Meet your new City CounCil MeMbers!March 2014 • Published by the City of Centennial

Last November, Centennial voters re-elected Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon and elected four new City Council Members, one in each of the four districts. The new-elect were sworn into office on January 6. Meet your new Council Members:

Cathy NooNMayorMayor Cathy Noon was re-elected for another four-year term. The Mayor is co-owner of a small 28-year-old business. She currently works for Community Resource Services managing water and metro districts. Mayor

Noon is a lifelong community volunteer and organizer. Some major accomplishments during her first four years in office include the hiring of a new city manager who shares Centennial’s philosophy of smart government, the realigning of staff and contracting, renegotiating a new Public Works contract with increased citizen services at a lower cost and performing the City’s first Sheriff and City Attorney Office contract reviews.

Kathy turleyDistrict 1 Council MemberKathy Turley is a retired sales executive and has 40 years of community service experience by serving on several boards and commissions, ranging from early childhood to senior concerns. Governor Owens appointed Turley

to the White House Conference on Aging and Centennial City Council appointed her to serve on the Senior Commission.

Doris truhlarDistrict 2 Council MemberDoris Truhlar practices law with her husband at Truhlar and Truhlar, L.L.P., located in Centennial. Prior to becoming an attorney, Truhlar was a newspaper reporter, and covered municipal government. She recently completed

a six-year term on the Judicial Nominating Commission for

the Colorado 18th Judicial District, an appointment made by the Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, the Governor and the Attorney General. She also works as a volunteer at the Arapahoe County Bar Association’s Pro Se Clinic, of which she was the founder a number of years ago. This clinic is set up to help unrepresented low-income residents obtain free legal advice.

Mark GottoDistrict 3 Council MemberMark Gotto has lived in Centennial for more than five years, has served on the City’s Open Space Advisory Board and is a member of the Centennial Council of Neighborhoods (CenCON). Throughout the past 20 years, he

has obtained executive leadership experience leading organizations in sales and customer service. Before deciding to be a stay-at-home dad, his last position was Vice President of Customer and Technical Support of a Fortune 200 company. For the last two years he has volunteered at the Children’s Hospital.

Charles “C.J.” WhelanDistrict 4 Council MemberC.J. Whelan is an entrepreneur and small business owner. With the exception of attending college out of state, he has been a resident of what is now Centennial since 1979. Whelan currently serves as President

of the Cunningham Fire Protection District Board (a publicly elected position), is on a number of City committees and is the former President and Treasurer of his Homeowners Association. C.J. is an avid road cyclist and skier. He loves working on cars and bicycles.

Register to receive District E-Newsletters from your Council Members at

www.CentennialCo.gov/electedofficials

See what’s new at Centennial Center Park!Centennial Center Park will be enhanced this spring with the construction of a performance platform cover in the amphitheater, just in time for the summer film festival, events and concerts!

The performance platform cover is a structural steel canopy with a metal roofing system and stone columns that reflect the Park design elements. The cover is designed

to protect the performers from the sun and inclement weather and promote the mountain views.

Other improvements to the Park include permanent electrical service to the amphitheater and overflow parking lot, the installation of shade elements near the water play area and a loading pathway from Peakview Ave. for performance equipment.

These improvements are being funded with a portion of the City’s share of voter approved Arapahoe County Open Space tax dollars and Colorado Lottery supported Conservation Trust Funds. Centennial Center Park is located at 13050 E. Peakview Ave.

Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/CenterPark for construction updates and event announcements.

Page 2 • Centennial Connection • March 2014 www.CentennialCO.gov

KeN luCas eleCteD Mayor Pro teM

Centennial District 3 Council Member Ken Lucas was sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem on March 3. This position is elected annually and

serves mayoral functions during any temporary absences of the Mayor. Council Member Lucas was elected unanimously by his fellow Council Members.

Council Member Lucas will replace District 4 Council Member Stephanie Piko and will serve as Mayor Pro Tem for the duration of 2014.

summer Blastoff Family Concertfeaturing The Long Run: Experience the Eagles

June 76:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Centennial Center Park 13050 e. Peakview ave.

Come kick off your summer and celebrate the grand opening of the improved amphitheater with a free concert featuring the amazing Eagles tribute band, The Long Run: Experience the Eagles, local favorite Katey Laurel and a youth band from the School of Rock. Enjoy live music, pyrotechnics, children’s activities and great food. Be sure you don’t miss out on this summer launch celebration!

Mark your calendar for summer events at Centennial Center Park! Stay tuned… there’s more to come!

Friday Film Fest Free outdoor movie series at Centennial Center Park entertainment begins at 7:00 p.m.

June 13 • June 27 • July 11 • July 25

All events are dependent upon weather and construction taking place at Centennial Center Park. Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/events to check out a full listing of summer events at the Park.

March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 3www.CentennialCO.gov

CeNteNNial’s oNliNe CoMMuNity

The City of Centennial kicked off the first “Centennial 101” citizen’s academy class February 6 at the Eagle Street Facility located at 7272 S. Eagle St.

This inaugural class is making history! Learn more about this exciting new program at www.CentennialCO.gov/Centennial101.

The City of Centennial has launched a new and improved website, www.CentennialCO.gov. Along with the new URL comes a clean look and new layout with several features aimed at making it easier for users to access City services and information.

More and more people are accessing the internet from their mobile devices or tablets, therefore the City has incorporated a responsive design, which means the site is resizable for any screen, including any mobile device. The new site is hosted on

the Amazon Cloud for reliability and availability.

Other features include easy-to-share documents and pictures, new navigational options based upon popularity and timeliness, advanced predictive search capabilities, online services, enhanced mapping capabilities and an electronic record portal.

Don’t forget to check it out at www.CentennialCo.gov

Visit CeNteNNial’s NeW oNliNe toWN hall aND share your thouGhts With us!

soCial MeDiaThe City now offers new ways to connect, share ideas and receive information. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CentennialGov and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentennialGov to receive important news and information about the City.

Citizens now have the opportunity to engage through www.ConnectCentennial.com to share ideas, creativity and

perspectives. Join the conversation to shape Centennial’s future!

By signing-up for Connect Centennial you can: • Share photos • Submit, refine and prioritize ideas • Take instant polls and planning surveys • Talk with your neighbors • Earn rewards and prizes

ConnectCentennial is updated regularly. Visit often to check out new and exciting topics.

Page 4 • Centennial Connection • March 2014 www.CentennialCO.gov

Meeting Room Rental now available at the City’s new Eagle Street Facility!the City’s new facility at 7272 s. eagle street features three meeting rooms that may be rented by non-profit organizations. each organization is allowed one rental every 30 days.

Community room

large Conference room small Conference room

the loNely Culture

By Rod Winget

During the holidays, Libraries and Service Agencies report there is generally an increase in the number of calls from seniors who appear to need nothing more than someone to talk to for a few minutes.

We are hardwired to connect. Are we lonely? Do we feel isolated? Is this especially true for seniors? According to Robert Putnam, Harvard professor of public policy, social engagement has been in steady decline in modern times since the advent of suburbia and that decline is accelerating.

AARP magazine published a survey in 2010 of 3,012 Americans over the age of 45 entitled “All the Lonely People”. Thirty-five percent suffered from chronic loneliness, up from 20 percent a decade earlier. This observation cuts across age, gender, race and education categories, although the percentages vary with age. Research and anecdotal experience show that people can feel lonely even when surrounded by others if the interactions lack emotional depth and resonance. Loneliness may have more severe consequences than an empty feeling, such as increasing the chances of diabetes, sleep disorders, mental health issues, high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, we can say community connection can literally strengthen the immune system.

The Centennial Senior Commission has developed a resource guide for social and civic engagement. The Senior Commission looks for ways seniors can be seen and heard and provide aging Americans with the opportunity to help reconnect the social fabric of our communities. Each of us can reach out, one person at a time, to engage friends or strangers. Give yourself away!

Rod Winget (77) and his wife Carol make documentary movies about senior issues. Rod is a member of the Senior Commission.

Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/seniorcommission to view the complete resource guide.

For more information visit www.CentennialCo.gov/

meetingroom or call

(303) 325 8000

Centennial Animal Services, Code Compliance and the Public Works Departments are now located at

7272 S. Eagle Street, Centennial, CO 80112

We’Ve MoVeD!

South on Jordan Road

.6 miles

Arapahoe Road

Potomac Street

Parker Road

Eagle Street

Fremont Street

Civic Center

The City’s 2014 Street Sweeping Program includes the sweeping of the curb lines of all public streets within Centennial. City crews will complete a spring, summer and fall sweep with each pass taking approximately six weeks to complete.

The spring double-sweep will begin in April and is more extensive due to the accumulation of debris over the winter. When your area is scheduled for sweeping, please make sure vehicles are not parked on the street so the gutters may be completely cleaned when your area is scheduled for sweeping.

Residents may access the street sweeping schedule by the end of March on the City’s website at www.CentennialCO.gov/StreetSweeping. Residents are encouraged to register online to receive email notifications regarding their sweeping schedule at www.CentennialCO.gov/notifyme. Street sweeping schedules are dependent upon the weather and may change slightly to adjust for program delays.

Spring Street Sweeping

March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 5www.CentennialCO.gov

NoMiNate your CeNteNNial “sNoW hero” toDay!

Do you know someone who clears sidewalks of snow and ice immediately following a snow storm? Do they even shovel for a neighbor in need? be a good neighbor and nominate your Centennial snow Hero today!

the Centennial snow Hero initiative was created in response to community input on the need for sidewalk snow removal, especially in business parks and multi-family residential buildings. Centennial does not currently have a snow removal ordinance but encourages all citizens to voluntarily shovel walks directly in front of, within, and adjacent to their property within 24 hours of a snow storm.

the City will recognize those who participate in the volunteer snow removal initiative and keep sidewalks on and near their property safe and clear of snow and ice. nominees will be presented with Centennial snow Hero window decals for display and will be recognized on the City’s website and social media.

thaNK you CeNteNNial sNoW heroes!

the City of Centennial applauds the residents, businesses and organizations for taking the time to show their family, friends, patrons and neighbors they care about their well-being by clearing sidewalks of snow. below is a list of recently nominated Centennial snow Heroes:

residentsJulie Pfannenstein Patricia litson Kirk shubertDonald & Crystalina wedlaw

Businesses & organizationsArapahoe business Center H & r block suncor energy the salvation Army

Visit our new mobile site, www.Centennialsnowhero.com, or visit www.CentennialCo.gov, to view a list of snow Heroes or to nominate your very own Centennial snow Hero.

For more information on the City’s Snow and Ice Plan, snow plow routes and winter safety tips, visit

www.CentennialCO.gov/snow

or call 303-325-8000.

Page 6 • Centennial Connection • March 2014 www.CentennialCO.gov

Denver Water is installing a 16-inch water main beneath Dry Creek Rd. from S. Colorado Blvd. to S. University Blvd. During construction, Dry Creek Rd. will be reduced to one traffic lane in each direction from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend or extended work hours may be needed on occasion, as approved by the City. This project is scheduled to be complete by June 1, weather permitting.

Following the completion of this utility work, the City will resurface the section of Dry Creek Rd. from Colorado Blvd. to University Blvd. in mid-summer 2014. This street rehabilitation work was originally scheduled for 2013, but was delayed until the completion of the utility work located along this corridor.

Please contact Denver Water at 303-503-5260 for more information on this project. For after hour emergencies, please contact 303-628-6801.

Dry Creek Road Utility Construction Update

On February 3 the Centennial City Council allocated an additional $6 million to Arapahoe Rd. from Waco St. to Himalaya Way widening project to make the project whole. Of the total estimated project budget of approximately $15 million, the City of Centennial is contributing $10 million. Other funding participants include: Arapahoe County ($1.87 million plus an additional $2.26 million for utility undergrounding), the City of Aurora ($500,000) and the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA) ($561,000).

The 1.5 mile stretch of Arapahoe Rd. will be reconstructed and widened from the existing two-lane section to an interim four-lane section while preparing the roadway for a future six-lane section. Three existing signalized intersections will be redesigned. Several existing drainage

outfalls along the project will be redesigned and constructed in coordination with the SEMSWA. Additionally, overhead electric lines on both sides of Arapahoe Rd. will be relocated to accommodate the ultimate six-lane roadway section, utilizing Arapahoe County’s additional $2.2 million funding contribution. The design will be coordinated with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA).

In the coming months, the City will begin a public outreach process to connect with adjacent property owners, neighborhoods and commuters along the corridor. The City will meet individually with property owners along Arapahoe Rd. to discuss the impacts the project will have on each property. Following the one-on-one meetings, the general public, citizens and commuters who are interested in the project are encouraged to attend an open

house in early summer. The roadway widening construction is anticipated to begin in early 2015.

Citizens and commuters may expect to see activity along the roadway throughout 2014 as the project team continues to collect field information and performs preparatory work on the roadway.

Please visit the project website, www.ArapahoeRoad.com, for project information, photos, contact information, construction details and more.

latest NeWs oN araPahoe rD. WaCo to hiMalaya WiDeNiNG

C i t y o F C e N t e N N i a l o F F i C e s

City of Centennial Offices13133 E. Arapahoe Rd., Centennial, CO 80112

Phone: 303-325-8000 (24/7)Office Hours: (excluding holidays)

M-F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. E-mail: info@CentennialCO.gov

www.CentennialCO.gov

Centennial Connection is publishedby the City of Centennial. It is also available

in PDF format on the City website.Comments and questions:

Kersten Baldwin, 303-325-8087

All articles in this newsletter may be reprinted, with attribution, without permission.

Main telephone Number for all City information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 303-325-8000303-325-8000

March 2014 • Centennial Connection • Page 7

Cathy Noon, Mayor303-754-3350 cnoon@CentennialCO.gov

Vorry MoonCouncil, District 1303-754-3354vmoon@CentennialCO.gov

Kathy turleyCouncil, District 1303-754-3451kturley@CentennialCO.gov

Keith GardnerCouncil, District 2303-754-3359kgardner@CentennialCO.gov

Doris truhlarCouncil, District 2303-754-3346dtruhlar@CentennialCO.gov

Mark GottoCouncil, District 3303-754-3407mgotto@CentennialCO.gov

Ken lucas, Mayor Pro temCouncil, District 3303-754-3367klucas@CentennialCO.gov

stephanie PikoCouncil, District 4303-754-3374spiko@CentennialCO.gov

C.J. WhelanCouncil, District 4303-754-3412cwhelan@CentennialCO.gov

eleCteD oFFiCials

Every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 p.m., Mayor Cathy Noon is at the Centennial Civic Center to speak with Centennial citizens about ideas, concerns, questions– just about anything that’s on your mind. Stop by and say hello!

emergency Notificationwww.ArapahoeSheriff.orgwww.SouthMetro.org

City News - e-News sign upwww.CentennialCO.gov/NotifyMe

siGN uP For iNFo

eMeralD ash Borer threateNiNG trees to the Northyou may have heard recent news reports about an invasive insect called the emerald Ash borer (eAb) that is deadly to ash trees. eAb was found in boulder, Co in september, 2013. it has not yet been found in our area. we will continue to monitor this situation and report the findings and recommendations of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, as we learn more. Visit www.CentennialCo.gov/emeraldashBorer for more information.

www.CentennialCO.gov

DistriCt MeetiNGsDistrict 1 MeetingApril 28 • 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Southglenn Library, 6972 S. Vine St.

District 2 MeetingMarch 18 • 7:00 p.m.Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St.

District 3 MeetingsMarch 27 • 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Innovation Pavilion, 9200 E. Mineral Ave.

District 4 MeetingMay 1 • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Eagle Street Facility, 7272 S. Eagle St.

City of Centennial Newsletter13133 E. Arapahoe Rd.Centennial, Colorado 80112

March 2014

Prsrt stDu.s. Postage

PAiDDenver, Co

Permit no. 497

Picture Centennial highlights the wonderful art of the area, provides a free venue for the display of art and supports local artists in the community. Selected artists will be featured in the Centennial Civic Center for three months, with an open house artist meet-and-greet session at the beginning of each installment. Artist meet-and-greet sessions feature hors d’oeuvres and free wine tasting.

Visit www.CentennialCO.gov/art to learn more about this program.

The Centennial City Council and artist Cathy Lester celebrate the art of Centennial during the January 16 “Picture Centennial” showcase.

From left to right: District 2 Council Member Keith Gardner, District 4 Council Member Stephanie Piko, Cathy Lester, Mayor Cathy Noon, District 3 Council Member Mark Gotto, District 3 Council Member Ken Lucas.

CeleBrate the oF CeNteNNial!