Government

Twenty-one appointments made to city boards and commissions

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – City Council unanimously approved the appointment and reappointment of 21 community leaders to various Commerce City boards and commissions. The appointments were a result of an application and interview process conducted by city council members in December 2011 and January 2012.

In accordance with C.R.S. 1-7.5-105(1.5)(b), Adams County Clerk and Recorder, Karen Long, invites the public to comment on the proposal of conducting the 2012 primary Election by mail ballot. Colorado law allows for primary elections to be conducted as mail ballot elections, but before making such determination, your comments will be taken into consideration.

Brighton City Manager Manuel Esquibel announced today the resignation of Raymond Gonzales, Brighton’s Assistant City Manager for Redevelopment, Economic Development and Community Resources Office (REDCo) and President and CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation (BEDC). Gonzales has accepted a position as Vice President of Energy Client Services for SOS Staffing. Gonzales’ last day with the city is Feb. 10.

RTD Board Elects 2012 Officers

Lee Kemp elected to his unprecedented fifth consecutive term as Board Chair

Denver – The Regional Transportation District (RTD) Board of Directors unanimously elected officers for 2012 at their Board Meeting Tuesday evening. The RTD is governed by a 15-member directly-elected policy Board of Directors. The Board Officers selected for 2012 are the same as last year’s slate of officers.

Want to be involved in the decisions made in your community?

If so, consider applying for a position on an Adams County citizen board or commission.

Current Vacancies:
Adams County Cultural Council
Board of Adjustment
E-911 Board
Fair Advisory Board
Fire Board of Appeals
Rangeview Library District Board of Trustees
Open Space Advisory Board
Planning Commission
Regional Emergency Medical & Trauma Advisory Board
Uniform Building Code Board
Weed Advisory Board

If you are interested in joining an Adams County citizen board of commission, please click here for additional information and to complete an online application.

Commerce City Takes a Look at New City Fees for 2012

There will only be a slight increase in the Commerce City fees for the new year of 2012. The Commerce City council approved an increase of fees for 2012 that is averaging only a $5.00 increase per fee.

The Brighton City Council last night approved rate increases for water and sewer services as recommended by city staff. The plan approved by City Council calls for a one-year delay of funding capital as well as infrastructure replacement in order to allow for less of an impact to residents. The new rates, which go into effect with utility bills issued after Jan. 1, include an increase to both fixed rates and user rates for water and sewer as well as the addition of a storm drainage fee.

Based upon information that we have received from the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, “Hydraulic Fracturing” is a process that uses fluids to create a crack in oil or gas bearing formations by utilizing hydraulic pressure. The operators continue to inject fluids into the crack fracture to make it grow larger, and finally they place small granular solids into the crack to ensure that it will remain open after the hydraulic pressure is no longer applied. The purpose of this process is to increase the rate at which the well is capable of producing oil or gas.

Creates a 30-day window for industry dialogue prior to final decision on long-term moratorium

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – The Commerce City council approved an ordinance on first reading tonight supporting a moratorium on oil and gas activities in an 8-0 vote, following public testimony from residents, environmental interests, businesses, and the oil and gas industry. Instead of approving an emergency ordinance, city council’s first reading vote meets the 30-day “timeout” request by industry and the state, allowing for dialogue prior to the city council’s final decision (or second reading vote) on a long-term moratorium.

On December 19th, the Commerce City council will be addressing an ordinance declaring a six-month moratorium on any land use for the conduct of oil and gas operations that include hydraulic fracturing and related drilling activities in the city limits.

The Adams County Board of Commissioners will announce its appointment to the RTD Board representing District K in public hearing on Wednesday, December 14, 9:30 a.m. at the Adams County Government Center Public Hearing Room 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy. Brighton, CO 80601.

Mark Udall made the following statement after the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission today adopted a rule requiring oil and gas drillers to disclose all the chemicals used in hydraulic fracking:

Recently there has been an increase in oil and gas exploration and activity in our region. We believe it is important to provide easy and convenient access to the State Oil and Gas Conservation Commission web site concerning oil and gas activity. It is important to note that Adams County does not have the authority to regulate oil and gas wells including hydraulic fracturing activities because state law does not allow local government control in these matters. The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission reviews and places special conditions on oil and gas permits in accordance with State laws and rules. Adams County will inform property owners and our cities within ½ mile of proposed activity when we receive notice of activity related to these topics. Comments and questions concerning oil and gas permits and rules should be sent to Margaret.Ash, Field Inspection Manager, Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801, Denver, CO 80203, 303.894.2100 (ext. 5100). For inquiries about oil and gas regulations and pending permits please visit http://cogcc.state.co.us/.

Councilman McEldowney Takes Action on Drilling/Fracking...

Commerce City Council Member Jason McEldowney proposed two items at the last council meeting that received unanimous council support:

1- Emergency ordinance to institute a 6 month moratorium on drilling in commerce city while they assess the current laws concerning oil and gas

2- Drafting of a letter to the Adams County Commissioners seeking their support of a moratorium on any such activity in the Commerce City growth boundary (unincorporated areas like the one next to Reunion)

Commerce City Housing Authority approves first-ever strategic plan to guide future activities

UNDEVELOPED CONTER ESTATES SUBDIVISION PURCHASE HELPS MEET GOALS

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – The Commerce City Housing Authority (CCHA) approved the organization’s first-ever strategic plan, establishing clear goals, objectives and action items to support the changing needs of the community.

Public Notice

The U.S. Army recently completed its Five-Year Review (FYR) report for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (Arsenal). This report evaluates whether the remedies prescribed in the 1995 and 1996 On-Post and Off-Post Records of Decisions are continuing to provide protection to human health and the environment. The RODs provide detailed descriptions of the cleanup approach selected for the site. Both documents were signed by the Army, the State of Colorado and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are supported by Shell Oil Company (Shell) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The purpose of the FYR is to determine whether the Arsenal’s cleanup remedy continues to be protective of public health and the environment and whether it can be expected to remain protective after completion. A critical part of the FYR is to update any changes to standards and to determine if the remedy outlined in the RODs and subsequent Decision Documents remains protective in light of these new standards. EPA has determined that the remedy remains protective of human health and the environment based on a review of documentation, site inspections and interviews for this Five Year Review cycle.

Beginning Oct. 24, the report has been made available at the Arsenal’s Joint Administrative Records and Document Facility located at the Arsenal in Building 129, at the EPA’s Record Center in Denver, and the Commerce City Library. The report is also posted on the Arsenal’s website at www.rma.army.mil, click on the Five-Year Review link.

FYRs at the Arsenal will be required for the foreseeable future since the cleanup approach required landfills and consolidation areas to hold contaminated waste from the Arsenal’s cleanup. This FYR covers the period of 2005-2010. The next FYR is scheduled for 2015.

The U.S. Army created the Arsenal in 1942 to produce chemical weapons as a deterrent in World War II. Shell later leased some of those facilities to manufacture agricultural products. Disposal practices resulted in contamination of the site’s soil, structures and groundwater. Contaminants include pesticides, solvents, metals and miscellaneous industrial chemicals.

For more information, please contact Ms. Peggy Machamer at 303-289-0300 or at pao@rma.army.mil

• Joint Administrative Records and Document Facility:

Rocky Mountain Arsenal, 6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City, CO 80022

• EPA Records Center: 1595 Wynkoop, Denver, CO 80202

• Anythink Commerce City Library: 7185 Monaco Street, Commerce City, CO 80022

Brighton City Council adopts 2012 budget

After several months of preparation and review, the Brighton City Council adopted the 2012 budget at the Nov. 1 City Council meeting, approving $52,787,202 in operating, capital and utility (water and sewer) funds.

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – City Council approved Commerce City’s 2012 -2013 biennial budget in an 8 to 1 vote tonight, following a six-month annual budgeting process that included day-long meetings, department presentations and lively discussions. The final budget assumes 2012 general fund revenues of $47,147,629 – an increase of five percent from last year based on improving economic conditions. 2012 general fund expenditures are expected to be $46,215,032. Transfers for two small funds, debt service and capital projects add another $8,993,708 primarily funded out of fund balances.

South Adams County Water Plan to take advantage of Commerce City Incentive Program

South Adams County Water and Sanitation District is making plans to construct a new building for the District's adminstration offices on the current facility's property located at 6595 E 70th Ave. As a professional office building, this project helps to meet the Economic Development goal of supporting and working to grow the target industry of Business and Professional Services.

Washington, DC - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is accepting internship applications from undergraduate students and recent graduates for his Washington and Colorado offices. In addition to his Washington office, internships are available year round in the following Colorado locations: Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Pursuant to C.R.S. 30 10 306, after each federal census of the United States, each County Commissioner District shall be established, revised or altered to assure that such districts shall be as equal or nearly equal in population and compact as possible based on such census.

The City of Brighton’s Eye for Art Program will celebrate its grand opening and dedication of the new City Hall building with its first Eye for Art Display beginning Oct. 14. The Eye for Art program allows for selected artwork from area artists to proudly be displayed through City Hall for a three-month period of time.

PREMIER REAL ESTATE EVENT FEATURES University of Colorado, University oF DENVER STUDENTS, INDUSTRY LEADERS

COMMERCE CITY, COLO.- Over the last 10 years, the Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge (sponsored by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association) has created visionary development ideas for sites such as Solterra, the Denver Coliseum and most recently 9 Mile Station. The 65-acre Mile High Greyhound Park joins that illustrious list, with today's selection as the Challenge's 10th anniversary project.

The City of Brighton has been awarded with a 2011 Starburst Community Award by the Colorado Lottery for its use of Lottery dollars to complete the Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park . The city was able to use a Lottery-funded Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant of $500,000 to help build the aquatic park.

Mayor McLean

Brighton Mayor Dick McLean was honored today with the “Person of the Year” award by the Brighton Early Rotary Club. Mayor McLean was presented with the award during the club’s Brighton Ethics in Business Awards Luncheon at the Armory.

Mayor McLean was nominated for the award for his ongoing service to Brighton through his numerous community involvement efforts. This includes his service to the Brighton Economic Development, Adams County Economic Development, E-470 Board, Lochbuie Sewer Board, Senior Center Advisory Board, HeArt of Brighton Committee and the Platte Valley Medical Center Foundation Communications Committee.

WHAT: The City of Brighton will hold a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize the opening of the new City Hall building.
WHEN: Friday, October 14, 2011 2 p.m.
WHERE: Brighton City Hall 500 South 4th Ave. Brighton , CO 80601
WHO: City Manager Manuel Esquibel, Mayor Dick McLean, Brighton City Council members, Adams County Commissioner W.R. “Skip” Fischer, Former mayors and council members, Local dignitaries

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS TO BE HELD OCt. 5 and OCt. 8 at CIVIC CENTER

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – Commerce City’s Quality Community Foundation today announced it will open the 2012 grant program solicitation process on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011. Non-profit organizations can apply for funding in two categories: small grants, ranging in size from $100 to $1,500; and large grants ranging from $1,501 to $10,000. The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2011.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO GET ENGAGED WITHIN COMMUNITY

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. – Commerce City is seeking individuals to serve as members or alternate members for the Cultural Council, Housing and Liquor Authorities.

Adams County will launch a new and improved website, www.adcogov.org, on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. The new site features innovative features and tools designed to help residents and visitors quickly locate the information and services they need.

The City of Brighton Utilities department will hold a public meeting regarding the possibility of providing water and sewer service to Fuller Estates. The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the Henderson Elementary School cafeteria, located at 12301 E. 124th Ave. in Henderson.

RFP for Car Wash Services to be Issued

The Adams County Board of Commissioners, in keeping its commitment to change the way the county does business, announced a 30-day suspension for county-paid car washes.

Do you want to acknowledge the loss of a loved one, birth of a child, or celebrate a personal achievement or milestone by having your very own tree planted in Brighton ? Brighton’s Memorial Tree Program enables Brighton citizens to donate a tree to the City to be planted in any park or trail that the Brighton Parks Department maintains.

On May 9, 2011, the Adams County Board of Commissioners requested the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission initiate an investigation of Gil Reyes, County Assessor, stemming from the Denver Post allegations that he accepted Colorado Rockies and Avalanche tickets as well as lunch invitations from Randall Hertel, senior vice president of Majestic Realty Company.

Congressman Perlmutter, Suncor Energy and Commerce City commit significant funding to ADVANCE PROJECT

COMMERCE CITY, COLO. –The Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority (URA) today announced the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver as the first redevelopment partner for the Mile High Greyhound Park.

State Law Mandates Referral of this Measure to the 2012 General Election

The Adams County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution in public hearing today, directing county staff to prepare a ballot question asking voters whether or not to increase the Board of County Commissioners from three to five members. This resolution represents a commitment the board made as part of the strategic reform package adopted on May 25, 2011.

In a recent Ciruli Associates survey, Adams County voters are very concerned (84%) about corruption in Adams County government and strongly support reforms that were enacted this spring by Adams County Commissioners. When asked about specific reforms, voters gave strong support to an independent audit (80%), prohibiting officials and employees from doing business with county contractors (80%), and strict procedures for acquiring property from county officials and employees (72%).

Citizens given chance to provide input on future of 65-acre parcel

COMMERCE CITY – The first in a series of six public meetings focused on the redevelopment of the old Mile High Greyhound Park property will take place Thursday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Commerce City Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr.

COMMERCE CITY – Youth ages 11-17 are invited to join Commerce City ’s Youth and Teen Advisory Committee (YAC) and have a voice in projects that positively impact the community.

A copy of the District's 2011 Water Systems Master Plan Update is available for public review at the District's Administrative Offices, 6595 E 70th Ave., Commerce City, or may be viewed on the District's website by clicking on the following link. Written comments may be submitted through September 8, 2011. Please reference "2011 Water Systems Master Plan Update" on written submittals. NOTE: This is a very large file and may take a few minutes to load completely. Click Here to view the 2011 Water Systems Master Plan Update...

Commerce City Reserves...

From Commerce City... The level of our reserves is determined by the reserves policy, which sets the reserves as a percentage of the budgeted expenditures. When the reserve policy was established, the fund was adjusted to be consistent with the policy. No money has been taken from the city’s reserve accounts since the policy was established. So the reserves declined when our budget declined and have increased again in 2010 and 2011. We are not aware of data prior to 2007. These reserve amounts below are in addition to TABOR.

Commerce City Reserves
2007= $11,760,872.03
2008= $11,547,312.00
2009= $10,620,424.00
2010= $11,046,570.80
2011= $11,079,661.10

Denver POST: Editorial: Adams assessor must step aside

Not only should Gil Reyes stay out of the way as the county's warehouses are reappraised, but he also needs to resign.

Adams County Assessor Gil Reyes is the worst kind of elected official: an entrenched bureaucrat who put the interests of a few campaign donors above those of the taxpayers he was elected to serve.

Adams County Commissioner Erik Hansen quote regarding Assessor Gil Reyes...

"It is my belief that it is time for Adams County Assessor Gil Reyes to step down. It is clear from the investigation by the State Division of Property Taxation that he has broken Colorado law and given unfair tax breaks to campaign contributors. Because Reyes has lost the trust of the citizens of Adams County, it is time for him to do the right thing and resign."

Brighton City Hall to be closed Sept. 2

The City of Brighton City Hall will be closed on Friday, Sept. 2 in order to move to the new City Hall building located at 500 S. 4th Ave.(formerly Adams County Administration building). The new City Hall building will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Assessor Gil Reyes

By David Olinger, The Denver Post

Assessor Gil Reyes broke law, Colorado says

A state board voted unanimously Tuesday to reappraise every warehouse in Adams County after an investigation found Assessor Gil Reyes had favored campaign contributors.

An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado Submitting to the Registered Electors of the City of Brighton at a Regular Municipal Election to be Held as a Mail Ballot Election on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, the Questions of:

COMMERCE CITY – Commerce City is seeking individuals to serve as members or alternate members for the Cultural Council, Housing and Liquor Authorities.

Commerce City Council has directed the City Attorney to prepare four ballot questions to be submitted to a vote of the registered electors of the City of Commerce City at the regular municipal election to be held by mail ballot on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

By Monte Whaley, The Denver Post

The Adams County Jail will soon limit the number of prisoners it will house from the county's cities because of budget and space problems.

Quentin Rivera

Last Friday afternoon, July 29, after regular business hours, a City of Brighton employee reported she was the victim of a robbery at City Hall. The employee, Bernadette Haigh, reported cash and processed checks belonging to the City of Brighton, intended for bank deposit were taken.

The investigation by City of Brighton detectives determined the report was a hoax and Haigh took the deposits herself and gave them to an accomplice.

As a result of the on-going investigation, it was suspected a second city employee in the city utilities department had taken city funds.

The Commerce City Council has raised the issue as to whether the agenda item "Citizen Communication" should be expanded to allow for discussion by City Council with a citizen on issues raised by a citizen during that part of a City Council meeting.