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Welcome to the Superior Sentinel!
Click this image to watch this month's Mayor Lacis' vlog.
This month, I want to talk about Home Rule. Superior is a “statutory” municipality. This means that the Town derives its governing power and authority from the Colorado state legislature. If the state wants to restrict our statutory authority, it can do so by passing a bill and having the Governor sign it into law. However, the Colorado State Constitution gives municipalities like Superior the ability to become a “home rule” municipality, which means that they would get their governing power directly from the state Constitution, rather than the legislature.
This past legislative session, the Governor and Legislature introduced SB-213 which would have removed the ability for local governments like Superior to make decisions about land use in town. While the bill did not pass, both the Governor and various legislators have indicated a desire to re-introduce a similar bill in next year’s legislative session. While SB-213 would have attempted to preempt land use decision-making authority for all municipalities along the Front Range, in both statutory and home rule municipalities, there are legitimate questions and arguments as to the constitutionality of doing so with home rule municipalities.
On June 12, the Town Board approved an Ordinance that started the process of the Town going “home rule.” This is not a quick process and requires the approval of Superior voters in two separate elections. So it’s not just a decision of the Town Board to make.
This November, Superior voters will elect nine Charter Commission Members. These are the individuals who will be charged with drafting a Home Rule Charter for Superior. Then a year later, in November 2024, Superior voters will vote on the question of whether or not to adopt the Home Rule Charter that they drafted.
There are several benefits to going home rule, but the major benefit is having more local control over the town’s finances and decision-making instead of just taking what the state gives to us as a statutory municipality. Most of our neighboring communities are home rule: Louisville, Lafayette, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont, Arvada, Westminster, and Golden. Erie is currently in the process of going home rule.
Over the coming months, we’re going to continue to reach out and engage with the community to provide additional information and resources to help Superior voters make an informed decision in the upcoming elections.
If you are interested in serving on the Home Rule Charter Commission, you will need to obtain a petition and get your name on the ballot by the deadline this August. More information is available from the Town Clerk and on the Town’s Home Rule Webpage.
Respectfully, Mayor Mark Lacis
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Top News
Join us for National Night Out TONIGHT!
Join the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Town for National Night Out on Aug. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Community Park (1350 Coalton Road). National Night Out is an opportunity to raise awareness for local crime prevention efforts as well as connect with your local rangers and first responders.
Several emergency service providers will have representatives there eager to share information on how you can get involved and answer any questions you might have.
This event and all event activities are free and open for all residents. For more information, visit the Boulder County Sheriff's National Night Out webpage or contact the sheriff’s substation at 720-499-3786.
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Rock Creek Parkway Repurposing Study update
Thank you to all who shared your thoughts online or at the public meeting in June – we received over 800 comments! The meeting materials have been posted online in the form of short videos. Please take a look if you weren’t able to make the meeting or want to revisit any of the topics.
The first phase public outreach map and survey input period is over, but the project team will be posting results/summary in early August after they finish reading, processing and summarizing the comments received.
The project team is currently working on developing some alternatives for potential updates to Rock Creek Parkway based on your comments, technical data and best practices. Please come review these alternatives with us and give us your input at Open House #2 during the Superior Chili & Beer Fest on Sept. 9, 2023, at Community Park (1350 Coalton Road) from 2 to 6 p.m. Look for our booth!
If you cannot make it to this popular community event, we will be posting the meeting materials online and providing an opportunity for online input in the week after the meeting, so check back with the project website at that time.
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Sign up for Boulder County Alerts TODAY!
Boulder County has released a new system for sending out alerts during an emergency situation.
This system allows residents of the county and all cities within the county to be notified of an emergency situation in a variety of ways, including on their cell phone, home and work phone and by text message and email.
Find more information and sign up for alerts on the BOCO Alerts webpage.
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Those in crisis need only call 988. Counselors ready.
Those facing mental health-related distress, or supporting a loved one during challenging times, should consider reaching out to the 988 Emergency Hotline. 988 provides round-the-clock access to trained crisis counselors who are ready to assist.
No matter where you are in the U.S., 988 and their online service 988lifeline.org serves as a universal entry point to ensure help is available whenever you need it.
Their compassionate and trained crisis counselors listen and offer guidance on a wide range of situations, including suicidal ideation, mental health, substance use and many other crises.
Remember, you don't have to go through any crises alone; 988 is here to help you and those you care about find support. To learn more about 988, including its operated and its goals, please visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Website.
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Don't miss a thing. Stay connected with the Town!
Keeping up-to-date on Town activities and events has never been easier! Find below several great ways to stay informed or request information:
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New smart meters are now being installed by Xcel Energy throughout Colorado
Xcel Energy is currently in the process of installing new smart meters throughout Colorado, which are replacing Xcel customers' existing meters at no cost to them. Superior residents can expect these installations to take place beginning in October and continuing through December, though some residents may receive the new meter installation before or after Xcel's scheduled window.
Residents will receive an installation notice from Xcel on their energy bill 90 days prior to a smart meter being installed. Xcel's installations will take about 15 minutes and a door hanger will be left on the front door once the installation is complete.
Please find the complete and up-to-date information about this installation project on Xcel's Smart Meter Project Page. If you have any questions, please contact Xcel Energy at 800-895-4999.
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The Town of Superior's Marshall Fire Recovery webpage is our community's collective resource for the information you need on recovering and rebuilding following the Marshall Fire. It includes frequently asked questions and a list of available community resources.
If you have any questions or concerns, please share them with us at marshallfire@superiorcolorado.gov.
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Town Board and Advisory Committees News
Recent Town Board actions
The Superior Town Board makes many decisions over the course of each month that affect residents and help to direct Town staff. Review the most recent Town Board actions from July 2023. You can reach the Town Board via email at townboard@superiorcolorado.gov.
Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Advisory Committee invites you to take Marshall Fire Memorial Survey
The Marshall Fire will always be a defining and extraordinary event in the lives of our residents and business operators, and in the history of the Town of Superior. The Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Advisory Committee (CAPS), through the team at 23.4 Degrees, is seeking your input about whether, when, how and where to create a memorial that preserves and presents this historic event.
CAPS understands fully that, for many, it seems too soon and the experience is still too immediate. However, others remind us that every day that goes by holds a risk of losing contact with the people, the artifacts and the immediacy of the individual experiences.
CAPS is only beginning to explore what is possible, and we invite you to take a survey to help guide the first steps toward creating a memorial for the Marshall Fire.
Please take a moment to complete the survey and share it with others. The survey will close on Aug. 15.
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Interim Historical Museum open this Saturday, Aug. 5
The Interim Historical Museum in the Grasso Park Bungalow (112 E. William St.) will be open on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop by this Saturday, Aug. 5, to see the progress Superior has made towards restoring it's historical collection!
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Connect in person with the Town Board of Trustees
First Fridays
Join fellow residents and Superior Town Board Members for First Fridays Coffee on Aug. 4 from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road).
First Fridays is an informal meeting to discuss current topics relating to the Town. Bring your questions, concerns and encouraging updates.
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Thirsty Thursdays
The Town Board is hosting Thirsty Thursdays again this month on Aug. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bambei Brewing (100 Superior Plaza Way)!
Thirsty Thursdays is an ongoing bi-monthly come-and-go gathering where the Town Board is inviting residents to join them for a social evening of engaging conversation.
Whether you pick up a drink or not, you're welcome to hang out with us as we discuss a wide variety of unstructured topics (anything's on the table!).
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The Town is encouraging residents to share their time, energy and know-how by volunteering for a Town of Superior Advisory Group. These committees, commissions and councils spend their time finding ways to solve problems, research possibilities and recommend enhancements to our beautiful Town.
Current openings:
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee - Two openings
- Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Advisory Committee - Two openings
- Historical Commission - Two openings
- Open Space Advisory Committee - One opening
Learn more and apply today by visiting the Town of Superior Advisory Groups website or reach out to the Events & Volunteer Supervisor Mikaela Gregg by email or by phone at 303-499-3675, ext.128.
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Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Final Summer Concert Series concerts this month
Only two concerts left in our Downtown Summer Concert Series, finishing up the first ever program at the Superior Commons Amphitheater (2130 Creek View Way).
Bring a chair, kick back, and enjoy the music with a cool, frosty beverage! Eatery at Blue Sport Stable has partnered with the Town to offer attendees (21+) beer, wine, and seltzers for purchase. (Bringing and consuming outside alcohol is prohibited.)
Aug. 12: Chain Station from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Aug. 26: Jeff & Page followed by Ultralowfi from 6 to 8:15 p.m.
Parking at the Superior Commons Amphitheater is limited; please plan to bike, walk, or carpool. Additional parking is available at the garage structure adjacent to Blue Sport Stable—special thanks to Blue Sport Stable and Toll Brothers for sponsoring this event.
Can't catch one of these? Concerts will continue at the Superior Community Center throughout the year. Check out the Town Calendar for dates!
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Join us for Goat Impact Monitoring Training at Harney-Lastoka Open Space!
Love Goats? The Town is in need of people to help monitor our newest goat friend's progress at the Harney-Lastoka open space. On Aug. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Coalton Trailhead, we'll embark on a journey filled with goats, plants, and breathtaking views.
At Harney-Lastoka open space, goats are being deployed for their significant environmental benefit. By munching on vegetation, these gentle creatures help improve wildlife habitat, curbing the presence of invasive plants and fostering biodiversity. Goats render 99.9% of invasive plant seeds unviable through digestion, aiding in the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
Goat impact monitoring is an essential process that tracks the plant composition before, during and after goat grazing. Understanding how plant life evolves over time allows us to assess the impact grazing has on wildlife habitat improvement.
But it's not just about data collection; this experience promises to be a peaceful chance to get outside and hang out with some of the most chill animals in Superior. Everyone participating should come prepared to hike through tall vegetation (closed-toe shoes, long pants, water etc.). Children are welcome, and together we can make a positive impact on our community, one baaa at a time. No need to register, and we'll see you there!
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SAVE THE DATE, Chili and Beer Fest is coming in hot on Sept. 9 at Community Park
The Chili and Beer Fest is back again this year! On Sept. 9, the Town of Superior and the Rotary Club of Boulder Valley, along with our friends at the Superior Chamber of Commerce and Serendipity Tap & Café, will host the Chili and Beer Fest from 2 to 6 p.m. at Community Park (1350 Coalton Road).
Come out and sample delicious, local chili and frosty libations while experiencing an epic, family-friendly festival packed with great entertainment. Also, test your skills at the Ninja-Warrior-themed kids zone (“big kids” allowed!), fire some not-so-fast balls at the celebrity dunk tank and explore up to 50 local vendors and organization booths.
General entry is FREE! Sample an array of chili variations whipped up by local and regional cooks. Free commemorative Chili mugs and chili samples are available while supplies last. More food options provided by local food trucks.
This year's event will feature over a dozen beer, cider and seltzer samplings from regional breweries. Last year all Beer Sampling and VIP tickets sold out, so be sure to purchase your tickets in advance! Ticket proceeds go to the Rotary of Boulder Valley in support of local, national and international nonprofits. Visit the Town of Superior events page for more information.
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Superior's 4th of July Celebration was tubular!
We had a blast at the 80's themed 4th of July celebration! The day was filled with fun activities, including the Downhill Mile, parade, pancake breakfast, kickball tournament (read a play-by-play recap of the championship game), and BBQ at the community center. Thank you for celebrating with us!
We want to hear from you! Please share your feedback on this year's event so we can make next year's celebration even better.
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Sign up for summer tennis and pickleball programs
Looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun? Look no further than the Town's Tennis and Pickleball programs! Several programs begin in early August, and there is something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Discover how much fun these sports can be!
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Back to school time! New pool hours begin Aug. 14
Pool hours for both North and South Pool will begin a modified schedule on Aug. 14. Hours will now be:
- Weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Keep up-to-date on pool information like closures, programs and safety by visiting the Town's Aquatics Page.
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Sign up for the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Newsletter for more program and event information
The events and activities above are just a sample of all that the Parks, Recreation and Open Space department has to offer! So much in fact, they have their own monthly newsletter.
To stay informed about remaining summer programs and camps, facility and park reservations, and the Superior Community Center, subscribe through the Town's email subscription service and make sure to check the topics under "Parks, Recreation and Open Space" when choosing which types of information items you would like to receive.
Take a look at the latest Parks, Recreation and Open Space Newsletter.
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Sustainability News
Take a zero fare ride and help support better air quality with RTD through the end of the month
Did you know that almost 85% of greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are due to day-to-day commutes?
Summer is Colorado's high ozone season, so to help support better air quality, RTD is offering zero fares across its transportation systems in July and August as part of the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative! Instead of driving on your commute every day, commit to #JustSkip2 car trips each week by using RTD public transit, and you can help the Front Range achieve significant air quality, health, environmental, and economic benefits.
To keep track of local ozone and air quality information, you can visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's (CDPHE) daily air quality monitoring dashboard, get alerts for poor air quality days by texting "BETTERAIRCO" to 21000, or sign up for e-mail alerts.
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Resource Central offers free sprinkler consultations to help conserve water
Resource Central's Slow the Flow program can help you understand your watering system's efficiency with a free consultation. You'll gain knowledge about your system, get a customized watering schedule, and reduce water waste with their on-site, no-cost sprinkler evaluations available to Superior residents.
Inspections last about 75 minutes but could help you save thousands of gallons of water each year. It's easy to sign up and get long-lasting results; visit Resource Central's website to sign up.
The Town also offers a Water Efficiency Rebate Program, which provides residents rebates for water-conserving home upgrades. This can include low-flow showerheads and toilets, upgrading outdoor watering to efficient drip irrigation systems, and more. For more information and rebate applications, visit the Town's Water Efficiency Rebate Program page.
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Read more in the monthly Sustainability Newsletter
The Town's Sustainability Newsletter has information like this and much more! Read the latest Sustainability Newsletter and subscribe to continue receiving them monthly!
Make sure to check "Sustainability Monthly Newsletter" topic when choosing which types of information items you would like to receive.
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Public Works
Update on the 2023 Street Improvements Projects
On June 26, the Town Board approved two street improvement projects in Town. Contracts have been executed for both the McCaslin Cape Seal project, which includes roadway improvements along McCaslin Boulevard from Rock Creek Parkway to Coalton Road as well as the Coalton Road and Indiana Street Improvement Project.
The Coalton Road and Indiana Street Improvement project includes proposed improvements on Coalton Road from McCaslin Boulevard to Indiana Street, and along Indiana Street from Coalton Road to North Torreys Peak. Construction on both projects is scheduled to start in August, with temporary road closures being setup for the Coalton Road and Indiana Street work.
The Town’s Board is focused on improving streets across town and staff appreciates your patience as these projects are completed. You can find out more about these projects on the Town’s Public Works Projects. If you see any roadway issues across town, please report the issue on Superior Click Fix.
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Public Works & Utilities webpages redesigned
Economic Development
Exciting news for Downtown Superior! Boulder Baked, a beloved family-owned bakery in Boulder, is set to open a second location on Main Street in Downtown Superior in early 2024.
Boulder Baked is the first business to sign a lease on Main Street—helping set the tone for a vibrant downtown filled with locally-owned businesses. The bakery makes all items from scratch and is commitment to shopping locally, supporting other small businesses, and creating new jobs. Let's welcome them with open arms and celebrate the exciting growth of Downtown Superior!
Any businesses interested in looking at commercial space in Downtown Superior should contact Molly Bayer by phone at 303-870-3441 or by email.
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Community Partners
Coal Creek Meals on Wheels hosts Silent Disco
Join Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW) for an unforgettable night of dancing and fun at the CCMOW Silent Disco on Sept. 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Romero's K-9 Club and Tap House (985 S. Public Road)! Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and groove to the beats of your favorite tunes!
A silent disco is and event where you can dance to your own rhythm using wireless headphones. With multiple channels to choose from, you can switch between genres and dance styles with just a flick of a switch. You can even request your favorite song by making a donation to CCMOW!
Coal Creek Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals and socialization to anyone in need. By attending this event, you'll be providing meals to neighbors in need! A food truck will be onsite and drinks will be available through Romero's. Prize drawings will also take place throughout the night.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on the CCMOW's Eventbrite page. It's an evening you won't want to miss!
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Commuting Solutions and BCycle need your input for the Northwest Regional Bike Share Study
Commuting Solutions and BCycle, in collaboration with local governments and businesses, are exploring the feasibility, cost and implementation of a bikeshare system that would encompass Superior, Boulder, Broomfield, Boulder County, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville and Westminster.
The system would utilize electric bikes provided by BCycle that could be rented and used to travel within and between these communities. Your input is invaluable. Please take the time to complete our public survey and provide your insights about having a bike share program in our region.
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Use your phone to prevent stormwater pollution!
A new form developed by the Keep it Clean Partnership makes it easy for Superior residents to report pollution in the community. Help municipal staff identify sources of water pollution to protect waterways in four easy steps:
- Learn what to report
- Take a photo when you see pollution
- Access the Report Pollution Form on your phone or computer
- Upload your photo and provide as much detail as possible
Your report will be sent to municipal stormwater staff who are trained to identify and mitigate pollution sources to protect waterways. Thank you for helping us protect our watershed!
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training with Out Boulder County and the Superior Chamber of Commerce
Join the Chamber of Commerce for an educational session on Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Spaces for Staff & Customers with Out Boulder County (OBC), a local LGBTQ+ advocacy and community center. Michal Duffy (they/them), Director of Education & Research, will help attendees understand existing disparities and strategies your business can take to proactively create safer spaces. Stay for the Q&A and ask those questions you’ve been unsure about or wanting to ask.
As Director of Education & Research, Michal leads OBC's education and training program, designs research initiatives and special programs, and supports advocacy and communications work. They have been an educator with OBC for over 5 years and engaged in the LGBTQ+ community for nearly 20 years. Register today on the Superior Chamber of Commerce Website!
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Programs provided by the Louisville Public Library
Beyond the Headlines: Italians in Colorado Adults Aug. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. Library Meeting Room (951 Spruce St.)
The Louisville Library is proud to present Beyond the Headlines: Italians in Colorado as part of the City’s Who We Are series. Join Alisa DiGiacomo, historian and former Senior Curator and Director of Curatorial Services at History Colorado, to discuss why Italians came to Colorado, why they stayed, and the strength of the Italian American community today. Registration is required.
People in My Community All Ages Aug. 27 from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Library Meeting Room (951 Spruce St.)
Join us for this monthly program, where we'll meet local entrepreneurs, artists, activists, and everyday heroes! This inclusive program showcases our diverse community and introduces children and families to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. Registration is required.
Native Seed Harvesting Teens & Adults Aug. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. Library Meeting Room (951 Spruce St.)
Collecting from your favorite plants can be a fun and fulfilling experience. Come join us to learn how to sustainably harvest native seeds that you can replant next year or share with friends and family. Registration is required.
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