CenCON

 Monthly Reports by Sue Rosser

Highlights from the Monday, February 24 CenCON meeting: 

A compilation of election & leadership information given by several speakers;

By the end of 2025, Centennial residents will have new leadership in South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR), South Suburban Parks & Rec District (SSPRD), and the City of Centennial.

• SMFR - After a nationwide search to replace highly respected retiring Fire Chief, Bob Baker, which attracted 76 applicants, the SMFR Board has chosen a leader from within, John Curtis, who has been an SMFR leader for over two decades.  Chief Curtis is expected to assume the role of Fire Chief at the end of April, when Chief Baker retires.  The SMFR Board of Directors will hold an all-mail ballot election on May 6, in Districts 2,6, and 7. Centennial residents living west of I-25 are in District 3, so we won’t receive a ballot for this election.  Our District 3 representative, Jim Albee, is the current Board Chairman, and when he is term-limited in May 2027, we will receive a mail ballot to elect his replacement.  Learn more at www.southmetro.org.
• SSPRD - Executive Director, Rob Hanna submitted his resignation in early February.  By the time you read this, an interim ED will have been appointed, and a nationwide search will be underway to find Hanna’s replacement.  This search/hiring process will likely take 3-6 months.  In the meantime, SSPRD is conducting their May 6 Board of Directors election.  Three of the five total board seats are open, with an incumbent, former Centennial City Council member Keith Gardner, and 10 other candidates running for those three seats.  Residents will not automatically receive a ballot in the mail for this election, but all can vote in one of two ways: 1) From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the South Suburban Sports Complex, 4810 E County Line Rd., or 2) preferred and easier, by filling out the application (available online) to receive an absentee ballot, with the option to be placed on SSPRD’s permanent absentee voter list, to then receive a ballot in this and all future SSPRD elections.  For the absentee ballot application, information on the 11 candidates, and much more, Google South Suburban Parks and Recreation 2025 election.
• City of Centennial - On Tuesday, November 4, Centennial voters will choose a new mayor to replace term-limited Mayor Stephanie Piko, as well as a council member to fill one of two seats in each of the four council districts. Willow Creek is in District 3, and residents will be choosing the replacement for term-limited D3 council member, Mike Sutherland.  All active registered voters will receive a mail ballot for this November election.  Find more info by Googling City of Centennial 2025 Election
  

South Suburban Parks & Recreation District’s Michelle Kitchens shared this (additional) information:

• Gameplan.SSPRD.org lists the many interesting construction/improvement projects occurring throughout the district.  Of special interest to pickleball players is the outdoor Southpark Pickleball Complex, where 19 courts are now being constructed near the SW corner of S Broadway and County Line Road.
• Summer camp and class registration is now open. Visit www.ssprd.org, find a catalogue at a facility, and get more info at the registration office inside Goodson Rec Center, 6315 S University (303-798-5131).

City of Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko shared this information:

• Centennial Center Park’s splash pad is being remodeled and should be open by Memorial Day weekend.
• All roadway projects can now be found on the city website, www.centennialco.gov   
• Centennial has completed the purchase of existing streetlights—not traffic lights--within the city’s boundaries.  Numbering around 3000, these were previously owned by Xcel Energy, and Centennial now maintains them. The numerous benefits include lower utility costs, energy efficiency with the ongoing transition to LED lighting, proactive maintenance and repair, better integration of streetlights with the city’s design and beautification efforts, and opportunities for generating additional revenue through small cell attachments, electrical vehicle station mounts, and other technologies.
• Centennial’s commercial properties are being assessed this year, with the expectation that property values will drop 25-30%, with office space being affected more than retail properties.
• HB25-1169 termed the “YIGBY bill” (Yes, in God’s Back Yard) is making its way through the Colorado legislature.  If passed, beginning December 31, 2026, this law would allow faith-based organizations and educational institutions to build housing and other community service on their land, as long as the development is no taller than three stories or 45 feet, for low-income and homeless persons, regardless of current municipal zoning laws. 

Highlights from the Monday, January 27^th CenCON meeting 

From Jamie Sorrells, 18^th Judicial’s Director of Consumer Fraud Protection & Community Engagement:

• The 18^th now serves only Arapahoe County; the new 23^rd serves Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties.
• Human trafficking, the second most profitable illegal industry in the US behind only drug trafficking, continues to be a major focus of the 18^th.  The average entry age into trafficking is 13 years old, and the average life expectancy is only seven years. Because trafficking is a very real problem in Arapahoe County, the 18^th has a large team that focuses on this issue.  To report suspected trafficking in Colorado, call the 24/7 Hotline, 866-455-5075 or text “Help” to 720-999-9724.
• Scam concerns center around income taxes, Medicare open enrollment, and increasingly, cryptocurrency.  Scammers impersonating banks or other trusted institutions trick victims into transferring their life savings from Federally insured institutions to cyptocurrency via crypto ATMs, and then into scammer accounts. Over 34,000 crypto ATMs are located within the US, often in gas stations or liquor stores located near the victims.

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Kristin Eckmann shared these highlights:

• In February and March, fire crews will be moving into the newly built Station #15 just east of the Varsity Inn at Dry Creek and University.  An open house will be held in March or April. 
• SMFR deployed a four-person crew to help fight the Palisades Fire in California.  These deployments are reciprocal, with crews throughout the US coming to Colorado to help fight our wildfires when they occur.
• The search for a new Fire Chief to replace retiring Chief, Bob Baker, has been narrowed down to three candidates, two from within SMFR, and one from outside.  Final selection will occur by late February.
• Last fall SMFR was honored to receive a large, twisted steel beam from one of the two World Trade Center buildings that were destroyed in the 2001 terrorist plane attacks on September 11^th.  SMFR dedicated the beam in a ceremony that took place last September 11^th, the 23^rd anniversary of the attacks.  The ceremony video can be viewed on www.youtube.com.  Search for South Metro Fire Rescue 9/11 Memorial & Dedication -- scroll down if necessary.  The beam, 20’ long and weighing 3346 lbs., stands upright in the memorial area to the left (west) of the main door of the SMFR Administration building, located ½ mile east of Willow Creek, at 9195 E Mineral Ave.  Google info suggests that this may be the only WTC steel beam in Colorado.  The memorial, beam, and ceremony video are well worth visiting. 

Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations & Strategic Events shared upcoming events:

• Community Roundtable “Technological Advancements and Us,” (adults): Wednesday, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m. at Smoky Hill Library, 5430 S. Biscay Cir, Centennial. Participants will break into small groups, each with a trained facilitator, and explore the topic together and share ideas.  Free refreshments.
• MAD LIBrarians Improv show (ages 5-12): Sunday, March 23, 1-2 p.m. at Koelbel Library.  This is a take-off on the popular Mad Libs word games--a family-friendly improv show with the MAD LIBrarians, from the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company. Kids will add words to a story to create a new book title, and then the MAD LIBrarians will bring it to life with hilarious acting and songs.
• Dan Slepian, senior investigative producer for Dateline NBC: Saturday, March 29, 2-4 p.m. at The Village Workspace, 7171 S. Havana St. #600, Centennial.  Slepian will discuss his new book, The Sing Sing Files and will bring a guest, David Lemus, whose personal story is featured in the book, a 2024 Pulitzer Prize finalist. 
  

Registration is required for all events.  Go to the calendar at www.arapahoelibriaries.org and search for the event date to register or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).                    

An introduction and tour by Principal Steve Day of the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) was the main topic covered in the January meeting.  The CCIC, located at 8000 S Chambers Rd, Centennial, is a state of the art, stand-alone college and career preparedness facility, where Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) high school students are provided opportunities to gain real-world skills, valuable college credit, and/or industry-recognized certifications.  Whether students’ immediate post-high school plans include college, military, or workforce entry, this facility offers a new kind of bridge to college and successful careers.  Study areas include Business Services, Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality & Tourism, Infrastructure Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, Product Design & Robotics, Health & Wellness, and Auto and Light Repair Aviation Maintenance. Participating students continue to earn diplomas from their CCSD home high schools, attending this facility every other day during a morning or afternoon session.  Transportation is provided to/from each CCSD high school. For much more information or to schedule a tour of this impressive facility, visit www.cherrycreekschools.org/ccic and/or call 720-554-2600.

Highlights from the Monday, October 28 CenCON meeting

CenCON is helping Nourish Meals on Wheels with their annual December Twelve Days of Giving.  Each weekday this vital organization prepares 550-650 hot, nutritious meals, and volunteers to deliver them to homebound seniors 60+ years old.  For many, this volunteer visit is the only daily interaction they have.  During the Twelve Days program, each client receives a little daily gift that accompanies their meal.  To help CenCON with this giving project, please go to www.cencon.net for the list of needed “stocking stuffer” gift items, and either take them to directly to the Nourish’s kitchen facility (92 E Arapahoe Rd, 8:30-3:30) or contact me (720-201-9358), and I’ll take them to Nourish. To learn much more about this non-profit, visit www.nourishmealsonwheels.org.

Arapahoe County 18^th Judicial District representative Aurora Ogg shared this update:

• Final preparations are being made for Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties to leave the 18^th to become the newly created 23^rd Judicial District. The split will occur on January 1, 2025.
• In October, two men were sentenced to six years in the Department of Corrections for attempting to steal more than $200,000 from a 76-year-old Castle Pines resident via an elaborate scam involving a pop-up message on her iPad in March, which ultimately directed her to withdraw funds from her accounts to purchase gold bars.  The woman contacted the DougCo Sheriff’s, who arrested the two when they arrived to pick up the gold bars from her in a parking lot.  After serving their sentences, both men will be deported back to India.  This is one of the few positive endings to an increasing number of Internet and many other types of scams occurring in our South Metro area. 
  

South Metro Fire Rescue’s Kristin Eckmann gave this update:

• The complete scrape and rebuilding of Station 15 at University & Dry Creek is scheduled to be finished during the first quarter of 2026, and the public will then be invited to a grand opening ceremony.
• Annually, SMFR offers two-three training academies. 19 recruits will graduate on December 16. 
• Station 34 (on Maximus Dr in Lone Tree) has a new tiller, also known as a tractor drawn aerial/hook and ladder fire truck—a maneuverable fire engine composed of a trailer and tractor that are permanently attached, are steered independently, and bend in the middle like an 18-wheeler.  Tillers are designed to navigate and fight fires in tight spaces on narrow streets and in apartment complexes.  They require two drivers, one on each end.
• Firefighters were deployed on a three-week assignment to Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.  In turn, firefighters from other parts of the US come to Colorado to help fight our forest fires during the summer months. These assignments give firefighters a valuable variety of experience.
• Although Lithium-ion battery fires are increasing, they currently remain among the rarest causes of fires.
• Highly respected and beloved SMFR Chief, Bob Baker, is retiring in May, after 40 years with the district (ten as our fire chief).  Both an internal and external search for a replacement for Chief Baker is now occurring.  Interviews began in late October of the 75 applicants from across the US.  The goal is to name a new fire chief in January.

Arapahoe Library District’s Manager of Community Relations & Strategic Events Holly Whelan shared:

• Koelbel Library will host a used book sale on December 7 and 8 on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.  Find children’s, holiday-themed, coffee table, leather-bound, vintage, and many more books. Enjoy free cocoa and crafts. All ages are welcome.
• You can digitize your old photos, movies, and music free of charge at the libraries.  To reserve a Digital Media Station to get tech support, visit https://arapahoelibraries.org/digital-media-stations/. 

City of Centennial Mayor Stephanie Piko’s update included:

• The decorative box wraps of utility boxes, like those seen along Willow Creek’s perimeter, continue to be added throughout Centennial.  Overall, 100 box wraps will be installed over the next couple of years.
• The Community College of Aurora is opening a campus in Centennial, in the business park at Arapahoe Rd and Peoria St. in the space formerly occupied by OpenTable.  It will be a school for nursing and EMTs, with students by Fall of 2025. Graduation from all programs offered should be around 100 students.
• The splash pad in Centennial Center Park has been torn up for updating and should be open by Memorial Day.

Highlights from the Monday, August 26^th CenCON meeting

18^th Judicial District Community Engagement Director Aurora Ogg reminded us that on January 1, 2025, the 18^th Judicial will split into two districts.  We, in Arapahoe County, will remain the 18^th; Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln Counties will become the newly created 23^rd Judicial District.  We voters in the 18^th will elect a new District Attorney (DA) in the upcoming November election because our current DA, John Kellner, has decided not to run for re-election.  Some prosecuting attorneys and other staff members who serve in the current 18^th may also leave to serve in the new 23^rd if they live in any of the three counties in that new district.  Much work has been done to make this split as smooth as possible, but some challenges will likely arise in this first year of change.

Arapahoe Libraries Manager of Community Events Holly Whelan shared these upcoming events:

• Call for artists 18 years or older of all skill levels.  Now is the chance to share your talents with the community by showcasing your work in library galleries! The application process is open through October 31. Visit www.arapahoelibraries.org/art-galleries.  Additional questions?  Call 720-603-8606.
• Active Minds presents 2024 Colorado Ballot Choices on Thursday, October 10 from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. at Koelbel Library.  Each ballot proposal will be reviewed, and arguments for and against will be presented.  Also presented will be a brief history of Colorado’s referendum and initiative process, and the legislation that has resulted from it.  This same program will then be on Zoom on Tuesday, October 15, from 6 - 7 p.m.  Register at www.arapahoelibraries.org and then find either option on the events tab at the top of the homepage to access the calendar or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
• Holly highly recommends the Zoom presentation, “Meet librarian Mychal Threets,” on Tuesday, October 22 from 6-7 p.m., for tweens, teens, and adults.  Mychal is a PBS resident librarian and viral TikTok sensation.  Hear about his love of libraries and their importance for readers of all ages.  See registration info above.

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Deputies/Community Resource Specialists Michael McKnight, whose area of responsibility includes Willow Creek, and Dennis Meyer gave info about safety programs:

• The main responsibility of these two deputies is crime prevention.  They discussed the new Dog Walker Watch program, developed by the National Association of Town Watch.  Not just for dog walkers, this program encourages neighbors to be alert for suspicious activity, enhancing the partnership between law enforcement and the community to reduce crime.  Report unusual situations to ACSO’s non-emergency number, 303-795-4711.  Always call 911 in an emergency.   
• ACSO has a home security survey.  To schedule a home security walk-through, call 720-874-3750 to have Deputy McKnight do a home inspection to suggest areas where security can be improved.  To learn more about both programs, Google Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and then the program. 
• ACSO has also installed FLOCK license plate readers in four Centennial locations to catch stolen cars.
• Identity theft is on the rise.  The federal website to report online crimes is www.ic3.gov

District 4 Centennial City Council member Don Sheehan’s report included this information:

• Mapping technology is on the city’s website, www.centennialco.gov.  Search for maps and open data, which will show zoning, street sweeping, snow plowing priorities, permits, special districts, HOA and civic association locations, street rehab projects, council districts, development plans, and much more.
• Centennial is now in the middle of budget season; a budget study session was held on September 9.
• The city is buying our streetlights (traffic signals are already ours) from Xcel.  This will be a cost savings.

Highlights from the Monday, June 24^th CenCON meeting

From District 1 Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully:

• Arapahoe County’s 93-acre Dove Valley Regional Park, located southeast of the intersection of E Bronco’s Parkway and S Potomac St (diagonally SE of the Bronco’s training facility), reopened on July 8, after a yearlong, $18 million phase one makeover. This includes athletic field upgrades, new street access, additional parking, a new shade pavilion and playgrounds, a dog park, bike skills park, and a new multi-use community lawn.  Future phase two enhancements will include a lighted championship artificial turf field with built-in seating and a shade structure, a restroom and concession building, and additional youth fields.
• Completed in 1883, the 71 mile-long High Line Canal runs from Waterton Canyon to Green Valley Ranch, just south of DIA.  In June, Denver Water transferred ownership to Arapahoe County of the 45-mile stretch running through the county, placing a conservation easement on it to ensure its permanent future protection.  The High Line Canal Conservancy now holds this easement.  The 26 miles outside of Arapahoe County lie within Adams and Douglas Counties.  For an excellent YouTube summary of the history and this gift to the county, Google “New Chapter for the High Line Canal.”

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Bureau Chief Ken McKlem gave this update:

• Two additional experienced traffic officers/crash investigators have been added to patrol Centennial, and overtime is being funded by a $100,000+ CDOT grant.  This has resulted in an additional 1000 additional traffic tickets issued per month.  All ticket revenue goes to Centennial to help pay for the city’s contract with ASCO…the addition of these officers has resulted in a decrease in traffic collisions and resulting injuries and fatalities.
• ACSO is now using the National Highway Transportation Administration’s model, called “Crash-Based Reporting.”  In this model, traffic patrol is concentrated on streets and main thoroughfares where collisions more frequently occur—monitoring crash data and then more heavily patrolling these areas, rather than the streets where speeding can occur, but where collisions are rare.   
• Calls for overall service in Centennial are up about 5% from last year, but calls that turn into crime are down about that same amount.  Adult arrests are also up about 5%.  The statistics for 2020 and 2021 seem to be anomalous due to Covid, so it’s more difficult to make projects to plan for adequate staffing in the next few years.
• The Broncos facility on Broncos Parkway is beginning a major construction project, but they are committed to having camp open to the public again this year.  Complimentary tickets are required, and attendance is limited due to limited parking. To learn more and get tickets visit: www.denverbroncos.com/nfl/trainingcamp/information
• In August, deputies are again partnering with area businesses to take children whose families have fewer resources to shop for items they’ll need for school.
• A May 17 record drug bust occurred at a motel in the 6700 block of S Galena St (several blocks east of the Target on E Arapahoe Road).  41 pounds of meth, 33,000 fentanyl pills, 2.5 pounds of heroin and cocaine, $113,000 in cash, and weapons were recovered from a suspect supplying drugs in Arapahoe County and Centennial. These quantities indicate that this person arrested is connected to much larger, possibly international suppliers, and his future length of incarceration will depend on how cooperative he will be with the Federal government.

City of Centennial Council District 2 member Christine Sweetland shared these highlights:

• The City is taking part in the three-year South Metro Waste diversion study with Englewood, Sheridan, and Littleton to provide the first comprehensive analysis of waste services provided to the nearly 200,000 residents living in this region.  The study will explore opportunities to expand waste and recycling access, programs and services, and to begin to eliminate so much trash.  Learn more at www.SouthMetroWasteDiversion.com
• The 18^th Annual Centennial Under the Stars (free) will be held on Saturday, August 10, from 5-9 p.m. at Centennial Center Park (13050 E Peakview Ave). This event will feature live local music, local vendors, and food trucks. For more info visit www.centennialco.gov/Calendar/Centennial-Under-the-Stars-2024.  

Jill Meakins, CenCON’s treasurer, included information about Nourish Meals on Wheels:

• This worthy nonprofit prepares 550-650 hot nutritious meals each day from scratch, M-F, and 500+ dedicated volunteers deliver them directly to older clients in need throughout Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood. These meals are supplemented with weekly breakfasts and frozen meals for the weekends. Nearly their entire annual operating budget comes from individual donors, community partners, businesses, and more.
• Nourish MOW now has need for additional volunteer drivers, even for just one day a week per month!
• Their pantry also currently needs food supplies.  The link to the kinds of items needed can be found on CenCON’s website, www.cencon.net.  For more info on this valuable community organization, visit www.nourishmealsonwheels.org or call 303-798-7642.  Food donations may be delivered to 92 E Arapahoe Rd, M-F, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or call me at 720-201-9358 and I’ll pick up and deliver them for you.

18^th Judicial District’s Community Engagement Director Aurora Ogg gave this reminder:

As detailed in the May CenCON article, the 18^th Judicial District’s very informative Senior Law and Safety Summit will be held on Saturday, July 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Schwab Conference Center (9899 Schwab Way).  The three areas covered will be: 1) Law/Legal-related topics, 2) Fraud protection, and 3) Crime Prevention and Safety.  The cost is $10 and includes a light breakfast and a box lunch.  For much more information, Google “2024 Senior Law and Safety Summit”, call 720-874-8487, or email jsorrells@coda18.gov.  Sign up at: www.ea.da18.org/slss/attendee.aspx

Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Bureau Chief Lt. Adam Burson gave this update:

• To date, overall crime in Centennial, including motor vehicle theft, is down from 2023.  The only crime not down is drug-related - drug paraphernalia and possession, and associated mail and other theft.
• Drug cartels are present in rural eastern Arapahoe County, but thus far, not in Centennial. Cartels typically come into an area and buy secluded land and/or homes to process and store drugs.
  

James Linden, Senior Environmentalist, Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA), and Chairman of SPLASH, was the first of two main presenters:

• Since 2007, SEMSWA (www.semswa.org) has provided stormwater management services for drainage and flood control facilities within Centennial and unincorporated Arapahoe County.
• SEMSWA also works to preserve water quality, and with area partners has established SPLASH, the cooperative for education and outreach, detailed on the website www.splashco.org. SPLASH partners educate the public on simple ways to reduce pollution in local water bodies.
• The simplest way homeowners, HOAs, parks, etc. can preserve water quality and prevent toxic algal blooms that kill fish and other water life in waterways is by using lawn fertilizers that contains little or no phosphorus.  All fertilizer bag labels show three numbers describing the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) contained.  For example, a 40-pound (lb.) bag of 20-10-5 fertilizer contains 20% (8 lbs.) nitrogen, 10% (4 lbs.) phosphorus, and 5% (2 lbs.) potassium.  The other 26 lbs. are “fertilizer carriers, including sand or ground limestone.
• Because most of our area soils are naturally rich in phosphorus, SWEMSWA and SPLASH highly encourage going “P free,” using only fertilizers having a zero (0) or near zero percentage of phosphorus—the middle of the three numbers shown on the label—to preserve our South Metro water quality.

Josh Phillips, Director of Planning and Implementation, High Line Canal Conservancy shared this info:

• Following the 1859 Colorado gold rush, the 71-mile long High Line Canal was completed in 1883, from Waterton Canyon to the plains northeast of Aurora, bringing South Platte River water to settlers and farmers along its length.  Today the canal no longer provides water to farmers, but its partner trail survives as a treasured recreation outlet to a growing number of Centennial and other metro area residents.
• Formed in 2014, the mission of the Conservancy is to preserve, protect, and enhance the High Line and its vegetation and wildlife in partnership with the communities it crosses.  Without the continual water supply that created the rich greenway and habitat for wildlife, the Canal is challenged and in transition.  To learn much more, visit www.highlinecanal.org.

Highlights from the Monday, April 22^nd CenCON meeting

District 3 Arapahoe County Commissioner Jeff Baker gave this update:

• Arapahoe County is facing future financial challenges, and without new revenue from voter-approved sales or property taxes, the county commissioners will have to consider making cuts to essential programs and services. These might include continued partnerships with Centennial on critical road projects (including the expansion of several major thoroughfares on Centennial’s east side), consolidation of the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder’s Office operations, possibly including closure of Centennial’s motor vehicle office at Lima Plaza, elimination of regional homeless programs that include Centennial, delayed response by human services to over 100 daily cases of child or adult protection incidents, delays in restaurant and child care center inspections, and more. 
• Centennial’s law enforcement contract with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) would not be impacted, because Centennial pays for those services.  Impacts could occur in sending lawbreakers to county detention centers/jail and in investigations and task forces involving ACSO.
• To maintain services, the five county commissioners are considering placing either a property tax or sales tax increase question on the November 2024 ballot, and they are seeking constituent input over the next weeks.  To share your opinions on this topic, Google: Arapahoe County Budget: Home and follow the links.  The property tax increase being considered is 4.615 mills, which would add an additional $16-$27/month to each WC 2 home’s property tax, depending on home value.  The sales tax being considered is an additional .25%, raising Centennial’s total sales tax from 6.75% to 7%. 

ACSO Captain Adam Burson shared this information:

• With summer here, theft both from unlocked vehicles and of vehicles themselves is again on the rise. 
• To report a homeless situation, call the ACSO non-emergency number, 303-795-4711, or contact Vanessa Gates, Centennial’s Homeless Outreach Liaison at 303-738-5645.
• Catalytic converter theft has decreased, because catalytic converters are now being laser-inscribed and otherwise marked, and converter buyers are being located, shut down, and punished.
• Car theft throughout our south metro Denver area is also on the decline, due to area law enforcement, including SWAT team officers, targeting crimes of theft.  Denver’s primary issue and focus is violent crime, so vehicle theft is still a larger problem there and in the north metro area.
• Centennial has added two traffic officers to target problem areas for accidents and speeding, including within school zones.
• Law enforcement is now cracking down on unregistered vehicles and expired license plate tags.

Arapahoe Libraries District (ALD) Manager of Events Holly Whelan included these updates:

• The summer reading program began on June 1 for children ages 0-18, with the theme “Reading: Your Passport to Adventure.”  Kids may visit any ALD library to choose a free book of their choice.  The libraries will also host events and activities for all ages all summer long.  To learn more, visit www.arapahoelibraries.org/summer-reading or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279)
• The annual used book sale is Fri-Sun, June 7-9 at Southglenn Library, featuring a wide variety of adult and children’s books and much more.  Visit www.arapahoelibraries.org or call.
• Five award-winning Colorado authors will discuss writing a book, from first ideas to publishing, at Koelbel Library on Monday, June 10 from 6:30-8 p.m. Register at www.arapahoelibraries.org.
• ALD and Centennial will host a free concert on Friday, June 14 from 6-8 p.m., at Centennial Center Park, featuring That ‘80s Band, who will play favorite hits from pop to hard rock. Bring blankets or low lawn chairs and dress in ‘80s attire if desired.  `

Correction:  In last month’s CenCON article, an error was made in editing the bullet point referring to current South Metro Fire Rescue Chief Bob Baker. Chief Baker (not former Chief Qualman) is SMFR’s current fire chief.

 18 Judicial District Community Engagement Director Aurora Ogg shared this information:

The Senior Law and Safety Summit will be on Saturday, July 13.  The three areas covered will include:

•  Law-related topics – POAs, living wills, advanced directives, estate planning, probate, and renewing contracts
•  Fraud protection – ID theft, elder financial exploitation, online scam threats, investment fraud, and companionship scams
•  Crime Prevention and Safety – Home and community safety, improvement and fall prevention, and dementia risks
  

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Deputy Chief of Emergency Services gave this update:

• 65+% of the calls in Centennial revolve around emergency medical calls,
• For all calls, the average response time from when dispatch receives the call to ambulance/fire apparatus arrival is less than six minutes.
• The completion and reopening of Station #15, located immediately east of the intersection of University and Dry Creek, has been delayed now until September, because of stormwater mitigation issues that needed to be corrected.
• 20 new fire recruits entered the fire academy in early February and will graduate in early May.
• Cardiac health is the number one killer for those in the line of duty. SMFR is partnering with UC Health, South Denver Cardiology, and National Jewish to monitor and improve firefighter heart health. Currently 50 line firefighters of the total 620 have gone through a pilot program.
• Fire Chief Bob Baker, who became SMFR’s Fire Chief in 2014, will be succeeding Fire Chief Dan Qualman, will retire in May of 2025.  Chief Baker has had a 40-year career in fire services, beginning as a firefighter with the Parker Fire Protection District in 1984.  Chief Baker has been an excellent, experienced, knowledgeable, and well-liked chief, and he will be missed!

  Arapahoe Libraries Manager of Events Holly Whelan’s report included these updates:

• Applications are being taken through July 1 for the annual Teen Art Show, to be held this fall at the Eloise May Library.  This gives teens a great opportunity to showcase their talents.  To learn more, visit www.arapahoelibraries.org/teen-art.
•  The “Unconventional Women of the West” program will be presented on Thursday, May 16 from 2-3 p.m. at Koelbel Library.  The Legendary Ladies of Colorado will present stories from fascinating women in first person living history, showing how they overcame various personal hardships, with their lives becoming part of western lore.  To save a spot visit www.arapahoelibraries.org or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
• The Older Adults Resource Fair will be held on Friday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Koelbel Library.  Learn about different health resources and programs to help aging in place, chat with representatives from local nonprofits, and meet with older adult services librarians to learn about social and educational opportunities at the library.  Light refreshments will be provided.
• Arapahoe Libraries Community Conversation series’ May 30 topic will be “Individual Freedom and Public Protection,” and will be held on Thursday, May 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Southglenn Library. The series conversations are guided by an expert facilitator and a diverse panel of experts, offering participants a unique opportunity to make connections and consider topics from different perspectives. To reserve a spot, visit Arapahoe libraries.org or call 303-LIBRARY (303-542-7279).
• Reminder - the walking group “Meet and Move” is now gathering twice each month at Koelbel Library on the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of each month from 9:30-10:30 a.m., through October 23.  This is a chance to get a little exercise while exploring beautiful nearby paths/trails with old and new friends.