Welcome, City of Brighton, we look forward to hearing your comments and concerns about Brighton.
If you are confused about how to post on the blog or feel more comfortable e-mailing me your comments
and concerns, please do so and we will post it for you.
E-mail: dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com
Dustin McIntyre, Gateway News and gatewaynews.org
28 comments:
Looks like all cities have their issues. About time we hear some entertainment from some other then Commerce City
Due to the fact that I have to shop in Brighton for things like FOOD and ASPRIN! I will be watching this comment section too.
Oh its a blog party now! About time we get our own section!
Why was there no national search for a new city manager? Did the Brighton city council even take opinions from any of the citizens or did they just up and act?
Sports & Fitness Fair
February 25, 2009
5pm-8pm
At THE BRIGHTON RECREATION CENTER
FREE
20+ Sports & Fitness
Organizations under 1 roof
Youth & Adult Sport Groups Info.
Youth & Adult Swimming Activity
Info.
Fun Fitness Challenges
Free Body Fat Testing
President Obama Signs American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Bill Will Save or Create 59,000 Jobs in Colorado , Strengthen the Economy and
Invest in America ’s Future
Denver, CO – Today, United States Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Senator Bennet, who supported the passage of President Obama’s economic recovery plan, attended today’s signing ceremony at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
"For the millions of families in Colorado and across the nation struggling under the weight of this economic crisis, this recovery plan could not have come a moment too soon.
“I am pleased President Obama chose to sign this historic bill here in Colorado – the West has always been a land of opportunity. Our state is poised to benefit from the job-creating investments this plan will make in transportation, education and the new energy economy. And millions of middle-class Colorado families will receive significant tax relief that will put more money in their pockets and put college within their children’s reach.
“This legislation does not mean our situation will change overnight – we still face significant challenges in our housing and banking sectors that need to be addressed. But with President Obama’s signing of this crucial legislation, the long and difficult road to economic recovery begins today, and it begins right here in Colorado.”
Perlmutter Hails Banks Foreclosure Moratorium
Washington, DC – Feb. 13, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), a member of the House Financial Services Committee praised the decision by some of the nation’s largest banks, including JP Morgan Chase and Citi, to institute a moratorium on home foreclosures.
Citi’s plan includes a moratorium on foreclosures for Citi-owned first mortgage loans for primary residences and will extend until the Obama Administration finalizes details of its loan modification program or March 12, 2009.
JP Morgan Chase’s plan includes a three-week moratorium until Treasury implements a new modification plan through March 6, 2009, which replicates the 90-day freeze they instituted in October 2008.
These plans were announced in the wake of the House Financial Services Hearing held on Feb. 11, 2009, where the CEOs of the largest banks testified about their use of TARP funds received from the Federal Government.
“This is responsible action by the nation’s largest banks. Millions of Americans are struggling to stay in their homes and pay their mortgages. In these difficult economic times, it would be detrimental to our neighborhoods and communities for these foreclosures to move forward. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee to move forward with a smart, responsible plan to help ensure hardworking Americans can pay their mortgages, stay in their homes and live, work and raise their kids in the communities in which they’ve settled,” said Perlmutter.
Brighton Vestas Media Statement
BRIGHTON, CO – Brighton is currently home to a 176-acre Vestas campus that is underway in the city.
News media today are reporting that the current economic situation is affecting Vestas decisions in Colorado.
The City of Brighton has not received any direct news from Vestas about planned changes.
Brighton trying to flagstaff annex a road to Vestas? WHy would they even care?
Gateway News New Site
http://gatewaynewscrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Adams County Board of Commissioners Honors MMCYA Nominees
The Adams County Board of Commissioners honored 13 young people who have been nominated for the 2009 Metropolitan Mayors and Commissioners Youth Award (MMCYA) program in public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009. This program recognizes youth, ages 13 to 19, in the community who have overcome personal adversity and made positive changes in their lives. The program also enables business and civic leaders to actively show their commitment to supporting youth.
“We are proud of each and every one of this year’s nominees,” said Commissioner Larry W. Pace, chairman of the board. “We congratulate them for demonstrating great courage and determination in overcoming difficult obstacles in their lives.”
These young people have shown outstanding achievement in the areas of direct service in the community, service to their family or service to themselves. Selected individuals from unincorporated Adams County and Adams County municipalities who were nominated this year will be invited to attend the Adams County MMCYA reception, followed by a regional event held annually in the spring.
The MMCYA program serves youth in nine counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson.
City Manager’s Corner.
Manuel Esquibel
February 18, 2009
We sat down for a one-on-one with City Manager, Manuel Esquibel.
On Brighton growth.
“We’re blessed with the opportunities before us, particularly seeing a lot of growth and interest from the external side. We are continuing to look at the opportunities and be proactive.
On the Economy.
We have to re-think how we are dealing with the community today and how we are doing business. We need to re-tool particularly within the realm of health and public safety. We have a responsibility to make these things happen. One change we are making is in taking a stronger look at short-term projects that can enhance private sector growth in retail, residential, commercial, and industrial. Brighton has to be ready and positioned for [economic] growth and resurgence.
What are some of the projects Brighton is targeting?
We are looking at four main development criteria, including:
$ How do we continue to work with the existing businesses in Brighton as well as integrate further with the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) as well?
$ How to we better target Small Business Resource Center projects through the EDC?
$ How do we enhance Additional Educational Foundation interests with School District 27J? How do we best assist the EDC in their work with Adams County in creating new job opportunities?
$ How do we best transition employees (and employers) for business?
Are there any other early-year 2009 contingencies for Brighton?
Infrastructure is important. We need to support our existing citizenry and businesses and get ready for the new businesses down the road.
What’s the bottom line for Brighton?
We are keeping both eyes on the budget, but 2008 was a very good year for revenue growth in Brighton. Our revenue base grew 6 ½% over 2007 values.
Brighton Police are seeking the public’s help in locating two men suspected of being involved in an Attempted Homicide. The incident occurred in the vicinity of 730 Mather St., in Brighton, during the early morning hours of Sunday, February 22, 2009.
Police are seeking information on the current locations of 24 year-old Robert Torres, and 25 year-old Luis Phillip Cano.
Robert Torres (DOB 3/29/84) is described as a Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’ 5” tall, weighing approximately 145 lbs. His last known address is in Fort Collins, CO, and he may be driving a silver-colored 2003 Chevy Cavalier with Colorado license plate 331-PZO.
Luis Phillip Cano (DOB 2/23/84) is described as a Hispanic male with brown hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’ 6” tall, weighing approximately 170 lbs. His last known address was in Brighton, CO, and he may be driving a white 2000 Chrysler Sebring with Colorado license plate 731-RDB.
Police believe these individuals may be armed, and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information about the locations of these two men is cautioned not to approach or confront them, and should dial 9-1-1 to notify local police immediately.
For questions or additional information, contact John Bradley at (303) 655-2334, or by
e-mail at jbradley@brightonco.gov.
On February 25, 2009, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Adams County Sheriff's Office received a radio call of a shooting victim in the 7500 block of Broadway. When the deputies arrived, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim told deputies the suspects had taken his 1999, Chevrolet suburban. Deputies in the area saw the vehicle and a short pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the area of 70th Avenue and Avrum Street. One suspect then fled, on foot into the neighborhood. A perimeter was established and a reverse 911 notification was made to approximately 1,000 residents, notifying them of the situation and requesting they stay in their residence and notify law enforcement of any suspicious persons or activity in the area. An extensive search of the area was conducted but the suspect was not located and the perimeter has been released.
The suspects are described as white males. One of the suspects was possibly wearing prescription eyeglasses, a dark baseball cap and dark shirt. The suspects may be associated with a red passenger vehicle.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital and the victim’s vehicle was recovered.
ARREST MADE AND CHARGES FILED IN DOUBLE HOMICIDE
The Adams County Sheriff's Office has arrested and charged Kara Lorelle Lounsbury for the January 15, 2009 double homicide that occurred in the 42700 block of East 144th Avenue, unincorporated Adams County. The Adams County District Attorney’s Office has reviewed the case with the Sheriff’s Office and is filing charges against Kara Lorelle Lounsbury, 31, of Watkins, Colorado for two counts of First Degree Murder for the deaths of 69-year-old Harold Enander and 61-year-old Velva Enander. Kara Lounsbury is the daughter of Harold Enander and the stepdaughter of Velva Enander.
Harold and Velva Enander were found dead in their home on January 15, 2009, by a neighbor who was checking on the couple.
Lounsbury is being held at the Adams County Detention Facility without bond. There will be an initial court appearance and advisal of charges for Lounsbury on March 2, 2009 at 8:30 a.m., in Division E of the Adams County Courthouse.
AdCo Homeowners Block Neighborhood Garbage Dump
Adams County Caves in on Citizen Lawsuit Demanding Public Input Neighbor: "We are still skeptical whether Adams County Commissioners Will Give us a Fair Shake."
(Bennett, CO. Feb 27, 2009) Adams County homeowners have won a court battle to block a huge garbage dump in their neighborhood near Bennett, east of Denver International Airport. But they've racked up nearly $100,000 in legal fees to sue the county to keep the landfill away from their doors, and the fight isn't over yet.
The citizen lawsuit charged county officials arbitrarily approved the 165-acre dump without granting a public hearing or notifying neighbors. Adams County caved in to the citizen lawsuit after it lost a similar landfill case near Last Chance. An Adams County judge put the case on hold when the county reluctantly agreed to the public hearings.
The County formally notified the company that wants open the large landfill it was rescinding "administrative" approval to open the dump. Instead, it must go through a process that includes at least two public hearings.
The Bennett dump is on hold and neighbors will get their public hearing, but it will be in front of the same county commissioners that ruled folks living nearby didn't have a say in the first place.
"We're happy we stalled the landfill, but we're still skeptical whether Adams County Commissioners will give us a fair shake," said Leslie Gerbracht, head of Dump the Dump, the grassroots group formed by about 40 property owners to fight the landfill.
"We got the public hearing the law says we deserve, but we will be talking to the county commissioners who let the deal slide through behind closed doors in the first place."
County planners earlier "administratively" approved a permit for Five Part Development to open the 165-acre garbage dump in the rural agricultural and residential neighborhood. The company is owned by Phil Spano, a long-time Adams County developer who has often made generous political contributions to county officials.
“We just woke up one morning and saw bulldozers digging a big pit in the ground. That’s how we found out we were going to get a dump that takes every kind of garbage you can imagine,” said Chuck Saxton, whose 35-acre plot is next door to the dump.
The citizen lawsuit uncovered evidence that Spano lawyers met behind closed doors to persuade Adams County Planning Director Robert Coney to “proceed administratively, without a public hearing.” That broke Colorado Health Department regulations and the county’s own rules, but Adams County approved the dump anyway.
The landfill is now licensed to Alpine Disposal, which has corporate ties to Spano's Five Part Development.
Colorado health department officials fought a long court battle with Five Part and Spano to close or clean up three other dumps in Adams County in the late 1990’s.
Hearings before the county planning commission and the county commissioners won't be held for at least three months.
The City of Brighton supports the men and women serving in Iraq or Afghanistan
The City of Brighton supports the men and women serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and does a special Welcome Home for those returning from either place.
If you have a son or daughter, relative, friend, or know of any military personnel that has served in Iraq or Afghanistan who is returning to Brighton, please contact Cathie Johnson at the City, 303-655-2061.
The City is proud of their service to our country and would enjoy welcoming them home!
City of Brighton City Hall March 3, 2009. Session Highlights
CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATION (On matters not on the agenda).
Pasco W. Scarpella, DDS. Spoke on the Colorado Mission of Mercy, a third-year program to be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds to benefit the dental needs of community residents in need of services. The project involves several hundred dentists and volunteers and results in approximately 1400 patients being served with about $1.1 million in dental services. The event will take place Sept. 10-13th at the Adams Co. Fairgrounds. Volunteers are needed. Information can be sought through the dental offices of Pasco Scarpella [(303) 659-8200] or through upcoming issues of the Gateway News.
Bruce Barker, Weld County Atty.
Spoke on the position of the Weld
County Commissioners regarding Brighton’s annexation of Weld County roadways particular to the Vestas project. According to Mr. Barker, he was not informed by the City of Brighton regarding roadway annexations, nor was the Weld County Board of Commissioners petitioned for their approval of the annexations.
Discussion: The Brighton City Council, Mayor, Manager, and Community Development Department contested the notion that Weld County was not duly notified
COUNCIL ACTION: Removal of Ordinances for final consideration from agenda. In a 9-0 vote, the council removed from the night’s agenda, action items 8a—8I due to the objections of Weld County on the procedures taken thus far by The City of Brighton in the process of annexation of respective Weld County roadways. Comments regarding the decision included pleas by Mayor Jan Pawlowski to Weld Co. Atty, Bruce Barker, to help speed the process of annexation petitions to be provided to Weld County Commissioners.
7A ORDINANCE FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION: Sex Offender Registration and Fee Requisites.
Presentation by Roger McCarty of the Brighton Police Department, offering a request and support for an ordinance which would require sex offenders who do not properly present required registration fees to the City of Brighton to be cited for an offense.
Passed 8-1
Discussion: (See also, “SoundOff”
Below). Council’s overwhelming support for the measure was offset by Daryl Meyers’ sentiments regarding the whether or not criminal offenders ought to be punished post-incarceration. See also, GatewayNews.Org regarding the full transcript of Daryl Meyer’s viewpoint.
RESOLUTIONS.
9A. Intent to use proceeds of tax-exempt wastewater revenue bonds to reimburse itself for capital expenditures made to finance improvements to the city wastewater system. Passed 9-0
9B. Resolution declaring intent to use proceeds of tax exempt water enterprise revenue bonds to reimburse itself for certain capital expenditure made to finance improvements to the city water system. Passed 9-0
9C Resolution amending certain accounts in the general, capital improvement, parks & recreation capital improvement, water/sewer/drainage, and lottery funds. Passed 9-0
9D 2009 supplemental budget appropriation in the amount of $50,000 for the renovation of the indoor pools at the rec center to meet federal law safety requirements. Passed 9-0
9E $1.0 Million appropriation for acquisition of land and 50 shares of Fulton Ditch Water for open space purposes. Passed 9-0
9F Resolution to approve purchase and sale agreement between Brighton and the Catholic Foundation in northern Colorado for purchase of 50 shares of the Fulton Irrigation Ditch stock and 40 acres of farmland for open space. Passed 8-0 (abstain by Daryl Meyers)
9G Resolution in support of full buildout of the RTD Fasttracks system. Passed 8-1
9H Funds for a 2009 supplemental budget appropriation in amount of $100,000 for completion of the Bromley/Hishinuma Farms Master Plan. Passed 9-0
9I Resolution accepting proposal of Avenue Architects and awarding master plan contract for amount not to exceed $99,203. Passed 9-0
10A Postponement of march 17, 2009 council meeting to March 24 Passed
10B Special council meeting request for March 10 2009 at 6pm Passed
SOUNDOFF: Should Sexual Offenders be registered, assessed fees, and be treated differently than any other criminal offenders after they’ve served their time? A new Brighton ordinance adds more strength to mandatory registration & tracking. The opinions about the law differ. What do you think? Sound off on the issue at: GatewayNews.Org.
Brighton Cops to get Clipped for Kids
On Saturday, March 14, 2009, seven employees of the Brighton Police Department will join area citizens at Pennock K-8 School to brave nicked scalps, sunburn, and the teasing of others as part of the fight to find a cure for children’s cancer.
The employees, calling themselves The Thin Blue Hairline, are participating in an annual event to benefit the St. Baldric’s Foundation by asking friends, relatives, and the public to make donations to the Foundation in exchange for a chance to see what their favorite cop looks like bald.
The event is being held at Pennock K-8 School, 3707 Estrella St., in Brighton, beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2009.
For questions or additional information, contact John Bradley at (303) 655-2334, or by
e-mail at jbradley@brightonco.gov.
Woman Arrested in Attempted Homicide
A Brighton woman has been arrested following a stabbing at a Brighton residence.
Brighton police were dispatched to reports of a disturbance in progress at 115 Gaviota St, in Brighton, at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. When officers arrived, they found a 26-year-old Aurora man bleeding from a chest wound, and a bloody knife nearby. The victim was transported to an area hospital, and is expected to survive.
A female resident of the home, 22-year-old Bobbie Christina Michel, was arrested near the residence a short time later, and booked in to the Adams County Detention Facility on a charge of Criminal Attempt, Murder in the First Degree.
HMMMM..... just an FYI if you already didn't know.
Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act 2-16-9
Very Important for you to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House.
This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009.
We just learned yesterday about this on the Peter Boyles radio program.
Even gun shop owners didn't know about this because it is flying under the radar.
To find out about this - go to any government website and type in HR 45 or Google HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009. You will get all the information.
Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless:
·It is registered
·You are fingerprinted
·You supply a current Driver's License
·You supply your Social Security #
·You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing
·Each update - change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25 - Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
·There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18.
They would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.
If you think this is a joke - go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this. It is long and lengthy.. But, more and more people are becoming aware of this. Pass the word along. Any hunters in your family - pass this along.
Peter Boyles is on this and having guests. Listen to him on KHOW 630 a.m. in the morning. He suggests the best way to fight this is to tell all your friends about it and "spring into action". Also he suggests we all join a pro-gun group like the Colorado Rifle Association, hunting associations, gun clubs and especially the NRA..
This is just a "termite" approach to complete confiscation of guns and disarming of our society to the point we have no defense - chip away a little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes it.
This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.
If you take my gun, only the criminal will have one to use against me. HR 45 only makes me/us less safe. I know this bill, if passed, would make them happy and in less danger from their victims.
GOV. RITTER ISSUES EMERGENCY DECLARATION
Gov. Bill Ritter has issued a disaster declaration due to today’s blizzard, activating the National Guard to assist with rescue operations and authorizing up to $200,000 in state funds for emergency assistance.
“Our first and foremost concern is the health, safety and welfare of Colorado ’s citizens,” Gov. Ritter said. “We have activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor conditions, coordinate the state’s resources and respond as needed. We are also asking residents to limit their travel and encourage employers to consider releasing employees in a phased manner to alleviate heavy traffic this afternoon.”
Here is the text of Executive Order D 005 09, “Declaring a Disaster Emergency Due to a Severe Blizzard”:
Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, §§ 24-32-2100, et seq., C.R.S. I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado , issue this Executive Order declaring a state of disaster emergency due to a severe blizzard.
City Counselors Seek Charter School in Ward II
This past Tuesday evening, City Councilman David Gill requested the City Council send a letter to Brighton School District 27J asking them to consider the feasibility of placing a Charter Elementary School in Ward II. Gill explained that the School District is currently considering a request from Foundation Elementary Charter School and the current proposed location has been met with some resistance due to the close proximity to Bromley East Elementary Charter School. Gill emphasized his support for the School District and noted specifically the challenges that all schools are faced with today not only in Brighton, but throughout this country as well with educating children. At issue is the fact that a second elementary school in Ward II has now obtained a declining score according to the most recent CSAP results. Gill stated, “A Charter School in Ward II will offer parents a choice and at this time we need an alternative. For as long as I can recall, my Ward has had a problem with addressing the educational needs of some of our elementary school students”. Counselor Wayne Scott countered by stating that “statistically, Charter Schools do not perform any better than regular public schools do and Charter Schools are public schools too”. He further indicated that there are many variables to consider when looking at any school and weighing their success or failure which could be dependant upon a neighborhoods social economic status for example. Gill responded that although this may be true, Charter Schools can teach their own curriculum and can maintain smaller classrooms thereby giving students more access to teachers that traditionally is not available in larger classrooms. Scott continued that just placing a school in a certain location may not be the answer and could very well have the opposite effect if there are not enough students to sustain the need for three schools and burden the School District further in already tough economic times. Ward II Counselor Cynthia Martinez inquired into how Charter Schools were built as it was her understanding that they did not provide a financial drain to the School District. Gill agreed, noting that Charter Schools obtain there own bonding to build schools, independent of the District. Scott contended that the School District has to make the determination as to the best location of schools and Gill agreed that the law does provide the School District with this authority and responsibility, but emphasized, “I am not suggesting that we tell the School District where to build, I am only requesting that we ask the School District to consider the feasibility of placing a Charter School in Ward II and at the moment there may be an opportunity for this to transpire with the application that is now pending before the School Board”. Scott noted that as of yesterday, there has been a significant amount of funding that is being cut to school districts across the state and Gill contended all the more reason to consider the feasibility request now as it may not be available again for a long time.
The motion failed 5-3 with Gill, Martinez and Ward I Counselor Terry Moore voting to support sending the feasibility request to the School District.
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