December 2018 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 1

For details about any of these programs go to cityofthornton.net/TrashRecycling, email environmentalsvcs@cityofthornton.net or call 720-977-6200.

Christmas Day Holiday Delay Collection service will be on a one-day holiday delay on Tuesday, December 25. If your normal pick up day is Tuesday, it will be collected on Wednesday, and so on, with Friday collection held on Saturday. Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve, is on a normal pickup schedule.

New Year’s Day Holiday DelayCollection service will be on a one-day holiday delay on Tuesday, January 1. If your normal pick up day is Tuesday, it will be collected on Wednesday, and so on, with Friday collection held on Saturday. Monday, January 31, New Year’s Eve, is on a normal pick up schedule.

Special Christmas Wrap Collection December 26-31Place flattened holiday boxes and bagged wrapping paper at the curb for collection on your trash day. Please use black trash containers first.

Christmas Tree Curbside Collection January 2-7City trash/recycle customers may place their natural Christmas trees at the curb for collection on their regular trash day. Please do NOT wrap the tree in plastic and be sure to remove all ornaments and lights.

Adopt-A-StreetHelp keep Thornton beautiful. In this volunteer program, you can help support litter control efforts along Thornton streets. For more information, email environmentalsvcs@ cityofthornton.net.

Holiday Closures and Hours Thornton City Hall and the Active Adult Center will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25 and January 1. The Thornton Community Center will be closed December 25 and January 1. The Carpenter Recreation Center will only be closed on December 25 with modified holiday hours on December 24, 31 and January 1. Please check your current Thornton Activities Guide or contact the facility directly for more information about holiday hours and closures.

Santa’s CallingSanta is calling Thornton boys and girls December 11-13 between 6-8 p.m., to find out who has been naughty and nice! Parents can register each child using the form provided in the Fall-Winter Thornton Activities Guide or at cityofthornton.net/festivals-events. This is free, but the registration forms must be

received back via mail or dropped off to the Thornton Community Center by Friday, November 30. For Thornton residents only.

Thornton’s Got Talent Competition is Back in 2019Showcase your amazing talent at this unique competition. We began accepting applications and audition videos on November 1. Deadline to submit your video and application is March 1, 2019. For more information and to apply, visit gocot.net/tgt.

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This Holiday Season Don’t Lose Your Holiday Gifts to Porch Pirates

Adams County General Election 2018 RecapPlease note at the information below were accurate at the time of printing. These are unofficial number totals that are subject to change and it is not an inclusive list. Please visit adamsvotes.com to view the final totals for all of the Adams County Ballot information.

One study found 11-million packages were stolen off porches in one year alone.

Due to the ease and convenience, online shopping continues to rise each year. According to Forbes, in 2017 online sales rose to $453.46 billion dollars. Amazon is not only making its presence known in the Thornton business landscape, its delivery boxes decorate porches across America every day which accounted for a significant portion of those online sales. This increase in ecommerce has given rise to the so-called ‘porch pirate’ — someone who drives by homes, looking to steal unattended packages on porches. Often, these thieves are so brazen, they will follow delivery trucks through neighborhoods, grabbing up the deliveries before the homeowner can get to them. One study found 11-million packages were stolen off porches in one year alone. “A lot of people don’t think to secure packages that don’t have a lot of value, maybe small items that they ordered,” says Thornton Police Officer Jesus Mendez. “But if we want to stop this kind of theft, we have to stop making it so easy for these individuals.”

The problem is so wide-spread even the delivery companies, such as Amazon, are now offering delivery options, some unique. The Amazon Key program, an Amazon-compatible smart lock for your front door, so your delivery person can deliver the package right inside your home.

There are several other delivery alternatives:

Delivery Locker - “These lockers are everywhere now, and you can easily find one that’s very close to your home. It’s a secure spot to hold your delivery until you can pick it up,” says Mendez.

Delivery Reroute App - These apps let you know your package is on the way, and if you’re not home, allows you to request a different delivery window.

Porch Pirate Bag – This reinforced bag with locks and cables can be tethered to a handle or gate. Your package is put inside the bag, and the delivery person can then lock it.

You can still do things the ‘old-fashioned’ way; have your driver leave your packages at a lockbox rather than at the front door, or simply require a signature for delivery. “No matter what you choose, you should choose some alternative delivery option,” says Mendez. “Sadly, the days of leaving deliveries on the front porch are long gone. If you haven’t had a package stolen, you’re lucky. But don’t continue to leave it up to luck, let’s put these porch pirates out of business.”

Trash/Recycling News

Percentage Votes

Adams County Clerk and RecorderJosh Zygielbaum 51.56% 84,000

Stan Martin 48.44% 78,907

Adams County Commissioner - Dist 4Steve O’Dorisio 56.84% 91,822

Joyce Thomas 43.16% 69,711

Adams County Commissioner - Dist 3Larry Hoy 42.53% 69,022

Emma Pinter 57.47% 93,279

Adams County TreasurerBrigitte C. Grimm 46.92% 76,171

Lisa L. Culpepper 53.08% 86,164

Adams County School Dist 1 - 4BYes/For 71.71% 6,563

No/Against 28.29% 2,589

Percentage Votes

Adams County SheriffRick Reigenborn 52.36% 85,105

Mike McIntosh 47.64% 77,444

Adams County CoronerKara Palfy 42.81% 68,736

Monica Broncucia-Jordan 57.19% 91,826

Adams County AssessorPatsy Melonakis 45.69% 73,541

Ken Musso 54.31% 87,407

Adams 12 5 Star Schools - 5CYes/For 56.23% 41,089

No/Against 43.77% 31,988

Rangeview Library District - 6AYes/For 49.43% 63,232

No/Against 50.57% 64,686

forbes.com/sites/thesba/2018/06/20/trends-in-ecommerce-and-what-they-mean-for-your-business/#3059921024c3

Please help us by comple� ng thissimple, 10-minute survey, visit

cityo� hornton.net/neighbor.

The city of Thornton is conduc� ng a city-wide assessment to understand the housing needs in our community.

Survey deadline isDecember 14.

Ques� ons? Contact Neighborhood Services at 303-538-7600 or via email at neighbor@cityo� hornton.net.

The survey is for renters and homeowners.

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2 Thornton City Voice Newspaper December 2018

Making the Change to More Environmentally-Friendly Lighting

The city of Thornton and United Power are partnering to convert existing street lights that use high pressure sodium lights to LED lights. “LED lighting is more environmentally-friendly,” says Thornton Traffic Engineer Darrell Alston. “When compared to typical high pressure sodium street light, LED uses 40 to 60 percent less energy.” All new street lights installed in Thornton are now required to be LED. “Right now, 250 LED street lights already exist in United Power territory.,” says Alston. “This program will address remaining street lights.” For more information contact Traffic Engineering at 720-977-6490 or trafficengineering@cityofthornton.net.

New Volunteer Peer Counselors Now ‘On the Job’

Five volunteers recently completed a peer-counseling training program and are ready to serve seniors age 55+. During training sessions they learned counseling techniques, communication skills, attending to feelings, responding to clients and active listening. Volunteer peer counselors will be matched with local seniors for free counseling sessions. The volunteers are supported and supervised by the city of Thornton Community Outreach Division and Community Reach Center staff members.

For more information or to refer a senior client who may be interested in receiving peer counseling, please call 303-853-3657.

Expanded Service for Young Abuse

SurvivorsDid you know that city council members serve on boards and commissions throughout the community? Mayor Williams serves on the board at Ralston House, a not-for-profit agency that provides a friendly and safe place for child and teen survivors of abuse to tell their stories and begin the healing process.

“Ralston House receives referrals from law enforcement, social services and the district attorney’s office,” says Ralston House Development Officer Tara Roesener. “We work in conjunction with these entities to provide specialized forensic interviews and medical examinations, and reduce the trauma experienced by children involved in sexual and physical abuse investigations or are a witness to a crime.” In December, Ralston House will open its newly constructed 5,000 square foot facility. This space will allow staff to simultaneously conduct three forensic interviews for children and families in crisis. “With the addition of a medical examination room, families will be able to receive medical services including pediatric sex assault examination by a child abuse pediatrician in this community,” says Roesener.

Thornton Police Celebrates 31 Years of Playing SantaFor the past 31 years, the Thornton Police Department has played Santa, by taking part in the Christmas Crusade for Children program. “During the course of their duties Thornton Police Officers become aware of family situations where children will be having a less than desirable Christmas experience due to a variety of family hardships and situations,” says Thornton Police Officer Matt Barnes. “The officers personally nominate these children for supplemental Christmas presents through the program, the gifts are donated, and the officers get to deliver the gifts.” Over the 31 years, the Thornton Police Department has helped over 5,000 Thornton families representing 14,028 children. For more information contact Officer Barnes at 720-977-5024.

Be a Snowbuster Hero to Someone in Your Community

You can make an incredible difference in the lives of senior and disabled Thornton residents. Volunteers remove snow and ice from sidewalks and pathways, so these residents can safely receive meals, go to doctor appointments and receive in-home care visits.

Volunteers can be families, individuals, businesses, and social and civic groups. For more information about this program contact Arts & Volunteer Coordinator, Jesse Jimemez at 720-977-5881 or email jesse.jimenez@cityofthornton.net. To apply visit volunteers.cityofthornton.net.

MAYOR’S

Now thru December 14

Items collected will benefit Thornton’s homeless population.

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS & NEW SOCKS ONLY PLEASE.

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We especially need food items for holiday meals such as green beans, corn, instant mashed potatoes, stuff ing mix, cranberries, etc.

Drop-off for Food:• Thornton

Community Center, 2211 Eppinger Blvd.

• Carpenter Recreation Center, 11151 Colorado Blvd.

• Thornton Active Adult Center, 9471 Dorothy Blvd.

• Thornton Fire Stations 8 a.m.-5 p.m., M-FVisit cityofthornton.net/fire for locations.

Questions? Visit gocot.net/connections. Call Thornton Community Connections at 720-977-5800 or Thornton Fire at 720-872-6092. Email connections@cityofthornton.net.

FOODAND

SOCK DRIVE

Drop-off for Socks only:Thornton City Hall 9500 Civic Center Dr.

Visit gocot.net/mythornton for more information.

Need information and not sure who to contact?

Want to locate the parks in your community?

Need to report an issue or concern?

You can do all of these things and more 24/7 and on-the-go

with the MyThornton App!

Search for “Thornton” at the Apple app store or the Android Market.

December 2018 Thornton City Voice Newspaper 3

Are You Being Safe for the Holidays?

The holiday season is a special time of year but it is also a time when people become vulnerable to theft and other crimes. The Thornton Police Department has a few tips that can help lessen your chances of being a victim of crime.

While out shopping If placing packages/bags in your vehicle to continue shopping, secure them in your trunk and relocate your vehicle to a different parking spot before returning to the shopping area; don’t leave valuables in your vehicles; carry your money, ID and credit cards somewhere other than your purse; and don’t use ‘on the go’ scanning for your purchases.

Because of convenience, online shopping has become a more common practice and identity theives are becoming more saavy in creating victims out of unsuspecting shoppers. When shopping online, use credit cards or gift cards instead of debit cards directly linked to your personal accounts; get gift receipts on all purchases. Also, look for the “https” in the website address to make sure it’s secure; and check your credit/debit card statements frequently after use. For additional safety tips visit cityofthornton.net/police or stopfraudcolorado.gov. Have a safe and happy holidays.

Lead and Copper Testing of City Facilities

With concerns around the nation about lead and copper contamination in tap water, Thornton’s Water Quality staff took on the initiative to test the drinking water in city facilities. The Water Quality Lab staff, in cooperation with other departments, recently completed the two-year long, comprehensive lead and copper testing program. “In total, 23 buildings, parks, and facilities were sampled and tested following EPA protocols,” says Water Quality Lab Supervisor Hsueh Shih. Over 160 samples were taken from drinking fountains, food prep sinks, and other water dispensers used by the public or city employees.” Almost all samples were determined to be well under the federal action limits of 15 ppb for lead and 1,300 ppb for copper.

“Because the city doesn’t have lead service and main lines, there was little doubt that city facilities were safe from lead and copper contamination,” says Shih. Long-standing building regulations have limited the use of lead materials, and an existing annual lead and copper testing program of residential homes further serves to safeguard the drinking water supply in the city. “The additional testing of city facilities reinforces an important confirmation that the drinking water remains safe for the public who visit city buildings, and the employees who work for the city,” says Shih. For a list of test results, visit cityofthornton.net/waterinfo and click on Water Quality.

Winter Art Sale Looking for a special gift or just love to see great art? Join us on December 2 at the Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center, Multipurpose Rooms from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m for our Art 4<$100 show. Free. There will be artwork created by 20 local artists. Best

of all, everything is priced at $100 or less! Bring your friends and neighbors and have fun navigating through all of the unique items. Visit artsthornton.com or call 720-977-5882 for more information.

Parks MOW CREW RECREATION GOLF

cityofthornton.net/jobs

Coming in FebruaryEOE

S E A S O N A L

J O B S

4 Thornton City Voice Newspaper December 2018

Thornton City

Council

Ward 4

Mayor Pro TemJan Kulmann303-538-7201 - City 720-201-6155 - CellJan.Kulmann @cityofthornton.net

Adam Matkowsky303-538-7530 - City 303-601-2917 - CellAdam.Matkowsky @cityofthornton.net

Ward 3

Sam Nizam303-538-7533 - City 720-226-4706 - CellSam.Nizam @cityofthornton.net

Josh Zygielbaum303-538-7532 - City720-523-3371 - CellJosh.Zygielbaum@cityofthornton.net

Ward 2

Eric Montoya303-538-7536 - City720-365-2695 - CellEric.Montoya @cityofthornton.net

Jessica Sandgren303-538-7535 - City720-753-2877- CellJessica.Sandgren @cityofthornton.net

Sherry Goodman303-538-7534 - City303-287-8662 - HomeSherry.Goodman@cityofthornton.net

Jacque Phillips303-538-7537 - City303-903-1011 - Cell Jacque.Phillips @cityofthornton.net

Ward 1

Heidi Williams303-538-7531 - City303-819-9722 - CellHeidi.Williams @cityofthornton.net

Mayor

City Council Meetings December 4, 18

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 go to cityofthornton.net and the Community Calendar 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 720-977-5885Building 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 Center 303-255-7830Human Resources 303-538-7245Jobline 303-538-7555Municipal Court 720-977-5400Neighborhood Services 303-538-7600Police (non-emergency) 720-977-5150Pothole Repair 720-977-6464

Recreation Center 303-255-7800Snow & Ice Control 720-977-6464Trash & Recycling 720-977-6200Utilities (Water, Sewer) 720-977-6500Utility Billing 303-538-7370Volunteer Program 720-977-5881Voter 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., 80233

Thornton Community Center2211 Eppinger Blvd., 80229

Thornton Active Adult Center9471 Dorothy Blvd., 80229

Thornton Arts & Culture Center9209 Dorothy Blvd., 80229

City Facilities & Commonly Used Numbers

®

Connect with us on...

Visit cityofthornton.net.

@ThorntonColorado @CityofThornton

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@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 and Thinkstockphotos® A special THANKS to all city Departments and Divisions for their contribution to the Thornton City Voice newspaper.

SANTABreakfast with

Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy pancakes, ham, eggs, orange juice and coffee.

Don’t forget to take a picture with santa before you go! Photos are an additional fee.This event is sponsored by the 55+ Organization.

Thornton Active Adult Center9471 Dorothy Blvd

7:30-10:30 a.m.

Fees: $4 adult/$2.50 kids 12 and under Cash only please.

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