January-February 2017 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 1

For details about any of these programs go to cityofthornton.net/TrashRecycling, email environmentalsvcs@cityofthornton.net or call 720-977-6200.

City trash/recycling service will be on a regular schedule, no holiday delay, the week of January 1. Please have your containers at the curb by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day.

Christmas Tree Curbside CollectionCurbside collection of natural Christmas trees for recycling is January 2-13. This service is available for city of Thornton trash/recycle collection customers only. Place your natural tree at the curb on your regular trash pickup day. Trees should be free of decorations and tree stands, and should not be placed in bags.

Adopt-A-StreetTo find out more about this volunteer program and how you can help support litter control efforts along Thornton streets, please email environmentalsvcs@cityofthornton.net.

Adams County Tax Assistance ProgramFree assistance in completing Federal and State tax returns is available for residents with an income of $56,000 or below, January 24-April 12, on Tuesdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 1-6 p.m. and Fridays in February, 1-4 p.m. at the Thornton Senior Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd. Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact the Adams County Treasurer’s Office at 720-523-6163 or go to adcogov.org/tax-preparation-program.

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HOV 3+ is coming in January Get ready for HOV 3+. “HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicles, and 3+ means a carpool with a driver plus two passengers,” says Thornton Regional Transportation Engineer Kent Moorman. “As of January 1, all HOV Express Lanes changed from HOV 2+ to HOV 3+, meaning, if you’re driving in the HOV 3+ lanes, you need to be carpooling with a driver and at least two passengers,” says Moorman. The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) also approved this change on US 36 and I-25, the two corridors with HOV Express Lanes in operation or development. “Colorado has passed the point where it can build its way out of congestion,” says Moorman. “The Express Lanes, which are being built throughout the state, help relieve traffic congestion without the need for a lot of infrastructure (new or widened highways) and provide a desperately needed source of funding for transportation. Getting more people into carpools with HOV 3+ not only reduces overall traffic congestion, but it also helps to reduce vehicle emissions — a good thing for a state with a growing population.” Visit codot.gov/programs/expresslanes for more information about the program.

It’s the biggest expansion of police officers working for the city of Thornton in the city’s history. Forty-five new officers are currently starting their careers with the Thornton Police Department and more are on the way.

After the 2015 election, Thornton City Council members expressed significant public concerns regarding safety in the community. City council discussed the increase of police officers on several occasions in 2016 and decided they wanted to follow a model of 1.7 police officers per 1,000 residents. Other cities follow similar staffing models for police officers.

The majority of the additional staff will be deployed to the patrol division to provide frontline policing services to the community. “City council’s approval in 2016 of 50 additional police officers will provide the Police Department with the ability to return to a community policing style of providing police services. These resources will allow for working closer in partnership with the community, focusing on identified pattern crimes, hot spot crime reduction, and enforcing reported traffic concerns,” says Thornton Police Chief Randy Nelson. It will take over a year to train and deploy these new officers into the field.

In July of 2014, Thornton City Council approved a resolution for Thornton’s Vision, Mission, Value Statements and Community Outcomes. In this resolution, Community Outcome number 11 details responsiveness and proactive policing and it recommends a response goal of seven-minutes for priority 1 calls – events that are in progress or life threatening. The police department last met the seven-minute priority response time in 2012 – with response times now being closer to eight-minutes this indicated a need for additional resources.

This combined with the fact that Thornton’s population is continuing to grow made the need for more officers even greater.

With a focus on increasing security and keeping crime down in Thornton, the Thornton City Council approved a budget amendment authorizing the new positions in 2016 and it’s estimated that the annual cost for the new officers, equipment, and vehicle costs will be about $5.9 million per year.

Hiring this many officers in this time span is a challenge to accomplish. Thornton’s Human Resources Division began aggressive recruiting efforts early in the summer of 2016. Identifying and qualifying applicants for the police department even required additional resources for the Human Resources Division.

“Hiring police officers is done in a highly competitive market. Nearly every city in our area is looking for additional officers these days, and so trying to hire even 10 or so is challenging, but when we are looking to add 50 in one fiscal year, it becomes an enormous task that takes a lot of resources from the Police Department and Human Resources. In fact, addition staff was needed in Human Resources just to help meet the demand placed on the employees who were working on this effort.” says Assistant Executive Director for Management Services Chris Molison.

New police officers have to go through a great deal of screening and then attend a long training academy followed by field training programs prior to starting full-time service. The new officers will be phased into duty and the entirety of new police officers should be fully deployed in Thornton by early 2018.

Trash/Recycling News Increase of police officers for Thornton

Christmas Tree Recycle Drop-OffOn Saturday, January 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., city of Thornton residents may bring their natural Christmas trees to the Infrastructure Maintenance Center, 12450 Washington St., for free recycling. Proof of residency is required and restrictions and limitations apply. Visit www.cityofthornton.net/TrashRecycling for more information.

HOV 3+ OptionsListed below are resources provided by

CDOT and HPTE to help commuters create a commute to fit their lifestyle.

• DRCOG: My Way to Go - mywaytogo.org• 36 Commuting Solutions -

36commutingsolutions.org• Smart Commute Metro North -

smartcommutemetronorth.org• RTD - rtd-denver.com• North Front Range Metropolitan Planning

Organization - vangovanpools.org

Happy New YouCHEERS TO A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER 2017

Celebrate your Successes - Did you hit 10,000 steps every day this month? Did you achieve your weight loss goal? Celebrate those successes in a way that won’t undo your hard work like a massage or new workout clothes!

6 Steps for Sticking with Your New Year’s Resolution

Get PAID to Achieve a Healthy Weight!w w w . W e i g h a n d W i n . c o m

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Start Small - Set realistic goals and timelines. Create a goal of hitting the gym 3-4 times a week instead of every day or losing 10 pounds in two months instead of 60 pounds in one year.

Focus on One Thing - Unhealthy behaviors don’t develop overnight and neither do healthy ones. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a laundry list of goals. Focus on one thing at a time. Once you feel confident in sustainable change with one habit, tackle another.

Seek Support - It’s easier to stick with your resolution if you’re not doing it alone. Encourage a family member, friend or co-worker to join the journey or sign-up for a program like Weigh and Win for support. Our Health Coaches are always available to help you.

Be Easy on Yourself - Did you skip a couple workouts or over-indulge on unhealthy foods over the weekend? Don’t beat yourself up or let it derail you. Missteps will happen. Get back on track and keep working on your resolutions.

Track and Evaluate - Keep track of your progress and recognize any set-backs. Do you frequently skip going to the gym after work? Start working out in the morning instead.

Happy New YouCHEERS TO A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER 2017

Celebrate your Successes - Did you hit 10,000 steps every day this month? Did you achieve your weight loss goal? Celebrate those successes in a way that won’t undo your hard work like a massage or new workout clothes!

6 Steps for Sticking with Your New Year’s Resolution

Get PAID to Achieve a Healthy Weight!w w w . W e i g h a n d W i n . c o m

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3

4

5

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Start Small - Set realistic goals and timelines. Create a goal of hitting the gym 3-4 times a week instead of every day or losing 10 pounds in two months instead of 60 pounds in one year.

Focus on One Thing - Unhealthy behaviors don’t develop overnight and neither do healthy ones. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a laundry list of goals. Focus on one thing at a time. Once you feel confident in sustainable change with one habit, tackle another.

Seek Support - It’s easier to stick with your resolution if you’re not doing it alone. Encourage a family member, friend or co-worker to join the journey or sign-up for a program like Weigh and Win for support. Our Health Coaches are always available to help you.

Be Easy on Yourself - Did you skip a couple workouts or over-indulge on unhealthy foods over the weekend? Don’t beat yourself up or let it derail you. Missteps will happen. Get back on track and keep working on your resolutions.

Track and Evaluate - Keep track of your progress and recognize any set-backs. Do you frequently skip going to the gym after work? Start working out in the morning instead.

SIGN UP FOR WEIGH AND WIN TODAY FOR FREE! Visit the Weigh and Win kiosk in the main lobby of the Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton.

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1 Start Small - Set realistic goals and timelines. Create a goal of hitting the gym 3-4 times a week instead of every day or losing 10 pounds in two months instead of 60 pounds in one year.

Focus on One Thing - Unhealthy behaviors don’t develop overnight and neither do healthy ones. Don’t overwhelm yourself with a laundry list of goals. Focus on one thing at a time. Once you feel confident in sustainable change with one habit, tackle another.

Seek Support - It’s easier to stick with your resolution if you’re not doing it alone. Encourage a family member, friend or co-worker to join the journey or sign-up for a program like Weigh and Win for support. Our Health Coaches are always available to help you.

Be Easy on Yourself - Did you skip a couple workouts or over-indulge on unhealthy foods over the weekend? Don’t beat yourself up or let it derail you. Missteps will happen. Get back on track and keep working on your resolutions.

Track and Evaluate - Keep track of your progress and recognize any set-backs. Do you frequently skip going to the gym after work? Start working out in the morning instead.

Celebrate Your Successes - Did you hit 10,000 steps every day this month? Did you achieve your weight loss goal? Celebrate those successes in a way that won’t undo your hard work like a massage or new workout clothes!

Planning a room remodel or other project during the winter months?

Click & Haul is available year-round to city trash/recycling customers to haul away the debris.

The service fee is almost always $65!

to schedule your curbside pickup or for more

information call 720-977-6200.

Go to cityofthornton.net

C i t y o f T h o r n t o n

0 80’ 160’ 320’

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Property Boundary

Trail

Raised Crosswalk

Deciduous Tree

Evergreen Tree

Ornamental Tree

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T h o r n t o n Tr a i l W i n d s Pa r k a n d O p e n S p a c e

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Aquatic Center

Water Park

Non-Potable Irrigation Pond

Multi-Use Fields

Multi-Use Fields

Multi-Use Fields

Multi-Use Fields

Multi-Use Fields

MaintenanceYard

Skate Park

Community Lawn

Dog Park

Detention

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Playground

Entry Plaza

Picnic Shelters

Restrooms

Drop-off

Drop-off

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Overlook Plaza

Overlook Plaza

Parking

Boulder Pond Edge Typ.

Wetlands Pond Edge Typ.

Community Playground

Veterans Memorial

Group Picnic Area

Picnic Shelters

Group Shelters

Toilet Enclosure

Toilet Enclosure

Toilet Enclosure

Toilet Enclosure

Toilet Enclosure

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DedicatedOpen Space

DedicatedOpen Space

Dedicated Open SpaceDedicated Open

SpaceDedicated

Open Space

DedicatedOpen Space

Regional Trail

2 Thornton City Voice Newspaper January-February 2017

Big R Ranch CO issued

The Big R Ranch has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). The Big R is occupying the 42,520 square foot store space, previously utilized by Safeway, at 3904 E. 120th Ave. Big R is a mercantile store specializing in farm and ranch products.

Arby’s at The Grove CO issued

There is a new Arby’s Restaurant at 200 E. 144th Ave., located in The Grove development. This is the typical 3,096 square foot restaurant that Arby’s builds throughout the country. The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued on October 31.

Trail Winds Recreation Center public meetings

We will be conducting a series of public meetings to get input and share information about the design and construction of the new Trail Winds Recreation Center with Thornton residents. The new center will be located at 136th Avenue and Holly Street.

• January 5, 6:30 p.m., Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd.• January 12, 6:30 p.m., Anythink Huron Street Library, 9417 Huron St.

Thornton residents are also invited to participate in our Trail Winds Recreation Center survey located at gocot.net/twrc until January 13. The survey is available in English and Spanish. To view the current conceptual Thornton Trail Winds Park and Open Space Site Master Plan, visit gocot.net/twrc.

Thornton approves Healthcare District Study

The Thornton Development Authority (TDA) has approved the Thornton Healthcare Study. “This extensive planning process examined the future economic potential of land located around the North Suburban Medical Center,” says Thornton Senior Policy Analyst Martin Postma. “It focuses specifically on approximately 26 acres of undeveloped land owned by the TDA.” This project, done in close cooperation with North Suburban Medical Center, was done to build a vision for the area which includes additional medical uses, a continuum of care senior living facility, and a hotel. “The economic analysis demonstrates how these uses can be accomplished profitably, and provides ongoing economic benefits to the region,” says Postma. For more information about the Healthcare Study Plan, visit cityofthornton.net/areaplans.

West Sprat Platte Reservoir improvements update

The West Sprat Platte Reservoir improvements are halfway complete and current anticipated completion is spring 2018. “The improvements allow the city to use the reservoir in series with other reservoirs for raw water storage and eventual treatment for drinking water,” says Thornton Infrastructure Executive Director Brett Henry. Phase I installed a slurry wall and ground water lift stations around the reservoir to isolate the reservoir storage from groundwater. Phase II is partially complete with the dewatering the reservoir and passing a 90-day leak test to verify the slurry wall installation. Once the leak test passed, the reservoir slopes and bottom were surveyed so that design work could begin. Reservoir slopes, interconnects and fish habitat construction is expected to begin in the spring.

What’s New in Thornton

Thornton employees receive Certified Economic Developer

designationThree city of Thornton employees recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Pictured from left to right, Thornton Assistant Economic Development Director Adam Krueger, Local Business Administrator Robin Martinez and Retail Administrator Julie Jacoby passed the rigorous two-day and three-part comprehensive exam.

“The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession” says Thornton Economic Development Director John Cody. “It’s an incredible designation, and achieving it shows a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.” The test is administered by the International Economic Development Council. “This truly shows the depth of our city’s Economic Development expertise, and our continuing efforts to best serve the economic needs of the Thornton community,” says Cody.

January 20-22 Carpenter Recreation Center 11151 Colorado Blvd., Thornton Ages 16 and UpDivisions offered include Mens and Womens A, B, C, D and Novice in Singles and Doubles. Food and refreshments included in entry fee and awards go to 1st and 2nd place in each division. Participants may enter a maximum of one singles and one doubles division.

Fees: $30R/$36NR Questions? Please call 720-977-5914.

Registration deadline is January 16.

January-February 2017 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 3

Help for Homes provides needed home repairsShortly after Thornton resident Maxi Shannon purchased her home, her daughter passed away and Shannon began raising her five year old grandson. “I wasn’t able to go back to work,” says Shannon. “I knew I couldn’t afford repairs needed to my home.” Shannon, who has rheumatoid arthritis, needed electric and fire hazards addressed in her home, her home needed to be painted, and she needed a grab bar installed to help her get in and out of the tub. Shannon called Thornton’s Neighborhood Services Division and learned about the Help for Homes program. “Help for Homes provides free health and safety home repairs for eligible homeowners who are over the age of 55 or who have a disability,” says Thornton Neighborhood Services Manager Nicole Jeffers. “Through this program, eligible Thornton homeowners have had broken furnaces repaired or replaced, grab bars and railings installed, leaking roofs, minor electrical and plumbing issues fixed.” Help for Homes is funded through a federal grant which requires people to meet specific income requirements and limits the amount of repairs that can be performed at each home. Thornton residents can learn more about the program by calling Neighborhood Services at 303-538-7600 or visiting cityofthornton.net/neighbor and click on ‘Housing Programs/Services”.

Artist call for entries: Outside the Box - Traffic Box Mural Project

It’s time for you to take your art “Outside the Box!” Thornton Arts & Culture Division is teaming up with TASHCO for the latest public art project. “We’re looking for artists to transform traffic utility boxes from functional infrastructure into colorful and inspired works of art by painting them,” says Thornton Arts & Volunteer Coordinator Krystle Codrey. “The Outside the Box project will be unveiled in the summer and will showcase the work of our talented local artists as this public art becomes part of our streetscapes eventually creating a drive by art exhibit within the city of Thornton.” TASHCO and the Thornton Code Compliance Division have pre-selected six locations of traffic boxes which have been targeted with graffiti in the past.

This project is open to all artists/artist teams but preference will be given to artists that reside or attend school in Adams County. “Designs should be bold, original and exhibit artistic merit,” says Codrey. Artist applications can be found at cityofthornton.net/arts and are due on February 3 by 5 p.m. For more information call Thornton Arts & Volunteer Coordinator Krystle Codrey at 720-977-5882.

Where in Thornton is this view?See the answer below.

ANSWER: East side of Eastlake

Volunteers are needed to help pre-screened residents in need, especially in the South Thornton area.

Snowbusters needed!

For more information contact Krystle Codrey via email Krystle.Codrey@cityofthornton.net

or call 720-977-5882.

To sign up visit volunteers.cityofthornton.net.

February 1-15

During this time we will be accepting a variety of donations to help local community members in need.

Donations LocationsCarpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd. Senior Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd. Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Blvd.

For more information call 720-977-5817 or email jaylin.wac@cityofthornton.net.

Help Pets - Our four legged loved ones provide companionship, happiness, and hope. Often seniors on a fi xed income struggle to provide for their beloved pets. Help us to help them by providing new dog and cat food, leashes, collars and toys.

Help People - Non-perishable food items are forwarded to local food banks for distribution to our neighbors in need. We are also collecting coats to help to warm our neighbors.

4 Thornton City Voice Newspaper January-February 2017

Community Gardens donate more than 4 tons of produce

In 2016, community gardens in Thornton donated 34,561 total servings of produce, which translates to 8,641 pounds or 4.3 tons. Each year, many community gardens donate a portion of their harvest to local food banks and pantries. “This allows residents in need to get healthy and fresh food options that are normally hard to come by,” says Thornton Neighborhood Services Manager Nicole Jeffers. Eight out of the 11 community gardens in Thornton donated produce this year.

Animal Control 720-977-5250Arts & Culture Center 720-977-5885Automated Info Line 303-538-7629Building Inspection 303-538-7250 Building Permits 303-538-7250Business Assistance 303-538-7605City Clerk’s Office 303-538-7230City Communications 303-538-7279City Council & Mayor 303-538-7200City Manager’s Office 303-538-7200Code Compliance 303-538-7517 Community Center 303-255-7830Human Resources 303-538-7245

Jobline 303-538-7555Municipal Court 720-977-5400Neighborhood Services 303-538-7600Police (non-emergency) 720-977-5150Recreation Center 303-255-7800Senior Center 303-255-7850Snow & Ice Control 720-977-6464Trash & Recycling 720-977-6200Utilities (Water, Sewer) 720-977-6500Utility Billing 303-538-7370Volunteer Program 720-977-5881Voter Registration 303-538-7230Water Quality 303-255-7770

Thornton City Hall9500 Civic Center Dr.

Thornton 80229

Thornton Police Department and Municipal Court9551 Civic Center Dr.

Thornton 80229

Infrastructure Maintenance Center12450 Washington St.

Thornton 80241

Carpenter Recreation Center11151 Colorado Blvd.

Thornton 80233

Thornton Community Center2211 Eppinger Blvd.

Thornton 80229

Thornton Senior Center9471 Dorothy Blvd.

Thornton 80229

Thornton Arts & Culture Center9209 Dorothy Blvd.

Thornton 80229

Tune into Comcast Channel 8 anywhere in

the Thornton area.

Thornton 8 airs city council meetings, coverage of local events and issues, and arts, cultural, educational and original programming. Don’t have Comcast? Go to www.cityofthornton.tv for streaming and On Demand content.

Don’t forget to follow us on...

www.cityofthornton.net

@ThorntonColorado @CityofThornton

Editorial StaffTodd Barnes, 303-538-7279

Managing Editor/Communications Director

Lisa Wilson, 303-538-7282Editor, Writer/Communications Content Supervisor

Erika Hollinshed, 303-538-7256Writer, Design/Communications Technician

Gina Lantz, 303-538-7575Design/Communications Technician

Photographers: City Staff and Thinkstockphotos®.

Special Thanks to all city Departments for their contribution to the City Voice newspaper.

Thornton City

Council

Ward 4

Jan Kulmann303-538-7201 - City 720-201-6155 - CellJan.Kulmann @cityofthornton.net

Adam Matkowsky303-538-7530 - City 303-601-2917 - CellAdam.Matkowsky @cityofthornton.net

Ward 3

Sam Nizam303-538-7533 - City 720-226-4706 - CellSam.Nizam @cityofthornton.net

Josh Zygielbaum303-538-7532 - City720-523-3371 - CellJosh.Zygielbaum@cityofthornton.net

Ward 2

Mayor Pro Tem Eric Montoya303-538-7536 - City720-365-2695 - CellEric.Montoya @cityofthornton.net

Val Vigil303-538-7535 - City303-947-7588 - CellVal.Vigil @cityofthornton.net

Mack Goodman303-538-7534 - City303-287-8662 - HomeMack.Goodman@cityofthornton.net

Jacque Phillips303-538-7537 - City303-903-1011 - Cell Jacque.Phillips @cityofthornton.net

Ward 1

Heidi Williams303-538-7531 - City303-819-9722 - CellHeidi.Williams @cityofthornton.net

Mayor

City Council Meetings: January 10, 24; February 14, 28

City council meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Thornton City Hall Council Chambers and are also televised live

on KTTV-8, Comcast channel 8. These dates are subject to change. Please go to cityofthornton.net and the

Community Calendar for current information. If you have a disability and require assistance to attend and participate

in these meetings, call 303-538-7245.

Thornton’s newest public art addition was officially unveiled recently, and can be seen at Thornton’s Infrastructure Maintenance Center, 12450 Washington St. The mural, created by artist Frank Garza, is titled Maintaining Our Future. It depicts the four seasons and young people working in infrastructure jobs to ensure the future operations of the city. “The artist wanted to represent the dedication of the employees to the infrastructure and maintenance of the city,” says Thornton Arts & Volunteer Coordinator Krystle Codrey.

New artwork at the Thornton IMC