Another month has past and once again it has been a very interesting education of your thoughts and concerns. Thank you to all that have posted and we look forward to hearing more of your comments and concerns.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
136 comments:
PLEASE CALL US AT 720-221-8317 WITH INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR EVENT OR MEETING OR EMAIL US AT Kathy@coloradobusinessalliance.com.
Listings are free of charge.
COMMERCE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 7887 EAST 60TH AVENUE, COMMERCE CITY ON MONDAY EVENINGS (SEE LIVE VIDEO STREAMING OF THESE MEETINGS AT www.gatewaynews.org during meeting duration). meeting start at 6:30pm
APRIL 6, APRIL 13, APRIL 20,APRIL 27.
BRIGHTON CITY COUNCIL HELD AT 22 SOUTH 4TH AVENUE, BRIGHTON ON TUESDAY EVENINGS. APRIL 7 – 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING, APRIL14 – 6:00 PM STUDY SESSION, APRIL 21 – 7:00 PM CITY COUNCIL MEETING, APRIL 28 – 6:00 PM STUDY SESSION.
SCHOOL DISTRICT 27J BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
APRIL 28 – HELD AT THE DISTRICT TRAINING ROOM LOCATED AT 80 S. 8TH AVENUE, BRIGHTON, CO 80601 AT 7:00 PM. CALL 303-655-2952.
SCHOOL DISTRICT ADAMS COUNTY 14 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS.
APRIL 14 - 6:30 PM REGULAR BOARD MEETING, HELD AT 5291 EAST 6OTH AVENUE, COMMERCE CITY
EVENTS AT THE T.E.V. EDELWEISS CLUB LOCATED AT 6495 MONACO STREET IN COMMERCE CITY. CALL 303-289-5621 or VISIT www.tevedelweiss.org.
April 3 and April 10, 2009, Fridays - 3rd Annual Schuhplattler Fish Fry Fundraiser at the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club from 5:00 pm til 9:00 pm.
April 4, 2009, Saturday-German Language Night at the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club at 6:30 pm.
April 11, 2009, Saturday from 8:00 pm til Midnight (doors open at 6:30 pm) -The 2009 Miss Edelweiss will be crowned tonight.
April 18, 2009, Saturday at 8:00 pm til Midnight (doors open at 6:30 pm) - Calling all Firemen!!! The Fire Fighters Appreciation Dance.
April 25, 2009, Saturday at 8:00 pm til Midnight (doors open at 6:30 pm) -April Showers Dance at the T.E.V. Edelweiss Club
SCHOOL DISTRICT 27J BRIGHTON HERITAGE ACADEMY FAMILY NIGHT HELD AT 60 SOUTH 8 TH, BRIGHTON, ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 8TH AT 5:00 PM.
JOIN MARY HODGE FOR COFFEE AND POLITICS – MEET AT FIRE STATION LOCATED AT 3172 PEORIA IN AURORA ON SATURDAY APRIL 11TH AT 8 AM.
REPRESENTATIVE EDWARD CASSO COLORADO HOUSE DISTRICT 32 – REPRESENTATIVE CASSO WILL BE HAVING MONTHLY MEETINGS IN COMMERCE CITY AT GALA GARDENS RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 8383 ROSEMARY STREET ON SATURDAYS APRIL 11TH AND MAY 9TH FROM 10 AM TO 12 PM.
COMMERCE CITY’S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY MAYOR PAUL NATALE ON APRIL 14 AT 7:30 AM. HELD AT CIVIC CENTER AT 7887 EAST 60TH AVENUE, COMMERCE CITY. BREAKFAST WILL BE SERVED.
COMMERCE CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING ON APRIL 15 FROM 6:00 PM UNTIL 8:00 PM HELD AT CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 6450 HOLLY STREET, COMMERCE CITY.
2ND ANNUAL LEADERS ROUNDTABLE ON HOMELESSNESS ON FRIDAY APRIL 17 NOON TO 1:30 PM. HELD AT DERBY RESOURCE CENTER AT 7270 MONACO IN COMMERCE CITY. PLEASE JOIN THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE HOMELESS PROBLEM AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. BOXED LUNCH SERVED.
COMMERCE CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING ON APRIL 23 FROM 6:00 PM UNTIL 8:00 PM HELD AT THIMMIG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 11453 OSWEGO STREET, COMMERCE CITY.
BUFFALO RUN GOLF COURSE OPEN HOUSE, SATURDAY, MAY 9 FROM 2:00 PM TIL 4:00 PM LOCATED AT 15700 EAST 112TH AVENUE, COMMERCE CITY, CALL 303-289-1500.
BENNETT BRANCH LIBRARY GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION ON SATURDAY, MAY 30 FROM 1:00 PM TIL 6:00 PM, LOCATED AT 495 7TH STREET, BENNETT, COLORADO.
THE THIRD ANNUAL COMMERCE CITY ROTARY CHARITY CAR SHOW MAY 31, 2009 FROM 9:00 AM TIL 2:00 PM AT THE MILE HIGH EVENT CENTER LOCATED AT 6200 DAHLIA STREET, COMMERCE CITY. PROCEEDS GO TO ROTARY CHARITY. CALL 720-273-3057.
BRIGHTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 26TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ON MONDAY JULY 20 AT THE RANCH COUNTRY CLUB. LOCATED AT 11887 TEJON STREET IN WESTMINSTER, CO 80234. SPONSORSHIPS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE. CALL 303 659 0223 OR EMAIL info@brightonchamber.com.
Good Living
Guest Editorial By Kristi Douglas
I dropped off the radar. But that’s what you do when someone you love needs you. It’s called unconditional love and sometimes that requires sacrifice. After all, isn’t that what “it’s” all about? And so, now I’m back…
Well, here we are in a housing crisis that has affected everyone in one way or another. Everyone seems to be in panic mode, some because of losing their homes; others because of the fear that the value of their home has dropped. Mortgage rates have dropped, but the majority of people who still have both their homes and their jobs can’t take advantage of those fantastic rates because not only do they owe more than the house is worth, but the rules for qualifying have gotten so ridiculous that no one falls into the guidelines… ultimately no one can access the money that the banks were given (by us, as taxpayers… now that seems rather ironic) because the banks see lending the money (we gave them) as “too risky”. What a true “Catch 22” situation we all find ourselves in. Greed mixed with self-serving pride has created our current state of affairs. Now, we must see that the pendulum swings the other way towards looking out for each other, and truly recognizing the value of community and the greater good.
I received a simple piece as an email the other day, and it made me stop to think about how profound and timely it was to receive this advice for a time such as this. I think that maybe if we could all learn that our world wouldn’t be “going to the dogs”, if we simply started “acting like dogs” instead. Here is the delightful piece that passed along by Cherry Creek Mortgage Broker Dave Cook.
Things we can learn from dogs.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
When you are scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout, run back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Remember, a dog wags its tail with its heart.
So maybe now you can see that we wouldn’t be in this mess, if we had just learned from dogs instead of striving to survive in our “dog eat dog” world. If it continues to be every man for himself, this won’t be a world that any of us will want to live in. Write your leaders and ask them to do the right thing, and then learn to be compassionate for those going through a difficult time right now. After all if we don’t start to recognize that real changes with real solutions are long overdue, this world will be better off if it did “go to the dogs”, because the human “race” just won’t be a race worth “running”; or for that matter, losing your integrity just to “win”.
Kristi Douglas is a resident of Commerce City in the Reunion community. She is the owner of Good Living REAL ESTATE, and a wife, mother, grandmother and is very active in the community. She sits on several boards and is a tireless advocate for housing solutions for everyone including the homeless in our community. She can be reached at Office/Mobile: 720-205-2627 or Fax: 303-745-8103.
hey gateway,
why are you not taking on the ccpd on the fees for crime reports.
Core Comments
The Commerc City Police Department is very good at giving us the relevant information we need.
Gateway News
Is this core comments individual one of the bullock's? I have yet to read anything worthy to be shared with us members of the community. All of core comments were exposed as self serving fiction and sour grapes. Now this person wants to control what the Gateway News does and posts on their site. Must be feeling inadequate at home and work. Your ideology is not respected in the community or on this site.
For sure someone who supports the recall. Anyway, it is giving the "core" a bad name!
Hear that Core Comments and Real Core Comments?
I have an issue with rocks on 104th Avenue, I don't understand how they are getting on the road, maybe children, but it is a concern
Joan, Reunion
Thank you Joan,
If you don't mind can you also put your concern on AskC3.
http://user.govoutreach.com/commercecity/faq.php
Thanks,
Gateway News
Can the city of Commerce City OEM have the same twitter feature as you guys have. It is helpful to quickly see the last 5 twitters directly on your website?
Vikki B.
Commerce City Memorial Day Parade. 2009
The Parade is one of the biggest and best in the region. Join us Monday, May 25 beginning at 10 a.m. for a tribute to our vetrans. The parade begins at 64th Avenue and Olive Street and travels west to Kearney St., south to 62nd Avenue, then west to Parkway Drive. It ends in front of the veteran's memorial at the Commerce City Recreation Center.For parade regulations or entry form, call Commerce City Civic Center, 303-289-3600 and ask for parade secretary or go to C3.gov and pull off the City Web site.
April 14 - State of the City address 2009
Join Mayor Natale for his annual State of the City address. Breakfast included.Time: 7:30 am in City Council Chambers, 7887 E. 60th Avenue
State of the city is coming at a good time. With Mile High Music Festival it is an exciting time in Commerce City
So Sorry to bust your bubble, but Rene and Debra Bullock do not participate in this blog, so find someone else to pick on about "core comments". If you really need to know,Dusty should know who it is. He is the Author of the blog.
I can not verify who "Core Comments" nor "Real Core Comments" is...
It is the chocie of the writer to stay anonymous.
Gateway News
Please join Senator Mary Hodge
for Coffee and Politics
(an informal conversation about the current legislative session)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Aurora: 8:00 a.m.
Fire Station
31st and Peoria
Brighton: 10:00 a.m.
Rangeview Library
575 S. 8th Avenue
Maybe Core Comments is someone's daughter? (HA HA)
Tim Dalton
funny.
SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY APRIL 25 FROM 8-4. GOOD NEIGHBOR SALE AT OUR SAVIOUR LUTHERAN CHURCH 6770 MONACO STREET, COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO.
COME AND JOIN US AND SHOP FOR GENTLY USED ITEMS. YOU MIGHT FIND SOMETHING YOU LIKE AND BE ABLE TO VISIT WITH MANY NICE PEOPLE.
IF YOU HAVE ITEMS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE. 303-288-9577.
WHAT IS CHINESE DRYWALL?
Chinese drywall is defective or tainted drywall (also referred to as wallboard or plasterboard) imported from China. Not all drywall manufactured from China is tainted. Some defective drywall is not stamped at all and there are a few reported cases where defective drywall bears the name of a U.S. company. It is unknown whether the drywall was actually manufactured in the U.S. or made in China and re-branded here.
There are several theories regarding the cause of the defective drywall. Many believe that the tainted drywall was manufactured at a gypsum mine in Tianjin, China which used fly ash, a waste material that is a byproduct from power plants using coal. Fly ash can leak into the air and emit sulfur compounds. Testing by the Florida Department of Health, however, has revealed significant amounts of organic material present in the Chinese drywall - ranging from 5 to up to 15 percent. Dr. David Krause, the State Toxicologist, states that these findings appear to contradict the theory that waste product from coal-fired power plants are to blame, as they would not be organic. Thomas Eager, an MIT professor believes the combination of cellulose, moisture and sulfates in the gypsum are reacting to release sulfurous acids that are corroding copper and other metals.
WHY IS CHINESE DRYWALL DESTROYING HOMES?
The jury is still out, but it is believed that humidity causes the sulfur in the tainted drywall to offgas (i.e., migrate into the indoor air), which not only creates a noxious odor, but corrodes copper and other metals. DO NOT WASH YOUR WALLS OR STEAM CLEAN YOUR FLOORS OR CARPET IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU HAVE CHINESE DRYWALL.
WHAT IS THE TIME-FRAME?
Hundreds of millions of sheets of Chinese drywall were imported from 2004 to 2006, but Chinese drywall has recently been found in homes built or remodeled as early as 2001. Accordingly, this phenomenon cannot be explained solely by the shortage of American-manufactured drywall.
Let's have some fun and solve the mystery. I don't think it's a member of the carz club because no twinkies are involved. With the exception of bullock, other previous members of council had successful lives and moved on to better things after serving. Who are some of the other anarchists on the recall committee?
Can City Council help with this? There is a new "day labor" facility that has located and opened up illegally in Derby. Its called Trojan Labor- located near Younger Brothers. The city has been spending a great deal of time and energy and money in helping this area and I am upset about this type of business moving in! We already have 1 "day labor" place in Derby (Labor Finders) and we have had trouble with this business for years. Ive been involved in Derby for a LONG, LONG time and I know that the Derby zoning doesnt allow for this type of use. I called the city and they said this business doesnt EVEN HAVE A BUSINESS LICENSE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT!!!!! PLEASE HELP CITY COUNCIL!!!
I do not think Labor finders is in Derby anymore.
None the less, I have forward this message on to the Mayor.
I urge you to also place this on the AskC3 via the Commerce City Website.
I will follow up with any information on this as it becomes available.
Gateway News
Commerce City resident Bobbi Crall was reunited with her son after gone missing. Reportedly in good health.
I heard that there is another ex-council person who isn't doing well,(one of Bullocks supporters).
Daddy is no longer able to send jobs his way.
He has no real financial support these days, much speculation on where he gets his income.
I am disappoint that we have such bad behavior from some of our citizens in our city.
I am referring to the video of the junked out cars. This is exactly why Commerce City has the image problem we have.
Citizen in the Core
ps, Core Comments is not the voice of the core!
Nice to hear a reasonable voice from the core of our city!!
Thanks :)
I am disappointed that our elected officials ignore the language issue. Why are we spending money printing in spanish when people who come legally to the US learn English. That money should be better spent on citizens that vote to put them in office. City correspondence is unreadable in its horrible format. I bet in most households it goes right in the trash. Over and over the complaints come in and are always ignored.You can't sneak people into another country demanding we learn their language and embrace the culture of the entire family and extended family living in one home. Taking up every parking spot on the block. Dis mis all opposition as racial attacks. Most if not all legal citizens of Commerce City speak and read English. We need to get this on the ballot if our council won't do anything for us.
FYI: the family taht initiated the council re-evaluating the occupancy standards, is white, & lived in the "new lands".
It was a case of a son/daughter and their spouse who had lost there home living with mom and dad.
Now there we be others that say "sure they re-evaluated for a white family, they discriminate"
I believe the council felt that many many families were in tough situations, therefore some consideration needed to be made.
The language problem will never be easy, or black and white to solve! I wish it wasn't the problem it is, nor money spent on it.
But, it is what it is.
I don`t have a comment, I just want to know where I can get a print of one of your picutres on the main news page.
Ellen, past resident of Commerce City.
Ellen,
Email me your information and which picutre you want to
dustin.mcintyre@yahoo.com
Gateway News
“Roll rocks down a ten-thousand foot mountain, and they cannot be stopped.
This is because of the mountain, not the rocks.
Get people to fight with the courage to win every time, and the strong and the weak unite.
This is because of the momentum, not the individuals. “
Du Mu (803-852)
This quote is not only profound; it is what I call a “thinker”. It can easily describe several segments of our community as it describes working together for the greater good. Right now working together is not only nice to do, it is literally required. We have to unite, both the weak and the strong. We have to look out for each other and set up better priorities than we have had as a society in the recent past.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Animal Cruelty Awareness Month. Why do we have to have these two distinctions applied to the month of the year where we are all celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ? It makes me wonder how civilized we really are and it also makes me think, what would Jesus do? No need to answer that and He would not have been very proud of us if we actually have to be told to be aware of animal cruelty and do our best to prevent child abuse.
As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, we have an opportunity for renewed hope. Let’s make positively sure that we unite all of us weak and strong, to win the fight against all the evil that prevails around us. And we need to pray together for God’s help as well, we cannot do anything without Him.
Another quote, “Evil can only prevail, if good men and women do nothing”. Doing “nothing” is no longer acceptable. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Give hope to every child in your life and to every animal as well. And to each other. Happy Easter and God Bless You!
City Council Agenda, Mon., Apr 13, 2009
COMMERCE CITY – The following is a tentative agenda for the upcoming City Council meeting. This agenda is subject to change. For more information about posting locations, please contact the city clerk at (303) 289-3611, or visit www.c3gov.com and click on “Government” and then “Agendas and Minutes.”City Council study session6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13• Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) update • Redistricting discussion• Update on Economic Development • Adjourn to special meeting
Where can we see the video of the "junked out cars" that a previous blogger spoke of?
"Junk Cars" video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m04ydcLPcYA
Benson rumor of carrying a "heater" not true!!!!!!!!!
I thought the ED report was going to be a revealing of something.
No, it was a update
Data driven model is something Commerce City has never used!
Coach report will do very well in Vegas!
Oh yea.....Benson has applied for a concealed weapon permit.
That is public info.
Now that is scarey!!
Okay I guess I will be the one to ask.
What is the story with the Citizen getting threats and why is racism invloved?
Tim Dalton
Tim,
I do not have the whole story yet. As soon as I know firm details, I will post and it may even be its own topic. We will see how it develops.
Dustin McIntyre,
Gateway News
FYI:
A citizen came to the last council meeting (last week) spoke during citizen communication.
He felt that the city shouldn't be translating their publications into spanish.
Being hispanic himself, he was raised to read & speak English (spanish was saved for family use).
He felt that other languages are fine, but that the city should publish in the English language.
He has been getting threatening phone calls since!
I guess the bodily harm part is from angry Hispanic group? I am just trying to get the story straight.
Tim Dalton
Tim,
I am working as fast as I getting the details. I have run into a couple different versions of the story and trying to verify before posting.
Dustin McIntyre
Gateway News
State of City went very well.
Mayor sounds good. I like it, not too much hype, not too much dome and gloom.
Just straight talk
Erin NW
Dustin,
Can you put a pdf text version of the Commerce City state of the city here on this page?
thanks.
Yes I will.
I see it and downloaded it.
Thanks, the PDF on the city's website is damaged.
Roger
There is nothing racist about this being an english speaking country. Racism does exist in this country but this is NOT an example of it. It is a crime to sneak into this country. It is shameful to then demand that we cater to mexico's way of life including language, print. Most if not all legal immigrants have learned english, become part of the community and live as we do. As an American citizen I should not be forced to pay to print spanish. This is not mexico. Do we need to get this on the ballot?
Who is the mayor's speech writer?
I do not think their is a speech writer.
I think it was a collaboration of departments (mainly marketing) and the mayor.
I will need to verify this.
Dustin McIntyre
Gateway News
Gateway News,
Are you going to report on the house and senate bills that are relevant to Commerce City?
Elaine P. Commerce City
Yes we will. Thanks for the comment.
Gateway News
This is my first time posting, I hope this works.
I love the discussions on this website.
I live in Commerce City and have for about the last 2 years. First, I was told there would be a grocery store last year. It never happened and now I know that I should not expect anything until about 2010 or even as late as 2011. At least now I have a honest answer.
My second comment has to do with the dual language city publication. I am not a racist individual at all. But I have to agree that it is not fair to only have this in Spanish as the foreign language. I am of Chinese decent and know a number of other Chinese individuals in the area including business owners.
So why does the Commerce City Council not have the city publication in Chinese, not very fair is it? I have no problem with the publication in English I assume it would be and I am fine with that. So I do not repeat myself, I am requesting that the City only print the city publication in only English.
Thank you for letting me voice my comments.
LC, Commerce City
Good Living by Kristi Douglas
Well, this week’s Good Living just goes to show you that you can’t keep a good woman down! In times when a lot of others have thrown in the towel, Charlene Meeker, the Community Redevelopment Coordinator from the Derby Resource Center has decided to take the towel that everyone else has decided to “throw in” (I wonder where that saying came from?), wash it, patch it up and use it to start polishing Commerce City’s “diamond in the rough” district – that being Commerce City’s very own Derby.
Last week, Charlene organized and presented a very successful presentation indicative of her positive personality, perfect for her obviously difficult position as the Derby District’s cheerleader and angel in reviving a once thriving and family-oriented center of the community. It is evident that she believes in her assignment, as you see her dedication in initiating and providing programs such as the presentation that was made available to Commerce City Businesses looking to not only survive, but thrive even when others are giving up. The title of the presentation was appropriately and cleverly entitled by the presenter Maureen Russell ‘Marketing on a Shoe String Budget’, ironically sending the positive opposite message of the old adage of the “shoe string budget”. This is just another example of how Charlene is so well suited for both her job and our Derby District.
Charlene recruited Maureen, a talented owner of a boutique marketing and public relations firm that focuses on assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs in reaching their marketing goals to make the presentation. Maureen has eleven years of experience in marketing, experience, and branding which she generously shared with ten members of the Commerce City Business Community that ranged from a Sole Proprietor Hot Dog Cart Owner to the Branch Manager of a local Bank, The presentation was abundant with useful information, and it was clear that everyone attending felt the hour was more than well spent. In fact, Maureen’s presentation actually seemed to pack what most would have taken a full day to cover into a very concise one hour time frame. It was obvious that she knew how to work with people, whose time is both valuable and precious, a must for those in the business world.
Those in attendance include Nancy Christian owner of Unique Handcrafted, Ron Bryant, Business Development for Shamrock Foods, Kathy D’Amico Key Center Manager for Key Bank, Jeffery Prager, the Founder of Backroon Management Services, Julie Brusnell, Business Development Administrator for Faris Machinery Company, Erin Todd, the Director of Development & Communications for Community Health Services, Charlene Ford, Broker/Owner of Charlene Ford/Metro Brokers Inc. , Bonnie Hall, Owner of BJ Hot Dog n Things, The Owner of La Suavecita Bridal and Formalwear located in the Derby District of Commerce City, and lastly I attended the presentation as the Broker/Owner of Good Living Real Estate. If you would like to contact any of these members of our Commerce City Business Community to inquire about their businesses or services, please contact me @ 720-205-2627 or Charlene Meeker whose contact information is 303-289-1735 or cmeeker@c3gov.com. Charlene also serves as the Secretary for the Derby Business Association which meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 8:30 to 9:30 at the Derby Resource Center. Membership Applications are available through either Charlene or President Mark Albers from Derby’s Aspen Mortuary by email at mark@aspenmortuaries.com by phone @ 720-333-6763.
Kristi Douglas
Good Living REAL ESTATE
Office/Mobile: 720-205-2627
Fax: 303-745-8103
CCBPA making Huge steps forward, new site looking good and can't wait for new site
http://www.ccbpa.org/1.html
Tim Dalton
Glad to see current CCBPA members updated.
Is Commerce City and ACSD#14 no langer members?
Tim Dalton
RE; Tim Dalton's? CCBPA dues are due on Jan. 1. At 30 days pastdue, you cannot vote. At 60 days pastdue you are notified again. At 120 days past due you are dropped from membership. May 1, is 120 days pastdue.
It's possible the school board is still PO'ed about the Citizen of the Year selection, don't have any idea if the City is in arrears. There are a lot of other members/ businesses that have not paid yet. Some are no longer in business, and some may not be able to afford to be a member this year. You would have to ask them.
Citizen of the year was Dr. John Lange, I heard this year it is going to by Principle Judy Jaramillo!!!
kidding, but what if?
AK
did you all hear the mayor's comments on the council retreat?
Core Comments
I do not think he said anything bad, you have to remember what citizens he has to deal with.
Nothing wrong with saying no outbursts and interuptions
Tim Dalton
Homeless issue is a very important issue in our city, why is this such a hard issue to look at?
City should get involved!
Gina, Commerce City
Mayor said it perfectly,
This is a Adams County Social Services thing, should not be handled at a city level.
Just my 2 cents
Homeless issue
I don't what to seem heartless, but,
what do you expect the city to do? This is not a budget item at all, it has to be handled through Social Services.
Sorry!
Randy, 80022
DIA presentation is only good for Denver. Commerce City will get nothing out of this.
Randy
I disagree, I know many people who live in my area that work and utilize DIA, this will be good for Commerce City too. Remember, they are buying houses in Commerce City, this is good for best cities.
Erin NW
Airport is in a bad area, it really limits what Commerce City can do or even put out there.
NACAR could not even really go out there. too many issues with blimps and air traffic.
Fred A
fred303@mail.com
everything the are talking about for Gins at council is already on this blog!
Good Job Citizens!
Tim Dalton
Place your bets!
I still think 7 to 2, orval and benson lone ones out.
I think Benson will vote for in, Orval will be only one out.
$20?
Tim Dalton
okay your on! I think it will be 7 to 2
Gina
God, Orval is really grumpy
OHHH looks like Benson is going to vote YES!
Gun rule is like the weed rule, they do not know how to enforce!
Core Comments
I am agreement with Law Bob! It will at least act as a deterrent for the average Joe.
Wow! Kristi Douglas has spoken three times during public comment for the second parking lot on Tower! She is saying it is not being well thought out.
Tim Dalton
Regarding the second Parking Lot.
I do not understand the issue, how would it impact GID negatively?
I don't get it?
Ryland
I think she is upset because it might cause the people in the GID aka Reunion, Fronterra areas to have to pay more taxes to widen the tower road.
I think.
Tim Dalton
From my understanding homeowners in the north would NOT have it in their GID.
Instead a new GID would be put into place, that the land owners along Tower would be in. Then they would have to pay (through their taxes) for the widening of Tower, which would then also benefit their land/business value.
Of course this isn't going to happen overnight.
Apparently the new parking business, is willing to pay for a complete redesign of the existing intersection. I think they need to pay for a traffic light as well, to protect drivers on Tower, and those entering Tower.
Question-why did City Council force the Cultural Council to suspend their meetings and how does that affect funding from SCFD for the city.
Executive sessions are just shameful to hear. Now we all know what the true feelings of the council are!
DeeDee, Commerce City
I am proud of the city attorney for giving the city council a good dose of truth!
It is toward the beginning of the first closed session video.
Core Comments
Listening to the Gateway Videos of the Commerce City Exec Sessions, I honestly felt like I was back in High School.
Mayor needs to get his council under control!
ccSpeaks
Commerce City EXEC SESSIONS aka a Jim Benson Smack Down!
Derrick Keys
I am glad to know that my city council are just as human as I am.
Red Barn Rebel
Mayor needs to MAKE SURE BENSON does not bring a gun to council!
SERIOUSLY
Good Living
It’s been a long week that’s gone by all too fast. It seems all of my weeks are like that, so it’s not out of the ordinary. First of all, this week, I’d like to take the opportunity to say that I’m not crazy… at least I’d like to think that I’m not. I just get going so fast sometimes that I forget to fix things right away. (And although I know that no one’s perfect, and everyone makes mistakes; that surely when something like this happens, its God’s way of telling me to slow down!) At any rate, my quirk became quite apparent after picking up my copy of the ‘Gateway’ in my driveway, and peeking at my article. I was horrified to notice a BIG oversight on my part. That oversight resulted in a major mistake that completely changed the message of last week’s article. And so, I’d like to not only make that correction to last week’s article, but apologize for confusing you as a ‘Gateway’ reader. In my article on the presentation coordinated by the Derby Redevelopment Coordinator, Charlene Meeker and facilitated by Maureen Russell, boutique marketing and public relations firm owner, I managed to miss changing one word which seriously affected the meaning and message of the entire article.
The second paragraph focused on the pertinence of holding a marketing seminar, such as this presentation, in these hard economic times. However, it lost its meaning simply because I managed to misquote the title which should have been ‘Marketing on a KITE String Budget’ rather than “shoe” string budget. The difference being this: using the word KITE - as in looking up to the sky with hopeful possibilities and SHOE – as in looking downward with depression, in thinking there is no hope… Wow! Now, I want you to know that I had actually caught the error, but somehow forgot to make the change when it came time to send the final draft. Just to refresh memories, and reiterate the message of the article, I’ve decided to include the corrected second paragraph again. I certainly hope that it makes much more sense this time around!
Last week, Charlene organized and presented a very successful presentation indicative of her positive personality, perfect for her obviously difficult position as the Derby District’s cheerleader and angel in reviving a once thriving and family-oriented center of the community. It is evident that she believes in her assignment, as you see her dedication in initiating and providing programs such as the presentation that was made available to Commerce City Businesses looking to not only survive, but thrive even when others are giving up. The title of the presentation was appropriately and cleverly entitled by the presenter Maureen Russell ‘Marketing on a KITE String Budget’, ironically sending the positive and opposite message of the old adage of the “shoe string budget”. This is just another example of how Charlene is so well suited for both her job and our Derby District.
Well, there you have it! It’s amazing how semantics work, and how one word can, not only cause confusion, but affect how you interpret a message… so remember to choose your words carefully, and always know that if you make a mistake and are willing to admit it, you can almost always go back and fix it if you have a second chance. Even more so though, you shouldn’t always go by words; ultimately look to see what people’s actions are without speaking a word about what you see. (Not only will it keep them honest and their motives obvious, but you’ll never get caught up in gossip!) There’s another old adage that applies here as well, and that is that “actions speak louder than words”… I’ll be letting you know when Charlene has her next business seminar scheduled for the Derby Resource Center.
Kristi Douglas
Good Living REAL ESTATE
Office/Mobile: 720-205-2627
Fax: 303-745-8103
CC speaks...you are a hoot you are the same person who always points out the mayor is a "weak mayor" and only has one vote.
One moment he is a bully then you say he needs to take control!!
You are certainly good for a laugh!
Enough, would this kristi quit writing those long boring blogs. Looks like you're trying to get free advertising. Have something to say, get to the point.
I am in the dark about the "recently released exec seesions".
Why did they do this and why does Jim Benson has a lawyer?
A story would be nice.
Greg and Ashley, Reunion
Why are they so mad at Benson, what did he do now?
Citizen in his ward
gateway, can you put some light on the situation??
Yes we are working on this and will be posting soon.
Gateway News
I did not really get a chance to review some of the comments lately, because of other obligations. I see I have left a lot of comments and some wanted to know who I am.
My plan is to run for city council in November, but do not want to announce yet. I am from the core part of town.
I do regret the comments I made about the city golf course. After thought I am glad the city still owns this property and I would look forward to seeing it grow and become a really good asset for the city as a whole.
Thank you to the gateway news for having such a place I can leave my peace of mind. Sounds funny, but it has actually been therapeutic for me.
Core Comments
I just finished listening to the "executive session tapes" took several sessions for me to make it all the way through.
I believe the best title for them is: Jim Benson's Intervention
I must say I found the council to be, for the most part, very respectful and reasonable.
I have heard Mr Benson is a sports "nut", and find that interesting. If he indeed loves team sports, he is missing the point of the "team" portion.
He is the rouge player who believes he knows what the team needs to do, regardless of the other players or coaches.
From listening the the tapes as well as having listened to him first hand it is obvious he has NO interest in working together. His superior attitude is prevelant.
The tapes certainly make it obvious he has a "no trust" vote from them as to, not causing embarassment to the city or possible legal problems.
Speaking of legal situations, early in the second tape, Mr. Benson directs a statement to Mr Lewis... " I have no intention of filing suit against the city for the previous executive session".
Then he serves the city last week with papers with papers from his lawyer about the executive session!
It appears to me, if this council made a mistake with this executive session:
1) it was with the attorneys
advice.
2) it was to help save face for Mr. Benson, rather than airing dirty laundry that needn't be aired.
3) was to protect the city from directives being made that were not of council.
I applaud their efforts.
Wake up Mr. Benson this city is not just about you and your ideas!!
I hope these exec session are a wake up call that we need some good quality people to start running for these positions, if it means raising the pay, so be it!
Can't help but to just feel sorry for the city attorney and city manger.
Kudos to Judge Crabtree.
Love WILLIE! Glad to see him back!
Red Barn Rebel
Where are the "party houses" the mayor was talking about?!
Funny how race track rene just keep losing. Will there be a celebration at the next "bash the mayor" I meant "carz club" meeting.
Everytime I blink there is something new here!
City lawyers smack down recall, GOOD JOB!
Tim Dalton
I read in a different part of this website about the city going after the recall committee to recoup some of the legal dollars.
Is this even possible?
I feel strongly about this after reviewing the PDF of the Judge's ruling.
Erin NW
Erin, I agree.
This group of people have cost the city money and staff time. All for the vendeta against our mayor.
If any in the group run for council in Nov. we need to remember!
Benson pushing the envelope of rudeness!
Most involved in the city know that the mayor was a state certified peace officer, when he came directly from work with his work weapon.
I understand he left it with the P.D.
Most also know that Benson told several people ( including the guard) he was planning to bring in a concealed weapon to council meetings.
so is recall over?
Yes, unless they want to take it to the supreme court, but look at the PDF, it was doomed from the beginning.
RE: Legal Fee Question.
I presented this question to the Commerce City attorney.
Legal fees reimbursements are usually given as part of the order. Since nothing was said, it is understood that no legal fees will be ordered to be paid.
The Gateway News
THe city should bring a separate suit against rene bullock for slandering Paul Natale. We have video evidence right here on this site. There is also his ty statement in the beacon when he lost the election. The entire recall was because of their dislike for the mayor. They lived here longer and and based on that only one of them should lead the city.
I asked if the mayor tried to keep citizens out of the meeting last weekend- was told that due to very limited space that speakers were set up in the hall area outside of the room so that all could hear the meeting.
This is very different that Mr. Benson implied!
Listening to him on tape as well as some of the public situations, tells me he will never represent me again!!
He has done more image damage (almost cost us the music festival too) to our city than anyone since the old city manager.
Benson is ridiculous!
Why does Jim hate Paul so much?
Man, whatever you do, make sure Benson does not bring a gun to council!
Yes recall is over. Unless Jim Benson starts it all over again. Anyone want to make a bet that he does?
Tim Dalton
I wonder how the 100 citizens that did not get heard fell about Judge Crabtree ruling?
ccSpeaks
I was told recall was a done deal, it was going before the people for sure. So where dis it all go wrong?
Mayor Paul Natale was a active P.O.S.T. certified officer at the time when he brought gun to a council meeting, I do not have any issue with anyone bring a firearm in this capacity.
Tim Dalton
I don't care what Paul was or is, Jim has the same rights as Paul does.
If Jim gets a legal concealed gun permit, then he has as many rights as Paul! period.
First, I hope you know Jim Benson is a big Democrat! Second, it has nothing to do with your political party affiliation at all.
This is purely a safety issue for the citizens at city council.
Erin NW
How many recalls has this city gone thru in the past 5 years?!
Come ON ALREADY, enough is enough
DeeDee
Say what you will about Jim, I read the Benson lawyer PDF, looks lke Jim is winning!
I've met Benson, and he is a loose canyon!
He loves to fight just for the sake of it.
He has no intention of following rules unless they are written law.
He has no repect for anyone because he feels he is so much smarter.
I am ashamed to say I supported him.
Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me.
Never again!!
Sorry Mr. Republican (why that matters?)
I too have an issue with Benson, who is always complaining about his eyesite, who we all know has trouble hearing carrying a gun. No firing experience is required. No other training, minus a formal book class.
Watching him last night on the streaming...he has anger managment issues & an ugly temper.
That is very different than a trained Post certified officer ( who left his gun in the P.D.) coming straight from work.
-The person who said they read the PDF from Benson's lawyer " looks like Benson is winning"-
Must have been Benson, I looked at it and NO way could you read it clearly. A word here and there but not the entire document!!
p.s. Benson you do not represent the north!
-that is where your ward is!
hey ccspeaks
What do you think the other 42,000 people in the city think of you and your minions. Quit wasting our time and money.
You lost, you are no longer what represents our city.
Town hall meeting tonight
@ Thimmig Elem.
River Run subdivision
115th & Oswego
To Jim Benson,
Due to your actions, I ask you how much you think you have cost this city?
Let me clarify, I am wondering how many potential business see how you act and decided to pass on our city, because they simply do not want to deal with all the drama you bring. Your Ward is the fastest growing ward in the city and you as the representative is done right scary.
Fred A.
fred303@mail.com
How does the Commerce City Police Department have the ability of giving tickets on I270?
Harold K.
City Hall Meeting in River Run well attended with 50+ citizens. Many informative updates from all city departments.
Gateway News
I don't think Jim Benson is a hot head, just passionate. If he met the criteria to get his carry permit so be it. If the council decides to say no to having a concealed weapon inside the building that's fine to. Let's move on.
I don't think Jim Benson represents our ward well at all. He's bringing too much negative attention and appears more interested in running the city than doing anything for the voters who put him into office. Do we need a new council person in ward 2?
Hey gatewaynews,
How can you say the meeting was “well attended” with only 50 people showing up! I thought this was a whole city wide town hall meeting. That is only like 12 people per ward! I really wish that you would stop trying to put a positive spin on everything! It is getting tiring!
ccSpeaks
to ccspeaks
time for you to move on. How dare you scold people for trying to be positive. What has your negativity done for any of us.
ref the 50 people. That is way more then the few that show up at council meetings, esp when you consider that the small group in the back is the biggest detractors of our city. they will not be happy unless everything is ugly and the city is in ruins.
That is not going to happen again. Our city is too smart to listen to you any more. If you think having Benson in your corner is a positive, you are even more deluded then I think you are
Good Living – Opinion Article by Kristi Douglas
It’s hard to be brave. It’s so much easier to be safe. I was never involved before living here in Commerce City, and it was safe. Now I’m involved in this place that I call home, and I’m really finding it difficult to be brave. It’s so much easier not to stick your neck out, because it means that you don’t have to risk anything… like maybe putting your neck on the chopping block! But then, I have to remember what our Pastor Keith Boyer from my church Crossroads Community Church has said, with great meaning, several times throughout the course of my attendance, and that is this: “you never really live, until you aren’t afraid to die”. So, with that being said, here goes.
I feel like my family took a big risk coming to this place called Commerce City, but somehow by the grace of God, we got here. I actually feel like we were called here, as my families story of coming to Commerce City is one of peripity, a new word taught in my Bible Study… ya, Bible Study. Now that’s a new one for me. (I never dreamed I’d be proud to say that I go to Bible Study, but I can now say with all honesty, I’m really proud to say I go to Bible Study.) So why would I say I’m proud to go to something that others might not think is “cool”? Well, it’s a great way to learn about life, and now I believe that just being alive is “cool”. Before I moved here, I always thought I had to be “cool”, but now I know I was only following the crowd and trying to fit in. Boy was I stupid. After all, being “cool” was part of being a “let’s not rock the boat kind of person”. But I was safe, and that was a-ok with me.
Anyway, my husband Steve lured me here about five years ago. I didn’t even want to come here and look at the possibility of building a new house! I was FINE where I was, even though I wasn’t really ever happy because I constantly found myself looking at the negative side of life. I wasn’t involved in Aurora, but I realize now that life in Aurora was just an existence, and that was safe.
Now we are here in Commerce City, a place I had come to show houses at one time, but could never find anything suitable for my clients. Now I find myself living here, even after remembering that I couldn’t find a place for my client to live back then. And somehow, I find myself caring about the future of this place we all have so much invested in. So much so, that my husband Steve and I devote a lot of time to caring about this city, and we find ourselves really involved. We are both on several boards and are both members of the Commerce City’s Citizens Advisory Committee for the long range planning project. We are involved, but apparently not enough. (I guess I’m just now getting to the point of being brave.)
We recently found out at a Council Meeting a couple of weeks ago, that there’s a new parking lot going in just across from the other existing parking lot on Tower Road. Now, if any on you live on the north end of our town, between Tower Road and Highway 2, you’d know just how much of an “island” we live in. Getting down Tower can be a challenge during peak hours, and I find myself stuck in long lines trying to make my way off the “island”, or scaring myself half to death coming down the hill to get back on the “island”. Worse than that, I find myself noticing the memorials along the road while I’m sometimes stuck in that traffic which ultimately means it’s a dangerous road, as well.
Now, I don’t want to say that our leaders aren’t trying to get something started for Commerce City on Tower Road, but I’m wondering if a parking lot (even though it’s a green lot and green is very good!) is the answer; and if that location if something we should reconsider, or perhaps at least renegotiate. So, I want you to ask the hard questions with me. Has there been a lot of planning put into this strategic location? If I understood correctly from the council meeting, there wasn’t even a traffic study done before apparently committing to this proposed business. Is there going to be expansion of the road to accommodate the incoming and outgoing traffic that will surely happen once the parking lot is in place? Who will pay for any improvements necessary to “make this work” once we find that we as citizens didn’t get involved to help our leaders think it through.
Now, I don’t believe it’s too late to ask the hard questions, but I need other brave people to come forward and ask the hard questions with me. Council will be voting on this as a final decision soon. Even considering a parking lot for this location may have been a result of not considering the future, but then maybe you just have to do the best with what you have. After all, what else do you put next to a land fill that no one ever thought would be located near a place where people would eventually live? Are two parking lots and a landfill as a backdrop really what we want as the gateway to our city on Tower Road? I don’t know? But I believe we really need to look at all of the possible ramifications before making a decision on something that will have an impact on a major transportation artery into our city, especially when we have to work backwards in wondering who will pay for those improvements once we realize that we once again put the cart before the horse.
Please get involved in the planning of our future. But in the mean time, be involved in the present. Don’t be afraid to go to meetings, pay attention, THINK! and then speak up. (You can do it with grace; you don’t have to be a bully to be to make your point, especially if it makes sense for the greater good.) After all, it’s our city. Let me know if you’d like to join me. I’m Kristi Douglas and you can reach me @ 720-205-2627.
Ms. Douglas,
I have no doubt about your sincerity or passion.
I looked into this parking lot situation after hearing about it on the streaming.
Apparently that land is zoned for a larger land fill.
This change would be an exception to what is planned now.
It would allow commercial on the street front of Tower and the lot in the back.
I would much rather have that than a larger landfill as the gateway to our city.
I believe the city will do what is needed to provide safety to us as we travel Tower.
I don't think the council we now have would take anything that they were given, but try to improve the appearance on Tower (much better than a larger land fill or area filled with trash trucks).
Thank you for approaching this, but I feel you are a bit over thinking the situation.
I agree that Benson does not represent my ward, and that he is bringing to much bad attention to us.
Hi Gateway
Can you find out why Brighton can put the city budget on their website and Commerce City doesn't? CC Citizens can go into the city offices and see the budget or they can purchase one. It would be nice to have it on line.
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