In 2007, I was elected by the voters of south Denver to replace Kathleen MacKenzie as your City Councilperson. Thank you for this fantastic experience, and I hope I've served you well. I had never before held elected office, but I think my love of this city and commitment to the neighborhoods and businesses of south Denver were obvious, as well as the hard work I was willing to put in to make sure your voices were heard and to make this city a better place.

We've achieved a lot together, from the transformative improvements at Ruby Hill Park to rezoning the entire city, from bringing a school back to Byers Junior High to the revitalization of South Broadway, from major improvements in bicycle infrastructure to restoring and transforming the South Platte River greenway. These and so many other achievements, large and small, we've won together for our little corner of the city, and for Denver as a whole.

I've also been lucky enough to be elected twice as City Council president, and helped shepherd this city through some very tough economic times and some dramatic transitions in city leadership. We have emerged on the other side as one of the finest cities in America, with an even brighter future ahead.

In 2011, you were kind enough to re-elect me almost unanimously, and I'd be honored to be re-elected as your Councilman in 2015 for a third and final term. But sometimes the door of opportunity opens and you choose to walk through it or walk on. In 2015, our beloved Dennis Gallagher, a man who has ably served this city in various capacities for over forty years, will be term-limited out as City Auditor. With his support, I will be running to replace him.

The experience of being your Councilman has prepared me well for this job - a debt I hope to repay by serving with distinction as your next City Auditor. The experience has also been among the most rewarding of my life, and these final eighteen months of my term will be bittersweet. While I certainly hope I have served you well, and will endeavor to continue doing so through the end of my term, what I have gained from you through this experience puts me much more in your debt than the other way around.

Thank you, citizens of south Denver and "lucky District 7." It has been an honor and a privilege to be your Councilman.

Don't Trash That Christmas Tree - Recycle it!

Your Christmas tree gave you so much joy during the holidays, and still has more to offer! Denver Recycles "TreeCycle" program will turn your Christmas tree into valuable mulch. And, 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. Remember to remove all decorations before placing the tree out for collection.

Here's how to recycle your holiday tree:

1) Remove all decorations and the tree stand. NO artificial or flocked trees. Real evergreen trees only!

2) Set your tree out for collection during the first two weeks of January. Your tree will get picked up by a special tree collection truck for recycling.

Set-out day and location depends on your trash service type. Manual & Barrel customers should set trees out near your normal set-out location by 7 a.m. on your trash collection day during the week of January 6 or 13. Dumpster customers should set trees out by 7 a.m. on either Monday, January 6 OR Monday, January 13 for collection sometime during that week.

Please do not place trees in dumpsters. Since trees placed in dumpsters are mixed in with other trash they do not get recycled and are sent to the landfill. Trees should be placed at least 4 feet away from dumpsters and other obstacles for collection by a special tree-only collection truck.

3) Reclaim free mulch made from your tree at the annual Mulch Giveaway. The 2014 Mulch Giveaway is scheduled for Saturday, May 3.

After last year's holiday season Denver residents helped us recycle more than 18,000 trees. Participate in Treecycle this year and help us recycle even more!

Park People Offer Free Trees For Denver Residents
After you've taken care of disposing of your inside tree, get ready to order an outside tree - for FREE. Even though we're now in the dead of winter it's not too early to prepare for planting season. Spring will be here soon and The Park People and Denver Forestry Department want you to have a FREE tree. Trees provide shade, save energy, and beautify our neighborhoods. Why not participate? It's easy. Click here to find out more about the Denver Digs Trees programs.

The deadline for submitting an application for a street tree through the "Denver Digs Trees" program is February 15th. Trees will be available for pickup in April. Visit www.TheParkPeople.org or call 303-722-6262 for a list of trees, applications and information.

"ParkSmart Denver Cards" Now Available

Do you hate digging for change every time you park at a meter? Do you know about the "ParkSmart Denver Card?" The pre-loaded cards are available in increments of $5, $15, $25, $50, and $100 and can be used at Smart Meters citywide. Save yourself some aggravation and stop by one of the locations below to buy your card today.

Metro Area King Soopers stores, customer service counter
Wellington Webb Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave, 1st Fl, cashier counter
Tattered Cover locations: Colfax & Elizabeth and 16th & Wynkoop
Downtown Denver Partnership, 511 16th Street, Suite 200
Wastewater Management, 2000 West 3rd Street, Permit Counter

For more information and additional locations visit ParkSmartDenver.com.

Denver Animal Shelter Hosts "Meet Your Match" February 15th and 16th, Expands Hours

Looking to meet that special someone? Stop by "Meet Your Match," Denver Animal Shelter's annual Valentine's Day adoption event February 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual event is being extended this year to all weekend long, offering additional specials, activities, and raffle prizes.

Adoption fees will be reduced to just $85 for dogs, $50 for cats, $10 for small animals. The shelter will be decked out with a variety of decorations and activities to benefit the Denver Animal Shelter donation fund including:

Kid's craft area-build toys for homeless shelter pets (& take one home for your pet too)!
Advice from certified dog trainers
Raffle prizes
Face painting
Photography sessions

In addition to the Meet Your Match Event, the Denver Animal Shelter will also be expanding its hours and services starting January 5th to better serve the community and help animals in need

The shelter will be open 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adoptions and redemptions will end 30 minutes prior to close to ensure ample time to complete the process. The vaccination clinic will now be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more visit: www.DenverGov.org/AnimalCare, call (303) 698-0076, or stop by our new state-of-the-art shelter at 1241 West Bayaud Avenue. Check out the public art on your way in: a twenty-five foot dog sculpture with 90,000 stainless steel pet tags for fur named Sun Spot!

Ruby Hill Rail Yard Opening Day Coming Soon!

Crews are keeping a close eye on the temperatures in order to give Mother Nature a helping hand and fire up the snow makers for another season of the Ruby Hill Rail Yard. The Rail Yard is Denver's premiere snowboarding destination, right on-top of Lucky District 7's Ruby Hill Park. Open 7 days a week from 5:00am to 11:00pm with lighted riding from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Ruby Hill Rail Yard offers the perfect opportunity for family-friendly snow fun in Denver.

As crews monitor temperatures to decide when to launch the first snow-making efforts, be sure to keep checking the Denver Parks and Recreation Website for updates on when opening day occur. Everything's up to the snow gods at this point, but click here for further updates on opening day.

Ruby Hill Rail Yard is the result of a partnership between Denver Parks and Recreation, Christy Sports and Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Resort provides the rails, terrain park design and staff; Christy Sports provides free equipment rentals to the community; and Denver Parks and Recreation provides the physical space and support for the youth programs that utilize the Rail Yard.

See you on the slope!

Half-day "Power Prep" Session Offered for Hospitality Job Seekers

The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) is launching a series of fast-paced, intensive, free workshops designed to help job-seekers in various high-growth industries. The first workshop, set for Tuesday, January 28 at the Denver Workforce Center at 1391 N. Speer, will feature employers and recruitment experts from all over the hospitality industry.

The January 28 series kickoff, "Power Prep: Supercharge your career in the hospitality industry," will be hosted by Stephanie Van Cleve, the deputy director of the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association who also chairs Denver's Workforce Investment Board. Van Cleve will moderate a panel of hospitality veterans who will tell their stories about their own careers and provide inside tips on how to pursue your own. There will also be an opportunity for individual resume reviews and one-on-one coaching from the OED workforce staff.

Space is limited, and reservations are required by January 21. Details and information at 720-865-5580 or DenverGov.org/OED.

Mayor Hancock Waives Credit Card Transaction Fees

The City of Denver is waiving transaction fees for paying by credit or debit card in an effort to encourage residents and businesses to pay their taxes, fees, bills and fines online. This new initiative, part of Mayor Hancock's 2014 budget, will save Denver residents and businesses an estimated $2 million a year in fees.

Waiving credit card transaction fees is a first-of-its-kind effort for Denver, offering customers a more convenient way to do business with the city, while also being less costly for the city to process.

As of January 1st, fees for paying taxes (including property, sales, use, lodgers, occupational privilege, Facilities Development Admission and Telecommunications Business taxes) online with a credit or debit card have been eliminated. Transaction fees charged by the state for motor vehicle registration and by third party processing firms for parking, photo radar and red-light violations, however, will continue to be assessed, but with the goal to waive these by 2015.

To pay sales, use, lodger's, OPT, FDA, or TBT taxes online with a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover), users should go to www.denvergov.org/treasury and then click the "Go" button below "Business Tax Information." Once on the Business Tax Page, visitors to the site will see several payment options on the right side. They can then pay with a credit or debit card, or with an e-check. For visitors already registered to file and pay taxes online, nothing has changed, except with the elimination of the transaction fee.

To pay property taxes online with a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover), users should go towww.denvergov.org/treasury and then click the "Go" button below "Property Tax." Once on this page, in the lower left is "Payments & Due Dates" with a link to "Pay Property Tax." On the next page, follow the simple instructions for making payment.

FREE Tax Preparation Services for Low-Income Families

Hard-working families earning less than $51,000 can take advantage of FREE tax preparation services. IRS certified college students and members of the Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC) will help prepare and e-file taxes. Visit the DABC website: www.DenverABC.org income qualifications and other requirements. You can also dial 2-1-1 (a free call) or go to www.Piton.org/eitc for more details and locations. Keep more of your refund: don't pay to have your tax return done!

Washington Street Community Center Offers Wealth of Programs and Classes

For over 40 years, The Washington Street Community Center (WSCC) has provided a fun and safe place to meet, learn and socialize for young and old alike. It's been an institution in the West Washington Park neighborhood for decades, and continues to offer valuable classes, programs, and activities that benefit the quality of life for our residents.

Just a sampling of their activities offered include book groups, yoga and pilates, cooking classes, community breakfasts, luncheons, zumba, and more. For more information about all the wonderful resources offered at the WSCC, visit www.WSCC-Denver.org

Martin Luther King Day "Marade" & African-American Rodeo
Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy is commemorated in the Mile High City every January with what has grown to be one of the largest MLK Day celebrations in the U.S. Join Denver's political and community leaders and marchers in this year's Marade on January 20th at 9:00 a.m. and walk from the Dr. King memorial site in City Park to Civic Center Park. For more information, click here.

Continue the celebration that night at the Martin Luther King Jr. African-American Rodeo of Champions at the Denver Coliseum. The show starts at 6pm and reserved seating costs between $13 - $35. Click here for more info.

Looking for a Fun Way to Keep Your New Year's Resolution? Try Ice Skating at Skyline Park

Did you make a promise to get more exercise this year? Want to make your resolution more fun? Try ice skating at Skyline Park (16th and Arapahoe Streets). Skate rentals are $2, or bring your own pair and skate for FREE! Kids free days are also offered throughout the season. Look for regularly scheduled entertainment and activities each week.

The rink will be open daily through February 16, 2014. Click here for more info and the activity schedule.

Sphere Ensemble Performance at Studios at Overland Crossing

The Sphere Ensemble is Colorado's musically diverse, self-conducted string ensemble. Comprised of professional musicians hailing from across the Denver metro area, Sphere presents its audiences with a distinctive blend of musical styles that flows seamlessly from classical to pop, fusion to fiddle, and more!

Sphere Ensemble will be performing Thursday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. at The Studios at Overland Crossing, 2205 S. Delaware in Denver. Located near Broadway and Evans, and just a block from the Evans light rail station, this former warehouse has been renovated into a fabulous event venue with stellar acoustics.

Tickets are $15/adults, $10/seniors, and just $5 for students, available now at www.BrownPaperTickets.com and at the door before the show.

Denver Energy Challenge Reaches Milestone

The end of 2013 marked a milestone for the Denver Energy Challenge. Since kicking off the program in 2010, approximately 7,000 Denver residents have taken advantage of DEC's free energy advising and resources, saving energy, time and money in the process.

On average, homeowners who made improvements with the help of the Denver Energy Challenge have reduced their energy use by 22 percent, saving an average of $160 on their annual energy costs.

Examples of energy efficient improvements include adding insulation to walls and attics, air sealing, replacing inefficient light bulbs, upgrading hot water heaters and furnaces, and integrating solar and alternative energy use. The Denver Energy Challenge and Elevations Credit Union also offer low-cost, low-interest energy loans to help pay for needed upgrades.

If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time. While supplies last, residents who sign up and work with an adviser will also receive up to three LED bulbs for their home.

Call 720-865-5520 or visit www.DenverEnergy.org to start working with an adviser today.

Denver Urban Renewal Authority Offers Tips on Low and High Priority Home Repairs

Becoming a homeowner is one of the most exciting and gratifying investments a person can make, but with it comes a lot of responsibility. Every homeowner will eventually be faced with expenses for unexpected repairs and maintenance. Whether it's a major investment or a minor one, repairing your home and preventing future damage can be stressful, especially if you don't know where to start.

As we head into winter, now is the perfect time to take stock of what home repairs need to be addressed immediately and what can hold off for a warmer day. And don't worry if you're not sure how to tell what's what; we're here to help. Below is a list compiled by DURA's home repair experts that will help you identify high- and low- priority fixes so you can plan accordingly.

High-Priority Repairs:

Water leaks

Gas leaks

Clogged sewer line

Exposed electrical wires

Roof Leaks

Defective or non-working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Heating (in the winter months to keep water pipes from freezing, and in some cases exploding)

Damaged or ineffective vent pipes and chimneys (for furnace, water heater, wood stoves and fire places)

Low-Priority Repairs:

Important, but can wait a little longer if necessary

Sprinkler repairs

Gutters and downspouts

Grading and drainage

Cosmetic repairs (paint, drywall, light fixtures, tile etc.)

Some minor electrical repairs

Bathroom-vent fans and range hood fans

Homeowners should pay extra attention to the items on our high-priority list. Allowing these types of issues to go unfixed will not only cause significant damage to a property, but some cases - such as gas leaks - can also be life threatening. Addressing high-priority items immediately is the only way to ensure the safety and well being of a home.

Even if damages are not dangerous, a little home maintenance will go a long way. Small issues may seem fine to put off, but they can grow in severity and when they do, they're going to be far more expensive to repair. Attending to high-priority home fixes now and low-priority fixes soon will not only protect the quality of your property, but also your quality of life.

If you are a low or moderate-income Denver homeowner, contact DURA for more information about funding for home repairs or upgrades through our Emergency Home Repair (EHR) and Single Family Rehabilitation (SFR) programs at (303) 534-3872 or renewdenver.org.

January Calendar Link

Click here to visit the District 7 website

If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter or would like to change your email address, please email Nathan.Batchelder@DenverGov.org.