Could Centennial Ballot Reverse Incorporation?

by Anita Joseph-Conkling

FIA Board Member

The Ballot you will receive this week and your VOTE BY MAIL is possibly more important than the original Incorporation Vote.� There are three referenda on the ballot that will require a �YES� vote by Centennial residents.� All three must pass in order to keep our city services at the same level as they are now.� So, if you�re one of those people who feel you have to vote �no� on something just to keep the politicians honest � you need to read on!

YES on Referendum 2B: will approve the transfer of a 4.982 Mill Levy (currently being paid to the Arapahoe Law Enforcement Authority) from Arapahoe County purses to Centennial�s purse. This is not a tax hike because the revenue will simply drop off the County and go to the City.�

NO on Referendum 2B: �would mean the County will get our money, but could not provide ANY law enforcement services.

YES on Referendum 2C: will approve the 1.5% sales tax to pay for essential services, such as Law Enforcement, Road Maintenance, Municipal Courts, and Snow Removal � at the same level as is currently being done by Arapahoe County. This is the 1.5% tax promised during the incorporation effort, and City leaders are sticking to this figure despite recognition that anticipated revenues will leave the City in debt.� Comparative City taxes are: Lone Tree 1.5%; Lakewood 2%; Wheat Ridge 2.5%; Greenwood Village 3%; Westminster 3.25% and Aurora 3.75%.

NO on Referendum 2C: would mean the City would not be able to keep services at the current level.� The City would have to choose which limited services to continue and we may see, for example, sufficient law enforcement but no snow removal or road repair.

YES on Referendum 2D:� allows Centennial � a statutory city � a four year period to ramp up revenues before falling under the TABOR law which limits revenue collections to only what was collected in the previous year.

NO on Referendum 2D:� would allow the TABOR law to be enacted this year, and because there was no City last year, Centennial would only be able to collect ZERO revenue.

Essentially, a NO vote on any one of these referendums could so cripple the City as to cause a reversal of the Incorporation!� Or, at least, a very difficult first few years.

Please look for your ballots to arrive� this week.� All voting will take place strictly by mail, so please do not put this document aside.� VOTE immediately and vote �YES� on all three Referenda.� There are many other issues on the Ballot for consideration, and information tables will be set up at area grocery stores each weekend in October to answer questions.�

This Topic is Over Our Heads

by Paul Conkling

FIA President

In this astounding world of multi � cultural, multi - lingual, instant digital processing of billions of bits of information transmitted by satellite to anywhere in the world, international e-mails, voice mails and 170 cable channels, I can�t think of anything more riveting than an in depth heart-to-heart discussion about, that�s right, roofing materials. Can you?

Wood is Out.� The insurance industry has sent a very strong message that wood shake roofing is on the way out, due to fire risks and a relatively short lifespan. Although most of us love the look, and it�s one of those FoxRidge features that gives our neighborhood it�s �flavor�, we must recognize that we have to change with the times.

Fire Retardant is In� About a year ago, the board took the first step by approving seven high quality asphalt composite shingles (see page 5) that were reviewed and approved by homeowners. All of them have the look of shakes at some stage of aging. The industry is ever-expanding, and your Board is working to stay on top of the changes in technology.� We recently approved a few new products that are similar, but better in warranty than those already approved and offer more complimentary colors. (See page 5, again)

How You Can Help?� Two ways:

1)�� Let us know of new technology you would like us to consider to improve our choices, without losing the FoxRidge look.

2)�� Please get ACC permission first to change your roof materials. Saving money is important, so don�t make the mistake of using a non-approved roofing material.� FYI: There are 3 roofing companies that advertise in Foxtales and are familiar with our approved materials.

How We Can Help You?� We (the Board) promise we�ll look at all options and try to �fast-track� any new material requests, so you don�t lose time with a leaky roof. After all, we have roofs too.

Whom to Contact:

For ANY EXTERIOR CHANGE: �requests should be In writing to: ACC Approvals, P.O. Box 4985, Englewood, 80155

To Discuss your ACC request:� Contact Ken or Lisa Kwiecien,� 303 804 0192

For FOXRIDGE QUESTIONS:

Call one of these volunteers or email:� [email protected]

F.I.A. President:� Paul Conkling� 303 694 1057

F.I.A. Secretary:� Katie Barrett� 303 721 9280

F.I.A.Treasurer:� Burt Elliott� 303 694 2528

F.I.A. - County Line Road:� Jamie Debartolomies� 303 779 4933

F.I.A. - Cen-Con:� Mike Sutherland� 303 741 5783

F.I.A. - Covenants Consolidation: Anita Joseph-Conkling� 303 507 6740

F.I.A. - Trees Advisor:� John Riggs, 720 528 8602

G.I.D. Funding:� Bob Bardwell� 303 771 9402

Report Covenant Violations or other neighborhood problems:� contact Terry Riester, Director,� 303 773 3162

ACC Appeals: If you want to protest a Notice of Covenant Violation, contact� Bob Datson , Chairman� 303 220 1779 or Bob Bardwell� 303 771 9402� or Barbara Fischer 303 694 7385

FOXTALES Editor - Anita Joseph-Conkling� 303 507 6740

COMMUNITY QUESTIONS:

Centennial City Council Updates:� www.C-Watch-News.com

City of Centennial Citizens Service Center:� 303 734 4567

Centennial Ward III Reps:� Jack Forhan & Andrea Suhaka

Arapahoe County Commissioner - John Brackney: 303 795 4630

Street Lights Out:� 800 895 4999 Have Pole #; best time is early a.m.

Parks and Greenbelts:� Scott Grimes - S. Suburban 303 721 8478

Advice - Trees & Shrubs: Arapahoe County Extension 303 730 1920

Roads & Sidewalks:� County Highway & Engineering 303 792 5016

If you can�t find the motor home you left parked on the street, it may have been TOWED!� Motor homes parked on the street are considered a traffic hazard because they inhibit safe access for school buses, emergency and� road construction vehicles. �Do Not park on the street.� You may park in your driveway for up to 48 hours for Loading and Unloading only!

BOOK CLUB - Meets the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month.� This month we�re reading �A Thousand White Women� by Jim Fergus.� �Newcomers Welcome!� Call Bev Gay at� 303 220-0883

BRIDGE CLUB - for more information, please call Dee Barcus on 303 773 2633

FOXRIDGE SWIM & RACQUET CLUB �- is a year-round facility, with tennis courts open to all members.� Tennis is fun and a great way to make new friends! Lessons and Ladders are also available.� Contact Dan Dawkins at 303 721-7317 for more info.

Don�t allow kids to play in the street!

County Line Road Update

by Jamie Debartolomies

FIA Board Member

Construction on County Line Road between Niagara and Holly Streets is expected to be completed by the first week of November. At that time, the road will re-open for travel in both directions.

During October, the sound wall along the north side of County Line Rd. between Quebec and Holly Streets will be stained a two-tone brown design. Both the front and backside of the wall will be stained. C-DOT crews will need to access the backside of the wall, so please do not throw grass clippings, dead tree limbs or other debris in between the fence and sound wall.� You shouldn�t ever.

The new and improved County Line Road should greatly improve traffic efficiency and provide motorists easier entry from Niagara St. Also, the infamous hills and valleys of County Line have been minimized giving motorists a better vantage point when pulling onto County Line.�

Happy Travels!

Options and More Options

by Ken Kwiecien

Architectural Control Committee

Judging from the number of calls and requests I have received in the last month, many of you are replacing your shingles, either due to wear or due to the July hail.� Many of you have also been asking about some new asphalt products and new colors.� Well, I have good news on both fronts.� During the September 17^th FIA meeting, a motion was made to approve the GAF Grand Canyon and Celotex Presidential TL shingles.� These shingles, while a little more expensive, carry better warranties (lifetime) and are thicker to look more like cedar shake.� A motion was also made to increase the color options available to homeowners.� Below are the results:

Celotex Ambassador Shake � Charleston and now Cumberland color

Celotex Presidential Shake � Autumn, Bark Brown and now Shadow Grey and Weather�� Wood colors.

Celotex Presidential TL (new shingle) � Autumn, Bark Brown, Shadow Gray and Weather Wood colors.

GAF Grand Sequoia Shake � Weathered Wood or Cedar Blend (no changes here)

GAF Grand Canyon Shake (new shingle) � Mission Brown and Stone Wood colors

As always, you can also re-shingle with cedar shakes.

When replacing shingles, as with all exterior changes, you still need ACC Approval and mention which of the above products and color you will be using.� The ACC will send a written letter, but you can begin work with an approved material with a phone call.� No other asphalt shingle products have been approved or will be accepted at this time.

Avoid storm-chaser roofing companies.

CLASSIFIEDS

NEED LANDSCAPING?� For trees or shrubs trimmed or cut out, lawn aeration, or most landscaping needs, call Bill at 303 779-6744.�

I have been a FoxRidge resident for over 20 years.�

HOME FOR SALE:� 3/2.5 for sale in Homestead. Completely updated - all white eat-in kitchen opens to FR. Finished basement, hwd floors, neutral carpet, tiled baths. Cul-de-sac. Walk to Homestead Elem. $300k, if No broker fees.� 303 221-3858.

TRAVIS GLOVER LAND MAINTENANCE �Why pay more for high quality lawn service?� Check out these prices: Aerations start at $22, Fertilizations start at $20, Yard/Leaf clean-up start at $25.� Also: flower bed clean-up, bush/shrub trim or removal, gutters cleaned, and more. 303 761 5774.

FOR ADS: Call Anita Joseph-Conkling (303) 507 6740

Only $10 for up to 250 characters/spaces.

10% Resident discount.

Deadline 4th Tuesday of each month.

Residents Speak Out!

I was interested to read the article in last month�s Foxtales on Vandalism. About a year ago, we experienced the same problem in our neighborhood.

It all started with what we thought was a friendly request of our neighbor, but his reaction was bad-tempered � to say the least. Soon our house was egged; later trash and broken glass was dumped on our lawn.� Arapahoe Sheriff suggested we install a survellance system, which we did. We mentioned in casual conversaton that the camera worked day and night, and the vandalism soon stopped. When the vandalism moved down the street, we passed on the advice to that neighbor and they also installed a camera.� The vandalism has stopped at his house, too.

So, you may want to pass this on to others having this problem.� It's not fun to have to live like this, but at least it seems to have worked.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH VANDALISM OR AN UNREASONABLE NEIGHBOR ... CONTACT THE F.I.A. BOARD.� WE CAN HELP WORK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

Show Me The Money!

by Andrea Suhaka

Centennial City Council, Ward III

Now comes the time to show how much you believe that our new city should survive to healthy adulthood. The City Council has decided that a 1.5% sales tax and 4.982 mill levy should be sufficient to run the city for the next year. We will also need to deBruce for a short while because TABOR rules that a government cannot keep more money than it made the year before plus growth and cost of living. Well, Centennial had NO money last year, so we'd have to give back the $900,000 we took in this year. And then next year, when we raise about $31 million, we'd have to give back about $30 million. So, deBrucing through 2005 seems to be the way to go, until the city gets on an even keel with tax, mill levy and other money coming in. The mill levy we will be asking you to approve is equal to the mill levy you were paying to the Arapahoe Law Enforment Authority (ALEA), for Sheriff's patrol services in unincorporated Arapahoe County; we're no longer unincorporated so no more ALEA mill levy. We had eight town hall meeting, throughout July and August, to explain these tax issues, but I'd be more than happy to meet with anyone one-on-one or neighbors around the kitchen table to explain these questions. We will have more Ward III meetings at Castlewood Library, 7 pm, on 24 Sept., 9 Oct. and 22 Oct. Please, come and talk about these issues with us.

I have decided to seek re-election. I hope you all have found my term so far to be satisfactory. I have worked very hard on the Land Use, Annexation, Public Works and Rules and Proce-dures Committees to try and make our upcoming transition (8 Feb. 2002) from county services to city services as smooth as possible. The City Council is exploring a contract with Arapahoe County to maintain at least the public works function for about another year until we are perfectly clear on what needs to happen in the city. Between capital improvements, street and traffic signal maintenance, and storm sewer issues, we still need to do a lot more studying. Fortunately for the city, several engineering firms are volunteering to help us un�derstand and cope with these issues so we should be able to write some RFP's sometime next year. I'll keep you posted.

On a sadder note, Jack Forhan has decided not to seek re-election. He has some very valid reasons for his decision. He has worked exceptionally hard on the committees of which he is a member and will continue to work for us until his term expires in January. If you see him, give him your thanks for a job very well done. I hope he runs again in an upcoming election. Susan Nix, on Arapahoe County's and now Centennial's Board of Adjustment, will be seeking his seat and I heartily recommend her. She has a lot of the necessary knowledge, especially on land use issues, and I believe will do a good job for the city.

Contact Info for Andrea:� 303-770-0058, [email protected]

SUSAN NIX

CANDIDATE

Centennial City Council - Ward III

The incumbent City Council Ward III rep, Jack Forhan, decided not to run for re-election, thus opening the door for FoxRidge resident Susan Nix.� Although she is running uncontested, she is still hitting the campaign trail to educate voters on why she is qualified to join our City leaders in what will likely be a very difficult few years.

Susan has served on the Arapahoe County Board of Adjustment since 1994, and the last two years as Vice-chairperson.� She was also selected by the City of Centennial to serve on their Board of Adjustment.� So, she has already had a good dose of Centennial politics.

When asked about her goals, Susan says: �I am a conscientious, organized and detail-oriented person who will respect your concerns.� As we continue to implement the services the City provides, there are many details to oversee.� I want to use my time and talents to help facilitate this process.� AS a Council member, I will be accessible and eager to hear from you.� I will work hard to address the needs of our Ward and City.� I want to be your voice on the Council�

On a personal note, Susan and Dan Nix have been married for 34 years and have two grown children.� They have lived in FoxRidge for almost 12 years.� In addition to her busy schedule with Board of Adjustment issues, Susan does volunteer work at the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Center and also serves on its Education Committee, as well as has been a supporter of the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter since her son was diagnosed with MS in 1993.� Her career years as an elementary school teacher will be invaluable as she tries to break down the many complicated and (sometimes) bureaucratic issues that face a Centennial Council person.

Don�t forget, it is important to vote � even for uncontested positions as the number of votes will determine who serves two years and who will serve four.� Voting is strictly by mail � NO POLL DATES are available with this election.

Contact Info for Susan: 303 779 1347,� [email protected]

A MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER:

BABYSITTERS� DIRECTORY

Send your information to:� [email protected] �OR 303 507-6740.

Nicki Baumer, age 12, 303-771-8502
Red Cross Certified, also house and pet sitting

Becky Culbertson, age 14, 303 694 2365

Also House & Pet-Sitting

Ben Culbertson, Age 11, for Pet-sitting

Ashley Daurity, age 14, 720-529-8672

Experience with young children. Pet sitting. References.

Jason Eccles, age 13,(303)-850-9431

Also mowing lawns, pet sitting, and house sitting.

Jessica Faraday, age 15, (303) 773-8517

Stephanie Meyer, age 12 1/2, 303 694 1417

Red Cross Certified; house & pet sitting, lawn mowing.

Laura Nold, age 14, 303 721 6698

House-, Baby- or Pet-sitting.� References.

Alexandre Scott, age 14, 303 779 1210

Red Cross Certified.� Also House & Pet-Sitting

Stephanie Steele, age 12, 303-689-0147

 Red Cross Certified. Great with any age.

Reut Tennet, age 14, 303 779 9232

Also House & Pet-Sitting

Kristin Tholson, age 13 XXX XXXX

Red Cross Certified. Also house and pet sitting.

UNOFFICIAL:�� FoxRidge Improvement Association Minutes for 9/17/2001

Meeting called to order by Paul Conkling at 7:05 pm at Homestead Elem.

Present: Paul Conkling, president, Katie Barrett, secretary, Terry Riester, covenant violation officer, Anita Joseph-Conkling, covenant consolidation, Jamie Debartolomeis, county line road improvement coordinator, Bob Datson, ACC appeals, Ken Kwiecien, Architectural Control Committee (ACC), Burt Elliott, treasurer.� Absent: John Riggs, tree advisor, Barbara Fischer, ACC appeals, Bob Bardwell, GID Mike Sutherland, CenCon

Minutes of 8/22/01 approved, with corrections to reported budget.� Budget report did not reflect outstanding legal bills.

COMMUNITY VISITORS:� Susan Nix-FoxRidge resident running for Centennial City Council seat from Ward 3 along with Andrea Suhaka.� There will be an article in next Foxtales.� She wanted us to get the word out that the ballot is all mail-in and it is a HUGE ballot.� Bob Wright-questions about alternative roofing material, specifically Celotex.� Eric Sorrin- questions about board committee meeting held 2 weeks ago and concerns about sec�y leaving last month�s meeting before adjournment.�

REPORTS:�� Budget:� Burt reported $2851 in checking, $9017 in savings.� Anita and Burt will meet to develop 4^th Quarter budget and projections for 2002.

Covenants:

�� ACC (Ken) 10 requests for approvals this month.� Discussion from Terry R., Bob B. and Bob D. about history of roofing material approvals. In 1999 it was decided to allow other roofing materials besides shake.�� Ken made a motion to accept additional lines of tri-laminate shingles:� GAF Grand Canyon in the colors Mission Brown and Stonewood and Ambassador in the colors of Charleston and Cumberland, and Presidential in the colors Weathered Wood, Shadow Gray, Bark Brown and Autumn Blend. Katie 2nd. Unanimous Board approval.

�� Violations (Terry) Responded to 43 phone calls; many about roofs, paint and cars.� Met with Mr. Speir regarding his broken fence.� This fence has been broken since May.� Board agreed that if the fence were not repaired by October 1, 2001 we would send a letter from our attorney demanding its repair.

�� Consolidation (Anita) Committee met on Thursday, September 6 to review documents, particularly Rules & Regulations which were last filed in 1984.� This is a huge effort to weed through official and unofficial documents and clean up outdated language.� Anita was in contact with our attorney and reported� 1) we will not approach mandatory dues until next year and 2) Trying to spend out attorney fees on document work and not enforcement.� Next steps involve outlining enforcement, collection of fines, dealing with written complaints and procedures for filing suits.� It would cost $185 for attorney to deal with one HO on an issue, this includes reviewing pertinent documents, preparing letter, phone calls with FIA and two follow-up contacts with violator.

Maintenance:� (Terry) Met with Landscaping company to address ruptured water line at Quebec and Poplar.� Did not hear back from sign company re: warranty and to firm up contract.� Mineral and Quebec have had much concrete work at this entrance.

CEN-CON: �(Michael-absent) Anita reported that the tax issue is very complicated and critical for the Centennial vote.� Cen-Con has asked Arapahoe County to lower a portion of mill levy so it can be diverted to the City.

GID:� (Bob) Currently $96,638 which will be adjusted when sign bid is approved.� City of Centennial is hesitant to administer GID funding; the city wants the funding decisions by an elected body and not an appointed body.� We should question Centennial candidates about their thoughts on GID funding and administration.� A portion of Terry�s salary is being reimbursed by GID, as he oversees maintenance for GID areas.

FoxTales:� Continues to break even.� Late this month due to computer problems.

County Line Road Improvement: (Jamie) Should be complete by Thanksgiving, it is ahead of schedule.� Work has begun to �two-tone� the sound wall.� Some concerns about the size of the wall at the Niagara entrance.� Other concern is removal of the old perimeter fence five feet from the new sound wall.� 26 homes are affected.� Jamie will follow up.

South Suburban Liaison: (Jamie) FoxRidge has been allocated a larger portion of budget than in the past, we will find out how that money is earmarked.

NEW BUSINESS:�

1 Motion by Ken to accept Kim Williams as a new ACC Member.� Anita 2^nd, motion carried.

2 Motion by Anita to accept an Eagle Scout project jointly with South Suburban, to build 7-10 �doggy drop� stations at a cost of approximately $175.00.� This expense will be reimbursed through GID.� Ken 2^nd, motion carried.

3 Holiday decorations need attention and money.� We will ask for donations through FoxTales. Bob B will also check on the possibility of GID reimbursement.

4 Anita moved to appoint Bob Datson as Director of the ACC Appeals Board.� Ken 2^nd, motion carried.

5 RTP roofing made a generous donation of $100 to offset picnic expenses.