Highlights

• Lots of resources are available to homeowners through Resource Central, including seminars, Garden in a Box (sell out very fast), and funding support for residental turf removal (min of 200 square feet). See Resources for more info.

• The City of Longmont is conducting a survey to measure voter opinion of new library, recreation and cultural project facilities and renovations. Please complete the survey by March 8, 2023 at longmontcolorado.gov/survey. Some voters will also receive the survey directly via text message or email. For more information: visit longmontcolorado.gov/news or contact the City Manager’s Office at 303-651-8601 or cityoflongmont@longmontcolorado.gov.

State of the City

Sandra Seader, Assistant City Manager 303-651-8634, sandra.seader@longmontcolorado.gov

The City recently completed a significant internal reorganization to increase efficiency and improve service delivery to Longmont residents. The new structure has five administrative departments; 1) External Services, 2) Utilities and Public Works, 3) Next- Light, Smart City, and Digital Transformation, 4) Shared Services, and 5) Public Safety. The Community and Neighborhood Resources Division (CNR) is now under the Shared Services banner and will integrate new responsibilities to support all departments in increasing community involvement, integrating neighborhood concerns, and valuing NGLA feedback/partnerships.

The City conducted a focus group with youth (3rd grade - 18 y/o) about is needed to avoid gang type activities. Releasing results soon.

Other News:

• Loomiller Park construction has been delayed by supply chain issues and is currently scheduled for completion on May 17, 2023.
• The City will solicit bids for construction of Nino Gallo Park, which will be located at the end of Quebec Ave and S Martin St in March with work expected to start in May 2023.
• Residents can report street issues by calling at 303-651-8416 or online using Service Works at www.LongmontColorado.gov, Search ‘Service Works’.
• The Certificates of Participation (COPs) the City issued in 2014 to use City Facilities as collateral to support construction at the Village at the Peaks are scheduled to be paid off by 2037.
• To see the latest issue of ‘City Line’, the City newsletter included with every resident’s utility bill, visit longmontcolorado.gov/news/city-line-newsletter/2023-city-line-issues. To receive an emailed PDF, contact Mary Jacobs at mary.jacobs@longontcolorado.gov.

Public Safety Update

Commander Doug Ross

• Crime rates in the city have gone down compared to last year, but stolen cars continue to be a problem in Longmont and across the Country. Police urge residents to lock cars and not leave keys, valuables, or firearms inside to prevent car thefts.
• Auto theft is up 33% in Jan. Professional groups. Cars unlocked and keys in car. Theft up 24% including catalytic convertors and general thefts. Crashes down. Dec 22 – 77 motor hit/run, 52 injury. Jan 22 32, Jan 23 22. Traffic stops up 166%. More stops means less crashes. Reasons for stops speeding, license plates.
• Reminder: Temporary vehicle license plates have to be renewed before the expiration date. Expired regular plates have a 30 day grace period.

Four Big Focus Aareas for City Council

• Housing is a big focus, lots of departments involved.
• Transportation, costs went way up for planned projects.
• Early education and care.
• Sustainability, climate change, and alternate energy.

City Council Update

Councilperson Susie Hidalgo-Fahring

• There was no council update this month due to sickness.

Utilities and Public Works

• Smart meters and remote meters for electric are coming soon
• Universal recycling ordinance requires businesses to recycle as well as residents

Nextlight

• Low income homes can get free internet and it is federally funding.
• City wide camera project for high use areas parks, intersections, all tied to LTE system. LTE system being built for school kids to get Internet.

External Services

• Poll for new facilities will be coming out next week, e.g. library, recreation center, museum

2023 Neighborhood Awards Share

Neighborhood Excellence Award (NEA) Winners! Congratulations to the following communities for their “Inventive or Impactful Solutions”. Visit www.LongmontColorado.gov and search: ‘NEA’ to learn more about the projects and why they were selected. Each community was also awarded a $100 activity grant to be used during 2023.

• Shadow Grass Park: Park Renaming and Ice Cream Social
• The Renaissance: Pumpkin Festival
• The Shores: Neighborhood Stroll and Ice Cream Social
• Southmoor Park: Median Improvements
• Kiteley Neighborhood: Basketball Court Public Mural

NGLA Calendar & Events

Neighborhood Leadership Series, visit: bit.ly/LongmontNLS

• March 8: NIP Project Management & Implementation Workshop Required of communities awarded a 2023 NIP grant, open to all
• March 15: NGLA Grant & Community Project Support Virtual Q&A about any NGLA grant or community project
• The remaining NLS schedule will be released in early February and take place primarily on the Second and Fourth Wednesdays at 6:30pm at the Senior Center or virtually.

NGLA and Grants

• March 16: NGLA meeting: TBD
• April 19: SNS Grant review deadline
• April 20: NGLA meeting: tbd
• April 22: Earth Day Activities planned across the City in- clude, the Museum and Clark-Centennial Park. See email links
• May 18: NGLA meeting: TBD