Hello neighbors,

What do Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, Arvada, Erie, Westminster, and Golden all have in common? They’re all “home rule” municipalities. Over 100 cities and towns have adopted home rule, representing 93% of the state’s municipal population.

On Dec. 10, 2024, Superior voters will have the opportunity to vote to join them.

Currently, 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 the ability to become “home rule” — which means that the municipality would get its governing power directly from the State Constitution, rather than the legislature. 

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 powers the state decides to give to us as a statutory municipality. 

For more information about home rule, please visit the Superior Home Rule webpage or attend the info session at the Superior Community Center on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. And, don’t forget to vote in the Special Election. You can turn in your mail-in ballot to the drop-box at Superior Town Hall (124 E. Coal Creek Drive) up to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Respectfully,
Mayor Mark Lacis

Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at Winter Festival!

The annual celebration of winter's enchantment returns on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. The Superior Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Superior and the Blue Sport Stable are hosting the festival in Downtown Superior to allow for a bigger and better event.

This day of celebration will offer something for everyone – naughty or nice!

Interact with real reindeer, take photos with Santa Claus and elevate your holiday shopping by supporting local businesses at the Winter Market.

Plus, Skate with Santa at the Blue Sport Stable, enjoy live music and conclude your day of festive fun with the tree-lighting ceremony.

Don't forget: There is still time to sign up for the family-friendly Stocking Run hosted by Racing Underground. Before the Winter Festival kicks off, you can race into the holiday season during the festive run, which begins at 10 a.m. in Downtown Superior. Same great run as always — just flatter, faster and more scenic! 

A special election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 for Superior voters to decide on the adoption of the Home Rule Charter.

This is a mail-in-only election; no in-person voting will be available.

• Ballots have been mailed to all registered voters.
• You may mail your ballot or drop it off at the Town Hall ballot box (124 E. Coal Creek Drive).
• Ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 to be counted.
• If mailing your ballot, please mail it at least one week before the deadline to ensure timely delivery.

If you have questions or did not receive your ballot, please contact the Town Clerk at 303-499-3675.

The Town is hosting A Precious Child Precious Gift Drive again this year! 

A Precious Child collects donated new toys, gift cards and gifts for underserved children (babies through teenagers) in the community. Gifts are then distributed to kids who are the most in need through A Precious Child's resource center and agency partners.

Please consider donating a new, unwrapped toy by Dec. 12, 2024. There are collection bins at Town Hall (124 E. Coal Creek Drive) and the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road).

Gifts in high demand are:

• Gift Cards ($30 or $60)
• Hats and Gloves
• Headphones
• Makeup Sets
• Hygiene Sets
• Legos
• Slime/Play-Doh
• Dolls/Barbies
• Board Games
• Arts and Crafts
• Sports Items
• Baby Toys
• Stuffed Animals
• Fidget Toys

If you're looking for an informal way to connect with fellow residents and Superior Town Board members, stop by First Fridays Coffee on Dec. 6 from 7:45 to 9:30 a.m. at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road).

These monthly gatherings are an excellent opportunity to discuss current topics relating to the Town. Bring your questions, concerns and updates. Coffee and light breakfast items will be provided.

The Historical Museum (122 E. William St.) will be closed in December so the Superior Historical Commission can focus on moving, planning programs and setting up the newly rebuilt museum in Asti Park. 

The December open museum date — the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — will now serve as a Historical Commission work session.

We will see you back in the new year!

Are you interested in sharing your time, energy and know-how with the Town of Superior? Is volunteering and serving your community one of your new year's resolutions? 

Now's the time to submit your application to serve on a Superior advisory group! Several vacancies will be opening soon. 

By joining these committees, commissions and councils, you can use your expertise to solve problems, research possibilities and recommend enhancements to our beautiful Town. We value your perspective!

Current openings are:

• Cultural Arts and Public Spaces Committee - One Opening
• Superior Youth Leadership Council - One Opening

Learn more and apply today by visiting the Town of Superior Advisory Groups webpage or reach out to Mikaela Gregg by email or by phone at 303-499-3675, ext.128.

We look forward to your next visit to Downtown Superior! If you are shopping, dining, or just enjoying a stroll along Main Street, free parking is provided at multiple locations. On-street limits vary from two hours on Main Street to three hours on adjacent streets.

Please be sure to read the posted signs or refer to the parking map on our website. All vehicles must be registered using the QR codes posted on Downtown signs, even if you plan on staying less than the allowed free time. 

To help ensure the 1,075 parking spaces in the Downtown Superior (DTS) core area are used efficiently and effectively, the Town has been working with commercial property owners there and the Superior Town Center Metropolitan Districts to implement the DTS parking plan.

Studies showed peak parking demand for 1,061 spaces, so parking in DTS may be tight during busy periods but is generally sufficient to meet the needs of this active neighborhood.

Parking restrictions along with two-and three-hour allowed parking times noted above are now in place for many public parking spaces in the core area around Main Street and the parking structures. The Town is contracting with Parkwell to help manage parking in DTS. Warnings began being issued in November, with citations starting in January 2025.

Did you know socks are the No. 1 clothing need of those experiencing homelessness?

This year, Superior is taking part in the "Sock It To 'Em" campaign, which aims to put new socks on the feet of the women, men and children experiencing homelessness. The local sock drive is being coordinated by Trustee Jenn Kaaoush in partnership with the Superior Youth Leadership Council.

From Dec. 9 to Jan. 5, you can donate socks at various locations around Town, including:

• Superior Town Hall (124 E. Coal Creek Drive)
• Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road)
• Sup Town CrossFit (1609 Coalton Road)
• Pat's Tap (1611 Coalton Road)

All donated socks will support the unhoused community in Boulder County. Learn more on the Sock It To 'Em campaign website.

The Winter/Spring Recreation Guide is officially available at superiorrec.com. This is your go-to guide for all the fun we have planned from January through April. Registration for enrichment and fitness programs will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space team via email, in person at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road) or give us a call at 303-554-9005.

Don't let winter stop you from enjoying the outdoors! Hit the tennis courts and participate in holiday camps for all ages and skill levels.

If you're looking to keep your family busy during winter break, join instructor Charles Warner for some tennis fun at the North Pool Courts (1650 S. Indiana St.) during the weeks of Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. There is no class on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

Scheduling is flexible. You may sign up for all or part of each camp. Class occupancies are limited. Classes are weather permitting and will be held at temperatures above 40 degrees. Refunds will be issued if classes are canceled because of inclement weather.

Bring your voice and your good cheer to socialize with your neighbors and sing some holiday classics at this year's Holiday Sing-Along!

Meet at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road) on Dec. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

This event will be sure to lift your spirits and diffuse some of your holiday stress! Copies of music will be available at the event. Registration is not required.

Have you heard about the Neighborhood Sponsorship Program? The Town and the Cultural Arts & Public Spaces (CAPS) advisory committee offer funding for community-building ideas through three types of sponsorships:

1. Neighborhood Block Party Support Sponsorships: Up to $200
2. Neighborhood Experience Sponsorships: Up to $300
3. Neighborhood Project Sponsorships: Up to $500

It’s not too late to apply for a 2024 neighborhood sponsorship! Think neighborly holiday soiree! Submit your proposal no later than Dec.18 for review by the CAPS advisory committee at their upcoming meetings.

Questions? Email Jennifer “JG” Garner at jenniferg@superiorcolorado.gov or call 303- 499-3675 ext. 167.

Are you interested in learning more about the events and activities offered by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department?

To stay informed, subscribe to the monthly Parks, Recreation and Open Space newsletter using the Town's email subscription service.

When choosing which types of information to receive, check the topics under "Parks, Recreation and Open Space."

Read the latest PROS newsletter to catch up on the events and activities happening around you right now.

Starting April 1, residents on the Town’s waste contract will transition to a “Three Cart Program,” where all residents on the Town’s contract will have access to three carts:

1. Garbage
2. Recycling
3. Compost

The cost customers pay will be based on their selected garbage cart size. More good news — recycling and compost carts of any size are included in the cost.

This new service will roll out for residents of Original Town, Sagamore, The Ridge, Coal Creek Crossing, Downtown Superior, Calmante, Lanterns, Autrey Shores and Rogers Farm. Additionally, the Town Board passed an ordinance to eliminate the exclusion of HOA-managed areas from the Town’s single-service residential waste service provider area in 2028, at which point HOA neighborhoods currently under a separate contract will be served by the Town as well.

Learn more about the new services on the Town’s webpage and stay tuned for more details and educational opportunities, including tips on how to choose the right cart size for your needs.

With gift-giving holidays right around the corner, keep some of these sustainability tips in mind as you plan gifts and events for your loved ones:

• Most wrapping paper from the store isn't recyclable, so use sustainable gift wrap made of things you might already have at home! You can create unique and reusable wrappings with things like newspaper comics, decorated paper shopping bags, or pretty, clean fabrics.
• To reduce food waste, use this Guestimator tool to estimate how much food you will need for your holiday event.
• Make sure you know the best way to recycle holiday waste. Here's a handy guide:

The Town's Sustainability Newsletter contains valuable information like this, plus even more details on Superior's sustainability initiatives! Be sure to read the latest edition and subscribe to receive it in your inbox monthly.

When selecting the types of information you'd like to receive, check the "Sustainability Monthly Newsletter" option.

Please help us keep Superior's walkways safe and accessible for all by removing snow and ice promptly after it snows!

In Superior, homeowners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks bordering their property within 24 hours after a snowfall ends.

Superior's municipal code regarding snow and ice removal (Sec 11-1-20) now gives owners 24 hours after a code enforcement officer issues a warning to correct the violation. After that, a Municipal Court summons may be served.

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space department removes snow from priority sidewalks and paths. Explore the Sidewalk Snow Maintenance interactive map to see who is responsible for the sidewalks around you.

For most of our roadways, the Town has partnered with Triton Snow Removal to handle most snowstorms. The remaining residential streets, based on priority and snowfall amounts, are taken care of by our Public Works and Utilities Department. You can find the Town's Snow Removal and Ice Control Plan and Snow Removal Map on the Town's website.

To assist with snow removal, please move vehicles off streets and cul-de-sacs for plow access. Avoid contacting snow removal personnel during operations and report any issues through Superior Click & Fix.

Need help? If you cannot clear snow due to physical or financial constraints, consider seeking help from the Snow Busters volunteer program. The program assists residents who report being physically AND financially unable to remove snow, sleet and ice from the sidewalk adjacent to their property.

To volunteer or request assistance, complete the Snow Busters program application.

Additional areas in Superior may soon have access to high-speed fiber optic internet.

Intrepid Fiber and Metronet have approached the Town about installing a high-speed fiber network in areas of Town that currently lack it, specifically Original Town and Rock Creek.

Both providers have been working with staff to finalize license agreements, which will be presented to the Superior Town Board for review in December and January.

The Town's Public Works and Utilities department is updating the 2014 Transportation Master Plan.

The new Transportation Plan will help guide the Town’s transportation projects and policy over the coming years. We want your input!

Please visit the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Plan booth at the Winter Festival on Dec. 14 in Downtown Superior to learn more about the plan updates and provide input on the plans.

Disaster Preparedness and Recovery is teaming up with Wildfire Partners, Boulder County’s nationally recognized wildfire mitigation program, to bring Superior the HOTline!

As part of the Wildfire Happens Here campaign, we’re making wildfire preparedness more conversational—literally. 

Once the HOTline is installed, you can swing by the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road), pick up the retro rotary phone, and dial in for quick, practical tips on wildfire safety and easy actions you can take to stay fire-ready.

Let’s spark up the conversation and keep our community safe, one call at a time!

Get ready to elevate your safety skills!

Superior's Disaster Preparedness and Recovery department has teamed up with Mountain View Fire Rescue for an educational video that’s equal parts fun and informative.

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher like a pro, just in time to keep your holiday celebrations safe and stress-free.

Whether you’re frying turkeys or decking the halls, we’ve got you covered with simple tips to stay fire-safe this season. 

Check out the video on the Town's YouTube channel.

As part of the Comprehensive Plan update, the Town of Superior is hosting a home-based business roundtable from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road). 

All Superior home-based businesses are invited to participate as part of our outreach to local business owners to gather feedback and insights. 

Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Economic and Development Manager Jill Mendoza if you plan to attend.

Join the Superior Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Superior Baby Care at the Superior Marketplace, 502 Center Drive, Suite G.

Superior Baby Care is dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing environment where infants and toddlers can thrive. Focusing on early childhood education, social interaction, and fostering a love for learning, their experienced team ensures personalized care and engaging activities designed to support every child’s development.

The business will host a community re-sale event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. The ribbon cutting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments and treats will be provided!

For more information about business opportunities and resources for businesses in the Town of Superior, please contact Economic Development Manager Jill Mendoza at jillm@superiorcolorado.gov or visit superior-business.org.

You're invited to the 2024 Sister City Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Superior Community Center (1500 Coalton Road). This free event will feature over 50 vendors selling various goods, including arts and crafts, food and thoughtful gifts—plus a special appearance and photo opportunity with "Bumble," the Yeti Snowman!

A portion of sales will support the Superior-Khandbari Sister City Project, a collaboration of ideas and resources with the City of Khandbari, Nepal. Come on down, shop till you drop and support a great cause!

The Town, in partnership with Boulder County and Lafayette, is entering the final stages of a Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP) effort that began in May 2024. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.

Following a detailed analysis of traffic crashes and risk factors on Superior roadways as well as a public outreach effort that took place over the summer, the VZAP team has developed recommendations to comprehensively improve transportation safety in the coming years.

Town staff will be sharing the draft recommendations at the upcoming Winter Festival in Downtown Superior. The project team will be available from 1 to 5 p.m. Please stop by to visit the team, learn about their findings and proposed recommendations and provide your feedback in person.

The draft recommendations and a survey will be available on the VZAP website following the event. Your participation and input will help advance safety on our roadways!

You can learn more about the VZAP effort and sign up for updates by visiting the Vision Zero webpage.

Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) open enrollment is now open! If you would like to apply for your child to attend a school other than their neighborhood school, make sure to apply between Nov. 1, 2024 and Jan. 8, 2025.

Many BVSD schools are hosting open enrollment events so potential students and their families can learn more about each school.

Eldorado PK-8 is hosting an open enrollment night on Dec. 12. Elementary (preschool through fifth grade) students can tour from 4 to 5 p.m. on each date with middle level (sixth through eighth) tours from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Contact the school at 720-561-4400 with questions.

Monarch PK-8 will host an open enrollment coffee and chat from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 5. Call 720-561-4000 for additional information.

Monarch High School has an open enrollment open house on Dec. 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., as well as an open enrollment tour on Dec. 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. You can call Monarch High at 720-561-4200.

Superior Elementary is offering an all grade level presentation and tour on Dec. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Principal Stein and Superior Elementary staff will offer school tours and present information to prospective families. Please RSVP here.

For incoming kindergarten families, Superior Elementary is offering a Kindergarten Round Up on Dec. 18 from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. that will include a presentation by the principal and teachers and a school tour. Incoming kindergarteners are encouraged to attend, however, no siblings if possible, please. No RSVP needed.

For questions about Superior Elementary, please email Susie Stricker.

Learn more about the open enrollment process.

Scams of the Holidays
Dec. 5 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Louisville Public Library (951 Spruce St.)
Come learn about the scams and frauds that pop up this time of year, whether by phone, email, pop-up, mail or even at the door. Presented by the Boulder County District Attorney's Office.

Active Minds: History of Skiing
Dec. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m.
Virtual Program
There is evidence that humans have been skiing as far back as 6300 BCE. Join Active Minds as we review the origins and history of skiing as well as explore current issues facing the industry.

Snowed In: First Friday at the Library
Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Louisville Public Library (951 Spruce St.)
The library is hosting its annual holiday open house, with live music, winter crafts for all ages, a snowy photo booth and cozy refreshments. This is an open house event for all ages.

Veterans Day Presentation: Vietnam
Dec. 14 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.
Kestrel Senior Building Community Room (1130 S. Kestrel Lane)
Join Dr. Steven Dike, history professor at the University of Colorado, and Pete Steinhauer, retired oral surgeon and Vietnam veteran, for a slideshow presentation on Vietnam in honor of Veterans Day.

Boulder Open Space Presents: Birding Boulder County Through the Seasons
Dec. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Louisville Public Library (951 Spruce St.)
Join volunteer naturalists to learn about birding year round in Boulder County! This program will explore where to find and how to identify some of our local and migratory birds and introduce you to an amazing range of ecosystems and habitats.

How do we protect both people and waterways after winter storms? Deicers are a useful tool that help keep walkways and driveways safe when there is snow and ice but are harmful to aquatic life in large quantities. Melting snow will carry deicers and other pollutants into storm drains which drain directly to nearby streams without any treatment.

What can I do at home? Shovel snow from sidewalks onto vegetated areas so it can soak into the ground instead of flowing onto the street. If using a deicer, apply according to instructions as soon as snowy or icy conditions appear. Deicers help break the bond between ice and pavement to make shoveling easier. They do not evaporate the snow and ice, so adding more does not eliminate the need to shovel.

Learn more about the Keep It Clean Partnership.

Mental Health Partners (MHP) and Clinica Family Health (Clinica) have merged into one organization: Clinica Family Health & Wellness. The new and improved organization provides physical, mental, and oral health services across Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, and Adams counties. 

As a local nonprofit serving individuals and families in Superior and neighboring communities, Clinica Family Health & Wellness believes everyone should have access to affordable medical, dental and mental health services.

This giving season, please consider helping Clinica Family Health & Wellness meet our community's holistic health needs—both mind and body. Join others by participating in Colorado Gives Day, which concludes on Dec. 10.

Keeping up-to-date on Town activities and events has never been easier! Find below several great ways to stay informed or request information:

• Manage your email or text subscriptions
• Email the Town
• Email the Town Board
• Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and X
• Check out our YouTube Channel
• Tune in to Cable Channel 8 for live meeting broadcasts
• Chime in on our latest outreach efforts with Shape Superior
• Submit non-emergency issues to Superior Click and Fix

Superior Town Offices will be closed Dec. 23-25 for the holidays. The Superior Community Center will be closed Dec. 24 and 25.

In observance of New Years, the Superior Community Center closes early at 2 p.m. on Dec. 31. The SCC and Town Offices will be closed Jan. 1.

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday season!