Tips For Drivers In This Winter Freeze see page 8
Shop, Share and Donate Locally This Season see page 2
Being Thankful for the Holidays see page 12
Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | NOVEMBER 17-DECEMBER 18, 2014
Election 2014: What & Who We Voted For By Matthew Lilley
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olorado’s first mail-in election is over, and the results are in – mostly. Ballot initiatives 2A and 2B in Wheat Ridge, asking voters for a tax increase to support critical infrastructure improvements and approval for changing the width of a section of the 38th Ave corridor, both failed to find voter support. At press time Democrat Cheri Jahn holds a small lead over challenger Larry Queen in Colorado Senate District 20, which includes Wheat Ridge, Edgewater and other parts of Jefferson County. Results of that race – and all races – will become official Nov. 21. Colorado House District 24, which includes Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, saw Jessie Danielson edge out former Wheat Ridge council member Joe DeMott. In Edgewater, voters approved a plan to clean up the city’s charter and eliminate a commission. The big story from election night, however, is the failure of ballot issue 2A in Wheat Ridge. Voters rejected a measure asking for a 1 percent sales tax increase to raise revenues by $6.4 million annually and to increase the allowed debt for the city by $40 million for “critical facility, infrastructure and economic development projects” and “construction, installation, operation and maintenance of parks and recreation improvements including revitalization of Anderson park.” The question garnered 5,164 yes votes to 7,861 no votes. City Manager Patrick Goff said the failure of 2A will tie the hands of the city going forward. “Resources for infrastructure projects will be very limited and potentially
nonexistent in the future,” he said. “Council will have prioritize what, if any, infrastructure projects are completed. I will recommend that we focus limited resources on preventative street maintenance.” Goff speculated that current revenue might be diverted to cover critical infrastructure expenditures but cautioned that current revenue still might not be enough. “City Council will have to prioritize on an annual basis what gets funded – operating expenses or capital infrastructure,” he said. “Financial analysis has determined that even with significant operating budget cuts there still would not be enough resources available to catch up on the backlog of critical infrastructure projects.” Council member Bud Starker said that Wheat Ridge will have to tighten its belt. “As a city we will develop a budget that lives within our means and delivers the public facilities and services desired by our citizens to the extent of available funding,” he said. “We will prioritize funding needs and requests in an effort to balance our public safety responsibilities and infrastructure maintenance requirements with other sectors in the budget so we don’t balance the budget on the backs of one particular segment or another,” Starker added. Going forward, Wheat Ridge is not without options for infrastructure improvements: “Council could seek a tax increase again or implement fees without a vote of the citizens,” Goff said. While voter turnout nationwide was depressed, even more in a midterm election year, it was one of the stronger turnouts in Jefferson County and Wheat Ridge. “Over Continued on page 12
Marijuana Can Wait: Wheat Ridge Passes Another Moratorium By J. Patrick O’Leary
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ant to start a marijuana business in Wheat Ridge? Come back in the spring, says the city. Maybe. Wheat Ridge City Council unanimously passed a 120-day moratorium on applications for new medical or recreational marijuana establishments at its Oct. 27 regular meeting, following a packed public meeting the previous week at which residents voiced concerns about commercial cannabis in general and one potential pot shop in particular. Council chose to put a temporary hold on the submission, acceptance, processing, and approval of all applications and requests for a city permit, license, land use approval or other approval for any medical marijuana establishment or retail marijuana establishment. During that time, city staff is directed to refuse to accept for filing, and not to further process or review any pending applications or requests. However, the moratorium does not apply to applications
received prior to Aug. 18. The moratorium will take effect Nov. 17, upon expiration of the previous emergency moratorium, which was extended 90 days in August. That decision was made after council discussed lifting the ban at an Aug. 22 special study session, which included presentations for and against by citizens and advocacy groups. Existing Wheat Ridge regulations allow marijuana vendors in areas zoned Commercial 1 and Industrial-Employment, with a minimum separation of threequarters of a mile between stores, and no closer than 1,000 feet from schools, college campuses, daycares, and drug/alcohol rehab centers. Manufacturers of marijuanainfused products are only allowed in Industrial-Employment zones, with the same separation requirements. Commercial growing of marijuana is only allowed adjacent to shops and manufacturers; private caregivers and users are allowed to Continued on page 2
SLEIGH RIDES, HOT DRINKS, AND CAROLERS will bolster the season’s feelings in front of Wheat Ridge 5-8 Middle School, 7101 W. 38th Ave during the Holiday Celebraiton, Dec. 6, starting at 3 p.m., leading up to the tree lighting around 6:45-7 p.m. Event organizers promise less lines, with two Santas working double time to keep up with the demand. PHOTO BY BLU HARTKOPP
Wheat Ridge Rings in the Holidays Dec. 6 By Laura Poole
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ven though we’ve barely seen winter weather the holidays are approaching quickly, and that means the annual tree lighting, as well as some other fun holiday events, will be bringing cheer to Wheat Ridge once again. Dec. 6 will mark this year’s celebrations, and like last year have many fun activities for everyone in town. Starting at 3 p.m., sleigh rides, hot drinks, a bonfire, pictures with Santa, a trackless train ride for the kiddos, hot beverages and snacks, crafts and activities in local businesses, and live performances and carolers will bolster the season’s feelings in front of Wheat Ridge 5-8 Middle School (7101 West 38th Ave.), leading up to the tree lighting around 6:457, which will conclude the festivities. This year’s celebration falls on a Saturday, a new attempt for the city to bring out more community members, said Recreation Supervisor Rachel Wysuph. Although the event is already pretty popular last year’s freezing weather was a bit much, so moving it to an earlier time and on the weekend (as well as having more warm food at the ready) should be a little easier for residents to enjoy. It also works a little better for local businesses that will be involved. “I think the fact that it’s the free holiday event is the biggest draw,” said Wysuph. “Go out and have fun in your community.” There will also be two Santas this year, working double time to meet and take pictures with children because “last year was too overwhelming,” said Wheat Ridge 2020 Events and Communications Coordinator Mara Owen. The first will take a much needed cookie break then the second will step in, hopefully without notice, to continue taking pictures. The pictures will then be available via email, given when parents fill out a form to
get their kid’s picture taken. There will be minimal lines this year as the organizers will be using their successful messaging system; put your name and number down and you will receive a text when it’s your family’s turn. Avoid the lines and grab some hot chocolate, get a few candy cane necklaces, or take a ride around the block in the horsedrawn carriage. In addition, there will be a partnership with the Optimists Club for a toy drive leading up to Christmas. There will be different drop off sites around town for decorated ornaments and “most Ridge at 38 businesses will be doing it,” said Owen. The tree lighting only recently moved to Ridge at 38 in 2012 when Wheat Ridge 2020 got involved and helped move it from the recreation center, where it used to be called the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and was a much smaller event. “It was a huge success,” said Wysuph. “When we had it [at the rec center] we had maybe 200-250 people. The first year [at Ridge at 38] we probably saw over 1,000 and we knew we hit a hot spot with that.” Another holiday event taking place very soon is Gobble Jog, a community event on Thanksgiving morning as a way to “shed some pounds before putting them back on,” jokes Owen. Starting at 9 a.m. in front of the recreation center, members of the community are welcome to join together and walk or jog a lap along the Clear Creek trail. There will be signs posted so nobody gets lost and lead by route creator Tara Jahn. “[It’s] to remind you of your friends and neighbors and what you’re thankful for,” said Owen, a great way to kick of the holiday, get some fresh air and keep the feel of Thanksgiving with you all day. “It’s going to be fun,” added Owen, already planning on going herself. “I’m really excited about it.”