January/February 2011

Your community, your life

Vol. 3, Issue 1

Lotto Pays

An informational newsletter for Longmont residents.

GOCO Funds Park Construction

At a board meeting in Longmont on December 7, the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board awarded $700,000 in Colorado Lottery funds to the City of Longmont to fund the first phase of development of the 81-acre Dry Creek Community Park. The Longmont grant was ranked number one out of 108 applications from throughout Colorado. Located in southwest Longmont south of Silver Creek High School, the future site of Dry Creek Community Park has been the focus of extensive community planning and input. With the help of GOCO/Lottery funds, the City will begin the first phase of park development on approximately 20 acres. In addition to the Citys first 18-hole disc golf course and its first universally accessible playground that will accommodate wheelchairs, phase I development of the
GOCO Board Members presented Mayor Bryan L. Baum with a check for $700,000 to help begin construction of Dry Creek Community Park in southwest Longmont.

Hair4Hunger
Council Members Shave Heads for Needy. Page 2

Snow Map
See Priority Snow Routes. Page 3

park will include five multiuse sports fields, trails and walkways throughout the site, restrooms, a parking lot, and infrastructure, landscaping and irrigation for the entire site. Bids for park construction should take place by midJanuary with total costs of phase 1 is estimated at about $4.4 million. Construction is expected to take eight to nine months, but the park will not open until a year after
Park Construction continued on page 2

Protect Your Family

Tips on Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Page 6

Volunteer Help

FREE Tax Preparation

Three sites in Longmont will provide free income tax preparation and e-filing for qualified taxpayers. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) are IRS-sponsored programs staffed by fully trained and certified volunteers, who can prepare Colorado state and federal income taxes. Volunteers at the Senior Center also prepare the Colorado 104 PTC, and this is the only site that processes City of Longmont rebate forms for the property tax/rent rebate, water and parks fee refunds, and electric discount.
LONGMONT SENIOR CENTER (TCE site) 910 Longs Peak Avenue February 1 through April 14 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am to 1 pm Tax returns by appointment only. Staff begins taking appointments on January 20 at 303-651-8412. If you are filing only a City of Longmont rebate and/or state 104 PTC, no appointment is necessary. You can simply walk in on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 and 11 am. FRONT RANGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (VITA site) 2121 Miller Drive, Building C February 5 through April 16 Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm, CLOSED March 19 and March 26 Walk-ins only ST. VRAIN VALLEY CREDIT UNION TRAINING CENTER (VITA site) 2050 Terry Street, Suite 101 February 2 through April 16 Wednesdays 6 to 8 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm Walk-ins only

America Celebrates
See the Quilts of Joy Exhibit at Museum. Page 7

Energy Advice
Boulder County Offers Energy Assessments. Page 8

Do you qualify? The TCE site at the Longmont Senior Center serves low- and moderate-income seniors, families and individuals. The VITA sites at the St. Vrain Valley Credit Union Training Center and Front Range Community College serve taxpayers with a combined annual income of $49,500 or less. There are some restrictions on which forms can be prepared, so please check the website at www.coloradovita.org to verify that your return will qualify.

Longmont Life
City of Longmont 350 Kimbark Street Longmont, CO 80501

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID LONGMONT CO PERMIT NO 19

Whats on Your Mind?

The Longmont City Council invites the community to participate in an open forum with council members on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at 7 pm in the City Council Chambers at 350 Kimbark St. This will replace the regular city council meeting, and has no agenda other than to listen to voices from the community. This is an opportunity for Longmont residents to engage in a positive, informal dialogue with the city council about any current issues or future opportunities they see for Longmont. The meeting format allows residents to offer their opinions, ask questions and converse with council members and city staff. For more information contact city council members directly or the City Managers office at 303-651-8601.

POSTAL PATRON

Council Corner

Annual Retreat Helps Set Priorities

As the new year begins, the city council takes time out to meet, learn and talk about various topics of importance to the future of Longmont. Even before I was a member of the city council, I attended the annual retreat and it was a great opportunity to learn about the direction and priorities of the City. This years Even before I was a retreat is scheduled a little later than normal, member of the city February 11 and 12, at the Xilinx Conference council, I attended the facility located at 3100 Logic Drive, and will annual retreat and it be facilitated by former National League of Cities President and City of Northglenn was a great opportunity Mayor Kathleen Novak. The Council will be to learn about the discussing the following topics: direction and priorities The state of economic development. of the City. The council will have a dialogue with economic development partners and retail experts regarding the state of large and small retailers, primary job incentive programs and future collaboration. The future of Longmonts public transportation system. The Regional Transportation District, with its revenue source driven primarily by sales tax, has limited resources to provide a comprehensive local public transit system for Longmont. Options that create the best local transit system now (with the current fiscal constraints) and in the future will be explored. The Riverwalk Overlay District. The St. Vrain River Corridor is an untapped jewel in Longmont and this topic explores the feasibility of future development scenarios. Water issues, including the Button Rock and Windy Gap reservoirs. Council will receive a brief update of the Citys Raw Water Master Planning andWindy Gap Firming water storage project and will evaluate the Citys participation level. I encourage you to come to the retreat. It is truly is an open public meeting where these topics will be explored in depth and the council will determine next steps in the citys future.

Gabe Santos Council Member

The Hair Buzz

Baum, Santos Shave Heads for Charity

When Longmont Mayor Bryan L. Baum challenged the community to raise $25,000 for the OUR Center food program, it seemed like a lofty goal. When he promised to shave his head if the money were raised, the dollars started rolling in. Mayor Baum initially challenged the sponsors to raise an additional $15,000 after $10,000 was raised by Longmont businessman Jim Lytton (who had his head shaved in August). The community, including Longmont Rotary, rose to the occasion bringing in another $15,000. A second challenge came from Council Member Gabe Santos, who dared sponsors to raise another $15,000. That challenge was met by Rocky Mountain Christian Church, which raised $20,000 for the OUR Centers food program. Thats why Mayor Baum and Council Member Santos were shaved bald on Thanksgiving Day during the OUR Centers annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Hungry. They were joined by the Mayor Bryan L. Baum, his son Chase, local radio host Tom Sheffield and mayors 7-year-old son Chase and local Council Member Gabe Santos hosted a hair-razing event for charity on radio personality Tom Sheffield. Thanksgiving day. The OUR Center thanks everyone who participated in this campaign to assure that no one goes hungry in Longmont. Everyone involved was amazing in their dedication to the effort, and the level of commitment was extraordinary.

Park Construction from page 1

completion so that the newly seeded multiuse field can grow. The park is projected to be open by late 2012. GOCO is the result of a citizens initiative that was passed in 1992. It receives approximately half of Colorado Lottery proceeds and awards grants to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through the Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State Parks.

Longmont Life is distributed six times per year via U.S. mail to all city residents and businesses. Comments on this newspaper format and content are welcome at cityoflongmont@ci.longmont.co.us

City Council
There are a variety of ways to contact city council members: City council meetings, every Tuesday at 7 pm Coffee with Council, last Saturday of every month E-mail and phone numbers listed here Mail c/o City Clerks Office, 350 Kimbark St. Public events, including Cinco de Mayo, Rhythm on the River and Festival on Main

MAYOR Bryan L. Baum

Term expires 11/2011 bryan.baum@ci.longmont.co.us 303-651-8602

WARD II Katie Witt

Term expires 11/2013 katie.witt@ci.longmont.co.us 303-642-6606

AT-LARGE MAYOR PRO TEM Gabe Santos

WARD III Sean McCoy

Term expires 11/2013 gabe.santos@ci.longmont.co.us 303-775-4005

Term expires 11/2011 sean.mccoy@ci.longmont.co.us 303-847-6076

WARD I Brian Hansen

AT-LARGE Sarah Levison

Term expires 11/2011 brian.hansen@ci.longmont.co.us 303-847-7186 (Mon. & Tue., 8 to 10 am)

Term expires:11/2011 sarah.levison@ci.longmont.co.us 303-847-1647

AT-LARGE Alex Sammoury

303-642-5298

Term expires 11/2013

alex.sammoury@ci.longmont.co.us

From left Gabe Santos, At-Large, Mayor Pro Tem; Katie Witt, Ward II; Bryan L. Baum, Mayor; Alex Sammoury, At-Large; Brian Hansen, Ward I; Sean McCoy, Ward III; Sarah Levison, At-Large.

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Snow Daze

Snow and Ice Removal Plan

When it comes to keeping Longmonts streets safe for travel in cold weather, the Citys snow and ice control plan is no snow job. Its more like the military preparing for a confrontationbut with the snow, ice and elements Mother Nature is capable of dishing out to us all. The Citys Snow and Ice Control Plan is a strategy for staff to organize and maintain cost-effective operations when snow and ice impact safe travel on Longmonts Streets.

THE LEVELS OF DEPLOYMENT ARE:

Level One: Little or no snow Level Two:
Snow up to six inches accumulates and there is potential for back-toback storms. The full snow team of 13 staff and trucks per shift are on duty. There is a 30-minute response time and the team reports for 12-hour shifts until the storm ends. Team operations involve plowing, de-icing, and sanding, as well as vehicle cleaning and maintenance. Limited or targeted snow removal is possible in downtown and school zones, based on hazardous conditions.

and ice accumulation occurs or is predicted. Full deployment of snow teams does not occur, but selected areas such as overpasses, bridges and shaded areas where de-icing and sand are used as needed.

Level Three: Snow accumulates from six to 15 inches, regardless of individual or multiple storm predictions. The entire snow team is on duty working shifts of 12 hours on and 12 hours off. The fleet is on duty and other department staff may be necessary. In addition, private contractors may be called upon to support the operation. School zones are cleared curb-tocurb. Walk-to-school routes may need assistance from other staff and contractors.

Level Four: Predicted recurrence of snow storms where 15 or more inches accumulate, and with further accumulation anticipated. The City Manager declares a snow emergency and the Emergency Operations Center is activated. Walk-toschool routes will be cleared. City streets and alleys are plowed and sanded; contractors are called in and the fleet is called in for duty. Additional residential streets are plowed.

This plan requires a highly organized team effort and requires cooperation of many City departments, including Public Safety, Public Works and Natural Resources, and Risk Management, as well as vendors, contractors, and Longmont residents. When there is a forecast of 50 percent or greater for snow accumulation, snow teams are placed on-call and an operator is put on duty to detect and monitor snowfall. Public Safety is also notified when snow teams are deployed. The Citys snow teams deployment strategies are based on the level of storm. The City has developed a four-tier deployment strategy that is contingent on temperature, accumulation and potential for back to back storms.

It is important to note that not all residential streets are plowed. Only the streets identified in the snow plan are plowed.

US Hwy 287

Streets are designated for snow removal to form a safe transportation network. At least one of the following criteria must be met for a street to be designated for snow operations: Arterial or collector status. Downtown central business district. Provide access to significant commercial and industrial areas. Provide access to schools. RTD bus routes. Provide access to emergency facilities.

Longmonts residents are required to help with snow removal and must clear their walkways within 24 hours after snow stops falling. If residents live on a street plowed by the City, its best to wait until the snow is plowed to avoid having to shovel again. For more information, including a list for street priority, the Citys Snow and Ice Control Plan and a map of the designated streets check out the Citys website at www.ci.longmont.co.us/public_works/streets/ snow_removal.htm#FullVersion.

Hover St

21st Av Francis St

Pace St

23rd Av

Hygiene Rd

Lakes

hore

17th Av

Lashley St

Collyer St

Cedarwood Mountain View

11th Av 9th Av N 85th St

Alpine St

E 9th Av

Wasach

County Line Rd

State Hwy 66

Ute Rd

WCR 24
3rd Av Sunset St 5th Av Country Hwy 1 Hover St

N 75th St

Rogers Rd

Pratt Pkwy

E3
Main St Martin Sugarmill

rd A v

State Hwy 119

Boston Bowen St

Fordham

Ken Pratt Blvd

Kansas Quail Rd

Clover Basin Dr

Pike Rd US Hwy 287 95th St

Legend
Priority 1 Route Priority 2 Route Park

Plateau

SH

9 11

N 119th St

Nelson Rd

303-776-6050

January-February 2011 | Longmont Life

Stetch Your Limits

Fitness in a New Year!

The Core Plus class at Centennial Pool is just one of the many fitness offerings that Longmont Recreation Services provides.

Give yourself the gift of fitness this year and explore the various fitness options that exist with Longmont Recreation Services. We all know that exercising alone is hard, so join a class and discover (again) how fun it is to work out with other people. Are you interested in land fitness classes? Spinning, cardio, step, stretch, and strength classes are featured at various times of the day throughout the week and weekend. Each land class is rated by fitness level so youll know before you go how easy or hard a class will be. There are 14 different types of classes appropriate for all levels, including beginners. Nine other classes are for intermediate or advanced fitness levels and even so, beginners are still welcome; your instructor can help with exercise modifications. Want to explore the low-impact benefits of water fitness classes? Centennial Pool and the Longmont Recreation Center both have classes that resemble land fitness classes held in water (think of group choreography, heads above the water, in depths where participants both can and cannot touch the bottom of the pool) and swim-team-like Masters Swimming workouts. Longmont Recreation Services is here to help you find a class that motivates you to follow through with your fitness goals. Classes are available on a drop-in or pass basis. Twenty-visit, quarterly, and annual passes are also available. For a complete schedule or other information, visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec or call 303-774-4800.

St. Vrain Greenway Connects Community

The St. Vrain Greenway Project is underway with construction for a new phase of work. The current project is building two trailheads at the eastern end of the trail: one at 119th Street and another at Weld County Road 1. These will be the first trailheads that can accommodate horse trailers. A shelter will be located at each trailhead along with a restroom at 119th Street. A whitewater course is planned for the Pavlakis Open Space, also known as Dickens Park. The currently

Flood Assurance

Lykins Gulch Project Restores Beauty and Function

Thinking green means coming to know that Mother Nature got it right to begin with, not just in the case of beauty, but function, safety and even cost effectiveness for the City of Longmont. The voter-approved Lykins Gulch drainage project in southwest Longmont is a good example of this. Construction on the project, which began in February 2010, is moving toward completion, and the bulk of the acreage between Airport Road and Hover Street will be out of the Lykins Gulch 100-year floodplain, an obvious Stewart Golden cuts the ceremonial garland with the help of during the Lykins Gulch restoration benefit to public safety. Efforts have involved Mayor Bryan Baum December 21 at Golden Ponds. and trail celebration on restoring much of the Lykins Gulch Stream to its natural flow and drainage pattern. Studies indicate that this is best for handling potential 100-year floods while beautifying the surrounding land by ridding it of invasive non-native plant life and through revegetation with native species. That, in turn, will encourage native wildlife and fish to flourish. Upon completion, the new Lykins Gulch channel will be similar to the portion of Left Hand Creek east of Main Street, which provides natural wildlife habitat. Restoring the streams pattern means it will again flow northeast but through the southernmost lake in Golden Ponds before it reaches the St. Vrain River. About 3,200 linear feet of shoreline revegetation will take place for the stream and ponds, which will add to wildlife habitat. And, about 3,200 linear feet of pedestrian trails will allow the public to enjoy these environmental benefits. The drainage project also involved relocating the part of Rogers Road where it intersected Airport Road. This was necessary since the original flow pattern for Lykins Gulch Stream passes through that point. The newly located portion of Rogers Road now intersects Airport Road a short distance south of the original intersection; it occupies the location of the old man-made Lykins Gulch channel. The old section of Rogers Road will be removed. Some construction will continue into mid-summer to create small islands in Golden Ponds that are intended for wildlife habitat and a concrete-lined spillway between some of the ponds and the St. Vrain River. The armored spillway will be able to sustain higher water flows when they occur. The massive Lykins Gulch drainage project is expected to cost $3,530,000, with $3,184,000 being financed by 2008 bond proceeds and $346,000 of it financed in 2009 with monies from the Citys Public Improvement Fund. Voters approved the project in the 2007 election.

undeveloped district park will be designed in 2011 and constructed soon after to include many amenities, one of which is a whitewater course envisioned with the master plan back in 2000. Water rights, which will maintain minimal stream flows to allow for this use, were appropriated several years ago. The trailhead at 119th Street will allow small craft boaters and tubers a safe eddy at which to leave the river. Additional work underway includes landscaping, benches and signage along the trail, a welcome addition for hot sunny days! With completion of this project St. Vrain Greenway work will be directed back toward Pavlakis Open Space/Dickens Park for the next few years. Plans to continue the trail both east and west are still envisioned. A final connection to St. Vrain State Park will take place when gravel mining is complete east of Sandstone Ranch. To the west, work is underway with Boulder County and private owners to locate the permanent trail that will take Longmont trail users to Pella Crossing open space south of Hygiene.

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Rhythm on the River 2011

July 8 & 9, 2011

Beginning January 15 applications will be available online for Restaurants, Entertainment, World Market If selected you will be notified by e-mail. For more information about this event please visit the website at www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr

datebook
JANUARY
Pawsitive Reading 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Reading with trained reading dogs; best for ages kindergarten and up.

Taste of Therapy Fair 10 am at Izaak Walton Clubhouse, 18 S. Sunset St. Sample a variety of alternative wellness options, $5 per 15-minute session. Call 303-651-8404.

22 Dogs Enjoy

Small Business Workshop What is Social Media? 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Library meeting rooms, 409 4th Ave. Brie Chambers, a certified QuickBooks Proadvisor, will talk about how QuickBooks can help you and your business.

12 Fancy Nancy

Afternoon Reading 1 to 2 pm in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Read with trained reading dogs. Best for ages kindergarten and up.

11 Time is a Lovely Friend

1 to 2 pm at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Seventy-seven year old playwright and performer Len Barron and 10-year-old Bella Betts, a mandolin player and singer, share stories, songs, and dance about the richness that time and experience bring.

11 am to noon in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Best for children ages 4-8. Dress up in your fanciest clothes and enjoy some fun lessons in etiquette, delicious tea and pastries. Open to the first 20 registrants; please call 303 651-8477 to sign up.

Valentines Tea Party

12 Taste of Therapy Fair 27 CU at the LibraryDeep

10 am at Izaak Walton Clubhouse, 18 S. Sunset St. Sample a variety of alternative wellness options, $5 per 15-minute session. Call 303-651-8404.

Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing 8 am at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. RTD and Eldora Mountain Resort collaborate to offer seniors skiing on Tuesdays January 4 through March 29. Snowshoe Workshop 9 to 11 am at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Join fellow snowshoers at the 2nd Annual Snowshoe Workshop. Free.

14 Friday Afternoon
2:30 pm, Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. A 1927 silent comedy accompanied by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, a five-piece ensemble based in Louisville, Colorado. $7.

Concert

Water Archaeology in the Mediterranean: The Final Frontier 7 pm in the Library meeting rooms, 409 4th Ave. A new frontier of classical archaeology is evolving the search for shipwrecks in the deepest waters of the Mediterranean. Presented by CU Professor Robert Hohlfelder.

15 Using your Computer

7 pm at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Learn to use your computer and the Internet to talk with your family and friends around the world.

as a Phone

15 Shredding Event

30 Winter Sprinter

9 am to 2 pm, City of Longmomont Recycle Center, 140 Martin St. Recycle sensitive documents. Bring a recent City of Longmont utility bill showing the waste management fee. Call 303-651-8416.

9 am at Centennial Pool, 1201 Alpine St. A swim meet for adults. $20 preregister, $25 day-of. Call 303-6518406 or visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/ special.

17 CU at the Library An

Trip to Downtown Aquarium 9 am to 4 pm, meet at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Seniors can explore the aquarium, and enjoy lunch. Most lunch items are $9 to $12, lunch costs are on your own. Cost: $35 resident, $42 nonresident; includes trip escort, admission and transportation by coach bus.

16 Winter Wizardry Harry

Potter: Trivia, Games and Film Clips 2 to 3:30 pm in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Costumes encouraged! Best for ages 6 and up. RSVP 303-651-8477.

FEBRUARY
Small Business Workshop Getting and Staying Organized 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Library meeting rooms, 409 4th Ave. Gillian Lally and Mary Anne Lessley will give tips and tricks on how to organize business paperwork (both paper and PC files), space, and time.

7 pm at the Longmont Performing Arts Center, 513 Main St. University of Colorado College of Music presents an evening of opera.

Operatic Performance

21 Presidents Day

City offices closed. Trash will be picked up one day later than normal this week.

22 New to Medicare? 26 Dogs Enjoy

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Friends of the Library January Book Sale In the Library west lobby, 409 4th Ave. Buy used books on travel, diet, recreation, exercise, self-help and religion. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Longmont Library.

17 Martin Luther King Day 18 New to Medicare? 18 Open Forum

10 am to noon at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Free, registration required.

City offices closed. Trash will be picked up one day later than normal this week.

6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Reading with trained reading dogs; best for ages kindergarten and up.

Pawsitive Reading

10 am to noon at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Free, registration required.

Denver Nuggets Skill Challenge 1 pm at Longmont Recreation Center Gym, 310 Quail Rd. FREE competition that allows young players to showcase their talents in dribbling, passing and shooting. For boys and girls, ages 7 through 14. Visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special.

1 to 2 pm in the Children and Teen Library, 409 4th Ave. Read with trained reading dogs. Best for ages kindergarten and up.

Afternoon Reading

7 pm, Longmont City Council Chambers, 350 Kimbark St. An opportunity for Longmont residents to engage in a positive, informal dialogue with members of the City Council about any current issues or future opportunities. Call 303-651-8601. 1 to 3 pm, at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Sponsored by Longmont Senior Advisory Board this open house provides chance to check out the multitude of activities for enthusiastic older adults.

with City Council

26 Move it! 11 Trip to Sleigh Ride

8:15 am to 4 pm, meet at Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave. Head to the high country for a sleigh ride. Bring along appropriate wear hat, gloves, boots, etc. Sleigh ride and lunch are in Granby, which is at 8,000 feet elevation, and youll go over Berthoud Pass at 12,000 feet. Cost: $78 resident, $88 nonresident.

21 Winter Open House

Fun and Dining

1 to 4 pm at Centennial Park, 1100 Lashley St. Join the Move it! servicelearning project in this FREE fun-for-the-whole- community event! Call 303-651-8406 or visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/ rec/special.

Fitness Fair

26 Coffee with
9 to 10 am at Red Frog Coffee, 15 Ken Pratt Blvd. in the south Harvest Junction shopping center. Call 303-651-8601.

Council

303-776-6050

January-February 2011 | Longmont Life

Optimistic Holiday

Shop with a Cop

Andor and Max Visit Longmont High School Student Police Academy
All three high schools in Longmont offer Student Police Academies where students learn about policing. Andor and Max, Longmonts two K-9 dogs made a visit a couple of weeks ago. Officers shared little-known facts about Longmont K-9s: The Longmont K-9 dogs are Belgian Malinois. In addition to this breed, other types of dogs commonly used are German and Dutch shepherds. Most police canines come from Europe. Every year around Christmas, thousands of families can be seen rushing around Longmont as they search for must have gifts for their children. What isnt seen are members of the Longmont Optimist Club working hard to raise money for families who are in need of help to give their children a Christmas. The Longmont Optimist Club raises approximately $2,000 to be used for an event called Shop with a Cop. The idea of shopping with a cop became a reality when the Optimist Club wanted to find a way to give back to the community while enabling a child to get to know a police officer on a personal level. Every year teachers and staff at Longmont elementary schools identify 20 to 25 fifth grade students who come from families in need of assistance to participate in the program. Detective Sara Pierce, police coordinator of the program, is not sure who gets more out of Shop with a Cop, the kids or the officers. Pierce recalls one year in which she was paired with a 10-year-old girl who was shy and had a shopping list as long as her arm. Most people would assume the list was filled with gifts the child wanted to receive that Christmas, but theyd be wrong. This young girl had 10 people in her family, all in the same house and all in need of gifts. When the list was reviewed, there wasnt a single gift on the list that was for her. As Detective Pierce and the young girl walked around Walmart the shopping cart was filled with diapers, underwear, socks and boots. By the end of the day, the shy 10-year-old was full of things to say and stories to tell. Detective Pierces view of Christmas changed forever that day. More than 20 members of the Longmont Police Department staff participate in the program every year.

Shared Risk

Hazardous Materials Response Team Protects Environment and Community

During the 1970s and early 1980s, public awareness of the dangers imposed by the mishandling of hazardous chemicals increased dramatically. It became evident that a rapid response capability to control and contain chemical spills and undesirable releases was necessary to protect the population and the environment. Nationwide this responsibility fell to local fire services. Hazardous materials incidents are classified by fire service as low frequency but high risk events. This means that, although incidents occur infrequently, when they do occur the risk can be significant. Additionally, the cost to properly train and equip a team to deal with even the most likely possibilities is substantial. It quickly became evident that it was not practical for every community to maintain a team. The Longmont Fire Department joined forces with Boulder, Lafayette and Boulder County to share resources for emergency response to hazardous materials incidents in those cities and in unincorporated Boulder County. By working together, adequate resources are available at a reasonable cost to each community. The hazardous materials team doesnt exist to serve just heavy industry. Hazardous materials can be found throughout our communities in service stations, landscape companies, welding shops, electronics firms, body shops, medical facilities, and even in your own garage. Hazardous materials travel through our communities every day by truck, rail and air. Hazardous materials teams must be prepared to deal with accidental releases as well as illegal dumping. And unfortunately, hazardous materials use is not limited to legitimate business purposes. In recent years illegal drug production and terrorism have become issues hazardous material teams must be prepared to manage. The Longmont Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team responds to approximately 30 incidents every year. Although these incidents are infrequent they can pose a significant risk to the team members, the public, and the environment. For this reason our team is highly trained and equipped to reduce the risk to responders and our community.

Police K-9s tend to be more muscular and athletic than other dogs. The Longmont dogs are trained to track, locate narcotics, and assist in apprehending suspects.

Get Alarmed

Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives

Every winter hundreds of people die from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Often called a silent killer, CO is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas. It is created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil and methane burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide enters the body through breathing. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning, and other illnesses. Symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light headedness and headaches. Everyone is at risk for CO poisoning, but infants, pregnant women and people with health problems can be more severely affected by low concentrations of carbon monoxide than healthy adults. High levels of To avoid CO CO can be fatal for anyone, causing death within minutes. poisoning: Remember: 1. Maintain, use and vent CO alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the heating and cooking sound of smoke alarms and CO alarms. equipment properly. Test CO alarms at least once a month. 2. Be cautious when If your CO alarm sounds, move immediately to a fresh air location and call 9-1-1 for using vehicles in attached garages. help. The Longmont Fire Department will come to your house and take a reading of the carbon monoxide levels throughout your home. They can help you determine 3. Install CO alarms inside your home to whats safest for your family based on these CO readings. provide early warning If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. of accumulating For additional information regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, please contact carbon monoxide. the Longmont Fire Department Safety Education Coordinator at 303-651-8432.

Longmonts K-9 dogs are Andor, who is three and works with Officer Tim Madigan, and Max, who is four and works with Officer Mike Kimbley. K-9 dogs always live with their police handlers.

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Art Unfolds

Quilt Exhibition
Longmont Museum presents America Celebrates! Quilts of Joy and Remembrance.
The Longmont Museum presents an exhibition of contemporary quilts, opening on January 15 and running through March 13. America Celebrates! Quilts of Joy and Remembrance features 58 quilts created by artists from 18 states and one from Great Britain. This show, curated by well known Boulder, Colorado, quilt artist Judith Trager, is tied to the theme of celebrations and holidays. Quilts in the exhibit celebrate traditional holidays such as Halloween and the Fourth of July, but also holidays that reflect the increasing diversity of our nation, including Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, and the Mexican national holiday Virgin of Guadelupe Day. A third category of celebrations is more personal, such as quilts about wedding anniversaries, National Coming Out Day, and, of course, Elviss birthday. Whether somber or humorous, elaborately decorated or simple and clean, each quilt in this show tells the story of a celebration that the artist found meaningful. Check the Longmont Museums website at www.ci.longmont.co.us/museum for information about programs that will accompany this exhibition, or call the Museum at 303-651-8374.

City Gets a GRIP on Gangs

The Gang Response and Intervention Program (GRIP) is an interagency and community collaboration that works with families, youth and the school system to help Longmont youth learn skills and engage in positive activities that deter them from gang involvement. GRIP has implemented a variety of programs for St. Vrain Valley School District students from kindergarten to high school and provides support to parents of students in middle and high school. Overall, GRIP has made contact with over 3,000 Longmont community members. It is seen as a model for other communities that are developing ways to work with youth at risk of gang involvement. GRIP also has conducted presentations to parent leadership groups, neighborhood groups, other school districts, surrounding communities and local businesses. Support and education are essential in providing opportunities for youth to succeed. Gang issues are community issues, and parents need to know that they are not alone. If you believe that your child or student is in a gang, he or she probably is, or is at least at risk of joining one. To the right is a list of warning signs for gang involvement. One or two of these signs may simply represent normal teenage behavior. But if you are seeing many of these signs, you may be dealing with a more serious problem. If you have questions about gang intervention or prevention please contact Louie Lopez at 303-774-3756.

Gang warning signs

Change in types of friends Wearing only one color or refusing to wear a certain color Wearing gang colors: blue, red, green, black Athletic sports jerseys with specific numbers: 13, 14, 53 Alterations in clothing with a gang moniker or gang name on it Belt buckles signifying affiliation to a gang using numbers or letters Hats or belt straps worn consistently to one side or the other Shoelace colors or patterns configured into the numbers 13 or 14 Colored bandanas pressed and folded Alterations in homework (Certain numbers or letter in schoolwork may be crossed out.) Change in behavior at school: truancy, a drop in grades, frequent detentions or suspensions Interactions with law enforcement Secretive and defiant behavior: unexplained activities, no respect for parents or any authority figures Tattoos, brandings, carvings or eraser burns of initials, numbers, symbols, etc. on the body Hand signs or any configuration or manipulation of hands Unexplained cash, new and expensive material items obtained without a job or legitimate income source, wearing a lot of jewelry or medallions Please remember, no one specific behavior proves gang affiliation. Use multiple factors in determining levels of gang involvement, and dont stereotype.

303-776-6050

January-February 2011 | Longmont Life

Looking to Buy a Home?

Check out the City of Longmonts Affordable Homeownership Programs

The City of Longmont has two homeownership programs that can help qualified individuals and families purchase a home. For example, to qualify a family of four can make up to $64,400 annually. Community Housing Program The City, in partnership with local developers, makes homes in both new and established neighborhoods available at below-market prices. They are kept affordable for a minimum of 10 years. Boulder County Down Payment Assistance Program This program can help first-time homebuyers purchase a home anywhere in Boulder County, outside

Homes are available in many communities including the Solar Village at Prospect (left), and Sonoma Village at Ute Creek (right).

Boulder city limits. The loan is for up to 8.5 percent of the purchase price of the home (a maximum of $15,000 may be lent) and can cover down payment and closing costs. A first-time homebuyer is someone who has not purchased or owned a home in the last three years. Exceptions may be made for those who are recently divorced. Housing Counseling Think you might be ready to buy a home, but arent sure about your credit? The City works closely with the Boulder County Housing Counseling Program to provide in-depth education and counseling for potential homebuyers and for existing homeowners. The counseling program offers free and confidential services to assist with credit,

budgeting, prepurchase counseling, and foreclosure prevention. For more information on these services or to schedule an appointment with a counselor, please call 720-564-2279 or visit www.bouldercountyhc.org. Housing Rehab Grants Grants of up to $2,500 are available to help homeowners make emergency home repairs. Contact Molly McElroy at 303-651-8530 or visit www. ci.longmont.co.us/cdbg/housing/ rehab.htm. You can find more information on the Citys programs www.ci.longmont. co.us/cdbg/housing or by contacting Molly McElroy at 303-651-8530 or molly.mcelroy@ci.longmont.co.us.

THESE AFFORDABLE HOMES CURRENTLY ARE FOR SALE: 2018 Ionosphere, #10, 1bdrm/1 bath condo, $99,000 804 Summerhawk Drive, #11-107, 2 bdrm/2 bath condo, $114,000 805 Summerhawk, Drive, #L69, 2 bdrm/2 bath townhome, $133,900 1170 Olympia Avenue, Unit H, 2 bdrm/ 2 bath condo, $135,235 805 Summerhawk Drive, #Q99, 2 bdrm/2 bath townhome, $150,000 1011 Sonoma Village, Unit H, 2 bdrm/2 bath condo, $159,000 2225 Calais Drive, Unit H, 2 bdrm/2 bath condo, $160,071 4501 Nelson Rd., #2208, 2 bdrm/2 bath condo, $166,000

resources
LONGMONT ONLINE
Home Page: www.ci.longmont.co.us City Source: www.ci.longmont.co.us/citysource/index.htm or 303-774-4370 Recreation Brochure: www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/index.htm The GO for the 55+ audience: www.ci.longmont.co.us/sen_ctr/general/golden_outlook.htm Various City e-Alert services: www.ci.longmont.co.us/selectalert/index.htm LifeLongmontLearning: www.lifelongmontlearning.com/ Longmont Museum e-News: www.ci.longmont.co.us/museum Twitter: twitter.com/cityoflongmont/ City Line: www.ci.longmont.co.us/cityline/index.htm

Advisor Offers Energy Saving Tips

We know every home and business-owner wants to save money and hates to waste energy. But the hassle of figuring out the smartest efficiency choices, wading through all the potential rebates and finance options, and even choosing a good contractor can be truly daunting. Boulder County residents now have some help. A recent $12 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has funded specific and time-limited energy efficiency services for easier and more affordable energy reduction activity. The program offers an ongoing energy efficiency personal assistant, answering questions, helping prioritize, and walking participants through any appropriate rebate and/or financing options.

LONGMONT PHONE NUMBERS

General Information 303-776-6050
Animal Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8500 Building Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8332 CDBG/Affordable Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8736 Centennial Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8406 Children & Youth Resources . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8580 City Manager/Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8601 Code Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8695 Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8330 Electric Power Interruption . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-776-0011 Fire Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8437 Jobline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8710 Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8470 Longmont Power & Communications . . . . . . . 303-651-8386 Municipal Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8688 Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8374 Community & Neighborhood Resources. . . . . . 303-651-8444 Parks and Open Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8446 Parking Enforcement. . . . . . 303-651-8658 or 303-774-4724 Police Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8555 Public Works Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8304 Recreation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-774-4800 St. Vrain Memorial Building. . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8404 Senior Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8411 Street Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8416 Trash and Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8416 Utility Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8664 Water/Sewer/Storm Drainage . . . . . . . . . . 303-651-8468
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

How does the service work?

The process starts with a visit from your Energy Advisor. During this visit, the advisor will provide an energy assessment, which will identify the best energy saving opportunities for cost reduction and increased comfort. Next, the advisor will install free energy saving light bulbs and showerheads, insulation for hot water pipes, and some basic air sealing. After installation, the advisor helps prioritize savings options based on personal preferences and works to secure a standardized-price contractor. The advisor will also share the complete picture of available state and utility rebates. Advisors even help with the rebate paperwork!

Printed on recycled paper.

What is the cost?

An energy assessment, including the following, costs only $120-140. Customized energy assessment Free quick installation of energy saving measures Contractor choice and selection assistance Rebate and financing guidance and assistance

Longmont LIFE
Comments on this newspaper format and content are welcome. Please write: Longmont City Managers Office ATTN: Rigo Leal 350 Kimbark St. Longmont, CO 80501 Or e-mail to: cityoflongmont@ci.longmont.co.us

Editor Rigo Leal Public Information Officer 303-651-8601 City Manager Gordon Pedrow 303-651-8601 Design ViCOM, Inc. 303-722-6993

How do I sign up?

Call 303-544-1000 or signup@popboulder.com For more information visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/LEAD or www.bouldercounty.org/sustain/energy www.ci.longmont.co.us

Longmont Life | January-February 2011