City Council Wants Your Input Mark Your Calendars

Tuesday, March 1st 2 — 4 PM: Mayor office

hours at City Hall

Thursday, March 10 10 AM: Coffee with Cops

at the Holiday Hills Clubhouse

Saturday, March 19th 9 — 10:30 AM: Easter

Egg Hunt by Thrive Church at Carstens Park

Tuesday, March 22nd 2 PM & 7 PM: Public

meeting regarding street parking on Tejon

Street

Tuesday, April 5th 2 — 4 PM: Mayor office

hours at City Hall

Tuesday, April 12th 2 PM & 7 PM: Public

meeting regarding street parking on Orleans

Street

Tuesday, April 26th 2 PM & 7 PM: Public

meeting regarding the city as a sole provider of

neighborhood trash collection services

Monday, May 2nd: Spring Clean-Up for

Northborough, Countryside Village, Denver

Cascade and Holiday Hills

Tuesday, May 3rd: Spring Clean-Up for

Lamplighter, Kimberly Hills and Maura Villa

Tuesday, May 3rd 2 — 4 PM: Mayor office

hours at City Hall

Wednesday, May 4th: Spring Clean-Up for

Monticello, Homestead Heights, Parkside, Old

Town, Mobile Landed Estates, Northmoor,

Hyland Park Heights, 8700 Zuni

Friday, May 6th 8:45 — 10:30 AM: Pinnacle

5K Run. Pecos St. will be closed between W.

85th Ave and W. 88th Ave.

Saturday, May 7th 9 AM — 3 PM: Household

Chemical Roundup with Adams County at the

Water World Parking Lot

Online Utility Bill Pay Paying your Federal Heights

monthly utility bill just got easier! You can now pay

your city’s water/sewer/drainage bill online at the

city’s website, www.fedheights.org. Click on the

button on the city home page and have your credit

card, address and water bill account number

handy. There is a fee charged by the credit card

processor of 2.5% (minimum $2.00) added to all

credit card payments. Questions? Contact Utility

billing at 303-412-3532 or cmilow@fedheights.org

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National Take Back Initiative

The Federal Heights

Mayor and City Council is

seeking your participation

to discuss at a public

meeting the issues and

challenges regarding street parking on Tejon Street and Orleans

Street. The Mayor and City Council value citizens input and have

scheduled public meetings to listen to your concerns regarding

parking options on Tejon Street and Orleans Street. The Mayor and

City Council also want your opinions offering, as a sole provider,

waste and recycling services for residents.

Two meetings will be held to discuss parking options on Tejon

Street. A daytime meeting has been scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on

March 22, 2016, in City Council Chambers and a second meeting

will follow in the evening during the City Council Study Session to

discuss neighborhood parking.

On April 12, 2016, City Council invites the public to participate in

two sessions to discuss street parking on Orleans Street. The City

Council and staff will host the meetings at 2:00 P.M. in the Federal

Heights City Council Chambers and follow with a discussion in the

evening during the scheduled City Council Study Session.

On April 26, 2015, the City Council invites the public to attend a

public study session to express their views on the city providing a

sole provider for waste and recycling services for residents. Again,

the City Council and staff will host the meetings at 2:00 P.M. in the

City Council Chambers and at 7:00 P.M. during the scheduled City

Council Study Session.

Federal Heights FOCUS — March / April 2016

Got Drugs? - National Take Back Initiative. FHPD

will be a collection site on Saturday, April 30, 2016,

from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The National Prescription Drug Take-

Back Day, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible

means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the

general public about the potential for medication abuse.

Federal Heights FOCUS

Letter from the Mayor

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Homelessness and hunger are increasingly important issues being studied by the

cities in Adams County and the region. I regularly attend the meetings of the

Denver Regional Council of Government (DRCOG), Metro Mayors, and Adams

County Council of Government, where these topics are primary considerations.

For many years the wages of the middle class have not kept up with increases in

food and housing costs. Fortunately, our state has experienced prosperity and

low unemployment; however, homelessness and hunger persist, and we are

constantly working and searching for resources to improve these situations. You

will see an increase in the number of community gardens this summer, as a step

toward reducing hunger; your participation or support would be greatly appreciated. If you are able to

help with this project, please contact Tom Rapp, at the Senior Hub at 303-955-6609 or

trapp@seniorhub.org. Last year, five tons of food was donated to area food banks.

In January, the City of Federal Heights received the first check from the Denver/DIA Settlement

Agreement for $109,120 including legal fees. Not only is the money of great benefit to our city, but the

increased number of jobs at the airport are beneficial to the entire region.

Thank you and congratulations to the new and returning members of the City’s commissions and

boards. The involvement and support of citizens is essential to making Federal Heights a great place to

live. The members are:

Planning and Zoning: Ward I: Marlene Fink and Mike Vallero, Ward 2: Connie Gallardo, Ward

III: Mary Ann Cieszlak and Shari DeVries, At Large: Rita Parke

Redevelopment Authority Advisory Committee: Regular Member: Marlene Fink and Mike

Vallero, Alternate: Sharon Richardson and Connie Gallardo

Board of Adjustments: Ward I: Suzy Patch, Ward II: Ed Balough, Ward III: Mike Sweeney, At

Large: Barbara Hughes and Sharon Richardson

Appointments are made every January. We are always looking to involve more citizens in City

government, so please consider applying for one of these positions next December.

Daniel Dick 2016 Spring Clean-Up

We would like to invite Federal Heights residents to

participate in the annual Spring Clean-Up event. The

Spring Clean-Up provides an opportunity to dispose of

large unwanted items that trash removal providers may

not typically accept. The event will take place Monday,

May 2, 2016 through Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Please

visit the City’s website, www.fedheights.org to

determine which day your neighborhood is scheduled

for and to review which items are eligible. All program

guidelines will be enforced.

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March / April 2016

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Federal Heights Papa Murphy’s earns 5-star Rating Mark and Debbie Stutzman love the pizza business and it

shows! The Papa Murphy’s store in Federal Heights, located

at 2690 W. 104th Avenue ranks as one of only two franchise

owned 5-star Papa Murphy’s stores in Colorado. To achieve

this status the store must continually score excellent in the

attributes of excellent customer service, food quality,

customer feedback, store, and crew cleanliness.

The Papa Murphy’s store features prepared take-and-bake

pizza, home baked bread, fresh salads, and chocolate chip

cookies! The pizzas are prepared fresh complete with dough,

cheese, sauce, and toppings. The customer takes the pizza

and bakes the pizza at home.

Mark and Debbie began their Papa Murphy’s journey in 2012. Mark was working as an urban design

architect with a national firm traveling over 100,000 air miles a year around the world. Debbie was

working in her community church. Together they decided to jump into the world of Papa Murphy’s and

they chose Federal Heights.

Mark and Debbie opened their doors on September 13, 2013. What is impressive when walking into

their store is the cleanliness of the store and the wonderful customer service experience. For Mark and

Debbie, success is all about hard work and accountability. The couple looks for strong communication

skills in their employees. Mark looks for a prospective employee who will look him right in the eye and

smile. Both believe in mentoring their staff and teaching the characteristics of accountability and

responsibility to their employees. They set clear expectations for their employees and believe that

honesty and integrity go a long way in running a successful business with happy employees.

The Stutzman's are very passionate about the pizza business and their enthusiasm is infectious. Mark

and Debbie are proud of their team and it is obvious they place employees first. This is the key to great

leadership and maintaining the 5-star rating and

extraordinary results. Papa Murphy’s is very labor intensive.

Mark and Debbie are committed to the success of the store

and are present and visible each day. The Stutzman’s credit

Casey, the store manager, for managing the store in their

absence and maintaining the core values of the business.

As busy as they are operating the business, the Stutzman’s

find the time to remain active and give back to the

community. Yes, the Stutzman’s still eat at home with the

exception of Tuesday. If you’re a pizza fanatic, next time you

are in the area stop in for Mark’s signature pie. The

signature pie is: thin crust, urban Mediterranean chicken,

with a dash of pineapple. Or, just purchase the chocolate

chip cookie. Give it a try!

Federal Heights FOCUS

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Business Update: New 2016 Enterprise Zones More businesses in Federal Heights can benefit from

Enterprise Zone Tax credits! An Enterprise Zone (EZ) is

an area where policies are developed to encourage

economic growth. These areas or “zones” are created

using guidelines which include per capita income and

the level of unemployment. All expansions or creations

of Enterprise Zone Areas in Federal Heights have

recently been increased to include all of the traditional

commercial areas of the City. Qualifying businesses that

sign up for these credits can benefit from tax breaks and

incentives associated with these new Enterprise Zones.

BENEFITS OF AN ENTERPRISE ZONE

In order to encourage business growth and development

within an Enterprise Zone, the State makes available to

businesses in the EZ universal benefits. To take

advantage of these universal tax abatement benefits,

contact the EZ Administrator at Adams County

Economic Development (ACED). The following two

credits are available to businesses in an Enterprise

Zone.

There are many specific ways that local businesses can potentially benefit from being in an Enterprise

Zone. To find out more about how your local business may benefit from enrolling in the enterprise

zones, contact Adams County Economic Development (ACED).

Adams County Economic Development

Address: 12200 Pecos St., #100, Westminster, CO 80234

Phone: (303) 453-8510

Website: www.adamscountyed.com/

The cities of Federal Heights, Thornton, and Northglenn are currently preparing a local natural hazard

mitigation plan. The planning process started in late 2015 and will continue through 2016. Preparing

and adopting a Hazard Mitigation Plan will help identify the risks and vulnerabilities that our

communities face from natural hazards. The plan will examine how to improve our community’s ability

to withstand future hazard events, and how to enhance our ability to recover from them. Hazards that

will be examined include severe storms, tornadoes, flooding, drought, public health hazards, and other

natural events. The planning process will include input from local stakeholders representing many

different aspects of our communities including businesses, nonprofits, citizens, schools, and others.

Look for more information as the plan develops.

Your input is important! Please take some time to complete the following online citizen survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NaturalHMPSurvey

Hazard Mitigation Planning

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March / April 2016

Page 5

Ordinances are new local laws enacted by your City Council To read the full ordinances, go to our website and click on “municipal code and charter.” Following are the ordinances that have been

enacted in 2016.

ORDINANCE NO. 16-01

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FEDERAL HEIGHTS, COLORADO, SETTING THE COMPENSATION OF

THE MUNICIPAL JUDGE AND ASSOCIATE MUNICIPAL JUDGE

The purpose of this ordinance was to set the salary and monthly compensation of the City’s municipal judge and any associate judge as

needed. The municipal judge was reappointed for a two-year term.

Why I choose to live in Federal Heights

I like the city location and

selection of stores. We have

everything close by. I like the

Hope Academy for my oldest

daughter and my youngest

daughter will be enrolling in first

grade there next year. My

daughters and I enjoy the after

hours activities like the Trick or

Treat Street this past October. I

always see the Public Works

employees out working hard for

the city regardless of time or

weather.

Rex Cruz

Opening a New Business? Thinking about opening your business in

Federal Heights? Check out the New

Business Information Guide on the

City’s website at www.fedheights.org

where you can find:

Business License Applications

Planning and Zoning Contracts

Building Inspection and Fire

Department information and checklists

for new businesses

Feel free to contact the City directly by

calling Jeri Freiberger at 303.428.3526

Employee Spotlight Shawn Engel joined the City of Federal Heights in January 2016 as the Building

Official. He is a Colorado native and grew up in the north areas of Westminster

and Federal Heights. He has been married to his wife Kathy for 25 and a half

years and they have three children. His oldest son, Alex, is currently serving in

the Navy on the USS Harry S. Truman. His middle child, Matthew, recently

graduated from Metro State University and his youngest, Jennifer, will graduate

from high school in May 2016. Shawn has been in the construction industry for

24 years and has spent 17 years as a combination inspector for the City and

County of Broomfield before joining Federal Heights. He enjoys the close nature

of Federal Heights and has felt welcomed by everyone. In his free time he enjoys

playing golf, boating with his family, and traveling as often as possible.

Bunker Ten LLC 2727 W. 92nd Avenue, #1000

(303) 909-7220

Ilse Conference Center 9150 Federal Blvd.

(720) 940-5292

Mile High Massage 8860 Federal Blvd. #64E

(303) 426-4189

Where you spend your money makes a difference. Please support your local Federal Heights

businesses and buy locally whenever you can.

Welcome Federal Heights Newest Businesses

Federal Heights FOCUS

A Traffic Stop– from a FHPD officer’s point of view Several times a day FHPD officers initiate traffic stops on

motorists. Most frequently, these encounters are in connection

with minor traffic violations, so it is understandable that

motorists often think such stops are routine for the officers.

The fact is, however, that any traffic stop can be hazardous or

even deadly to an officer. Despite improvements in technology,

officers still have no way of knowing who is in the car they just

stopped. Often the person being pulled over for a simple traffic

violation has committed an offense the officer knows nothing

about the person is wanted, has just left the scene of a crime,

or has something to hide from the police. The officer

approaching the car does not know the answers to any of

these questions until he or she can make inquiries.

A person being pulled over by the police should first understand that the officer is participating in what he

or she regards as potentially a life threatening action. In the annual listings of circumstances leading to

the death of on-duty police officers in this country, traffic stops are always in the lead. We train officers to

be especially careful and cautious during car stops.

Stopped motorists often comment on how the officer appeared threatening to them. Officers approach

slowly and deliberately while looking at the interior of the car, including the back seat. When someone

opens the glove box to retrieve a vehicle registration, the officer cranes his neck to the point where he

almost has his head inside the car window. To the motorists, this may seem intrusive or disrespectful,

but to the officer it is important that he can see everyone’s hands and be alert to any threat.

All of these actions are intentional. FHPD officers train intensively to do these things the same way,

every single time, to approach a car cautiously and deliberately, and to look for “furtive movements” by

the vehicle occupants. Observing the passenger compartment and carefully watching the removal of

something from the glove box or console is done for the purpose of personal safety and for detecting the

presence of possible contraband.

So what does the honest citizen do to minimize the officer’s concerns? First, please try to understand

why the officer is taking these precautions. There is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. Officers are

taught that any traffic stop could very well be the last traffic stop. When you sense this caution or tension

in the officer, please understand that he or she does not usually know who or what to expect. Once the

officer learns your identity, confirms the vehicle registration, and sees no evidence of criminal behavior

on your part, you will probably see the officer noticeably relax his or her approach.

You should also avoid getting out of the car immediately after being stopped and approaching the officer

while he or she is still in the vehicle. This behavior raises suspicion in the officer’s mind that there is

something, or somebody, in the car that you don’t want the officer to see. Remain in the car, let the

officer approach you, and keep your hands plainly visible.

When a FHPD officer makes contact with you, permit him or her to speak first. The officer will ask for

your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. (Continued on next page)

Page 6

Page 3

March / April 2016

Are you interested in working for the City of Federal Heights?

Page 7

Available job and volunteer opportunities are available to view at

www.fedheights.org under the Employment Opportunities tab.

Click on each title to learn more about the position and the

requirements as well as how to apply. The most common

method for applying for positions is to complete an application by

clicking the Employment Application link found at the bottom of

the job announcement. Email complete applications to Human

Resources at dhargrave@fedheights.org or mail or drop off the

application at City Hall located at: 2380 W. 90th Avenue, Federal Heights, CO 80260, Attn: Human

Resources. Applications can also be faxed to 303-428-3298. Thank you for your interest in working for

the City of Federal Heights.

A Traffic Stop– from a FHPD officer’s point of view (Cont.) Once these essential preliminaries are taken care of, it is appropriate for you and the officer to discuss

why you were stopped. It may be a traffic violation or it may be that your car matches the description of

one the police are looking for regarding an incident that has occurred. If this is the case, please

understand that we are often dealing with only partial descriptions. Those who commit crimes do switch

license plates on cars, and criminals actually lie to police officers.

The suspected traffic violator will sometimes disagree with the officer’s observation. Police officers are

similar to baseball umpires in that they will listen to the other side of a dispute. Convincing arguments

are usually characterized by facts and logic, not emotion, threat, or volume. In fact, threats and

aggressive emotions can present a host of other issues that must be addressed by the officer.

Traffic citations are not pronouncements of guilt. Police officers, being human, make errors and so do

citizens. Courts of law have been created to impartially hear complaints of disputed tickets. The court is

the proper place to argue your case, not the scene of the incident. Police officers readily accept the fact

that their judgements are subject to question and review by competent authority. However, when they

are on the side of the road, their first focus will always be for officer safety.

Thank you for helping us do our job.

Want to Become a Volunteer Victim Advocate? The Federal Heights Victim Services Unit is accepting applications for volunteer victim advocate

positions. Victim advocates provide on-scene contact with victims and witnesses of violent crime, sudden

death, and other emergency situations. Volunteers are required to undergo a thorough background

screening and complete 40 hours of training taught by professionals in the field. Victim advocates are

required to take three to four 12-hour on-call shifts each month, including holidays, and must be able to

respond within 30 minutes of dispatch contact. Volunteers MUST be able to be available by telephone

while on call. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, be self-motivated, have strong interpersonal

skills, be able to maintain confidentiality, and commit to at least 12 months. Various on-going trainings

are offered throughout the year focused on strengthening skills. If interested please contact the Victim

Services Coordinator at 303-412-3541 or email at esanchez@fedheights.org. Fall training will begin in

October 2016. Application deadline: September 20, 2016

Federal Heights

City Council

John Hamlin

Ward I, Mayor Pro Tem

720.445.5646

Harold Thomas

Ward I

303.427.1649

Kevin Dougherty

Ward II

303.650.0177

Carolyn Scharf

Ward II

720-475-1940

Jacqueline Halburnt — City Manager

303.412.3525

The elected officials

meet at 7 p.m.

2380 W. 90th Ave.

1st & 3rd

Tuesdays—Regular

Meetings

2nd & 4th

Tuesdays—Study

Sessions

Ken Murphy

Ward III

720.394.3922

Ted May

Ward III

720.840.1522

Daniel Dick

Mayor

720.785.3983

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE PAID

MAILED FROM 2380 W. 90th Avenue

Federal Heights, CO 80260

303.428.3526 info@FedHeights.Org

www.FedHeights.Org

Code Enforcement Corner

The City of Federal Heights is asking for your help to keep the city looking nice and to cooperate with municipal ordinances. Below are a few reminders and simple tasks you can do to ensure your city shines! Some of the most common violations include:

The removal of snow accumulation of more than 1 inch shall be completed within 15 hours following the cessation of snowfall.

Trash canisters MUST NOT be seen from adjacent streets except on trash days.

Car tarps/covers ARE still allowed, but the vehicle under MUST have 1) function/run 2) current registration and 3) the cover/tarp is in good condition. If they do not meet these 3 requirements, then neither cover/tarp are allowed.

Junk, dead limbs, trash, tall weeds, debris, signs, boxes, storage are NOT allowed on sides of houses. Anything not in “imminent” use, could be considered junk and a code violation.

For residential properties, any fences that are down, broken or shattered must be repaired/replaced per the municipal code ordinance (70-474)

Campers, boats, trailers, tow vehicles, and dumpsters cannot exceed the weight limit of 10,000 lbs. on city/public streets.

No unattended or unattached trailers or tows may reside on city/public streets.

Idling of motor vehicles is prohibited and considered a public safety issue and health hazard.

Vehicles parked on public streets, driveways, residential, or commercial property without proper license, temporary tag and current registration is a code violation and could be ticketed and/or towed.

Vehicles must have current license and/or temp tag anywhere in the city, including driveways and personal property.

On public streets, vehicles must be moved after 24 hours, or they could be considered abandoned.

Do not keep pets outside during cold (rain/snow) weather, as it is winter and could be considered animal cruelty and is a health and safety issue.

Excessive barking over five minutes from pets left inside or outside, day/night, is a noise ordinance violation. A signed written statement must be written by complainant to pursue criminal charges.

Pets must always be on leash or tether when walking in the city (parks, neighborhoods, businesses, etc.)

Pets kept outside must have sufficient food, water and shelter at all times, day and night.

When stray pets are found, Code Enforcement attempts to contact/locate owner, If unsuccessful, pets are transported to the Adams County Shelter in Brighton, CO.

Animal licenses can be purchased for residents at City Hall or AllBrick Kennels. Tags are good for 1 year ONLY and pets must have current yearly tag.

Do not feed stray pets and/or wildlife.

Federal Heights FOCUS — March / April 2016 Page 8