City urges changes in Superfund law

T ittleton and other cities in the metropoli­ Ltan area are stepping up efforts to in­ form the public about Superfund and how much It could cost taxpayers if Congress doesn't amend Superfund legislation to clarifY Its intent for the Environmental Pro­ tection Agency. EPA Is using an unjust method of allocat­ ing the cost of cleaning up the Lowry Land- FEBRUARY 1992 Printed on Recycled Paper fill based on volume rather than toxicity. This means you stand to pay the same for treating a gallon of common sludge that 'ln­ dustry will pay for a gallon of highly poi­ sonous Industrial waste. If the toxic industrial waste had not been mixed with harmless household garbage and sludge, the Environmental Protection Agency would not require the garbage and sludge to be cleaned up. EPA estimates the Lowry Landfill cleanup w!ll cost between $550 to $600 million. That could mean in­ creases in your sanitary sewer bill that amount to several hundred dollars each year. In Littleton's case, the harmless sewage sludge sent to Lowry Landfill is so clean that the same sludge has been given an EPA award for beneficial reuse as fertilizer on wheat fields in Adams County. City Council members have met with the Colorado congressional delegation on nu­ merous occasions. In addition, Council President Susan Thornton has testified at hearings in Washington and at National Leaguc of Cities conferences, seeking sup­ port for co-sponsorship and passage of leg­ islation to restore the original intent of the Superfund legislation: that the polluters should pay their fair share. She will travel to Washington again in March to reinforce NEW FIRE TRUCK the position of cities across the country at Littleton Fire Department's newest fire the National League of Cities Conference. pumper has arrived. It's big and It's REDI "It is crucial that we gain support to pass Zoning Code Revised The new color scheme - bright red with the Toxic Cleanup Equity and Acceleration white reflective striping - was chosen for Act (Torricelli/Dreier HR 3026 and Lauten­ By Jon Payne high visibility and attractive appearance. Planning Director berg/Wirth S 1557) this year: says Presi­ The new truck will be In service at the dent Thornton. "Passage will prevent need­ ~e City of Littleton has recently com­ West Coal Mine Station. .1 pleted preparation of an ordinance less lawsuits, save taxpayers millions of which repeals the existing Littleton Zoning dollars, and speed up the cleanup of Lowry Ordinance adopted in April of 1960, and re­ Landfill and other Superfund sites through­ places it with a totally revised Zoning Ordi­ City offers sales, out our country." nance. • Senator Tim Wirth, Representatives David Until this project was undertaken, no use tax seminars Skaggs, Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Pa­ complete, word-for-word review and amend­ tricia Schroeder are co-sponsoring the legis­ The City will conduct free sales and use ment had taken place in the 30-year history lation. Unfortunately, thus far, Senator tax seminars for all interested businesses of the City's zoning regulations. Hank Brown and Representatives Dan and taxpayers. These meetings will be tai­ Tapping more than 80 combined years of Schaefer, Joel Hefley and Wayne Allard have lored to help businesses and taxpayers experience in administering the code, the declined to support the Idea that industries alike understand the new sales tax simplifi­ staff worked over a period of more than should pay to clean up their own mess. cation ordinance adopted by the City Coun­ three years to correct problems found in the cil. The concept Is endorsed by the Colorado existing regulations. Names and addresses of the Colorado del­ Association of Commerce and Industry egation are listed on page 2. Most changes were for simplification and (CAC!) and is designed to streamline sales clarification. and use tax collection in all 41 metro area A provision which required a public hear­ Jurisdictions. CITY OF LITTLETON ing and permit for developmentally disabled 2255 Wesl Berry Avenue BULK RATE The seminars will be conducted at the lit­ U.S. POSTAGE in single family residences was eliminated l,ttlelon. CO B0165 PAID tleton City Center Community Room, 2255 L_.CO to meet Federal requirements of the Fair W. Berry Avenue, from 5:30 to 6:30 p,m. Permit No. 205 Housing Act. This means that the City has February 27, April 30, July 23, and October no say about where group homes for the 29. disabled may be located. If you have any further questions, call 'Group homes for elderly are not included Sales Tax Supervl&or Frank Bua at 795- J AMES C WOOD S (Continued on Page 2) 3768. C ITV MANAGER Page 2 Zoning Code (Continued from Page 1) In the federal law; therefore, the ordinance retains the hearing and approval process for such uses. Certain restrictions were also removed from home occupations that might interfere with work being done on computers in the home. Beauty shops, which were allowed, were added to the list for clarification. Home child care, which Is allowed now, will be further defined and added In the future with standards consistent with those re­ quired by Arapahoe County. The code was liberalized to allow replace­ ment of up to 50% of an existing fence with­ out requiring a permit. Also, detached sheds under 120 square feet and not on a foundation can go anywhere except in the front yard. The definition of household pets was clar­ ifIed to help people understand what is and what is not allowed In certain zones. House­ hold pets Include dogs, domestic cats, ca­ naries, parrots, hamsters, guinea pigs and similar rodents, fish, reptiles, and other (Left to right) Karen Bialkowski, Jim Donahue, Racine dig In at 1991's 10,000 Trees event. species normally sold at a local pet shop. Rick Cronenberger. Lorena Donahue. and Joe Not included are horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, peacocks, turkeys, geese or other poultry, mink, chinchilla or other So. Platte shores turn green with new trees commercial fur-bearing animals. n Earth Day 1990 and again In 1991, the Platte, once a barren wasteland, are In all but a very few exceptions, the zone Oan amazing series of events occurred. now tree lined, becoming an urban oasis district reguiatlons wiii have the same effect On each occasion, over 1,200 volunteers after years of neglect. on property under the new ordinance as gathered on the banks of the South Platte 10,000 Trees - Phase III Is the final chap­ they do under the existing ordinance. For River to plant thousands of trees and ter In this successful effort to "Turn the example, a property zoned R-l Single Fami­ shrubs. Greenway Green." The site for this third ly Residential will remain R-l Single Family The results are astounding. The banks of phase runs from C-470 north to Church ReSidential. Street along the banks of the Platte River The City Council has set a public hearing through South Platte Park. for March 3 at 7:30 p.m. to conSider ap­ The first two phases of the 10,000 Trees proval of this ordinance. Project are improving an already prized Council approved the ordinance on first SIDEWALKS recreational amenity - The Arapahoe Green­ reading January 21 and set a six-week re­ Littleton City code reqUires property own­ way. Over the years, as the new landscape view period before the public hearing. The ers to remove snow and Ice from sidewalks matures, the Arapahoe Greenway will be ordinance was published In the Littleton In­ adjacent to their property within 24 hours among the most outstanding river green­ dependent on January 23. The Planning of the last snow fall. In addition, trees and ways In the nation! Commission reviewed it on February 10. bushes are not allowed to overhang a side­ Phase III of 10, 000 Trees will Include Copies of the complete ordinance and a walk In such a way that a pedestrian can­ planting more than 2,500 large trees and narrative summary are available at the not easily walk down the sidewalk. shrubs and close to 2,500 seedlings. Sever­ Community Development office, City Clerk's Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibili­ al wetland areas will also be restored, re­ office, or BemiS Library. ty of the acljoinlng property owner. For addi­ quiring the regrading of some areas where Staff members are available to meet with tional Information call Bob Lindgren; Code native wetland species will be planted. Interested groups, or call 795-3748 for Enforcement Officer, at 795-3751. This section of the Greenway will also fea­ more information. ture new rest areas and Interpretive wildlife viewing blinds, designed so the viewer can COLORADO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION observe, unnoticed, the abundant wildlife Did you know ... ? The Fire Communica­ SENATORS that thrives along the river. tions Center handled 11,583 emergency The Honorable Hank Brown The Honorable TImothy Wirth The Arapahoe Greenway and 10,000 United States Senator United States Senator calls in 1991, an Increase of 567 calls over 717 Senate Hart Building 380 Russell Senate BuIlding Trees are prime examples of quality projects the previous year. Washington. D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510 made possible by the help of government agencies, corporate sponsors, civic clubs, REPRESENTATIVES The Honorable Wayne Allard The Honorable Joel HeOey citizen volunteers and others. Disbict 4 Dlsbict 5 In 1990, President Bush presented "The United States Representative United States Representative Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Award" to the ELDERLY REFUNDS 513 Cannon House Building 222 Cannon House BuIlding The City of Littleton will again offer a Washington. D.C. 20515 Washington, D.C. 20515 South Suburban Park Foundation for 10,000 Trees and the Arapahoe Greenway. combined property tax, sewer, and storm The Honorable Pat Schroeder The Honorable Dan Schaefer Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado Is coor­ drainage refund to senior citizens, both Disbict 1 District 6 United States Representative United States Representative dinating the effort to recruit and train the owners and renters, who were 65 or older In 1007 Longworth House BuIlding 222 Rayburn House Building more than 1.000 volunteers who've signed 1991 and who resided within the city limits Washington. D.C. 20515 Washington. D.C. 20515 on to assist In the planting. It will take for all of 1991. Forms will be mailed In mld­ The Honorable The Honorable place on Saturday, April 25. Volunteers will March to everyone who received the refund Davtd E. Skaggs Ben Nighthorse Campbell District 2 Dlsbict 3 be treated to a dinner celebration after­ last year. New applicants can receive forms Un1ted States Representative UnJted States Representative wards. If you need further Information, call and information by calling the city finance 1507 Longworth House Building 1530 Longworth House BuIlding Washington. D.C. 20515 Washington. D.C. 20515 Michelle Sturm at 830-7792. office at 795-3764. Santa Fe focus Page 3 of 3 cities' plans Council travels to Sterne area terne Parkway residents didn't let Presi­ come at the Riverpointe senior complex on 'T"he Cities of Littleton, Englewood, and Sdent Bush's State of the Union speech January 28. For the first time, the monthly 1. Sheridan have begun a strategic plan­ stop them from finding out what's happen­ Breakfast with City Council went on the ning effort focusing on the areas along Ing in their area. The largest crowd thus far road at the invitation of Riverpointe resi­ Santa Fe Drive. Representatives from the (about 65) at the City Council/Neighbor­ dents. City Councils, Planning Commissions, and hood Meetings turned out' at the Littleton About 50 attendees learned more about staffs of the three cities have been meeting Community Center on January 28. the myriad of services offered by the City to since early 1991 to study the area and to They learned more about Neighborhood our senior community including presenta­ develop a vision for the future. Areas of spe­ Watch and crime prevention programs, up­ tions on the Omnibus/Shopping Cart cific Interest in the plan will be the image of coming beautification projects, and the transportation service, senior refunds, and Santa Fe, aesthetics, and business develop­ neighborhood planning process. Council reaction to a recent fire at the complex. ment. The mission statement gUiding the also responded to questions, compliments, On February 27, Littleton Hospital will effort is: and concerns. host the second Breakfast with City Coun­ "Recognizing the assets which the three There will be no City Council/Neighbor­ cil on the road. Businesses south of Ridge communities share, the Tri-City commit­ hood Meeting in February. Council will use Road were invited to hear more about the tee will develop a vision and plan to Im­ its fmal study session of the month to inter­ Littleton New Economy program, the lat­ prove the areas along Santa Fe Drive and view applicants for vacancies on boards and est on the federal Superfund legislation and the Platte River." commissions. The next City Council/ its implications for the community, plus an On January 30 the joint "Tri-City Plan­ Neighborhood Meeting will be March 24 at open dialogue session with City Council ning Group" prepared a set of draft strate­ 7 p.m. for residents of the Centennial and staff. gies to serve as a basis for discussion Neighborhood (between the South Platte The next Breakfast with City Council among people interested in the future of River and Lowell, and Bowles to Belleview / will be held March 26 at 7:30 a.m. at the this area. The draft strategies are: Chenango). Check the mail for your invita­ Littleton Center Community Room, 2255 "Plan and standardize government regula­ tion! West Berry Avenue. Anyone is welcome but tions to improve business opportunities. .. The City Council received a warm wel- reservations are requested. Call 795-3720 if you can join us. "Improve accessibility to business re­ sources."

"Address retention and relocation oj busi­ Museum prepares two new exhibits ness to remain in the three city area. .. "Gifts of the Decades" is one of two new "The Artist's View" includes 45 original exhibits opening at the Littleton Historical works of art in oil, watercolor and field "Create a theme Jor physical improve­ Museum in March. Selections from the mu­ sketches on loan from the combat art col­ ments. .. seum's holdings in the Collections Center lections of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, will include furniture, toys, jewelry, clothing Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps. "Improve appearance oj public highway and dozens of other articles that could have The works were produced by combat improve"!€nts according to a theme . .. been given as gifts to friends, relatives and artists assigned to the front line during the family through the decades since 1900. war. Many of the works add a personal and "Develop an advertising program to convey Items have been selected for size, style, emotional dimension to the understanding the theme metro-wide... color and curious nature. of the war. Also opening will be "World War II: The The collection of combat art will be on "Incorporate the theme into public and pri­ Artist's View," a traveling exhibition from view at the museum for only one month, vate signage. .. the National Archives' nationwide commem­ from March 21 through April 18, and then oration of the 50th anniversary of World it will be transported to the Eisenhower Li­ "Improve the appearance oj the raUroad. .. War II. The two exhibits will open with a brary and Museum in Abilene, Kansas, and public reception Saturday, March 21 from thereafter to all the other presidential li­ Anyone wishing to contribute ideas for 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Littleton Historical braries and museums. additional strategies, request more informa­ Museum. tion, or suggest revisions to this list should call Joe Racine, Littleton Director of Com­ munity Development, at 795-3748.

Recycling Slide Show In the U.S., 240 million gallons of used motor oil are illegally dumped every year by "do~it-yourselfers." That's equivalent to one Exxon Valdez spill every three and a-half weeks. The Colorado Department of Health esti­ mates that by 1993, newly passed landfill regulations will have prompted the closing of 50 landfills in Colorado, which is one­ third of Colorado's landfills. These startling facts are the introduction to a comprehensive slide show addressing solid waste issues in our area and what we can do to help. If your group or organization would like Littleton's Recycling Coordinator to present this slide show at an upcoming meeting, Bill Hastings'" and Wayne Little Install Items In the the Decades." call Brian Brown at 795-3746. new'Uftle'tbnHistorlclll Museum""exhiblt; "Gifts of Page 4 City offers rides for seniors, disabled th the city's population maturing, w:transportation becomes an increasing­ ly important service for senior citizens. Lit­ tleton has two programs directed towards this segment of the population. For nearly two decades, the City has pro­ Vided Omnibus transportation service to elderly and disabled citizens. This appoint­ ment service provides door-to-door trans­ portation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, beauty shop visits, recreational and other business trips. Last year, Omnibus provided 11,000 rides. For the past seven years, the City, in con­ junction with RTD, Arapahoe County Transportation Services, and local civic clubs and businesses, has offered the Shopping Cart transportation service for se­ niors. Shopping Cart is a fixed route service Shopping Cart driver Robert Morgan assists city's senior citizens for shopping trips in Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to passengers on the vehicle. Shopping Cart the city and to Southglenn Mall. 2 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m., Monday provides a transportation service to the through Friday. Last year, Shopping Cart provided 14,500 New roof, carpet rides to Littleton seniors. Shopping Cart leaves the City Center at replacement set 10 a.m. with stops at Geneva Village, Southview Apartments on Windermere, for City Center Bradley House, Southview Apartments on New fire station Datura, and Alyson Court Apartments. The ~e 15-year-old Littleton Center and its van then stops at the Woodlawn Shopping for south area .1 furnishing are getting much needed Center and King Soopers. From there, the facelifts thls year. route travels to Amity Plaza, Cub Foods, Al­ The Littleton Fire Department is working In a combined contract with Bemis Li­ bertson's, and Safeway on County Line on plans for the construction of a new fire brary, the roofs at both buildings will be re­ Road before proceeding to Southglenn Mall, station in the vicinity of South Santa Fe placed over the next three years. Initially arriving about 11 a.m. Drive and C-470. approached as a four-year program, the On the return trip, the first stop is Amity The new station will provide fire protec­ City will save more than $13,000 by short­ Plaza, then King Soopers, Woodlawn, tion and emergency medical service for ening the time frame by one year. The roof­ Alyson Apartments, Bradley House, South­ south Littleton, western Highlands Ranch Ing system that will be installed Is a 45 mil, view Datura, Southview Windermere and and the southern Columbine areas of the single ply, white membrane which Is me­ Geneva Village before returning to the Lit­ fire district. Construction of the station and chanically attached to the deck with all tleton Center. A second round trip leaves purchase of its new fire truck will be jointly seams heat-welded together. The finished the Center at noon. financed by the City of Littleton, Highlands roof Is then essentially one piece with a 15- The afternoon route leaves the Center at 3 Ranch, and the Littleton Fire Protection year warranty. If the weather cooperates, p.m. and stops at Geneva Village, the District. work should begin in March. Southview Apartments, Bradley House and This will be the seventh fire station After a decade-and-a-half of heavy visitor Alyson Court for pickups, then proceeds to staffed by Littleton firefighters, and is traffic and daily staff use, the carpet at the Woodlawn Shopping Center, Albertson's on scheduled to open in the spring of 1993. Littleton Center is In need of replacement. West Bowles and Arapahoe Community Col­ The area served by the Littleton Fire De­ Initially budgeted as a two-year replace­ lege. partment is bounded by Belleview on the ment, staff decided to combine both years Both transportation services are offered at north, southern boundary of Highlands funding along with some savings in the no charge to seniors. Information on the Ranch on the south, Wadsworth on the Building Maintenance Division's 1991 bud­ services can be obtained by calling 795- west, and Holly on the east. This area con­ get, permitting all of the carpet to be re­ 3700. tains 65 square miles and 125,000 people. placed at once. This will assure a closer match on dye lots, uniform installation throughout the building, and a better price because of the large quantity. Work began Zoning laws limit number of pets the first week of February and is taking If you're curious about what kind of ani­ than pets are horses, cows, sheep, goats, place at night and on weekends to cause as mal you can keep as a household pet, or pigs, turkey, geese or other poultry, and little disruption as possible. The new carpet how many pets you are allowed to have at commercial fur-bearing animals. Livestock is similar in color and style to the old carpet your home, Babette Sangster is the person are only permitted to be kept In agricultural but should last even longer than 15 years to call. zoned districts. because of built-in stain resistance and Sangster enforces the zoning laws, which If you have any questions regarding these other improvements! set out limitations on household pets. standards, call Sangster at 795-3767. 265 of the most worn-out chairs In the These include dogs, domestic cats, ca­ For situations involving barking dogs, building are also being replaced. About 40 naries, parrots, hamsters, guinea pigs and yards which are not kept clean of animal of those will go to a fire station for training similar rodents, fish, reptiles, and other droppings, or dogs running at large, contact and several others will go to supplement the species normally sold at local pet shops. the Animal Control Officer at 794-1551. chairs at Bemis Library. The chairs were Those animals considered livestock rather delivered in mid-February. Page 5 Council endorses automation for public safety systems hase I of the Public Safety Automation At its December 17 meeting, Council South Metro Denver Chamber of Com­ PSystem won unanimous endorsement gave unanimous approval to the use of cap­ merce's 1992 funding from the City failed from the City Council at its December 3 Ital improvement funds to retain an archi­ on a 5-2 vote. meeting. The first step involves the pur­ tect for a new service center. The facility At its February 4 meeting, Council ap­ chase of $100,000 in computer hardware may be shared with other local governmen­ proved intergovernmental agreements with and wiring, with the cost split between the tal agencies under the auspices of the the Lakewood/Bancroft Fire Authority and police and fire departments. "Working Together For You· program. the Englewood Fire Department for auto­ A request to administer grant funds of the Approval was given on first reading to an matic aid. The pacts allow the neighboring South Metro Drug Task Force has been ac­ emergency ordinance imposing penalties on Jurisdictions to automatically dispatch the cepted by the Littleton Police Department construction companies, In addition to their closest fire and emergency medical units to after consent was given by the City Council. employees, when their contractor's license a scene, regardless of jurisdictional bound­ LPD will be the host agency for the group of is suspended or revoked. aries. ten neighboring law enforcement agencies The Council started the New Year by rec­ Council also received the Business Indus­ whose mission is to remove drug dealers ognizing the winners of the 1992 Littleton try Affairs Advisory Committee (BIAAC) and illegal, controlled substances from the Calendar Photography contest on January 1991 report. The nine-member group met streets. 7. Then, a resolution approving an intergov­ with business owners in various parts of An ordinance issuing $1.85 million in pri­ ernmental agreement with Arapahoe Coun­ the City over a Six-month period to arrive at vate activity bonds on behalf of the YMCA of ty for Shopping Cart was accepted. The its recommendations. Metro Denver failed on a tie vote. The YMCA County will pay the City $4,200 for the ser­ wanted to use the funds to purchase High­ vice in 1992. line Athletic Club. A resolution designating the front door of Pothole crew busy the Littleton Center as the official posting area for all notices of meetings affected by patching city streets the SWl.Shine Act was approved unanimous­ ly. Snow + Ice + Melt + Traffic = POTHOLES Goose roundup set Recognize this formula? It happens every On January 21, the Council approved an for Ketring Lake ordinance on first reading exempting from year about this time. And every year the Public Services Street Maintenance Crew the competitive bidding requirement the '"'" maintain a stable population of resi- purchase of items which have already re­ fights the battle to make sure that you and your neighbors' cars aren't beat up and 1. dent geese in our area, the Colorado Di­ ceived best price quotes by other govern­ vision of Wildlife (DOW) will conduct anoth­ knocked out of alignment. mental entities. The measure will be used er goose roundup this summer at Ketring Talk about a tough job! InSide the city Lake. primarily when the City purchases vehicles, traffic lane marking supplies, and paper. limits are about 135 miles of streets and The goal of the program is to meet Unanimous approval was given to the Lit­ roads, each a minimum of 36 feet wide. See statewide population objectives, provide tleton Fire Department to purchase a new the magnitude? maximum hunting, and allow people to pumper and a telesquirt (a pumper with an You can help! Call the Pothole Hot Line at enjoy geese while minimizing their negative elevating water tower). The cost of the tele­ 795-3969 when you notice a problem. impacts. squirt will be shared between the City, the If the weather Is warm a permanent hot According to the DOW, artificial concen­ Littleton Fire Protection District, and High­ patch will be made. Colder temperatures trations of geese in urban settings increase lands Ranch Metropolitan District. necessitate the use of a temporary patch the chances of large die-offs from disease A resolution reallocating $7,000 of the and a return when the weather is better. outbreaks. Avian botulism (currently a problem in Denver) and cholera, in particular, can wipe geese out in local areas. Anyone who lives or works near a concen­ tration of geese knows what a mess they can leave on grassy areas and sidewalks. Not only are goose droppings a nuisance, but excessive amounts can overfertilize and burn grasses and lead to high nutrient lev­ els in ponds. Resulting algae growth can damage fish and other aquatic life. Adult geese , p a rticularly those with goslings, can injure pets and children , and m ay scare or h a ra ss people n ear n esting a reas. Heavy grazing by gees e can a lso damage newly sprouting lawns and pa rk areas, and cause extensive crop damage to local agricultural fields. In 1991, the DOW trapped 843 geese from through ou t the m etro area and relocated them to Kansas and Oklahom a. 46 adults and 31 goslings were removed from Ketring Lake. The DOW wa n ts residents to enjoy the geese all winter long until late June when they a re moved. Concentra tions of m ore than 50 can pose a risk to both the geese and their human neighbors. With plenty of food, well established resident flocks, and (Left to right) Steve Harris, Steve Ball, and Efren into a mulcher. The end product was made avail­ protection from hunting, city life has b e­ Camberos place some of the more than 3 .000 able to residents at no cost. the leftovers win be come too easy for the geese! Christmas Trees dropped off at two recycling sites used this spring at various city locations. Page 6 Working to Reduce Health Care Costs By Jim Woods Deputy City Manager 1\ s reported on local and national news, care expenses are skyrocketing. ~ealth Colorado intergovernmental 06273 Employers like the City of Littleton have Risk Sharing' Agency found it difficult to provide quality health ff50 Sf Bon care for their employees at reasonable costs. Pay The Sum of 59531 dol 00 cis To combat these rapidly increasing rates, 0A1£ AMQutH the City has designed its health care pack­ 'r-H£ JANUARY 2 1992 53100.. age to provide employees with a choice in VROfJ-t OF coverage, as well as hold down City ex­ penses. In 1980, the City of Littleton began offer­ ing a partially self-funded health plan op­ tion in addition to the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) plans, Kaiser, Com­ precare, and HMO Colorado. This self-fund­ ed plan was developed to have more control Council President Susan Thornton accepts a big check from CIRSA Executive Director Tim Greer. over rising insurance premiums. Although the City works with the HMO's to keep premiums down, it does not have as ABC films BIA City gets refund much control over the costs of these plans 'T"om Foreman, reporter for ABC televi­ for safety record as the City Health Plan. .1 sion's "World News Tonight With Peter The total claims expertence for 1991 was Jennings: brought his camera crew to Lit­ Littleton City Council President Susan 8% below 1990. Although one year's experi­ tleton to film the Business Industry Affairs Thornton accepted a big check from the ence does not indicate a trend, it seems to Department's New Economy Project. Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing reflect that the changes made are effective. The national news program was interest­ Agency (CIRSA) at the council meeting on Due to these savings, the premium for 1992 ed In the novel concept of a local govern­ Tuesday, January 21. was only increased 10%. The national aver­ ment providing sophisticated resources for Presented by CIRSA Executive Director age was approximately 15%. small businesses. The team also quizzed Tim Greer, the $59,531 check represents Further programs are being developed by local business people on their reactions to cost savings achieved by the City of Little­ the employee Health Care Committee to the President's State of the Union speech. ton durtng 1991. Due to CIRSA's pool-wide, keep costs down. Projects being explored The CEO's of Sandhlll Scientific, Carder favorable loss expertence durtng the time of are employee education on fitness and Concrete and SAS Circuits all provided sim­ Littleton's membership, the City has re­ health as well as how to more effectively ilar views: The best thing the federal gov­ ceived contribution credits since 1988. use the health care system. ernment could do is Increase access to cap­ The cash credit Is a result of recent The goal is that by constantly monitortng ital and reduce regulations. All of the changes in legislation which allow CIRSA to the employee health benefits, the City will companies are members of the 1992 class refund a municipality's proportionate re­ be able to keep costs down over the long of the New Economy Project and comment­ turn of contributions as cash rather than a run. ed on Littleton's commitment to local busi- credit to its premium. nesses. CIRSA is an organization of 124 member The Associated Press, Reuters and Denver municipalities created in 1982 to provide Business Journal have also produced sto­ Property & Casualty and Workers' Compen­ ries about the project in the last month. sation coverage. Accidents Decrease The New Economy Project is co-sponsored For the fourth consecutive year, traffic ac- by the Center for the New West, a Denver cldents decreased within the city limits. public policy think tank. The New Economy 1991 tallied a total of 566 accidents, down Project's central objective is to bring the City Uses Cable TV from 602 in 1990 and 621 in 1989. best practices, best ideas, best technologies Dick Havercamp, City Traffic Engineer, to Littleton companies to help them stay Are you curtous about the issues the Lit­ said, "A coordination of efforts between the competitive in the 1990's. tleton City Council will vote on at their next Littleton Police Department's Patrol Division The project combines three seminar units meeting? Are you interested in learning fire and the Public Services Department made (Getting Close to the Customer, Developing safety tips and crime prevention tech­ the difference" in bringing about the de- a Competitive Strategy and Excellence in niques? crease. LPD has been concentrating its the Market Place) with lab simulations If you have cable television, you can now forces In areas that have been identified as using New Economy tools. see the Littleton City Council Meeting agen­ "high accident" locations to give the neces- The Business/Industry Affairs staff also da, find out about neighborhood meetings sary visibility and enforcement emphasis. provides on-site assistance to participating and discover other information of interest to Public Service has worked to improve tim- companies. Using computer databases, the Littleton residents without leaving the com­ ing schemes and coordination of traffic flow B/IA staff has been able to identity engi­ fort of your home. and to better maintain the roadways to neering contracts in South America, The City of Littleton Information Channel make them safer for travel. Swedish competitors for a medical instru- has been activated on Channel 35 (or Chan­ The 5 highest accident locations were: ment company and metropolitan vetertnart­ nel 4 if you have a cable-ready television) Santa Fe and BelleView, Santa Fe and ans for an accounting company. on the American Cablevision of Littleton Bowles, Santa Fe and Mineral, Broadway The 36 companies who participated in the system. and Orchard Road, Broadway and Littleton 1991 demonstration project produced 118 Littleton residents can tune-in 24-hours a Blvd. net new jobs. day, seven days a week for regularly updat­ The 21 percent decrease in accidents is Iriformation about the New Economy Pro- ed news and Information about their home­ particularly noteworthy considering the ex- ject and other services available from the town. plosion in population growth for the entire B / IA Department are available by calling For further information, call KeIli Narde southwest metro area. '.' .. Betsy W eitkamp at 195-3749. at 795-3728. Page 7 Future of City focus of retreat By Susan Thornton President, Littleton City Council deas flew and excitement mounted when I 31 people who care about the future of Littleton gathered in Estes Park January 17-19 for the 16th annual Littleton Leader­ ship Retreat. The all-volunteer effort was begun in 1976 to inform citizens and en­ courage them to be actively involved in the life of our community. A number of projects have resulted from ideas that originated in the Retreat, the most notable being the de­ pression of the railroad tracks through the city. This year's Retreat focused on "do-able" deals - positive, community-building pro­ jects that could be implemented by volun­ teers at little or no cost. Participants sug­ gested several dozen ideas. The ideas they "''' \ ultimately selected to act upon included un­ Bemis Library Director Judy Ellis (left to right), orado Alliance of Research Libraries) system. The dertaking a community-wide strategic plan Processing Clerk Cindy Young, and Children's Li- combined data base of 240 libraries will soon to help gUide Littleton's future; developing a brarian Heather Cromer learn from Technical Ser- make 16,000,000 titles available to the public. "magnet" elementary school; initiating a se­ vices Margery Smith about the new CARL (Col- That's a lot of books! ries of beautification projects. Including im­ proving the appearance of the land between City participates in flood insurance program Santa Fe and the railroad tracks on the southern end of the city; adding additional By Jon Payne ed, and a new rate classification is as­ attractive entrances to the city; making im­ Planning Director signed, new premium rates for Littleton pol­ provements to Littleton's popular trail sys­ n 1978, the City df Littleton became a icy holders will go into effect on October I , tems; increasing the interaction between I participant in the Federal Flood Insurance 1992. students at Arapahoe Community College Program. This means that landowners in If you have questions about property in and businesses in downtown Littleton; de­ Littleton can purchase federally-backed floodplains, the flood insurance program or veloping tours of the city's historical sites; flood insurance. the CRS 'application, call Jon Payne at 795- and marketing. and working to strengthen The program is available only to qualified 3748. all of Littleton's retail businesses, especially communities. such as Littleton, which have Publications on floodplain designations, those located on Main Street. adopted and enforced floodplain manage­ flood protection measures. and the flood in­ The weekend was co-chaired by Mike ment regulations. surance program are available at the BemiS Massey and Carole Bloom. It was marked 442 properties are at least partially within Public Library; the Littleton City Clerk's of­ by a lively give-and-take of Ideas and by the one of the floodplains of the South Platte fice; and the City's Community Develop­ commitment of those who attended to work River and its seven tributaries in Littleton. ment Department. to accomplish at least one project by the Only 54 of those were protected by flood in­ 1993 Retreat. surance as of December 31, 1991. Attending the Littleton Leadership Retreat This situation is typical throughout the Fire Safety Awards is always an interesting and energizing ex­ nation so the Federal Emergency Manage­ By Nancy Hoffman perience. It is an ideal way to become ac­ ment Agency (FEMA), administrator of the Littleton Fire Department quainted with others who care about Little­ flood Insurance program. created a new ach year Littleton Fire Department per­ ton, to become better informed about our program to encourage better participation E sonnel Inspect over 2,200 local busi­ hometown, and to make a difference with by both communities and property owners. nesses for flre and life safety hazards. your Ideas and involvement. The Retreat is It is called "Community Rating System" Firefighters encounter diverse types of open to everyone who is interested. For in­ (CRS) and The City of Littleton has recently business people and varying degrees of co­ formation about the 1993 Retreat, sched­ filed an application requesting acceptance operation during these inspections. uled to be held late in January of 1993, into CRS. In order to acknowledge outstanding co­ contact Mike Massey at 592-1100. CRS gives communities credit for doing operation and fire prevention efforts. LFD more than the minimum necessary to quali­ presents Fire Safety Awards to selected IY for the flood insurance program, For ex­ businesses. ample, one activity for which credit can be The awards for 1991 will be presented at given is "higher regulatory standards." the March 17 Council Meeting to: Drink­ HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS A community which enforces building wine Mortuary. 999 W. Littleton Blvd.; Elec­ The Neighborhood Planning office Is up­ construction standards which are more tron Corporation. 5101 S. Rio Grande; Lit­ dating its information on Homeowners As­ strict than the minimum federal standard tleton Hospital. 7700 S. Broadway; Mark sociations and neighborhood groups. By would earn points. If the community earns Twain Elementary School, 6901 S. Frank­ having current contacts, the City can notllY enough pOints under several of the 18 eligi­ lin; C.A. Norgren Company, 1 Norgren a neighborhood when development or other ble activities (500 points minimum), flood Plaza; and Riverpolnte, 5225 S. Prince. activities occur within or near the area. insurance policy holders receive a 5 percent These businesses range from an elemen­ The Neighborhood Planner is also avail­ reduction in their flood insurance premium tary school full of children to a foundry able to assist groups with projects such as rate. which manufactures cast iron products; beautification, communications, and senior Applications can be filed each year seek­ each presents a variety of special hazards citizen assistance. ing additional credits. The maximum credit and problems. The owners, managers and If you represent an association or group any community can achieve would result in employees of these companies are to be and have not had recent contact with the a 45 percent premium rate reduction. congratulated for their efforts to make their Neighborhood Planner, please call Carole FEMA will make a decision on Littleton's businesses safe for themselves and the Bloom at 795-3748. flPplication by JU.ne 1., . \992. ~f !t !,s. a~ce,pt- public. , Pages City recognizes employees of month The unsung heroes of the City of Littleton who maintain more than 110 miles of underground sanitary sewer line through­ out town are the December Employees of the Month. Utilities Foreman Art Duran. and Utility Workers Willie Valdez. Jim McCaw. and Frank Espinoza respond quickly to citizens in need of their services 24 hours a day. Using a jet flusher. a vacuum truck and a new television system. they keep the some­ times fragile lines well maintained. some of (Left to right) Willie Valdez. Art Duran. Jim which are as old as the city itself. McCaw. and Frank Espinoza. Jean Veyette-Slmmons Over the years the crew has assembled an invaluable resource. documenting all of the ean Veyette-Simmons keeps very busy sanitary and storm sewer lines that bisect J as secretary for the Littleton Housing the City. Many residents don't give these AuthOrity. But that dldn't stop her from ac­ employees a second thought. but the utility cepting even more responsibility. She took maintenance crew takes great pride In the it upon herself to become Project Coordina­ quality service they provide. tor for the Comprehensive Improvement As­ Dinner theater new sistance Program (ClAP) and was able to ob­ look for FIASCO tain two grants totalling over $700.000. The money was used to renovate the office and Widening Platte Canyon FIASCO has a new look this year - In a 71 senior apartments at Bradley House. 72 dinner theater setting. The stage for the family homes throughout Littleton. and A series of meetings has been held with popular musical spoof about life in Little­ helped finance the upgrading of the com­ land owners along Platte Canyon Road. ton. produced by Friends of the Library and puter and telephone system. Veyette-Sim­ Plans have been presented by the Colorado Museum. will be the Houstoun Waring The­ mons has been selected as the February Department of Transportation and local ju­ ater at ACC. risdictions for the widening of Platte E~ployee of the Month. FIASCO XXIII will be performed on April Veyette-Slmmons took responsibility for Canyon Road to four lanes with a median 30. May 1. 2. 8. 9. 15 and 16. Tickets will and turn lanes. all of the bid and spec preparations. pre­ remain at $12. Dinner at the Half Moon. construction conferences. scheduled work The construction will begin at Bowles Av­ catered by the Marriott Corporation for just with contractors and residents. and com­ enue and continue one and a quarter miles $8 per person. socializing after the show. pleted numerous Housing and Urban Devel­ south to Coal Mine Road. and dancing in the Half Moon on Saturday opment (HUD) reports. At a recent HUD/ The flashing school crossing will be nights offer show-goers a number of op­ ClAP monitoring review. the reviewer said changed to a full traffic signal at West tions. the Littleton Housing Authority's records Ponds Circle. prOViding access to Wilder El­ Tickets will be on sale in the reference li­ were the best she'd ever seen. ementary School and the Columbine Lakes brary of the Littleton Historical Museum at Veyette-Slmmons is also involved with neighborhood. the following times: Saturdays. April 4 and Colorado Food Share. St. Mary's Choir. Ju­ The Denver Water Board will need to relo­ 11 (10 a.m.-l p.m.); on succeeding Wednes­ nior Great Books. the Jackass Hill Ski Pa­ cate portions of a 48" water main. and con­ days April 15-May 15 (11 a.m.-l p.m), Fri­ trol. and other organizations. Littleton struction will relocate portions of the bike days (3-5 p.m.); and on Thursday. April 16 Housing AuthOrity Director Dawn Shepherd trail. Noise barriers will be erected along the (5-7:30 p.m.). Cash or checks only will be said. "We are so lucky to have Jean!" east portions of the roadway. No homes or accepted. businesses will be relocated because of the improvements. An Environmental Impact Statement will LITTLETON CITY COUNCIL be available for public review In March '93 Calendar Theme 1992. Construction is expected to begin in "Discovering Littleton" Is the theme for 1993. For more information. contact Dick Presidenl Susan Thornton (AI-Larg.) ..... _ ...... 79lI-0844 the 1993 City of Littleton calendar. accord­ Havercamp. Littleton Traffic Engineer at Presid.nl Prn Tem Dennis R.ynolds ing to Susan Anderson. Fine Arts Comntit­ 795-3863. (AI-Large) ._...... _ ...... _ .... __._ .. ___..... 7'JS.1129 Robert Reed (Councilman, tee Chair. Dislrict 11) ...... _ ...... 7'Y1-6310 Suggested by outgoing member Pat Ken­ Community service workers Cbarl.y Eml.y (Councilman. ning. the theme is intended to make resi­ DislrictlV) ...... _ ...... _ ...... '/94.7139 help with museum work Deborah Foster (Councilwoman, dents aware of the many out-of-the-way. lit­ Dislricll) ...... __...... 794-0100 tle known vistas and views of our city. For the last four years the Littleton His­ P.rry Nissler (Councilman, District UI) ...... 795-8364 There are many places the creative camera torical Museum has made extensive use of Bob Tousing (Councilman, AI-Larg.) ...... _ ..... _ '/94.3335 person may discover to photograph fresh court assigned community service workers Groups who wish 10 have Cily Council members as speakers and unique aspects of our town. who help with general grounds and building may call the CilY Manager's Offoee, 795-37lO. Begin now to discover those special spots maintenance. in Littleton! Plan to enter the contest next People assigned to community service fall (you have until September 30). hours for traffic offenses are sent to the CITY MANAGER'S OmCE All photos must be taken within the city museum by courts in Arapahoe. Douglas 795-3710 limits. Color slides or prints will be accept­ and Jefferson Counties. Andy McMinimee, City Manager ed (unmatted. 5xTs or 8xl0's preferred). The museum staff oversees the schedul­ Jim Woods, Depuly City Manager Betty Mulvey, Assistanllo Ihe Cily Manager Both horizontal and vertical pictures may ing. orientation. and work of these men and K.m Narde, Assistant to the City Manager be submitted; however. verticals should women six days a week throughout the have suffiCient area around the subject to year. In 1991. the museum recorded 5.309 The Utllelon Report is published bi.monlbly and mailed 10 all poslal palrons in Lillieion. Belly Mulvey, Editor; Kem allow cropping and enlargement to maxi­ hours of work from this special labor force. Narde, Assistant Editor; Ellis Rail, Production Manager. mize the image of the photograph. bringing the total for the last four years to For further information. call the City 18.795 hours. Even If figured at minimum Manager's office at 795-3720. wage. that Is a big savings to the city.