Mayor and City Council Breakfast, Feb. 11, 2010Meeting Summary from the Westminster Mayor & City Council Breakfast
Feb. 11, 2010, at The MAC
Mayor Nancy McNally and Councillors Mark Kaiser and Faith Winter held a conversation with approximately 35 Westminster residents on their concerns, suggestions and questions about the Westminster community. The following questions and topics were discussed; additional information on each of these topics follows below:
Denver Council of Regional Governments (DRCOG)
The City of Westminster unveiled its new web site demonstrating where the city is hosting solar panels on several city facilities. Residents asked about installation costs, energy savings at the selected facilities and the length of the lease involved in this venture with Main Street Power.
In July 2009, Westminster City Council approved a photovoltaic solar power purchase agreement pilot program. The agreement allows Main Street Power to use city facilities (City Park Recreation Center, West View Recreation Center, Municipal Service Center and the Public Safety Center) as hosts for its photovoltaic solar systems. The city anticipates an energy cost savings of approximately $15,000 in the first year of system use. The 20-year lease agreement for this service includes the option to purchase the system in 6 years.
To see solar energy in action as a renewable energy source, view the real-time energy collection and power usage at these facilities. Solar energy is projected to reduce energy costs by up to 25 percent at selected facilities. For additional information concerning this project, please contact Jerry Cinkosky, facilities manager, at 303-658-2160.
Citizens asked about the status of Westminster Mall redevelopment and when this will take place, along with inquiries about revenues and other retail facilities in Westminster.
Planning efforts for the revitalization of the Westminster Mall site have been under way since 2001. The current Westminster Center concept includes retail, office, transportation and residential components as part of future development.
The city is currently meeting with potential partners to discuss and strategize development possibilities for the future Westminster Center site.
Development of The Orchard 
at 144th Avenue, the 136th and 144th Avenue interchanges, and retail development at 72nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard and 136th Avenue and I-25 are part of a concerted effort to maintain and increase revenues while preparing for the revitalization of Westminster Center.
The city recently purchased the Trail Dust Steak House property as part of the land assembly process for future development of the Westminster Center site. City of Westminster Police and Fire departments conducted safety training exercises in the empty building in February. For additional information, please contact Susan Grafton, Economic Development Manager at 303-658-2113.
Denver Council of Regional Governments (DRCOG)
A resident asked if the Denver Council of Regional Governments (DRCOG) spoke and votes with one voice on municipal issues affecting their membership.
Council responded that DRCOG and the Metro Mayor’s Caucus typically research and discuss topics in order to reach a consensus position on issues and votes that affect the membership municipalities. Additional information on DRCOG can be found on their website.
Jefferson Parkway is the last proposed link of the C-470, E470 and Northwest Parkway transportation loop. The cities of Westminster, Arvada, Boulder, Broomfield and Golden have interests in this project. On January 20 a 37 to 17 vote was taken by the Denver Council of Regional Governments (DRCOG) to facilitate moving forward with the next step for planning this project. For additional information, please contact Dave Downing, city engineer, at 303-658-2116.
Citizens expressed a need for traffic signaling devices to be installed in troubled intersections and the removal of old lighting posts.
Residents asked that a signal light be installed at 78th Avenue and Turnpike Drive in light of a rollover accident and visibility issues with southbound traffic exiting the U.S. 36 overpass on Lowell Boulevard making left turns challenging. The intersection is a two-way stop onto Lowell Boulevard. The current amount of traffic does not meet warrants for additional signal devices at this intersection. For additional information, please contact Mike Normandin, senior engineer, at 303-658-2143.
Another citizen would like to have two stop signs installed at the intersection of Julian Street and James Way and James Way and Turnpike Drive. Staff will look into the installation of a stop sign on the Julian Street and James Way intersection. Stop signs currently exist at Julian Street and James Way at Turnpike Drive. For additional information, please contact Mike Normandin, senior engineer, at 303-658-2143.
A resident asked, “Will the old street lights along Lowell Boulevard be removed as to not detract from the new lamp posts installed along the road.” There are two types of lamps (street and pedestrian) on Lowell Boulevard. The larger and higher street lamps that are within the city right-of-way are slated to be replaced. A number of street lamps also exist on private property along Lowell Boulevard. These lamps will not be removed. For additional information on Westminster Revitalization, please contact Tony Chacon, senior projects coordinator, at 303-658-2129.
A resident inquired as to the replacement timeline of the 80th Avenue bridge over U.S. 36. The Colorado Department of Transportation has scheduled March 1 to start this project. For additional information, please contact Dave Downing, city engineer, at 303-658-2116.
A citizen inquired about an overdue survey of south Westminster.
Community Resources & Housing Development Corporation (formerly Colorado Rural Housing) is conducting this survey, not the City of Westminster. The survey is attempting to gather input on housing needs in the area as part of future planning for resource allocation. Community Resources & Housing Development can be reached at 303-428-1448 for additional information.
A resident inquired about the city’s plans to redevelop England Park.
The City of Westminster is looking at the England Park area and adjacent properties (ballfield, greenhouse and fire training facility) for possible redevelopment as part of the South Westminster transit-oriented development construction project. No plan is in place at this time for this site. For more information on redevelopment efforts, please contact John Carpenter, Community Development director, at 303-658-2121.
A citizen asked what the current and future plans for the Shoenberg Farm development are.
The City of Westminster envisions that Shoenberg Farms at the northwest corner of 72nd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard will be a thriving commercial and possibly artist district. Shoenberg Farms provides an anchor to Westminster’s past and future as a community. Currently the building and silo structures are undergoing evaluation as to their use in the future development of this property. For additional questions, please contact Vicky Bunsen, Community Development program coordinator, at 303-658-2111.
Residents asked about the city’s plans for the two vacant houses located on Sheridan Boulevard between 73rd and 74th avenues.
The City of Westminster has acquired the two houses and properties located on Sheridan Boulevard between 73rd and 74th avenues to become part of city open space. The city is assembling a request for proposals to have these structures and other structures located in the city removed in a timely manner. For additional information, please contact Heather Cronenberg, Open Space coordinator, at 303-658-2142.
A resident asked about a completion date on the house structure at 76th Avenue and Julian Street. The owner of this property has been in regular contact with the city concerning the status of this project. The property is in compliance with city ordinances and being maintained though unoccupied. The city is exploring options for completion of this project with the property owner.
A resident inquired about the current status of Westminster's financial condition and how is the Westminster Mall impacting it.
City of Westminster revenues have been impacted by changes in the local and national economy as reported in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The City of Westminster continues to run a lean operation providing essential services. Sales tax revenue at Westminster Mall has declined from a peak of approximately $8.6 million in 1999 to around $2.4 million in 2009. With the amended 2010 budget, the city made additional expenditure reductions to offset anticipated lower than originally budgeted revenue collections for 2010; the focus remains on minimizing the impact on services delivered to Westminster residents.
With the opening of The Orchard and the anticipated Westminster Center revitalization, the city continues to work to balance growing costs and limited revenues. For additional information on the city’s financial condition, please contact Barbara Opie, budget and special projects manager, at 303-658-2009.
Residents asked when the city might institute citywide recycle pickup, noting that the current recycle bins were not adequate for current recycle needs.
The City of Westminster Environment Advisory Board is currently reviewing a variety of proposals and solutions for presentation to Council. At this time, the city will continue to offer a variety of waste and recycle options for residents to utilize. For additional information, please contact Carey Rangel, environmental analyst, at 303-658-2183.
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© City of Westminster 4800 West 92nd Avenue Westminster, CO 80031 303-658-2400 All Rights Reserved.