ENTERPRISE
By: /s/ Vicki Ennis Secretary
Legal Notice No. CCX1404
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: September 5, 2024
Published in: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Public Notice
WINDLER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT AUTHORITY
Butterfly Park
Sealed Bids will be received by Windler Public Improvement Authority, hereinafter referred to as OWNER, at the office of the Authority Engineer, Merrick & Company, 5970 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, until 10:00 AM local time on September 27, 2024 for:
Butterfly Park at Windler
This Contract provides for the construction of the following: Butterfly Park is approximately 4.5 acres that includes grading, playgrounds, gardens, trails, site furnishings, landscaping, irrigation, and electrical. The park is located northwest of E. 56th Avene and Harvest Road within the Windler community.
Copies of the Bidding Documents may be requested from the Windler Public Improvement Authority, at the email of the Authority Engineer, barney.fix@ merrick.com, beginning August 29, 2024. NO PAYMENT REQUIRED.
Bidders must be licensed Contractors in the State of Colorado.
Bids will be received providing unit price for items; however, the price given will be on a maximum not-to-exceed amount, as described in the Bidding Documents.
The Work is expected to be commenced within sixty (60) days after the Date of Contract.
Bid Security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total Bid Price must accompany each Bid in the form specified in the Instructions to Bidders.
The Successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond, Labor and Material Payment Bond guaranteeing faithful performance and warranty bond for two-years after Substantial Completion, and the payment of all bills and obligations arising from the performance
REPELLANT
ported human cases, including 45 in Adams County. Colorado had 51 deaths in 2023.
West Nile virus can strike healthy people of any age and can cause neurological impairments and swelling in the brain for those who get a severe case. People should seek medical attention if they notice symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, tiredness, rash, confusion, nausea and vomiting.
Adams County Health also urges anyone outside to take several precautions, such as limiting activities outdoors at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes
are most active. ey should also wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and should spray their clothing with insect repellent.
Homeowners should install or repair screens on windows and doors and empty standing water around their homes at least once a week. at includes bird baths, portable pools, tires, planters and pet water dishes.
Standing water that cannot be drained— including ponds, ditches, clogged rain gutters, and puddles— should be treated with larvicide “doughnuts” that can be purchased at hardware stores.
More information about West Nile Virus can be found on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s West Nile virus webpage.
Public Notices
Deceased Case Number: 24PR030234
The OWNER reserves the right to award the contract by sections, to reject any or all Bids, and to waive any informalities and irregularities therein.
For further information, please contact Barney Fix at Merrick & Company at 303-751-0741.
Legal Notice No. CCX1405
First Publication: August 29, 2024
Last Publication: September 12, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express Non-Consecutive Publications
Estate of Gerald Lester Corning, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 269
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before December 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Tamara Glasby
Personal Representative
7000 Pierce St. Arvada, CO 80003
Legal Notice No. CCX1391
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
Virginia Darlene Vogl,
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before December 23, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Steven G. York, Esq.
Dworkin, Chambers, Williams, York, Benson & Evans, P.C. 3900 E. Mexico Ave., Ste. 820 Denver, CO 80210
Legal Notice No. CCX 4102
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of William Philip Benning, Sr., Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 235
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before December 22, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Natalie Benning Walker
Personal Representative
3770 S Genoa Cir Unit B Aurora CO 80013
Legal Notice No. CCX1399
First Publication: August 22, 2024
Last Publication: September 5, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of John S. Burrus, a/k/a John Stephen Burrus, a/k/a Steve Burrus,, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30556
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before December 27, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
David M. Haynes Haynes & Haynes, LLC 900 Arapahoe Avenue Boulder, Colorado 80302
Legal Notice No. CCX1397
First Publication: August 22, 2024
Last Publication: September 5, 2024 Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of FORREST L. BREWER, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30468
All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before December 15, 2024, or the claims may be forever barred.
Maria Theresa B. Lopez, #26837 Attorney for Robert F. Brewer, Personal Representative 501 S. Cherry St. - #1100 Denver, CO 80246
Legal Notice No. CCX1394
First Publication: August 15, 2024
Last Publication: August 29, 2024
Publisher: Commerce City Sentinel Express
It’s your
right to
know what the city and county governments are changing and proposing. ~ ~ ~ See the ordinances on these legal pages.
~ Read the public notices and be informed!
Infected mosquitoes carry the West Nile virus and Colorado residents are encouraged to take preventative measures this summer as it gets hotter.
