Newsletter

President’s Message

NIGHT SKY

Greetings! On behalf of the board of directors for the Sixth Avenue West Homeowners Association, I would like to extend warm greetings to all residents, new and well established, as we approach spring and summer. The increase of residents walking in the neighborhood and using the hiking trails is always a sign we are waking up to spring. And, of course, we all look forward to the annual change on Green Mountain as the winter dull gives way to spring green. As you meet neighbors in the open space or on the streets, take the chance to extend a hand of neighborly friendship. This camaraderie is one characteristic that makes this community attractive. 

I have enjoyed identifying planets in the night sky over the last several months. Either I’m more aware or the celestial bodies seem more prominent. This has caused me to reflect on light pollution and how it diminishes the ability to enjoy the Colorado night sky. Many jurisdictions are incorporating Dark Sky lighting guidelines into their codes. Jefferson County is not one of them, but Golden is. I thought I’d share the Golden code for reference if you have interest in making your property more night sky friendly.

Key points include:

  • All outdoor lighting (excluding ornamental lighting) must be shielded. 
  • Light fixtures should not be greater than the equivalent of 60 watts or 8.8 LED watts.
  • Fixtures must contain an opaque or frosted shield.
  • Motion sensor security lighting must be pointed downward.

Also, you can reduce the lighting irritation of your property by choosing soft white colored bulbs over the daylight ones. This neighborhood came to life in the 70’s and the streetlights reflect this era. Unfortunately, the county has no plans to upgrade them in the future. So, for now, we’ll have to live with the streetlights that do not meet Dark Sky lighting standards. 

I look forward to seeing you at the neighborhood cleanup (dumpster day) and at the summer food trucks.

Summer Food Trucks Coming Soon!

Join us Wednesdays beginning May 10th for Summer Food Truck Nights. Take the night off cooking! Bring your camping chairs or blankets and join your neighbors for a Picnic at Elk Park near the Flora entrance. 

MAY 10 & 24  ~ JUNE 14 & 28 ~ JULY 12 & 26 AUGUST 9 & 23 ~ SEPTEMBER 13

Scoop the Poop!

We are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful neighborhood with access to open space all of which are wonderful for walking our four-legged friends. However, we receive complaints about pet owners not picking up the feces left by their pets. Picking up after your pet is not only common courtesy, it’s your duty as a pet owner. Dog waste does not breakdown on its own. The information below (courtesy of the Denver Post) shares some important insights on cleaning up after your pet.

  • Parasites and bacteria can stay in the soil for years. That means pets, children who play outside, gardeners and others risk contamination.
  • Infected excrement can contain heartworms, whipworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms all of which put other dogs at risk.
  • Thinking that dog poop is fertilizer similar to cow manure is incorrect since cows eat plant matter.
  • Scientists say dog waste can throw off an ecosystems balance, especially in a heavily populated area, which can handle about 2 dogs per square mile.
  • Bacteria in dog feces can affect water quality if it seeps into reservoirs, lakes, and other standing bodies. 

Stepping in dog feces strewn about grassy areas, parks and sidewalks is unpleasant and it stinks! Pet owners who lack a sense of community also stink!

However, if someone you do know is letting their dog damage your property, contact Animal Control immediately. They will hold them accountable and can be subject to fines.

 

Sixth Avenue West Outdoor Pool Remodel Plan Update

As you have probably seen, the pool renovation is in the thick of construction. The latest update from Foothills is as follows: “This is a major project and it has suffered some timeline setbacks due to more snow in December and January than usual and anticipated as well as some construction challenges due to supply chain issues and some site constraints.  We are continuing to monitor and evaluate the feasibility of opening sometime in 2023, but it is unknown at this time. 

View the Conceptual Plans for site changes and timetable: https://www.ifoothills.org/projects/#sixthpool

There will be a Summer Fun Pass for the pool and you can view that info online here – 

https://www.ifoothills.org/pass-options/#benefits

Did You Know?

The Colorado Legislature is considering a bill, Senate Bill 23-213, known as the “More Housing Now” bill, which would end local control of land use decisions in Colorado. If passed, our City Council would no longer have control over residential development in the city. Development decisions would be centralized at the state level and determined by rules enacted through the Governor’s office. 

There is a petition here with more info:

https://www.change.org/p/keep-zoning-local-protect-our-voice-in-our-communities

Annual Neighborhood Cleanup 

Sat. June 3rd, 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

The SAWHOA will again sponsor the neighborhood clean up day (Dumpster Day) in the parking lot at Kyffin Elementary School.  This year we are offering a new service: secure Document Shredding along with the recycling and donating services.

Our cleanup day allows current dues paying members to clean up their property and discard the debris cheaply without the long drive to the landfill.  Keep in mind a trip to the Jeffco landfill is over $70.00 per load, and a half-day adventure.

FIRST TRIP IS FREE with $50 paid membership

If you haven’t paid your dues this year, you can still come to the cleanup day and pay onsite.

(Check/Cash only) Or, pay beforehand via https://www.sawhoa.com/paydues or by check with the enclosed envelope. Each visit after first trip:

$5.00 for cars and SUV’s,

$20.00 fee for trucks and /or trailers.

With the popularity of this event homeowners should plan to unload their own items. Help will be available to those who need assistance. Children under 16 years old should keep out of the loading areas.

Secure Document Shredding:

Document shredding will only be available from 10:30AM – 12:30 PM.  Homeowners will get 5 “Banker” size boxes shredded for free, after that we will charge $5.00 per box.  NO PLASTIC BINDERS, NO METAL STRAPS. Staples are OK.

METAL Recycling: Cliff will be helping us recycle ALL metal and steel items.  Saving our HOA the cost of 2 dumpsters and keeping our landfills free of these metals.

ARC Collection Truck: ARC Thrift Stores will be on site from 9:00- 1:30 PM.  A good time to clean out and donate any and all gently used items.

NO PAINT RECYCLING SERVICE THIS YEAR: Green Sheen will not be available this year, but you can take you old paint and stains to their plant at 1055 South Jason St. for free disposal. Phone # 303-514-3955.

The dumpsters will be picked up by 1:30 PM.  Please bring your loads prior to that time.  Signs will direct you into the parking lot.  

Thank you for keeping our neighborhood beautiful by doing your part to keep it a desirable place to live. To new homeowners this is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors.

 

Recreation Vehicle/ Trailer HOA Covenant Reminder

As the summer season is approaching and the RV’s start coming out, please remember our HOA has rules regarding parking boats and trailers in our neighborhood.

SAWHOA Covenant C-6 specifically states that recreational vehicles including RV’S, campers, all trailers, boats and any similar vehicles that are stored on private property must be screened from view with a 6’ fence. Temporary unscreened parking of these units will be acceptable up to 72 hours in preparation for travel or when returning from travel.  By county ordinance, RV’s may not be parked on public streets for more than 28 days (accumulative) in any one year.

Regardless of voluntary due’s or not, you must comply with all covenants and By-Laws of the HOA.  There will be NO exceptions on this matter.  

Thank you to all homeowners for complying with the Covenants regarding this issue. 

 

Who Needs Gardening Tips?

I love our neighborhood and I’m very thankful to be part of it. When my family moved in 9 years ago, our next-door neighbor who lived here for over 40 years gave me a couple of recommendations. Buy a snow blower and watch out for the water bill. Both were sound advice.  

Spring is upon us, so yard work is commencing for many.  With the dreaded monthly water bill this time of year, I’d love to share recommendations on how you may add some color to your space while minimizing the impact on your water bill.  

A friend turned me on to Resource Central’s Garden in a Box program. It’s been a good place to learn about great water wise plants.  They offer some pre planned kits, or you can get ideas from the kits and put together nice assortments on your own by simply shopping the local greenhouses, hardware stores, or even online.

Mother’s Day is typically a safe date to start in ground plants, however, with unknown weather ahead, we often utilize a potted garden.    So, if you’re like me and want to get started early, potted plants are a great way to go!  Some of my favorite potted plants are wave petunia, verbena, osteospermum, snap dragons, and incredible dahlias!  With a little TLC, they tend to flower most of the spring & summer months.  When we have extreme weather, you can always set them inside.  We also typically plant a variety of tomatoes, peppers, and a few other garden favorites in pots. 

In the yard we’ve had good luck with perennial plants that can handle frosty temps, like tulips, primroses, and pansies.  We also love salvia and columbines.  Often the perennials begin to fade in late spring to early summer as the long, hot, dry days take their toll.  By this time, the potted annuals are strong and flourishing.  They provide a great refresher to your outdoor beauty with overflowing pots of color for the summer!