This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The following is an announcement of what is happening this week in Longmont according to the City of Longmont.
Centennial Pool Closed Indefinitely
A faulty sump pump has caused significant damage to Centennial Pool, and the entire building will be closed until further notice. Because of this, Sunset Pool, which usually closes after Labor Day, will remain open until early October. For updates and more information visit LongmontColorado.gov/swim.
Sign Up for “LoCo About Cycling” Newsletter
Would you like to stay up to speed on City of Longmont bicycling news? If so, subscribe to LoCo About Cycling. This monthly electronic newsletter gives you information on City projects, programs, classes and events related to bicycling. Group rides, roadway improvements, trail closures, trends and tips – LoCo About Cycling is the simple way to stay informed. Sign up for the free LoCo About Cycling e-newsletter at bit.ly/longmont-bicycling. Article suggestions and photo submissions also are welcome; send them to [email protected].
Watch the Artists Paint Their Shock Art Boxes
How are the Art in Public Places Shock Art designs selected? What inspires the artists? From 9 am to noon on Saturday, September 8, chat with the artists and watch them paint their winning designs on switchgear boxes around town. Locations are Nelson Road near Target, Sunset Street at Ken Pratt Boulevard, Tulip Street at Mountain View Avenue, 9th Avenue at Granite Court, and Renaissance Drive at Pike Road. For more information, email [email protected].
Diversity Storytime Looks at Immigration
A special all-ages family storytime will be held from 6 to 6:45 pm on Monday, September 10, at the Library, 409 4th Avenue. As part of the Library’s “Diversity Storytime” series, it will feature books that speak to the immigration and refugee experience in the U.S. No registration is necessary.
Conversation on Reducing Gun Violence
There is no more important or timely need in communities everywhere than reducing the risk of gun violence while respecting the rights of gun owners. Join residents representing all perspectives on gun violence and gun ownership in a conversation led by leaders from Longmont’s faith community from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, September 12, at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road. Registration is free but is required; register online at LongmontColorado.gov/community-conversation. For more information, contact Rev. David Barker at [email protected].
Race Against Domestic Violence 5K
Join your community in supporting the Longmont Ending Violence Initiative (LEVI) and the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley at the Race Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, September 15, at McIntosh Lake. Proceeds from this annual, all-ages family run/walk directly benefit victims of domestic violence and their families. For more information and to register visit bit.ly/2Mmw02x.
Register for Fall Teen Writers Group
Register now to join the Library’s Teen Writers Group this fall. This monthly meetup for 6th -12th graders is held at the Library, 409 4th Avenue, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm every third Friday through December. Teens will share ideas and get support and assistance from other fledgling writers! Registration is required at bit.ly/LibTeens. No email address? Call 303-651-8477 to register.
Stay on the Mark – Keep Your Meters Accessible
It’s meter-marking time again! Starting September 3, Longmont Power & Communications meter readers will put black marks on the sidewalks to show where the meter pits are. This helps them find your meter in the colder months when autumn leaves or winter snow have covered it. Help them out by clearing off your meter when needed – with about 72,000 electric and water meters to read every month, every second counts!
Volunteer at Sandstone Ranch
The Sandstone Ranch Visitors & Learning Center at 3001 Sandstone Drive is seeking volunteers to help with second grade educational field trips. This is a great opportunity for people who like to be around children in an outdoor setting, who are able to do some walking, and who have a willingness to learn. Times are 8:30 am to 2 pm on select Tuesdays and Thursdays in September and October. Call 303-774-4692 or 303-774-4694 for details.
Inclusive Communities Celebration
The City of Longmont and the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee (LMAC) invite you to participate in our Inclusive Communities Celebration on Friday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road. The purpose of the Inclusive Communities event is to celebrate the City of Longmont’s diversity as an asset within the community, and to showcase community programs that promote understanding of the many different cultures that are a part of our community. This annual celebration is a great opportunity to connect with others from different cultures. For more information, or to host a table, offer an artistic talent, or volunteer, please contact Adriana Perea by e-mail at [email protected] or by
phone at 303-651-8721.
Boulder County Commissioners OPPOSE Amendment 74 - “Just Compensation for Reduction in Fair Market Value by Government Law or Regulation”
The Board off County Commissioners announced in a press release that it has "adopted a position (Resolution 2018-101) to OPPOSE Ballot Initiative #108 (Amendment 74) 'Just Compensation for Reduction in Fair Market Value by Government Law or Regulation.'”
Amendment 74 is a citizen-generated initiative funded by the oil and gas industry that proposes to amend the Colorado constitution to drastically limit state and local government regulatory authority.
According to the press release:
Article II Section 15 of the Colorado Constitution states that “Private property shall not be taken or damaged, for public or private use, without just compensation.” This “takings clause” is generally the same language as the takings clause in the U.S. Constitution. Property owners already possess the right to seek compensation from the public when two conditions are met:
- (1) the investment backed expectations for the property are substantially diminished by a government regulation; and
- (2) the property owner suffers a “unique” (rather than generalized) burden or impact from the regulation.
The Board of Boulder County Commissioners states that they oppose the amendment for the following reasons:
- If Amendment 74 were to become the law, the ability of state and local governments to adopt – let alone attempt to enforce – reasonable regulations, limitations, and restrictions upon or affecting uses of and activities on private property would be drastically diminished. Laws, ordinances, and regulations designed to protect public health and safety, the environment, our natural resources, public infrastructure, and other public resources would all be placed in severe jeopardy.
- Zoning, density limitations, and planned development would be directly impacted. Inherently dangerous or environmentally damaging activities would become prohibitively costly for our state and local governments to attempt to limit or regulate in the public interest.
- Even indirect and unintended impacts upon fair market value could give rise to claims for compensation by private property owners. This could include virtually any law or regulation that could impact the value of a business operation upon the property and thus, indirectly, the short-term market value of the property itself (e.g., arguably minimum wage requirements, waste disposal requirements, drainage requirements, noise restrictions, safety codes, laws affecting or permitting activities upon neighboring property, etc.).
- Similar “takings initiative” efforts have been attempted and defeated in other states. Although cost estimates have not been completed for Colorado, the fiscal impact for similar language in the State of Washington was estimated at $2 billion dollars for state agencies and $1.5 billion for county governments over the first six years. There were $4 billion dollars in claims in Oregon before the residents repealed the takings initiative two years after its passage.
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