Tribal Energy, Reducing Parking, and Avoiding Votes on Public Spending

March 28, 2024

Golden Eye Candy – Frank Hanou – Moonset through the Mini-Arch – enlarge

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?

9-9:55AM Silver Sneakers Classic (Virtual)
9:15-9:45AM Baby Time @ Golden Library
10-10:30AM Call In: Mid-Morning Meditation (Virtual)
10AM Everything Dinosaur Lecture @ Dinosaur Ridge Discovery Center
10AM and 5PM Wild West Walking Tour
11AM-12PM Library for All @ Golden Library
3PM Vaccine, License & Microchip Clinic @ Foothills Animal Shelter
6PM Run Club @ Runners Roost
6-9PM Mini Paint Night @ Golden Game Guild
6-10PM Wax N’ Suds @ Columbine Café

7-9PM The Energy Transition & Community Solar’s Role in Tribal Energy Sovereignty @ Jefferson Unitarian Church
As climate change drives our energy sources to change from fossil fuels to renewable energy, frontline communities and Tribal nations deserve an equitable transition. There is an opportunity for Native communities to lead the way, and be supported by private industry. How can we learn from the history of energy development and commit to community oriented energy development? Stay for some finger foods and drinks after the Q&A. Co-Sponsored by JUC’s Green Task Force and New Energy Colorado. Free More information

7:30PM A Jukebox for the Algonquin  @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center

SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

Did you receive this email from a friend? Sign up to get your own copy!

CITY MEETINGS


One of the options for the proposed redesign of the Jackson Street corridor – enlarge


6PM Mobility & Transportation Advisory Board Meeting @ City Hall
MTAB will beginning discussing the proposed changes to the Jackson Street corridor, including consideration of Option A (removal of 40 parking spaces) or Option B (removal of 53 parking spaces).

LIVE MUSIC


6-9PM CW Wooten @ Buffalo Rose


6-8PM Jeff Goodwin @ Morris & Mae

Other Live Music:
5:30-8:30PM Teague Starbuck @ Mountain Toad
6-9PM Naked Dawn Duo @ Goosetown Station
6PM Red Mountain Boys @ New Terrain Brewing
8PM Karaoke @ Rock Rest Lodge

GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT


Golden Transcript – July 7, 1987


37 Years Ago
The June 30, 1987 Transcript revealed that a group of residents had drafted a citizens initiative mandating that any tax increase would require citizen approval. 

“I should have a right to vote if the city spends that much money,” committee member Roy Claar told council. “This is one of the largest lump sums the city has ever spent.” Claar, however, confided that he didn’t know whether he would vote for, or against, a city hall. He just wanted the chance to vote.

The committee gathered 1,000 signatures, which was more than enough to put the proposed change on a ballot. 

Brown [the mayor] wasn’t concerned about the citizens’ movement against the city hall. “Honestly,” he said, “if the community wants to vote, I’m not one who’s going to stand in the way. I just made my decision based on the fact that the citizens elected me to make those decisions.”

Council was, however, concerned that the proposed initiative would be too restrictive of future decisions. They agreed to put the new City Hall on a ballot in exchange for the group agreeing to put their initiative on hold.

Staff is not in agreement with this chosen course of action or with (the resolution).
Golden City Manager Glenn Hill – Golden Transcript – July 9, 1987

Letters continued to appear in the Transcript, both pro and con on the new City Hall.  Supporters of the history museum were wary about the undefined plans to relocate it “somewhere.”

On October 29th, the Transcript ran an editorial recommending a “no” vote on the new City Hall:

…it is our contention that right now the stability of our economy is dependent on the ability of our governments to control spending…. Golden has a million-plus dollars and that money has been burning a hole in the collective pocket of the Golden council since it was discovered….  We suggest a no vote.

On November 3rd, the new City Hall was voted down, 1298 to 456.  The two incumbent City Councilors who had been running for reelection were defeated.  Six months later, the City Manager was fired.

City Staff still needed more space, so in the years that followed, the City acquired the former library building, remodeled the Public Works building and Fire Station #1, built new City shops, and bought the former Transcript building (now the City Hall Annex).

***

Epilogue
I was here in 1987, but I wasn’t following local politics, so this whole (four day long!) story was an interesting “new” local history story to me.

The parallels between the 1986/87 “new city hall” campaign and the current one are not exact. The City’s revenues and budget are much larger and far more complex in the current era. Golden’s residents are not presently living with 7-8% unemployment.

Our approach to budgeting has changed drastically in that time: debt has become our way of life. Instead of asking “do we have enough money to do this,” we ask, “do we have sufficient bonding capacity,” (which means, our ability to repay outstanding debt).

Work life has changed. Since the pandemic many of the City’s employees work at home part time. Within the next year, employees will move from a 40 hour work week to a 32 hour work week. With those changes, will we still need as many offices? Since the pandemic, the City has re-done their pre-2020 space study. I haven’t seen the new study, so I’m not sure how work-at-home and shortened work hours affect the need for office space.

I think citizens expect more information than we used to. City staff is saying that a new City Hall will cost $59 million dollars and remodeling the old city hall would cost $50 million. What is that based on? Was there a study by architects/engineers to calculate the remodeling cost, or is $50 million just close enough to $59 million to make the decision a no-brainer? If there was such a study, I haven’t found it on any of the City’s websites.


Artist’s rendering of the Heart of Golden plan – enlarge


The City’s method of proposing this project varied greatly between 1987 and 2020-2024:

In 1987, the City said they wanted to build a new City Hall.

In 2020, the City said they wanted to turn the Creek front into a vast new park. The new City Hall was a small detail in a much larger vision–but it’s the first thing on the list, and the most expensive element. I felt that the “Heart of Golden” process employed some sleight of hand: look at all this greenery, and pay no attention to those buildings on the right side of the drawing. Imagine the pickleball courts!

The method of gaining Council approval has also changed. Instead of one particular night at City Council when Councilors would be asked “Do you approve of this plan to build a new City Hall?” they now go through a series of smaller decisions.

“Do you like the plan so far?”
“Do you want us to keep studying this?”
“Which of these options do you like?”

These questions are posed during Council Study Sessions–which do not include opportunity for public comment. Council is not allowed to formally vote or make decisions during Study Sessions–instead, they discuss matters, ask questions, and provide their general inclination using a thumbs-up or thumbs-down response.

The most recent of these non-votes occurred during a February 13th Study Session, when Council indicated which option they liked best. You can watch the discussion here. The magic “thumbs up” moment occurs at 55 minutes. So that’s it–that was the moment when Council approved spending $59 million (to start). During a meeting where public comment was not permitted. During a meeting where formal decisions were not permitted.

I kept waiting for that moment of truth–a public hearing where Council officially approved or disapproved this massive spending decision. I anticipated listening to public comment, and hearing what the citizens thought of this plan. That never happened; instead, we just drifted into this state of having committed to a really major expenditure without public discussion.

The next decision will come during the April 9th Study Session (again–no public comment allowed). At that time, Staff will ask Council whether the project should be funded with bonds (requiring a public vote) or Certificates of Participation (no vote needed).

If find myself agreeing with Roy Claar, as the Transcript quoted him in 1987:

“I should have a right to vote if the city spends that much money,” committee member Roy Claar told council. “This is one of the largest lump sums the city has ever spent.” Claar, however, confided that he didn’t know whether he would vote for, or against, a city hall. He just wanted the chance to vote.

Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!

GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden?  If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!

MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, Ruth Hund, and Michael Mason

Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil

Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, Frank & Marsha Hanou, Leslie Lutz, and Traci Case

PREVIOUS ARTICLESSUBSCRIBE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN


Moonset, Sustainability, and Found Money

March 27, 2024

Golden Eye Candy – Barb Warden – Moonset on a Snowy Morning – enlarge

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?

6-6:55AM Cardio Lift Interval (Virtual)
8-8:55AM Tai Chi (Virtual)
8:30-9:30AM Power Training (Virtual)
9AM Golden Walks – Wednesday Morning Celebrating Life @ Golden Library
10-10:55AM All Levels Yoga (Virtual)


10AM and 1PM Wild West Short Tour
10AM and 1PM Wild West Walking Tour
10:15-10:45AM Toddler Time @ Golden Library
3-5PM Hard Times Writing Workshop (Virtual)


5-8PM Après Wednesday @ Golden Mill
5:45-7:45PM Golden Women in Business Table Talks @ Connects Workspace Red Rocks (map)
6-7:30PM Bingo Night @ American Legion Post 21
6:30PM Trivia Night @ Over Yonder

SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

Did you receive this email from a friend? Sign up to get your own copy!

CITY MEETINGS

6-8:30PM Community Sustainability Advisory Board @ City Hall
The Sustainability Board will discuss the net zero energy building codes that they plan to recommend to City Council. They will review nominations for the sustainability awards that will be presented at the April 9th Council meeting. Mayor Weinberg will visit the board to share thoughts and receive feedback from board members.

The board will review a grant request by Mitchell Elementary to provide $5,000 to install four water bottle filling stations.

Staff will update the board the 2024 work plan, plans for an off-site board meeting, and the 2024 budget.

LIVE MUSIC


6-8PM Derek Hall @ Miners Saloon

5-8PM DJ Matt Cassidy @ Golden Mill
6PM Live Music @ Rock Rest Lodge

GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT


Downtown in the 1980s – enlarge


As 1987 began, the proposed new City Hall was still a hot topic.  The estimated $2.4 million price tag seemed overwhelming for a City that had traditionally eschewed debt.

Council began considering alternatives.  Marv Kay proposed installing temporary buildings behind City Hall. Leo Bradley advised removing the History Museum, so city staff could occupy that space.  City Staff encouraged the library to move, so the city could acquire that building. 

Those who still advocated for a new building suggested eliminating the underground parking, to reduce the construction cost.

Councilor Frank Leek recommended selling Parfet Park to someone who would build a hotel there, provided the developer would also build a new City Hall across the street.

By April, the Transcript was writing impatient articles, asking Council to make up their minds.

Why doesn’t council just publicly admit that the new city hall plan is too expensive at the moment? …or why don’t they just put the $2.2 million proposal up to the voters in the November election? Who knows, maybe the citizens will pass it with enough campaigning and convincing.
Don Kunce, Opinion Columnist – Golden Transcript – February 17, 1987

Later that month, auditors discovered $1.2 million in unappropriated funds in the City’s coffers.  This sparked great excitement and many suggestions about ways to spend the money.  Not surprisingly, some thought it was the ideal way to partially fund a new City Hall.

By May, the councilors were all tired of discussing the new City Hall, but some felt that they hadn’t provided citizens with enough information about the need and the financing options.  The May 26, 1987 Transcript described a “fiery discussion” at City Council: 

[Councilor] Leslie Hawkinson, in fact, was visibly upset when the thought of delaying the decision on this issue surfaced once again.

‘I am upset and disappointed,’ she said. ‘I think this conversation is taking us a big step backwards. We had a public meeting. People had an opportunity to give ideas.’

Later, she shouted, ‘We’ve been planning and planning and planning and planning.  Let’s get on with it!’

Councilor Marv Kay was reluctant to commit to the expense, and thought the public needed to be sold on the idea:  “If we can’t answer those questions, we’ll look crazier than hell.”

Councilor Mark Macha questioned what options we might be giving up by spending so much money on a single project.

That comment raised Hawkinson’s ire once more.  ‘It is an insult to our employees to work under these conditions,’ she said.  ‘I certainly wouldn’t work here.  Would you?’

Macha said he has worked and still does, under worse conditions.

Later that summer, Macha resigned his seat on Council.


Finished rendering of the proposed City Hall – Golden Transcript – June 4, 1987 – enlarge

By June of 1987, the City had spent about $80,000 on planning for the new City Hall.  They voted to spend another $70,000 to continue the planning process.  The price for the proposed building had increased from $1.2 million to $1.5 million.  The estimate for remodeling the current City Hall for use by Police and Fire remained at $1.2 million.

Residents wrote letters to the Transcript, suggesting other things the money could fund, such as fixing residential streets or revitalizing Clear Creek.  The June 9, 1987 Transcript described Marv Kay’s ward meeting:

Rimrock Road and Utah Street are streets which they felt were in deplorable condition. One man said the road conditions in his neighborhood had affected the value of his property. “What idiot would live in a hick town like this that lets its streets deteriorate like this?” said resident Bob Elgin.

Golden’s commercial property owners invited the City to rent space in their buildings.

The City Manager determined that, by using the “found” $1.2 million, raising the property tax mill levy, and possibly using certificates of participation, Council would be able to make this decision without a vote of the residents. He recommended beginning construction immediately.

This brought on a new round of letters to the Transcript:

Save it
I find it amazing that the city council can circumvent the need for citizen input and go ahead with the construction of a new city hall. It’s particularly fishy that the $1.2 million was ‘found’ so that the building could be built without a referendum…. It’s my impression that most people in Golden feel so alienated from the political and decision-making process that few are bothering to speak out because they feel powerless. I think a referendum is in order before any more time or money is spent.
Tom Harbour – Golden Transcript – June 16, 1987

Future’s at stake
Our elected City Council has voted to proceed toward the construction of a $1.5 million (underestimated) City Hall. Those same elected representatives of the people have also decided not to let their people have a vote on the issue. Interesting…. On many occasions in the past, voters have been called to decide on simpler and much less costly issues, but for spending $1.5 million, they won’t give us a chance to say “yes” or “no.”
J. Larry McWilliams – Golden Transcript – June 16, 1987

Preston Driggers wrote the Transcript, recommending that the $1.2 million be invested and the interest (7.5% at that time) be used to fund diverse city projects while waiting for the economy to pick up.  He suggested that with 8% unemployment and many Golden families uneasy about their economic prospects, it wasn’t a good time to fund construction of a new public building. (Golden Transcript, June 25, 1987)

Tune in tomorrow for Part 4!

Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!

GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden?  If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!

MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, Ruth Hund, and Michael Mason

Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil

Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, Frank & Marsha Hanou, Leslie Lutz, and Traci Case

PREVIOUS ARTICLESSUBSCRIBE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN


More Executive Sessions and the City Hall Saga, Continued

March 26, 2024

Golden Eye Candy – Derek Lee – Early Spring – enlarge

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?


9AM Golden Seniors – Coffee Klatch @ Golden Visitors Center
9-10AM Women’s Exercise and Bible Study @ First United Methodist Church
9:15-9:45AM Baby Time @ Golden Library
10AM and 4PM Wild West Walking Tour
10:15-10:45AM Preschool Time @ Golden Library
1:30PM Triad Senior Safety @ Jeffco District Attorney’s Office


4PM Wild West Short Tour
5:30-8PM The Principles of Artistic Expression @ Foothills Art Center
6:30-8:30PM Bar Bingo Night @ VFW Post 4171

SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

TRIVIA


6PM Trivia Tuesdays @ Golden Mill


6:30-8:30PM Team Trivia Tuesdays @ Buffalo Rose

Did you receive this email from a friend? Sign up to get your own copy!

CITY MEETINGS


2PM GURA Budget Hearing @ City Hall
GURA is meeting at this unusual, mid-day time to discuss budget amendments. These include two minor changes and one major one. As discussed in their regular meeting on March 11th, the Jefferson County Housing Authority has requested a $400,000 donation from GURA (and an additional $100,000 from the City) to help them purchase the former Golden Motel. They will initially keep it as-is, with 14 apartments, but their plan is to raze the current structure and replace it with something larger and denser. This property is across the street from their Flats on Ford project and a block away from their Lewis Court project.

They will accept public comment and hold a public hearing, then will go into executive session to finish their discussion (which means no public, no cameras).

Public Comment
Five residents of the Central Neighborhood (where the new project will go) attended their last meeting. I commented that the City is concentrating all affordable housing in one small area and encouraged them to use some creativity to find other places to locate some of it. I also said I had been cautiously optimistic about GURA taking on the Central Neighborhoods, because they had made downtown so beautiful. The Central Neighborhoods has not visibly improved–GURA’s only interest to date has been bringing in more affordable housing.

Kristin Wrona pointed out that the Lewis Court apartments (JCHA’s first project in the neighborhood) were out of scale for the existing small, one-story houses in the area, then newer projects used Lewis Court as justification for building taller, denser buildings.

Loretta Huff said she didn’t object to the property as-is, but objected to their plans to redevelop it as something taller and denser. She said they were eroding the value of the neighborhood she loved by making the homes next to the new apartment buildings less desirable. She likened this new project to the Mines 800 bed dorm, which was sprung on the public with little or no input. She asked if GURA was acting in the public interest.

John McEncroe said he disliked the takeover of existing properties and feared that the tiny apartments next to the new neighborhood park would be replaced by another tall building. You can listen to these comments here. They begin about 2 minutes into the meeting.

There were also three emailed comments but those have not yet been added to the public record.

6:30PM City Council Regular Business Meeting @ City Hall
The consent matters include first reading of the ordinance to annex the Bachman property and zone it Conservation. They will also have a first reading of an ordinance to rezone part of the Kilgroe PUD to contain multi-family residential in an area currently zoned as business park. They will also approve a contract for $197,942.23 to replace AV equipment in the Community Center. They will review an IGA with the Department of Transportation regarding work on Hwy 93.

They will read a proclamation for National Public Health Week, April 1-7th.

They will have a public hearing on some changes to the municipal code to cover GURA and DDA.

The will vote a resolution to standardize rules of procedure for all boards and commissions.

They will then go into executive session (no public, no camera) to discuss the performance of the City Attorney.

LIVE MUSIC

6PM Karaoke with Linda @ Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
6PM Open Bluegrass Pick Night @ Over Yonder Brewing

GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT


The City hired an architect, who provided sketches of existing buildings to gauge style preferences for a new City Hall. – Golden Transcript – July 17, 1986 – enlarge


38 Years Ago
In 1960, Golden’s citizens voted to build a fine new City Hall. By 1986, the building was overcrowded, so City Council appointed a citizens committee to study the City’s current and future space needs. The group considered adding on to the existing building, leasing office space, and building a new City Hall. In the end, they recommended a new building. The City owned the lot at the southwest corner of 10th and Washington, vacant at that time. Since the land was already paid for, they estimated that a new building would cost $1.2 million. They also recommended remodeling the current City Hall to serve the police, fire department, and ambulance squad. The total cost of the two projects was estimated at $2.4 million.

(For perspective, the 1986 general fund budget was $4.65 million.)

As with any large expenditure involving many stakeholders, not everyone agreed that a new City Hall was the community’s highest priority. Colorado was still reeling from the oil bust, and was experiencing unemployment rates above 7%. Many homes were in foreclosure, and those who owned homes in the city weren’t anxious to have their property taxes raised to pay for a new municipal building.


Scenes from Downtown Golden in the 1980s

Business owners thought the City should invest its funds in economic development:

Contrary to popular belief in some Golden circles, money does not grow on trees…. Golden does not have unlimited funds, and therefore, Golden must prioritize its capital expenditures as we all must do in our private business or family budgets…. We must avoid the tendency to spend our limited financial resources…on luxuries (like a new city hall) until we first establish a healthy city economy.
Rick Lunnon, Guest Opinion Column – Golden Transcript – May 1, 1986


Preliminary floor planning, showing main entrance near Clear Creek – Golden Transcript – September 9, 1986 – enlarge


Meanwhile, the architect continued his planning activities and produced a preliminary building design and floor plan.


Preliminary building design – Golden Transcript – September 30, 1986 – enlarge


Golden’s City Council and leaders must be dreaming…. Their new proposed city hall is too expensive, too large, and frankly too extravagant for our small-town flavor…. there’s no doubt that city employees need some more space…. I suggest we just build a smaller, more modest addition to city hall.
Don Kunce, Columnist – Golden Transcript – July 29, 1986

Tune in tomorrow for Part3!

Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!

GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden?  If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!

MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, Ruth Hund, and Michael Mason

Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil

Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, Frank & Marsha Hanou, Leslie Lutz, and Traci Case

PREVIOUS ARTICLESSUBSCRIBE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN


Jackson Street Tonight and City Hall in the ’80s

March 25, 2024
The bike and pedestrian path on the south side of Clear Creek. The Clear Creek History Park is covered in snow and Castle Rock appears in the background.

Golden Eye Candy – Richard Luckin – Spring Snow on the History Park – enlarge

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN TODAY?

1AM Full Moon
8:30-9:30AM Power Training (Virtual)
10-10:55AM All Levels Yoga (Virtual)
10AM, 1PM and 4PM Wild West Walking Tour
10AM, 1PM and 4PM Wild West Short Tour
10:15-10:45AM Let’s Dance @ Golden Library
12-12:30PM Mondays with Mayor Weinberg (Virtual)
2-3PM Active Minds Mondays – The History of Automobiles (Virtual)
6-9PM Teach Me to Play @ Golden Game Guild

6:30-7:30PM Overdose and Fentanyl: Facts, Prevention and Response @ Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
With rising rates and an ever-changing drug supply, overdose is something that affects us all in some way, and for many of us, this includes on the job or when volunteering. Fentanyl has brought the topic closer than ever, and it’s important to have the correct information to feel safe and confident in our environments, while helping others stay safe, too. This 60-minute training is intended to provide information, prepare participants, and get everyone talking about overdose, fentanyl, and naloxone (Narcan) – all important knowledge that can help everyone save a life. 

Speaker: Carrie Hankins, MPH, Harm Reduction Education & Resource Coordinator, Jefferson County Public Health.

Presented by Rotary Club of Golden and Jefferson County Public Health

SEE THE COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS.

TRIVIA


7-8PM Colorado Trivia League @ Morris & Mae

Did you receive this email from a friend? Sign up to get your own copy!

CITY MEETINGS

5-7PM Jackson Street Corridor Plan Open House @ Golden City Hall
Join your neighbors and Golden planning staff for an open house on Monday, March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. to discuss Jackson Street Corridor design plan alternatives, including the future streetscape, landscaping, and public improvements.Learn more about the project at www.guidinggolden.com/jackson-street-corridor.

LIVE MUSIC

GOLDEN HISTORY MOMENT


Grand opening of Golden City Hall in 1961


38 Years Ago
In March of 1986, Golden’s City Council was considering what to do about over-crowding in City Hall. A citizen’s committee had reviewed the current and future space needs, and concluded that we should build a new City Hall. The existing building would then be remodeled to accommodate the police, fire, and ambulance staffs. The total for those two projects was estimated at $2.4 million.

City Council appreciated the proposal, but balked at the price. Then, the City Manager discovered $1.2 million in the City coffers that was unallocated! There was much excited discussion of how that money should be spent. A new City Hall seemed like the perfect project.

There was some concern about where to get the remaining $1.2 million. At that time, the City had no debt, and many people thought that was a desirable state.


The underpopulated downtown of the 1980s


City Council was divided as to whether they should ask the citizens to vote on this project (since it would require going into debt). Some members thought Council’s job was to make such decisions, while others thought they should seek public input. The local economy was fragile at that time. The historic downtown had many vacancies and sales tax was far from robust. Under such conditions, residents might not approve a ballot issue for a new City building.

They may tell us, ‘You put that up, we’ll vote it down’.
City Councilman Frank Link – Golden Transcript – March 11, 1986

Golden High School, built in 1924. Later Golden Junior High School and now the American Mountaineering Center

Golden High School, later Golden Junior High


The Golden Junior High building (now the Mountaineering Center) was soon to be vacated, and many people thought the City should acquire that building, which had more than enough space. The space committee recommended building something new, custom-fitted to the City’s needs. The Visitors Center had not yet been built, so staff proposed building on that lot, at 10th and Washington.

Council held a public hearing to gauge the public’s desire for a new City Hall. Predictably, some citizens spoke in favor of the project, while others wanted more costing information, predicting that the project would cost at least $3 million.

Tune in tomorrow for part 2!

Thanks to the Golden History Museum for providing the online cache of historic Transcripts, and to the Golden Transcript for documenting our history since 1866!

GOLDENTODAY IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden?  If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!

MARCH SPONSORS: Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden City Brewery, Golden Cultural Alliance, Golden History Museum, Miners Alley Playhouse, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Morris & Mae Market, Miners Saloon, Joy and Jack Brandt, Tom Reiley, ML Richardson, Mary Eiberger, Bud Rockhill, Ruth Hund, and Michael Mason

Contributors: Greg Poulos, Vic DeMaria, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Barry & Liz Bettis, Mel Perkins, Chris and Joyce Davell, Richard Caldwell, and Meridee & Ed Cecil

Ongoing Monthly Supporters:
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Golden Community Garden, Carol & Doug Harwood, Jennings & Litz, Bill Fisher, Brian Quarnstrom, Casey & Gina Brown, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Robert Storrs, Karen Smith, Sandy Curran, Paul Haseman, Michele Sannes, Kathy Smith, Crystal Culbert, Pat Madison, Donna Anderson, Ann Pattison, Carol & Don Cameron, Tom Hughes, Emeline Paulson, Susan Gray, David Smith, Karen Oxman, Laura King & Scott Wilson, Bill Sedgeley, Mariane Erickson, Carol Abel, Dot & Eric Brownson, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Deb Goeldner, Rosemary Coffman, Jim & LouAnne Dale, Francine Butler, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, Chris Ball, Tom Hoffman, Patrick & Lisa Vitry, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Lora Haimes, Nancy & Carlos Bernal, Stephanie Painter, Holly Thomas, Julie Bartos & Brad Miller, Bobby German & Alison McNally, Frank & Marsha Hanou, Leslie Lutz, and Traci Case

PREVIOUS ARTICLESSUBSCRIBE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN GOLDEN