March-April 2020 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 1

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Trash/Recycling NewsAppointed Council Member Sworn In

Angela Bedolla fills vacant Ward 4 position

On January 28, 2020, Thornton City Council selected Angela Bedolla to fill the vacant Ward 4 Council Member position, and she was sworn in on Tuesday, February 4. The vacancy was created in November when Jan Kulmann, the previous Ward 4 Council Member, was elected Thornton Mayor.

Thornton’s City Charter requires the sitting council and mayor to vote on the selection of someone to fill a vacant position. As part of the selection process, Thornton City Council conducted interviews with all the applicants, and Bedolla was selected to serve on council.

In her application for the Ward 4 City Council position Bedolla stated, “It would be an honor to serve the city of Thornton. I have lived here for over 10 years and would like to engage with the community on a further level. I enjoy making a difference and believe I could make an impact in the community, alongside the council, based on my involvement within it. I enjoy being collaborative and I have a complimentary background with my professional experience and volunteer engagements. I believe in building up the business community and the healthy tax base that it brings.”

Bedolla is actively engaged in several additional organizations, including: Adams 12 Leadership Academy, Adams 12 Long Range Planning Advisory Committee, Adams County Economic Development Business Retention and Expansion, Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities Board Member, and ThornCreek Church. She works for Xcel Energy in its Corporate Economic Development operations.

For more information visit ThorntonCO.gov, or watch the Thornton Council meetings on Comcast channel 8 or online at ThorntonCo.tv.

Your Recycle Pickup Schedule Has Changed. Here’s How To Find Your 2020 Trash and Recycling Collection Calendar

As a Thornton trash/recycling customer, you can look up your collection schedule for your specific address on our website at gocot.net/trashrecycling. You can also sign up to receive collection day reminders via email, phone call, or text message, or you may print your collection schedule or embed it in your iCal, Google or Microsoft Outlook calendar. “Thornton’s Environmental Services Division continues to best serve our customers with this online calendar and reminder system which saves over 100,000 pieces of paper,” says Thornton Deputy Infrastructure Director Todd Rullo. You can also get updated information on Thornton trash and recycling by downloading our new mobile app. Look for City of Thornton Recycles in the App Store and in Google Play. Once you download the app and enter your address, you’ll see the pickup schedule, services and special events specific to your address.

For details about any of these programs visit gocot.net/trashrecycling, email environmentalservices@ThorntonCO.gov or call 720-977-6200.

Landfill DaySaturday, March 28, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.Republic Services Tower Landfill, 88th Avenue and Tower Road, Commerce City. The gate fee is waived for Thornton residents to take non-hazardous debris. One vehicle load per household. Pickup trucks, cars, and small single-axel trailers only. Electronics and Freon charged units will not be accepted. Mattresses are subject to an additional fee. All loads must be covered. Restrictions and limitations apply and proof of residency is required.

Tree Branch/Limb Recycling - Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m.- noon. Thornton residents may bring tree branches/limbs to the Thornton IMC, 12450 Washington St. north entrance off 126th Avenue. Restrictions and limitations apply. Proof of residency is required.

Electronic Recycling EventVisit gocot.net/trashrecycling for pre-registration information. Restrictions, limitations, and fees will apply. Proof of residency will be required.

Paint Recycle Drop-off Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.See ad on the back page.

Help Us OutOn your trash/recycle pickup day, please have containers out by 7 a.m. and leave plenty of room for us to work. Bag your trash as it helps to keep it in place on windy days. Weather and traffic conditions could slow us down but be assured we will be there by late afternoon.

2 Thornton City Voice Newspaper March-April 2020

New Way to Track Your Water UsageTo help water customers save water and save money on their utility bill, Thornton Water has implemented a program to help customers track water usage data online. “The program is called WaterSmart,” says Thornton Water Resources Administrator Laura Wing. “Customers can set email and text usage alerts, track and compare average daily consumption with their historical usage and with other similar customers, learn how to find leaks, and get personalized water-saving tips.” So far, over 7,500 Thornton water customers are registered on the portal. “Recently, one customer saw a higher than normal water bill and logged-in to the WaterSmart portal for more information,” says Wing. “They followed the online step-by-step instructions to investigate why their usage was high, and found a leak in their sprinkler system.” That customer said, “A brand new valve had apparently cracked and I was unaware of the leak. I am very grateful that you informed us.”

You can take charge of your water usage and participate in the program by logging-in to Thornton.WaterSmart.com to check your account, your data trends and get personalized tips to save water. To get started, you’ll need your address, ZIP code and the 13-digit customer account number on your Thornton utility bill. For more information about the WaterSmart Program, call Water Resources at 720-977-6600 or email Water@ThorntonWater.com.

Your Input is Needed for the Transportation and Mobility Master Plan

Thornton wants your input as part of the major update to the Transportation and Mobility Master Plan. Visit gocot.net/TransportationPlan to take our online survey. “Resident input is very valuable as the Transportation and Mobility Master Plan, once completed, provides guidance in the development of the city’s transportation network and funding of transportation improvements,” says Thornton Regional Transportation Engineer Kent Moorman. “This major update includes an interconnected look at all modes of transportation within Thornton.” Modes of transportation include vehicle, bicycle, transit and pedestrian. The last major transportation master plan update was in 2009 with a minor update in 2016.

Thornton Economic Development to Recognize Outstanding Local BusinessesThornton’s Office of Economic Development will hold the 2020 Business Recognition Awards on April 23. This is the 33rd year for the awards. The awards are:

• Entrepreneurial Innovation Award - This recognizes a small Thornton business that brings a unique business concept with ingenuity and determination to the Thornton community while practicing positive workplace values.

• Community Spirit Award – Honors a Thornton business that demonstrates strong involvement in the community and/or who has made a significant impact on the community.

• Company on the Move Award - This award recognizes a Thornton business that demonstrates a solid success pattern and/or tremendous growth potential, expanding lines of business through innovation and improved processes.

• Retailer of the Year Award – Recognizes a Thornton retail business who has shown excellent customer service, unique product/service offerings, and has improved the retail experience for consumers.

• Industrial/Office Company of the Year - Selected by the Thornton Office of Economic Development, this award recognizes a Thornton primary business that demonstrates growth, innovation and/or significant potential for the community.

• People’s Choice Award - This award is chosen by popular vote. • Program Partner of the Year - Recognizes a local business or organization that’s pivotal in the administration

of a city of Thornton business program or project.

Voting closed in February. Award winners will be announced following the event.

spring cleaning Click & Haul is available year-round to Thornton residents to

remove debris and junk.

visit thorntonCO.GOV

to schedule your curbside pickup or for more information EMAIL

environmentalservices@ThorntonCO.gov.The fee is almost

always $65!

We can help you WITH YOURCompost Drop-offCompost Drop-offGrass

clippings, leaves, flowers

Fruit & vegetable

scraps,coffee

grounds

Eggshells,paper towels

Fruit & vegetable

scraps,coffee

grounds

Open weekdays, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.Open weekdays, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.12450 Washington St., Thornton 12450 Washington St., Thornton

ThorntonCO.govThorntonCO.gov

March-April 2020 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 3

Spring Brings the Annual Fire Hydrant Flushing

Thornton will begin fire hydrant flushing throughout the city this spring. This process will last approximately five weeks, and it ensures the proper operation of the fire hydrants and cleans the water system mains, improving water quality within the distribution system. During the flushing operation, Thornton water customers may experience cloudy or rust-colored water from the tap. This effect should go away after a few hours, and the water is safe to drink during this time.

Get Leafy This Spring: Register for the Thornton Tree Sale

The Thornton Tree Sale make trees available to residents at a discounted price. “The trees are selected by Thornton Forestry staff based on their ability to survive in Colorado soils and climate conditions,” says Thornton City Forester Lynn Lathrop. Other information about the trees includes:

• Trees are 1” caliper and weigh approximately 20 lbs., making them easily moved and transported. You are responsible for pick-up and planting of the tree.

• Instruction and care information will be provided. • Trees are not guaranteed, but if properly planted and maintained,

should be successful.

To view the tree selection, visit gocot.net/forestry.

Tree purchase and pick-up is Saturday, April 18, 8:30-11 a.m., at Carpenter Park Fields parking lots, located at 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The cost is $75 per tree, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and only one per resident. For more information call the Thornton City Forester at 303-255-7875.

‘Egg-streme’ Fun at Thornton’s Easter EggCessible EggStravaganza Saturday, April 11

Thornton’s Easter EggCessible EggStravaganza is a crazy, colorful kid scramble like no other in the metro area. At the sound of a horn, children in four age groups scramble for plastic Easter eggs containing toys and candy. The fun happens Saturday, April 11, at Thornton’s Community Park, Thornton Parkway and York Street. Mr. and Mrs. Bunny arrive at 10 a.m. to welcome the children. Scrambles are by age group. Start times are:

Walking – two: 10 a.m.; Ages 3-4: 10:30 a.m.; Ages 5-6: 11 a.m.; and Ages 7-9: 11:30 a.m. The adaptive and inclusive Eggcessible Egg Hunt is from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and participants are welcome to explore this area at their own pace.

Ages 10-17 can participate from noon-4 p.m., starting with a Flashlight Egg Hunt and then with a Nerf Dart Arena inside the Thornton Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Blvd. All participants should bring their own baskets to collect eggs and candy.

Your Thornton Arts & Culture CalendarClass:

Beginning Tapestry Weaving - Saturdays 1-4 p.m., March 21, April 4 and April 18, Trail Winds Recreation Center, 13385 Holly St., $100, ages 18+, this is a three session, nine-hour class. You’ll learn the basics of tapestry weaving on looms provided by the instructor. Materials included. Contact: Arts and Culture Supervisor Lisa Neeper at lisa.neeper@ThorntonCO.gov.

Shows:

Sunrise, Sunset, Photography by Lisa P. Martinez, Thornton’s OZ Gallery, 9209 Dorothy Blvd., through March 28.

Sinners and Recovering Catholics, Mixed media work by Shirlee Miyake, Thornton City Hall north entrance, Economic Development Gallery, 9500 Civic Center Dr., through March 28.

My Creative Hands, Artwork by Maggie Henry, Thornton’s OZ Gallery, 9209 Dorothy Blvd., April - June

Artwork by Linda Storm, Thornton City Hall north entrance, Economic Development Gallery, 9500 Civic Center Dr., April - June

For more information, contact Thornton Arts and Culture Specialist Amy Smith at 720-977-5887 or amy.smith@ThorntonCO.gov.

Parks MOW CREW RECREATION GOLF

thorntonco.gov/jobs

APPLY NOWEOE

S E A S O N A L

J O B S

4 Thornton City Voice Newspaper March-April 2020

Thornton City

Council

Ward 4

Angie Bedolla303-538-7201 - CityAngie.Bedolla @ThorntonCO.gov

Adam Matkowsky303-538-7530 - City 303-601-2917 - CellAdam.Matkowsky @ThorntonCO.gov

Ward 3

Sam Nizam303-538-7533 - CitySam.Nizam @ThorntonCO.gov

David Acunto303-538-7532 - City720-295-9850 - CellDavid.Acunto@ThorntonCO.gov

Ward 2

Julia Marvin303-538-7536 - City720-295-4024 CellJulia.Marvin @ThorntonCO.gov

Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Sandgren303-538-7535 - City720-753-2877- CellJessica.Sandgren @ThorntonCO.gov

Sherry Goodman303-538-7534 - City303-385-3190 - CellSherry.Goodman@ThorntonCO.gov

Jacque Phillips303-538-7537 - City970-302-4294 - Cell Jacque.Phillips @ThorntonCO.gov

Ward 1

Jan Kulmann303-538-7531 - City720-201-6155 - CellJan.Kulmann @ThorntonCO.gov

Mayor

City Council Meetings March 24, April 14 & 28

City Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Thornton City Hall Council Chambers and are also televised

live on KTTV-8, Comcast channel 8. These dates are subject to change. Please visit ThorntonCO.gov and

click on the Events link for current information. If you have a disability and require assistance to attend and

participate in these meetings, call 303-538-7245.

Active Adult Center 303-255-7850Animal Control 720-977-5250Arts & Culture Center 720-977-5880Building Inspection 303-538-7250 Building Permits 303-538-7250Business Assistance 303-538-7605City Clerk’s Office 303-538-7230City Communications 303-538-7279City Council & Mayor 303-538-7200

City Manager’s Office 303-538-7200Code Compliance 303-538-7517Community Connections 720-977-5800Economic Development 303-538-7605Human Resources 303-538-7245Municipal Court 720-977-5400Parks, Recreation & Community Programs 303-538-7275Police (non-emergency) 720-977-5150

Pothole Repair 720-977-6464Recreation Center 303-255-7800Snow & Ice Control 720-977-6464Trash & Recycling 720-977-6200Utilities (Water, Sewer) 720-977-6500Utility Billing 303-538-7370Volunteer Hotline 720-977-5760Voter Registration 303-538-7230Water Quality 303-255-7770

Thornton City Hall9500 Civic Center Dr., 80229

Thornton Police Department and Municipal Court

9551 Civic Center Dr., 80229

Infrastructure Maintenance Center12450 Washington St., 80241

Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center

11151 Colorado Blvd., 80233Thornton Community Center

2211 Eppinger Blvd., 80229

Thornton Active Adult Center9471 Dorothy Blvd., 80229

Thornton Arts & Culture Center9209 Dorothy Blvd., 80229

Trail Winds Recreation Center 13495 Holly St., 80241

City Facilities & Commonly Used Numbers

Connect with us on...

Visit ThorntonCO.gov.

@ThorntonColorado @CityofThornton

Joinnextdoor.com

@CityofThornton

Editorial StaffTodd Barnes, 303-538-7279

Managing Editor/Communications Director

Lisa Wilson, 303-538-7282Editor, Writer/Communications Content Supervisor

Erika Barnard-Hollinshed, 303-538-7256Writer, Design/Communications Technician

Gina Lantz, 303-538-7575Design/Communications Technician

Photographers: City Staff, GettyImages® and Thinkstockphotos®A special THANKS to all city Departments and Divisions for their contribution to the Thornton City Voice newspaper.

Recycle your paint for free at PAINTCARE’S DROP-OFF EVENT

Saturday, April 18, 2020

North entrance access on 126th Ave, East of Washington St12450 Washington St

City of Thornton Infrastructure Maintenance Center (IMC)

Arrival Time: thornton-paint.eventbrite.com

9 am – 1 pm

www.paintcare.org or call (855)PAINT09.

Emerald Ash Borer - Thornton Forestry Recommendations to Help Your Trees

Colorado is the 23rd state where the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a pest that kills Ash trees, has been identified. EAB has not been detected in Thornton, but Thornton Forestry staff continues to examine ash trees in the city, watching for the presence of the insect. If you have ash trees in your yard, assess the condition of your tree. Look for dead branches or trunk wounds, and other visible issues or problems with your tree. “If the tree is relatively free from issues and defects, it is a good candidate for a preventative treatment,” says Thornton City Forester Lynn Lathrop. “Trees that are candidates for treatment need to be a minimum 10” diameter at the trunk, and 12” above the ground.” The treatment involves injecting an insecticide into the tree trunk. That is usually done by a professional, and is only effective when the tree is actively growing, in April through September. “If you have an ash tree that needs treatment, contact a reputable tree service that offers the service, and have it performed in the spring or early summer,” says Lathrop.

Here are few things to consider if you have an ash tree.

Tree condition - assess the condition of your tree. Is it in good condition? Does it have dead branches or trunk wounds? Are there any other visible issues or problems with your tree? If the tree is relatively free from issues and defects, it is a good candidate for a preventative treatment. The ash tree needs to a minimum 10” diameter as measured at the trunk 12” above the ground. If the tree is in poor condition, consider trying to keep the tree alive until EAB arrives, then let the tree go.

Direct trunk injection – this is the most effective method for protecting ash trees from EAB. An insecticide is injected into the tree trunk, where it is carried to the far reaches of the tree canopy through the vessels just under the outer bark layer. This application is only effective when the tree is actively growing (April – September). This treatment method is 90% effective in protecting ash trees against EAB.

Recommendations from Thornton’s City Forester:

• Verify that you have an ash tree, in good condition, with at least a 10” trunk diameter.

• Contact a reputable tree service that offers a trunk injection treatment option for EAB. Schedule the trunk injection for spring or early summer 2020.

• Consider planting a tree to replace the ash tree that is in fair to poor condition.

For more information, email treehelp@ThorntonCO.gov.