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2013 proposed budget maintains assets and capital projects What’s Inside New economic development Numerous energy efficiency and productivity projects slated director hired page 2 The Littleton City Council concluded two nights of delibera- • E-ticketing software for the Littleton Police Department that tions on the 2013 proposed budget September 11 following will save data entry and officer time. 3,000 citizen surveys mailed hundreds of hours of staff preparation that included evaluation • New hazardous materials equipment, dive suits and bunker page 2 of programs, cost/benefits, needs and alternatives. gear for LFR. Through mid-year, General Fund revenues are 6.4 percent • New energy efficient HVAC units for Town Hall Arts Center greater than last year. Conservative revenue estimates combined and Bemis Library replacing units that are decades old. with tight fiscal policy will result in maintaining existing levels of services, a two-month operating reserve, and additional money • An upgrade to the library’s collections software and a new for capital projects. Although recent revenue results are encour- collections tracking and handling system to automate aging, the city is taking a cautious financial approach to 2013. A check-in and check-out, getting materials back on the significant challenge for the future however, will be maintaining shelves faster and substantially reducing check out time.

senior refund deadline the high level and quality of services the city provides. Ameni- • An increase to the Main Street Historic District Grant Pro- page 3 ties and discretionary programs are projected to meet or exceed gram from $25,000 to $50,000 for improvements to historic revenue growth in the near future making it increasingly difficult buildings. friend’s craft fair to maintain a balance between core services and quality of life • Purchase of open space properties budgeted at $1,250,000, page 3 services. significant support to maintenance of South Platte Park, Following an overview of the proposed budget, City Manager environmental improvements along the South Platte River, Michael Penny took a new approach to budget discussions asking and Phase II of the South Platte River Enhancement Plan. council members to consider 43 policy questions. Among the highlights of the 2013 budget: Penny said the 2013 budget is focused primarily on maintaining • Hiring three firefighter/paramedics for Littleton Fire Rescue the city’s existing assets that have been deferred for many years. (LFR). The $300,000 annual cost of salaries, benefits and However, several new projects and programs will be of benefit to equipment will be offset by a $250,000 reduction in the the community and contribute to Littleton’s quality of life. road construction at overtime budget. The costs will be shared with the city’s fire Copies of the 2013 budget will be available December 10 on the county line road and partners - the Littleton Fire Protection District and High- city’s website, littletongov.org/finance or from the Finance Depart- south broadway lands Ranch Metro District. LFR has applied for a grant that page 4 ment. First Reading of the budget will be October 2 at the regular if awarded, will fund the positions for two years. city council meeting at 7 p.m. Second Reading and the Public Hear- leaf and tire recycling • Hiring an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Captain to ing will be October 16 at 7 p.m. in the council chamber. page 5 coordinate training and provide quality assurance regarding patient care. Seventy percent of LFR calls are medical ping4alerts! emergency notification and the cost of this position will be paid from the EMS page 6 Enterprise Fund. • Hiring a Building Maintenance staff member and an Information Services Support employee. Five employees currently maintain 34 buildings dating to the early ™ 20th century as well as a transmission tower and covered facebook.com/CityofLittleton bridge. Technology systems have increased from 50 to more than 250 over the last 11 years with no increase in staffing.

• An increase in employee compensation will provide up to a two percent salary increase. The majority of city em- twitter.com/CityofLittleton ployees have seen only a one percent increase in the past four years. Of 472 city employees, 248 work in the police or In a letter sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Littleton fire departments. Mayor Debbie Brinkman expressed concern on behalf of the city • Expansion of wireless Internet capabilities in all of the council over “potentially significant impacts to aquatic and ri- city’s public buildings. parian habitat immediately below the reservoir in South Platte youtube.com/LittletonGov/#g/u Park due to altered Chatfield operations and reduced ‘base’ • Software that allows completely paperless city council flows” concerning the Chatfield Reservoir Reallocation Storage For more information, visit packets reducing staff time by 40 percent and also allow- Study. For more on the city council’s response, see Mayor Brink- littletongov.org/socialmedia ing public access to televised meetings on mobile devices. man’s message on page 2.

The Littleton Report is an PRSRT STD environmentally-friendly 2255 West Berry Ave. U.S. Postage publication. Littleton, CO 80120 Paid Littleton, CO Permit No. 205

ECRWSS Postal Patron LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 2

Message from Mayor Debbie Brinkman regarding the Chatfield Reallocation Project

I wanted to share a few thoughts with you regarding Littleton’s response to the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS). Littleton has supported the reallocation of Chatfield from the beginning (this process started in 1994). The reason for the support was because we understand the need for water in the Front Range and since our water supplier (Denver Water) pulls from Chatfield, we have a major stake in assuring our water supply and the water supply of many of our Front Range neighbors. The issue that drew my attention was the effect of the reallocation on our own stream flows. Even though the DEIS indicates reduced flows, our problem will not be solved by a revision of their plan. Even if we get them to acknowledge our issues there is little chance they can do anything about the flows. So, we decided to approach a solution from another angle... Short version–flows in our section of the river are determined by downstream users who own water in State Senator Linda Newell (back left) joined Little- Chatfield. When they need water, they call for a release. These same folks also own water in many other ton Mayor Debbie Brinkman (back, second from left) storage basins. Many of them provide water for the communities without ever drawing from Chatfield, at the fourth City Council Outreach Event August 28 thus we have poor flows in our river. at Goddard Middle School. The events featured free Littleton owns no water in Chatfield. We have junior (meaning last in line) flow rights (30 - 100 cfs). pizza, ice cream, fire trucks, the South Suburban The irony is that when there is enough water for us to use our flow rights we don’t because the river Fitness Van, crafts and games. An Inspire Littleton is probably at a healthy level. A year like this one and all bets are off–even with our rights the drought Forum, attended by more than 60 people, followed in trumps all. the school’s gymnasium. The forums were designed to gather community input as the city updates its com- The good news–Littleton is taking the lead to formulate an agreement with downstream users so prehensive plan. that we can ensure a healthy and more consistent flow in the river regardless of conditions we have no control over. We are working with water engineers to determine the minimum flows required to keep our section of the Platte healthy for wildlife and recreation. The agreement with the downstream users Littleton conducting survey is intended to put healthy flows back in the river on a consistent basis. The work we are doing on the agreement was started in 2005 but went nowhere. There appeared to be Three thousand Littleton households solid support but it may have taken too long to get all the partners engaged and it dropped off the radar received a six-page survey asking at some point. We have brought it back and I believe that the DEIS combined with the drought are con- residents opinions on a range of tributing to the high level of interest and commitment we are seeing in regard to making this happen. city services, facilities, man- It is that important. The team working on this is top notch and we have the full support of Englewood, agement and programs. The Sheridan, Columbine Valley and Arapahoe County plus numerous upstream and downstream water recipients have the option of mailing the completed survey owners. City Manager Penny has reached out to every possible partner and is pulling together a team of in a postage-paid envelope, skilled and knowledgeable experts to make this happen. or answering the questions Littleton is taking the lead on this and I will be there every step of the way to make sure our interests online. are protected and we end up with a solid agreement that will give us back our river. “As we look toward the future, resident perspectives about the pressing issues and tradeoffs facing the city can be tested in a high quality, reliable survey,” said City Manager Michael Penny. “We can track the City hires new economic success of policies, programs and personnel changes development director over time, serving as a strong example of account- ability and a valuable resource for targeting where improvements need to be made,” Penny added. “As Littleton City Manager we continue to focus on cost reductions and emerg- Michael Penny has announced ing from flat or declining economic circumstances, the selection of Denise M. it is especially critical to monitor how service reduc- Stephens as the city’s directions, fee increases, efficiency measures and budget tor of economic development. reallocations affect resident opinion regarding the Stephens began September 24. quality of community life and city services,” he said. Stephens has been the Ex- The survey will be conducted by the National Re- ecutive Director of the Jeffer- search Center (NRC) in Boulder, Colorado. NRC has son County Business Resource completed more than 1,000 surveys of residents for Center since 2006. She has more than 25 years of local jurisdictions, ranging in population size from experience in business research, organizational 1,500 residents to more than one million; including development, and business attraction and retention. Denver, Arvada, Boulder, Fort Collins and more. Stephens’ background includes operating two service businesses and one retail operation in Jefferson County. “When I started with Jefferson County, I Arapaho Hills joins National became aware of Littleton’s Economic Gardening Pro- gram and admired the successes Littleton achieved. I Register of Historic Places am so looking forward to working with staff that I am already familiar with, and a city that looks to continue The National Park Service has designated the Mod- to grow businesses and develop the community in a ernist residential community of Arapaho Hills to the Littleton Mayor Debbie Brinkman and Englewood healthy way.” National Register of Historic Places. Arapaho Hills Mayor Randy Penn paid a recent visit to the Humane Stephens earned her bachelor’s degree from Regis joins Geneva Lodge (2305 West Berry Avenue), the Society of the South Platte Valley. Mayor Brinkman University and is a native of Jefferson County. She Knight-Wood House (1800 West Littleton Boulevard), and the city council are leading an effort to explore and her husband live in Lakewood and have three Littleton Town Hall (2450 West Main Street), and the regional animal shelter services in the south metro daughters. three-block Main Street Historic District in the exclu- area that could lead to cost reduction and increased “Denise brings a wealth of skills to this position,” sive National Register of Historic Places family. service levels. A Memorandum of Understanding is Penny said. “She will focus on a proactive approach Arapaho Hills is a unique enclave of high-quality, being considered by Cherry Hills Village, Bow Mar, to recruiting new businesses, retaining existing busi- Columbine Valley, Sheridan, Englewood, Lone Tree, custom-designed and constructed homes west of nesses and helping businesses who wish to expand,” Parker and Arapahoe County. South Lowell Boulevard between West Arrowhead Penny added. Road and West Berry Avenue. LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 3

EVENTS

Friend’s Craft Fair returns October 6

The 41st Annual Friends Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 6 in Ketring Park, next to the Littleton Museum, 6028 South Gallup Street. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Littleton Library and Museum and will take place regardless of weather. The scenic grounds of Ketring Park will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; early shopping is discouraged so the crafters have time to set up their wares. There is no admission charge; money from booth fees is used by the The players and coaches of the Heritage High School football team walk the Western Friends to sponsor programs at the museum and Bemis Library. Park rules Welcome Week parade route each year after the parade to pick up litter. The City of Lit- include no dogs unless on a leash, no smoking, and strollers are discouraged tleton and the Western Welcome Week Parade Committee are grateful to the Eagles for because of the large crowds. volunteering their time each year! Those attending the fair will be able to browse among 300 booths and seven food concession stands. Next to Ketring Park, the Littleton Museum will be open with exhibits on SMHO packs the backpacks for local kids display in four galleries, and living history activities will be underway on the 1860s and 1890s farms. Visit the farms and discover life in the 19th century South Metro Housing Options (SMHO) an- when hand-made items were more common. nual school supply drive, “Pack the Backpacks,” Because fair attendance is usually very high, motorists are asked to observe provided 115 students with new backpacks and parking signs and directives. Do not park in the Bemis Library lot as the space basic supplies to start the school year! This year is needed for library patrons. SMHO also partnered with Littleton Public Schools to provide backpacks and supplies for students in need at East Elementary School. Candlelight Walk returns to Main Street Backpacks were distributed August 6-7 with the help of the Heritage High School Boys Basketball Team who also assisted with donation site pick- Mark your calendar for the 2012 Candlelight Walk ups and packing all the backpacks! Special thanks to Coach Gentry Byleveld and parent and Tree Lighting Friday, November 23 in historic coordinator Pat Egeberg! Downtown Littleton. The 29th edition of this Little- SMHO would also like to thank Norgren Employees NEAT Team, City of Littleton em- ton tradition will feature a magical evening of holi- ployees, Bemis Library for providing a great collection site, Catherine Hall for organizing day festivities, culminating in the illumination of a collection, and to numerous members of the community for their generous donations. the trees on Main Street. Santa Claus will make his For information on obtaining a tax deductible form, contact Kathie in Resident Ser- way down Main Street in a sleigh followed by thou- vices at SMHO (formerly Littleton Housing Authority) at 303-794-3276 or e-mail kcovell@ sands of carolers holding candles and flashlights. southmetrohousingoptions.org. Enjoy merchant open houses and bring a camera for a photo with Santa at Town Hall Arts Center or Santa’s reindeer at 2659 West Main Street. The reindeer appearance is generously sponsored by Senior refund reminder Bradford Auto Body, Inc. and Western Welcome Week. The last date to turn in an application for a senior property Gather at Town Hall Arts Center, Bega Park, or Bradford Auto Body, Inc. tax refund is October 31. To request an application or for any for free hot cider and music from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Candles will be available other questions call 303-795-3764. for 50 cents. Donations of non-perishable food for Inter-Faith Community Services will be accepted, as will toys for the Arapahoe Santa Claus Shop. Local choirs and musical groups will provide entertainment at various Main Street locations while waiting for Santa to arrive. Main Street will be closed to traffic shortly after 5 p.m. and Santa will begin his march down the street starting at the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. The crowd will gather at the west end of Main Street where one lucky child’s name will be drawn to help Santa throw the light switch on the huge, il- luminated live trees. Free parking is available at Arapahoe Community College. Call 303-795-3863 with any questions.

Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine and benefit the Littleton Immigrant Integration Initiative!

Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine the evening of Octo- ber 18, with entertainment by a belly dancer, and 15 percent of the bill will be donated to the Little- ton Immigrant Integration Initiative to empower documented immigrant families to thrive and contribute to the community. A four-course dinner will be held at the Sahara Restaurant, 9636 E. Arapahoe Road, in the Arapa- hoe Train Station Shopping Center, Greenwood Village. Proceeds will provide assistance with immigrant programs and to individuals for:

• Citizenship application and processing fees • ESL instruction and materials • GED preparation and testing • Professional licensing and/or tools

Learn more about the nonprofit at connectingimmigrants.org.

LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 4

Major road work coming to Broadway and County Line

Major construction will begin soon on South Broadway between Dad Clark Drive and County Line Road, with widen- ing into the existing concrete slope paving beneath the C-470 bridges. The improvements will help reduce congestion and improve traffic operations between Dad Clark Drive and County Line Road, and provide increased storage in the turn lanes for the C-470 eastbound and westbound on-ramps. The project includes improving the storm drainage system on Broadway and adding on-street bicycle lanes. It also involves replacing the existing concrete pavement between County Line Road and Dad Clark Drive. This is some of the oldest pave- This project is ment in Highlands Ranch. It was first installed almost 28 years being funded ago. The majority of the utilities were relocated in the sum- by the Colorado mer of 2010 and spring of 2011. Douglas County Engineering Department of anticipates awarding the construction project in the fall of 2012, Transportation. and the project should be substantially completed in the fall of It is estimated to 2013. cost $4.5 million.

Construction coming to South Platte Park

Visitors to South Platte Park will notice large trucks in the open space areas of South Platte Park this fall and winter. Southwest Metro Water and Sanitation holds a permanent utility easement for a sewer line on the east side of the river. The pipe has normal wear from use and needs to be repaired with a cast- in-place liner. Wastewater will be pumped through a temporary bypass pipe laid from manhole to manhole. The main line will then be cleaned, a liner will be fed into a manhole, then the liner will be inflated like a balloon and cured to form a continuous lining in the pipe. This process will require a truck mounted The Littleton City Council embraced the 2012 Western Welcome Grand Parade theme “Fun and Fit” by riding bikes crane, water trucks, concrete trucks, a refrigerated down Main Street together as “Team Littleton” on August 18. For more information and a complete list of parade winners visit westernwelcomeweek.org. truck and pickups all traveling off-trail along the easement. Staging areas will be in the field south of the Carson Nature Center and in Reynolds Landing Park. The project will likely take three to four months Denver Water asks customers to help conserve with occasional trail detours. Southwest Metro will warranty any impacts to the park, restoring it to its Now more than ever, customers are urged to use only what they need. Denver Water declared a original condition within three years. Visit the Nature Stage 1 drought last spring, and customers did a great job reducing outdoor water use. However, Center for more details or to get contact information summer continued to be dry and Denver Water’s reservoirs didn’t fill, which means Denver Water is for the project manager. vulnerable if there is low snowpack in 2013.

As fall approaches, now is the perfect time to winterize sprinkler sys- Carousel of Music wraps up 33rd year tems. Typically the first day of frost is in early October. To winterize the system, turn off the water, drain the valves and blow out the lines with On August 8, a Carousel of Music, the popular musi- compressed air. Also disconnect, drain and roll up garden hoses and cal event for the whole family, wrapped up its 33rd put away. year with bright sunshine and a large crowd. The event featured musical performances from The Colorado Colorado is still in a drought, and Denver Water needs customers to Honor Band, The Denver Concert Band and The Little- keep up the good work conserving water this fall and winter. ton Chorale. Special thanks to the sponsors: Bradford Auto Body, Inc., Colorado Business Bank, Arapahoe County, South Metro Housing Options, Reinke Broth- ers, Littleton Public Schools, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, Arapahoe Community College, Rocky Mountain Bottled Water, and the Libby Bortz Assisted Living Center. A Carousel of Music is one of the many Find more tips at denverwater.org/conservation events held during the 12-day long Western Welcome Week celebration. LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 5

Community Bulletin Board

Senior Resource Day ! Dog Leash Reminder The Arapahoe County Council on aging presents “Pathways to Wisdom, The South Suburban Parks and Recreation Dynamics of Aging.” This free program (SSPR) reminds those who use district parks at the Buck Recreation Center (2004 and trails to leash their pets. Pets are West Powers Avenue) is October 12 required to be on a leash no longer than six from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibits are feet in length. SSPR rangers patrol trails and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more infor- parks on a regular basis. Repeat offenders mation call 303-273-2855. could be cited and/or fined. To report dogs at large, call 303-798-5131. SSPR’s dog leash policy is posted in district parks. Dogs can run free and socialize at the Bark Firefighters responded to help protect Feather- Park at David A. Lorenz Regional Park, at the ville, Idaho from a wildland fire. L to R: Will Allen, south east corner of County Line Road and Jeramy Rath, Lindsey Miller and Ryan Anderson. Leaf & Tire Recycling Colorado Boulevard; and at Wynetka Ponds Park, 5801 South Lowell Boulevard. For more The Cities of Littleton and Englewood are con- information about SSPR’s parks and trails tinuing their annual leaf-recycling program. In the visit sspr.org. previous 19 years of the program, 19,040 cubic- yards of leaves and 2,550 tires were recycled. It Join the Snow Squad! will be held October 28, and November 4 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mountain States Wood We need you! Don’t miss this opportunity Recyclers (2300 West Radcliffe Avenue, Sheridan). to help a fellow resident in need. Volunteer Volunteers at the site will accept leaves and members of the Snow Squad provide snow re- tires only. No grass clippings, tree branches or moval for residents who are physically unable other refuse will be accepted. to shovel their sidewalks themselves. Tires will be collected for recycling at a cost of The city has many citizens who are physi- $2 each and $5 for those mounted on rims–no cally challenged and need help. If you can oversized tractor or truck tires. This collection site spare an hour to help a fellow resident is open for residential recycling and no materials whenever there is measurable snow, and are will be accepted from lawn service companies or looking for a way to give back to the commu- other commercial ventures. For more information LFR and LPD Honor Guard members commemo- nity, call 303-795-3778 or email mbarons@ rated the anniversary of September 11, 2001, by call 303-795-3766. For updates and directions littletongov.org. lowering the U.S. flag at the Littleton Center. visit littletongov.org.

Shared services study for fire departments underway

The Littleton and Englewood city councils approved an Intergovernmenal Agree- ment in August authorizing Fire Prevention Week is • Make sure the home has smoke alarms. a Shared Services Feasibility October 7–13. The reality is Push the test button to make sure each alarm Study between Littleton Fire that when fire strikes, a home is working. Rescue and the Englewood could be engulfed in smoke • Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in Fire Department. The study and flames in just a few min- front of the home. will be conducted by Emergency Services Consulting utes. It is important to have International (ESCI) at a cost of $57,668. a home fire escape plan that The study will evaluate both departments and prepares families to think Everyone will meet at the meeting place. determine the feasibility of shared services up to and fast and get out quickly including a possible merger. • Make sure the house or building number when the smoke alarm can be seen from the street. ESCI is based in Wilsonville, Oregon and provides sounds. What if the first specialized professional fire, police, communications, escape route is blocked by • Talk about the plan with everyone in the and emergency medical service consulting to organi- smoke or flames? That’s home. zations throughout the U.S. and Canada. why having two ways out Members of the study team made their first on-site • Learn the emergency phone number for the is such a key part of a plan. This year’s theme, “Have 2 visit September 10–12 to receive stakeholder input fire department. Ways Out!,” focuses on the importance of fire escape including interviews with elected officials and key planning and practice. Here are the steps to take to • Practice the home fire escape drill! staff. Phase II of the study will evaluate the agencies’ make a home escape plan: operations in comparison to industry standards and best practices and create a benchmark against which Littleton Fire Rescue will be busy the whole month the options for future service delivery can be mea- • Draw a map of the home. Show all doors of October talking about the importance of fire preven- sured. Phase III will look for future opportunities for and windows. tion and having a home escape plan. The department’s cooperative efforts. Phase IV will be the delivery of Characterization Team will present its popular fire • Visit each room. Find two ways out. the project report. safety puppet show in many area schools. Last year the Community meetings are part of the project to as- • All windows and doors should open easily team gave 37 presentations to 3,500 students. For more sess public sentiment toward potential future chang- so they can be used to get outside. information about fire safety, visit nfpa.org. es. The process is expected to take up to six months. LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 6

LPD first in Colorado to offer hyper local alerts

The Littleton Police Department (LPD) is the first law enforcement agency in Colorado to deploy ping4alerts!, an app that instantly notifies subscribers of dangers and emergencies in Littleton. Citizens can download the free app on their Apple or Android smartphones to be alerted to natural di- sasters, dangerous weather, missing persons, traffic situations, and local crimes in progress. The app is Why shop in Littleton? The answers most often given are to support local businesses not available on Blackberry or Windows phones yet and local government. How this benefits the local community is not often explained. but plans are underway for a release in the near future. When citizens shop in Littleton they help not just local businesses but the city sales “We are pleased to be among the first public safety agencies in the country to offer tax paid stays in Littleton and can be used to help other people in the community. A tax this important and meaningful smartphone application,” said LPD Chief Heather dollar paid in Littleton has a greater chance to be spent again locally to benefit the entire Coogan. “It integrates easily with our existing technology and greatly increases our city. For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $68 stays in the local economy ability to reach people quickly,” Coogan said. compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain. Using ping4alerts!, LPD can broadcast an alert to a specifically-defined location in This spending benefits the entire community. How? The taxes are used to pay for the LPD’s jurisdiction. All ping4alerts! subscribers who are in, or traveling through libraries, parks, sidewalks, streets, police and fire protection, and all the other ameni- that location, will receive an alert via an attention-getting audio or customized voice ties in the city. Also, when citizens support local businesses they give the community a message and pop-up text with links to further instructions, directions, photographs, sense of worth that makes other people outside the area more likely to visit the city, shop videos, etc. Ping4alerts! awakens phones that are in sleep mode. It also has an here, and spend their tax dollars here. When businesses are supported locally they not “A-Tip” feature that allows users to deliver anonymous tips to law enforcement. The only create jobs in our area but the tax dollars are also spent to improve Littleton. app works over GPS and cellular networks as well as in Wi-Fi hotspots and doesn’t tap data plan minutes or place undue strain on smartphone batteries. To sign up, visit littletongov.org and click on the link to ping4alerts!

Littleton transit riders will notice some improvements at the bus stop at Lowell Bou- levard and Lowell Way. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has installed a transit shelter that will provide protection during inclement weather along with more comfort as riders wait for the bus. RTD has also installed a new bus stop sign that can Fire Marshal Jim Hofstra speaks with better serve the visually impaired community since the stop is near the apartments high school students at the Septem- that house students of the Colorado Center for the Blind. For RTD information call ber 6 “Youth in Government Day,” 303-299-6000 or visit rtd-denver.com. sponsored by the City of Littleton. This one-day event was created to provide an opportunity for Littleton Have you shared your inspiration? Public Schools students to increase their understanding of the role municipal government plays in the local community. Inspire Littleton, the city’s program for updating its comprehensive plan, is garnering Top participants were awarded scholarships funded by the City of Littleton and local considerable attention and generating great enthusiasm in the planning process. More business partners. Additional sponsors included: Chick-fil-A, Littleton Public Schools than 100 people have participated in planning forums across the city; and more than 500 and Downtown Dinners. individuals are participating on inspirelittleton.org, the city’s interactive website. Nearly 1,000 people have written ideas on sticky notes and left them on one of the Inspire Little- ton idea boards or drawn pictures that represent what they love about Littleton or what Public input process for C-470 drawing to a close they think would make Littleton an even better place to live. As of September 10, the 504 participants on the website generated 313 ideas and pro- The process of gathering public input on how to pay for improvements to C-470 is vided 551 comments on those ideas. drawing to a close. For those who didn’t participate in the telephone town hall meet- Although the website will be closed after December 31, there is still time to be heard. ings or attend one of the open house meetings, there are still a few ways to voice Visit inspirelittleton.org and join in the conversation. Staff will continue to collect and their opinion through the end of this month. analyze ideas and comments from the website, the forums, the sticky notes, and the The C-470 Corridor Coalition is studying a Phase 1 interim solution that in- drawings. The ideas will help form a draft vision statement for the city and a set of goals volves adding one additional lane in each direction of the highway between Kipling that reflect and will help achieve that vision. The draft vision, goals, and implementation and I-25. The second phase would add an additional lane in each direction of the strategies will be posted on the city’s website and discussed in meetings and public hear- highway from Kipling north to I-70, but planning efforts have not yet begun for this ings before the planning board and city council. Citizens are invited and encouraged to phase. The long-term, ultimate solution involves adding two lanes in each direction participate in this process. Check inspirelittleton.org or littletongov.org for updates. of C-470 between I-25 and I-70. With a price tag of about $200 million for just the Phase 1 interim solution and federal and state dollars scarce, the C-470 Corridor Coalition is looking for feedback on how to pay for these improvements. The three main funding options as presented by the Coalition include: Option A: One express lane between I-25 and Wadsworth (the inside left lane) would be tolled and the outside two general purpose lanes would not be tolled. Option B: The entire segment between I-25 and Wadsworth (all three lanes) would be tolled. Option C: No lanes would be tolled, but funding for improvements would come from other sources (such as sales tax or property tax). To voice an opinion on these options, visit the coalition’s website at c470coalition. com or call the information hotline at 720-515-C470 (2470). The group has also set up a Facebook page at facebook.com/c470coalition and a Twitter account at twitter. com/c470coalition. LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 7

What’s happening at Bemis Library?

Children’s Programs General Programs

All Hallow’s Crafts and Fun–October 19, 2 p.m. Colorado Ballot Issues–October 2, 7 p.m. Create Halloween decorations and a treat holder for trick- Take an objective look at the important ballot issues and the arguments on each side. or-treating. Stories, Halloween bingo, tricks and treats will With issues involving marijuana, personhood and term limits, there is no shortage of top off the hour of fun. For children in grades 1-5; reserva- controversy. tions required beginning October 5. Banned Books Week–September 30-October 6 Costumes on Parade–October 25, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 Celebrate the freedom to read by participating in the banned books scavenger hunt. p.m.; October 26, 10:30 a.m. Each participant will receive a free book or prize and will be entered in a drawing to Join one of the annual preschool story time costume pa- win a $25 gift certificate toAmazon.com . The contest is open to teens, adults, and rades. Parades begin in the Children’s Room and end in the children age ten and up. meeting room for stories, songs, sweet treats and punch. Younger siblings are welcome to join the festivities. Movie Matinee: The Avengers–October 13, 2 p.m.

Family Halloween Show–October 28, 3 p.m. International Craft Fair–October 20, noon-4 p.m. Devious dog Sienna helps spooky skeleton bride Denise A wide variety of handmade jewelry and craft items from Indonesia, India, Egypt, spin some eerie tales. Wear your costumes! This program is Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Asia, El Salvador, Bulgaria, Peru, Brazil, and Mada- not too scary, but just right for ages five and up. gascar will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the poor in those countries.

Warm Up With a Good Book–November 17, 2012-January 5, 2013 Musical Moments in Sophie’s Place–October 20 and November 10, 2 p.m. A special winter reading program for independent readers in grades 1-5. Pick up a On October 20, mandolin player Charlie Provenza will entertain with gypsy and guitar reading record starting November 17, then read chapter books during the holidays music with a European flair. On November 10, the Mile High Banjo Society will play and record the number of pages read. Finishers will receive a free book to keep, in toe-tapping Dixieland, ragtime, polka and bluegrass. addition to other surprises. W.C. Fields: I’m Running for Office–October 22, 2 p.m. Give a Gift–November 20, 2 p.m. Actor Bud Jenkyns will give an entertaining and amusing performance portraying W.C. In the true spirit of giving thanks, children in grades 1-5 can make a Thanksgiving Fields as a candidate running for public office. decoration for their favorite adult. Also included will be treats, games and stories. Reservations required beginning November 6. Frightful Friday: Ghosts and Zombies–October 26, 7-9 p.m. Spirit Paranormal Investigations and the DEAD Academy join forces to present an Movie Matinee: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted–November 21, 2 p.m. exciting evening featuring true ghost stories, ghost hunting and zombie activities. Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, and the rest of the gang are still fighting to get home Ann Leggett, author of A Haunted History of Denver’s Croke Mansion, will discuss to their beloved Big Apple. For ages three and up (children under eight must attend her many strange encounters while doing research at this infamous and incredibly with an adult). Reservations required beginning November 6. haunted mansion; copies of her book will be on hand for a rare book signing. The cost of the program is $10 per person. To register and pay, stop by the library beginning October 1 and see the librarian at the main floor reference desk. Teen Programs Movie Matinee: Moonrise Kingdom–November 3, 2 p.m.

Travels in Italy–November 7, 7 p.m. Teen Advisory Group (TAG)–Fourth Friday of the month, 3:30 p.m. A fascinating account of a Littleton woman’s experiences TAG will put together charity baskets to be given to local families in need. Contact exploring Italy. Author Diana Armstrong has lived in Italy Mark at [email protected] to donate materials for the baskets. Meet October for the past eleven years and has traveled extensively 26 to discuss the gift baskets and winter programs. There will be no meeting in throughout the country. November, but attend December 7 to assemble and decorate the baskets.

Annual Food for Fines–November 19-December 24 Teen Read Week–October 14-20 Bring in a non-perishable food item for Inter-Faith and have a late book fine removed This year’s theme is “It Came from the Library.” The library dares you to read just from your record. Offer does not apply to lost items. for the fun of it! Check out an old favorite! Did you know there are teen magazines available? Or take advantage of books on CD and downloadable books! There will be a book swap where teens can trade in their used books for books of equal value. Holiday Book Sale–November 19-December 24 Buy a gift book at the library! The Friends of the Library and Museum host their annual Each participant in the book swap will have their name entered in a drawing for a holiday sale of “like new” used books and other items at low prices. Bring in the whole gift certificate to Tattered Cover Bookstore. family to find great presents!

Halo 4 Event–November 9, 4-8 p.m. Are you a fan of Halo? This program has multi- Make a Holiday Dreamcatcher–November 24, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn how easy and fun it is to make a traditional Native American dreamcatcher. Jes- player combat in the newly-released version. Two sica Bordeaux, a Lakota Indian, will present a workshop open to adults and children game systems will be running, and since Halo 4 age ten and older (accompanied by an adult). Registration is required and participants allows up to four players at a time, eight people must bring $5 to class for materials. will be battling at once. Participants can win a prize! Registration is required by contacting Mark at [email protected]. Since this game is On Hitler’s Mountain: A Nazi Childhood–November 26, 2 p.m. Irmgard Hunt grew up in the beautiful mountains of Berchtes- rated “M” for mature, a signed parent permission gaden, Germany, just steps from Adolf Hitler’s alpine retreat. Hunt slip is also required, which can be picked up at was photographed sitting on Hitler’s lap and her parents were the library or requested from Mark via email. loyal Nazis. Hear the compelling story of how her family came to realize the truth about Hitler.

For more information on ™ Bemis Library and its programs: Visit littletongov.org/bemis 303-795-3961 LITTLETON REPORT October/November 2012 • Page 8

COMMUNITY BUSINESS REVIEW

SPOTLIGHT ON: Building construction in Littleton

New Business

At the Underground Market, the environmentally friendly precepts of recycling, up-cycling, and re-purposing are business promises that translate into artistic and fashionable items for the home. Located in the Woodlawn Shopping Center at 1500 West Littleton Boulevard, the shop is filled with repurposed furniture, redesigned jewelry, remade clothing—just about anything Jennifer Marah and Christina Mann can transform into a chic environmentally friendly item. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highland Place Memory Care, 6767 Alamo Drafthouse and Cinema, 7301 Colorado Business Bank,1600 W. Thursday–Saturday. The ladies spend S. Broadway. Value–$5 million. S. Santa Fe Dr. Value–$9.5 million. Mineral Ave. Value– $1.75 Million. the rest of the week searching for more Projected completion–summer 2013. Projected completion–spring 2013. Projected completion–late 2012. treasures, repurposing previous finds or designing informative and fun hands- on demo classes and workshops. The latter are an integral part of their commitment to up-cycling. Sharing their passion with anyone interested in up-cycling, they offer classes at every level and enjoy learning new skills from attendees. CarMax, 5850 S. Broadway. Value– Health South, 1001 W. Mineral Denver Water Department $3.5 million. Projected completion– Ave. Value–$13 million. Projected Decentralization Station, 3811 W. winter 2012. completion–spring 2013. Bowles Ave. Value–1.3 million. Projected completion–spring 2013.

NEW BUSINESS: A-1 Scuba

Opened in 1959, the family-owned A-1 Scuba and Travel Center has grown to

be the largest diving facility in the Rocky Mountain Region and is the exclusive

provider of the Denver Downtown Aquarium public scuba and snorkeling programs. Located at 1603 West

Belleview Avenue, Scott and Lynn Taylor’s new facility offers an indoor heated swimming pool, full-service travel

agency specializing in diving and non-diving vacations and cruises, a large retail store, and a complete repair and

rental center. Pool activities include scuba and snorkeling lessons, Divers with Disabilities programs in conjunction O w n with Craig Hospital, and tri-athlete training with a new Endless Pool System. Look for swimming lessons this fall. er Sc ott Taylor