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Thank You, Denver!: 2A Passes with Overwhelming Voter Support
Thanks to your overwhelming support of Initiative 2A, Denver can restore fiscal stability to the City. The additional funds authorized by you will go immediately to increase library hours, bolster youth programs, hire additional safety personnel, support local businesses, step up street maintenance, and much more. Click here for more information about how 2A will help us "Move Denver Forward." Your commitment to our City is clear. Thank you, Denver! Now it is our turn to make sure we deliver the Denver we all believe in. |
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Denver Issues First Financial Community Report
If you want to get a picture of what Denver's finances look like right now, check out the city's first ever "Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR)," In contrast to the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report). The PAFR will be in common-sense plan English and more accessible to the layman. This further marks the Hancock administration's commitment to delivering greater transparency in city government and follows through on Mayor Hancock's promise to keep citizens up to date on the status of the city's finances. Click here to view a pdf of the full report. |
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Thank You Again, Denver!: DPS Initiatives 3A & 3B Pass With Overwhelming Support Too!
Denver voters are to be further commended for passing 3A, a mill-levy override that will raise $49 million annually to be used to strengthen DPS's educational programs and close gaps caused by cuts in state funding for education; and for passing 3B, which authorizes DPS to issue $466 million in long term bonds to fund school building maintenance, renovations, technology upgrades, and new school construction projects. Among these projects is the complete renovation of Byers Jr. High and the placement of the Denver School of Science & Technology there! Great work! Thank you, again Denver! |
DSST-at-Byers Informational Meeting - December 18 Your hard work and commitment made DSST-at-Byers Jr. High a reality. The DPS School Choice process is now underway and we are excited to announce that DSST: Byers will accept its first class of 6th grade students for the 2013-2014 school year. To learn more about the DSST-at-Byers program, attend one of the Open House events below and visit www.DSSTPublicSchools.org for more information. Contact the DSST:Byers team at Byers@ScienceAndTech.org or 303-524-6350.
DSST-at-Byers Open House events:
Calvary Temple, 200 S University, 5:30-7:00pm
December 18, January 10, January 24 |
MY Denver Card - DPS Student ID for Universal Recreation Center and Library Access
Here is another great election outcome, an idea that came from a District 7 citizen, and something your very own Councilman helped make happen. Starting this year, bolstered by voter-approved funds from 2A, a Denver Public School (DPS) Student ID card will give 6-12th grade students FREE access to all Denver Parks & Rec Centers, and serve double duty as a Denver Public Library card. How does this work? Parents simply fill out an application and turn it in to the child's school. Applications are available at Denver Public Schools, through Denver Public Libraries, and Denver Parks & Rec. A downloadable registration form is also available by clicking here. Sign up today! |
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Denver Public Library to Increase Hours in 2013
Seriously, more good news? Yep. You made another fantastic thing happen when you voted for 2A. Thanks to you, the Denver Public Library can increase their 2013 service hours by 40% once Denver's 2013 budget is approved. At that time, most branch libraries will be open a minimum of 48 hours per week, with two evening hours and new weekend hours at several locations. The Central Library will be open 56 hours per week with Saturday morning hours restored.
More library hours means more librarian hours: the library will need to increase hours for current part-time staff and hire for new positions. Look for job openings on DPL's website once the 2013 budget is approved by City Council. The new hours will be phased-in beginning January 2013 as required staffing levels are achieved. The library estimates that all locations will be operating with their new schedules three to four months after the hiring process begins. This gives you plenty of time to sign your kid up for the new DPS Student ID! More information about the 2013 branch hours will be available on the library's website in the coming weeks. |
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Denver Deploys "Parking Angels"
Throughout December Denver Public Works Right of Way Enforcement agents will be giving the gift of FREE PARKING!!
In addition to patrolling parking throughout the City, Agents will be giving away $5.00 "ParkSmart Denver" parking cards to random drivers parking at Denver's Smart Meters. Remember, "ParkSmart Denver" cards are the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Who doesn't love FREE PARKING? Click here to purchase and for more information. |
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Denver Water Raising Awareness
Do you live in an older home? You may have lead in your plumbing, which could affect the water coming out of your tap. Every year, Denver Water collects more than 10,000 water samples, runs more than 50,000 water quality tests throughout its system, and mails a water quality report to customers to describe the overall quality of water from collection and storage to customers' taps. Fortunately, lead is not found in Denver's source water (rivers and reservoirs), treated water or public water system. Unfortunately, it can be found inside homes with lead pluming.
The good news is that Denver water tests for that too. In the utility's most recent testing, water samples from 60 homes were analyzed. Eight of those samples showed lead levels that were higher than the federal standard. All eight homes were built before 1920. Does that worry you? Want to know more? Denver Water has tons of good info for you. Click here and find out how you can eradicate lead in your water. |
Free Enegy Workshop In January
Looking to make energy improvements at home or in your Denver business? Unsure where to start? Come to a free educational workshop on January 8th, from 6-7pm, at The Center (1301 E. Colfax Ave. Denver 80218). A representative from the City's "Denver Energy Challenge" will discuss ways to cut energy waste and provide free resources. Over 5,200 residents and 1,100 businesses are participating, so the only thing to lose is wasted energy! Please RSVP to HomeEnergy@denvergov.org if you'd like to attend. |
Washington Park Slated to Lose Four Trees
Sad news. To accommodate the ditch improvement project that is currently underway, Denver Parks and Recreation needs to remove four trees in Washington Park along Downing Street. You may have seen the signs already. They are posted on each of the trees to be removed and will be up for one week prior to the tree's removal. We hate to see them go but they are being taken out for good reasons.
- Tree #1 shows signs of decay and interferes with the new path alignment Any attempt to work around that tree will impact two healthy trees on the east side of the ditch.
- Trees #2 and #3 have large pockets of decay and pose safety hazards.
- Tree #4 has been scheduled to be removed since the project was designed. The tree is in direct line of construction and would not survive. It is also too close to the existing bus stop and corner.
Lastly many of the current trees on Downing are too big for this area and are constantly being trimmed by Xcel energy to keep them away from the power lines. DPR is committed to replacing these trees with a species that are better suited to the parkway. |
Get Your Last B-Cycle Ride In & Celebrate the End of the Season - 12/10 Happy Hour
B-Cycle goes into hibernation for the winter on Friday, December 14. But there is still a lot to be happy about. Look for new stations next year and come have a beer with the good folks at Bike Denver.
When: Monday, December 10, 6-8pm
Where: Our Mutual Friend Malt & Brew, 2810 Larimer, St. Denver, CO
RSVP: Deirdre@BikeDenver.org
Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? B-Cycle annual memberships make great gifts. Give the B-Cycle program a little holiday love too and donate here.
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Seasonal Tree Tips
We don't need to warn you that chainsaws are dangerous. A little common sense goes a long way. But we would like to remind you to take care when dealing with broken branches in the winter. Here are a few safety tips:
- Inspect the area around your tree to ensure there are no overhead power lines
- Look for broken/hanging branches and cracks or fractures within major limbs
- Visit Trees Are Good for tree pruning advice or call a licensed arborist
- If you do hire someone, make sure they are licensed through Denver Forestry (click on the website or call 720-913-0651 for a list of licensed contractors.)
Call Xcel Energy at 800-895-1999 to report power outages and/or other electrical emergencies. |
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Denver "TreeCycle" - December 31 - January 11th
And for your "indoor" trees, mark your calendar for the end of December and plan to participate in Denver Recycles "TreeCycle" program -- turn your Christmas tree into valuable mulch. Even better, you can pick up your mulch for FREE in the spring. Plus, participating in the program helps the City save money on disposal fees and space in the landfill.
Dumpster service: Place your tree 4 feet away from the dumpster on Monday, December 31st or January 7th.
Barrel & manual service: Place your tree out on your normal trash day between December 31st and January 11th.
Do not place your trees in dumpsters.
Call 3-1-1 after April 1st for more information on the "TreeCycle Mulch Giveaway." |
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Deck the halls with red and GREEN this season!
The good folks at Denver Recycles have made a list (and checked it twice) of ways to be environmentally friendly during the holidays. Follow them on Twitter @DenPublicWorks and send along your favorite tips too.
SKIP WRAPPING PAPER
Create your own wrapping paper with newspaper comics, calendar and magazine pages, or brown paper bags that you decorate. Or, wrap gifts in fabrics or gift bags that can be used year after year. You can also use cloth ribbon for bows instead of disposable plastic ones. Don't forget to recycle the wrapping from the gifts you receive. Denver Recycles accepts most wrapping paper for recycling, but cannot accept glitter-coated or foil coated paper.
RECHARGE IT
About 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season and many of those batteries end up in landfills. Buy rechargeable batteries to include with your electronic gifts, and consider giving a battery charger as well. Rechargeable batteries can save money in the long run, too.
BRING YOUR OWN BAGS
Canvas bags aren't just for the grocery store. Make sure you bring them on all of your holiday shopping trips.
MAXIMIZE RECYCLING
Denver Recycles will accept many types of packaging that is generated during the holiday season. Here are a few holiday items you can recycle:
- Gift boxes
- Cardboard toy packaging
- Eggnog cartons
- Wrapping paper (no glitter or foil coated paper)
- Holiday cards and envelopes (no photo, glitter or foil coated cards)
- Metal cookie tins (up to 6" x 10" in size with the lid removed)
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Important News: Your Trash Service May Be Changing
Grant & Logan between Mexico & Iowa
Sherman & Grant between Arkansas & Florida.
Do you live in that area? If so, your trash collection service will be changing from Dumpster Trash Service to Manual Trash Service as of December 12. Solid Waste is aware that this may be difficult for some, but needs to make the change because the alleys are too tight and have low hanging wires which make it hard to collect trash safely.
You will receive a letter in the mail notifying you of this change. You will also receive a 32 gallon trash can. Your trash will be picked up once a week on Thursday starting Thursday, December 13. Please place your trash containers (and any additional bags and/or trash containers that you purchase on your own) in the alley by 7 a.m. Your recycling service will be unchanged.
Please click here for Manual Trash Service Guidelines. If you have questions or would like more information please call 3-1-1 or visit us online at www.DenverGov.org/Trash. |
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Snow & Ice Removal
Look out. We may actually get snow in December. It's been so long you may need a refresher. Public Works Street Maintenance Department is ready to go with a range of active plans to make the city safe and passable for everyone. Check out their website for information on snow removal routes, timelines, de-icing strategies, winter trash removal, and more.
But Public Works can't do it alone. Residents are required to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours. Businesses and apartment building owners are required to clear walkways and sidewalks within four hours after snow stops falling. If you notice that ice is building up in your street gutter and preventing proper drainage, call 3-1-1 to report it. Lastly, sign up to be a "Denver Snow Buddy." This is a fantastic new program that matches volunteers with elderly or disabled neighbors who are unable to shovel their walks. You can also refer them to one of the following agencies:
Catholic Charities, 303-742-0823 x 2046
DRCOG Area Agency on Aging, 303-480-6787
Senior Resource Center, 303-235-6973
VOA Handy Man Program, 720-264-3331 or 303-297-0408 |
Tax Clinic Volunteers Needed for Low-Income Assistance
Want to do your part to help Denver's low-income families? You can help them get tax refunds - no experience required. You don't need to be an accountant or even a computer whiz to lend a hand to Denver's hard-working low-income families. The City of Denver's Asset Building Coalition (DABC) will train you to help file tax returns for struggling single moms, unemployed parents, immigrant families, and others most in need. DABC tax law training is offered online or through a self-study course in December and January. E-file training will be offered to all volunteers in January. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit http://www.denverabc.org/volunteers.htm or call Karen Black at 720 865-2433. |
Mayor Hancock Delivers Online Taxpaying with "eBiz Tax Center"
Want a faster, easier and more efficient way to manage your business? Try the newly launched "eBiz Tax Center." The new online program enables Denver businesses to file their city taxes online, and offers easy access to business records and other helpful resources.
This new online taxpaying system is part of the Mayor's "eDenver" initiative to provide easy, 24-hour access to city services right from your office, living room or smart device. Here are some of the great things you can do:
- File sales, use, lodger's, occupation privilege, facilities development admissions and telecommunications business taxes online;
- Pay taxes via electronic check or credit card;
- Manage tax accounts;
- Update address information;
- Add third party access;
- Register a new business;
- Claim and view status of a refund; and
- Send and receive communications with the Denver Tax Department
- File property tax payments online.
The "eBiz Tax Center" will also offer a "GO Green" paperless feature, allowing businesses to receive their tax returns electronically. By signing up for the feature, businesses will receive periodic emails to remind them when it is time to file their tax returns with the city. Go to: www.DenverGov.org/eBizTax to visit the new online taxpaying feature. |
The Denver Latino Commission is Seeking Candidates!
The mission of the Denver Latino Commission is to oversee, recommend and influence policies that affect the Denver Latino community while maintaining and encouraging a constituent focus. The Commission:
- Responds to emerging issues identified by the Mayor on a timely basis
- Responds to new or existing Latino issues/initiatives by communicating with the interested parties and serves as a sounding board to understand their issues/initiatives and take positions to relay to the Mayor in support of common goals identified
- Advises the Mayor on suggested political positions
- Responds to state or local legislative issues impacting the Latino community
The Commission is specifically looking for individuals from the following backgrounds:
- Immigrant Communities
- Education
- Youth/College-aged Students
- Media
- Health Care
- Young Professionals
- Human Services
The Commission meets monthly the third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at various locations throughout the City. For an exact meeting location, please refer to the Denver Latino Commission website. Interested applicants should submit the attached application and resume by close of business, December 31, 2012. If you have questions, please contact Anthony Aragon at 720-865-9032. |
Deferred Compensation Plan Committee
Are you a former City Employee? Councilman Nevitt encourages qualified city-retirees to apply to serve on the City's Deferred Compensation Committee. Denver City Council recently passed an ordinance requiring representation on the Committee by retirees. Click here to learn more and apply. |
Residential Street Sweeping Program is Officially Over Until April 2013
Denver Public Works' Residential Street Sweeping program is done until scheduled sweeping resumes in April 2013. The end to residential street sweeping also means an end to monthly posted parking restrictions and to the email. Posted parking restrictions for street sweeping are effective April 1 - November 30 every year. |
RNOs - Have You Renewed Your Registration?
The clock is ticking for all existing Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) to re-register, and for previously unregistered groups to join the list. The deadline is January 31st. Click here for details and the registration form or call Julius Zsako, 720-865-2969. |
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Art Students League
Don't forget about this terrific District 7 asset. The Art Students League offers tons of fantastic classes and programs. Click here for a catalogue and plan to attend one of the following events:
Joy of Toys
First Friday Reception and Holiday Party: December 7, 5:30 to 8pm
Exhibition dates: December 7 to January 23
Teen Studio Night
2nd & 4th Fridays, 6-9 pm, December 14 - May 24
$15 a session, materials & dinner provided
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Denver Public Library Holiday Used Book Sale
The Denver Public Library will be holding a Holiday Used Book Sale December 6-8 at the Central Library, 14th Avenue and Broadway. The sale will feature over thirty thousand used books, CDs, and DVDs. all at bargain prices starting at just $1! Bring your own reusable bags and plan to fill them. All proceeds benefit the DPL.
Sale Schedule:
Thursday & Friday, December 6 & 7: 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday, December 8: 10 am to 4 pm |
Overland Park Neighborhood Association Winter Solstice Celebration - Dec 21
Join the self proclaimed "funky and feisty" OPNA group at Overland Pond Park on Wednesday, December 21st at 2pm. Celebrate the solstice with homemade baked goods, warm cider, hot chocolate, and coffee. Great bird watching too! Bring the kids and show them what neighborhood involvement can do. All neighbors are welcome. |
Ring in 2013 with FREE New Year's Eve Fireworks Downtown, December 31
Start off 2013 with a bang. Spend New Year's Eve watching fireworks light up the sky over the 16th Street Mall. Shows start at 9 pm and midnight. Click here for more information. |
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