We also experimented in this episode with a different format. In response to a listener suggestion (thanks Eric!), instead of a shorter episode with a separate extended interview, we recorded everything in a single podcast. The show is longer (about 50 minutes) but we didn’t break up our conversation with our guest. Let us know what you think!

On episode #4 you’ll hear:

• 02:03 – Jeffco’s beltway shenanigans at the State Legislature
• 14:21 – GURA’s new parking lot
• 18:12 – Windy Saddle’s request for a liquor license for their outdoor seating
• 22:35 – A conversation with Nathan Richie, the director of the Golden History Museums
• 40:45 – Getting Involved
• 44:00 – The Mailbox
• 44:37 – Community Chatter

And here are some links related to some of the issues we brought up during podcast:

• Radio Golden gets a mention on the Westword blog.
• Check out the Golden History Museums website.
• Read about the 360-degree panoramic view of Golden that Matt asked about.
• For information about the new City of Golden flag design contest or to submit an entry, send an email to Nathan Richie (nrichie@goldenhistorymuseums.org). The deadline for submissions is April 30.
• For information about events at Woody’s in Golden, including The Breakfast Club on May 1, check out the Woody’s online calendar.
• You can also get more information about the Chihuly exhibit at Foothills Art Center.

The Golden City Council is also accepting applications for the Marketing Stakeholder Commission. Their focus is managing the city’s community marketing program. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 10.

An open house for Bell Middle School's new STEM program is this week.

May 3, City Council Study Session
City Hall at 7 p.m. The agenda includes the Planning Commission annual work plan and the city’s long-term financial and budget policies. You can view the agenda and watch the live screencast on the city’s website.

May 5, Coffee With a Councilor
You’ll find City Councilors from District 1 (South Golden), including Saoirse Charis-Graves and other members of the City Council at Read, Write and Brew starting at 9 a.m. It’s a great informal opportunity to chat with your City Council representatives about issues on the City Council agenda or whatever else is on your mind.

May 5-6, Golden Community Pride Days
Community Pride Days runs from 8am-3:30pm both days this weekend up at the City Shops just off of Golden Gate Canyon Road.

The city will accept, free of charge from Golden residents, rubbish, construction materials, scrap metal, up to four tires per household, old electronics (computers, televisions, monitors, cell phones, etc.), untreated lumber and tree limbs, and more. You can’t drop off hazardous materials or appliances, but you can make other arrangements for both. For a complete list and all the details, visit the Community Pride Days web page.

May 10, City Council Business Meeting
City Hall at 7 p.m. The agenda tentatively includes adopting updated long-term budget and debt management policies, an awards presentation by the American Public Works Association, and a replat request at 2200 Jackson Street (the new senior housing development).

May 17, City Council Business Meeting and Study Session
City Hall at 7 p.m. The agenda tentatively includes an introduction of a delegation from Kosovo, the awarding of i-Neighborhood matching grants, an update from the Sustainability Advisory Board, the presentation of the Renewable Energy Technical Advisory Committee, interviews for the Economic Development Commission and Community Marketing Stakeholder Committee, and a discussion of the fines for dog off-leash violations.

The book is available as an e-book only, but for folks that don’t own a e-book reader it’s very easy to download a free book reader app for your PC, Mac, or tablet from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

From Mayor Sloan’s newsletter:

Three 2012 Sustainability awardees were recognized at the [City Council] meeting. Compass Montessori School (through teacher Erik Albright) was singled out for its environmental education program that fosters students interest and efforts in recycling, food production, farm animals, wildland restoration, and energy conservation. Barbara Rogers, a resident of Golden Ridge Condominiums, was given an award to celebrate her active organization of single-stream recycling for more than 370 condominiums. And Don Cameron, local resident and high school chemistry and physics teacher, was lauded for his long-term sustainability efforts. In particular, Don and his wife Carol have converted space on their lot in the East Street District into a neighborhood garden, allowing several neighbors to use nine plots in this space.

This is the sort of thing I suspect Jeffco would like to build through Golden. Photo by Flickr user Hytok.

From my perspective, it’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to reach an agreement back in December with Jeffco, Arvada, and Broomfield (after months of intense negotiations). We came close, but they ultimately insisted on language that would have undermined Golden’s ability to protect itself from highway projects being forced on us. For me, and for the City Council at the time, that was a line we simply would not cross.

I’m very glad that Mayor Sloan, the City Council, and the City of Golden staff worked as hard as they did to kill this bill. A reasonable solution that respect’s everyone’s needs is one thing; a situation where some communities can force something on another community is something else. I continue to support an agreement that truly protects Golden, and I hope City Council continues to support this two-pronged strategy: work hard for a reasonable agreement, but fight hard against anything – like this bill – that places an unreasonable burden or risk on our community.

Councilor Fisher published a good newsletter post on this issue as well; it’s worth a read.

April 12, City Council Business Meeting
City Hall at 7 p.m. The agenda includes awarding the utilities replacement bid, several proclamations, interviews for appointments to the Golden Urban Renewal Authority board, a couple of ordinances dealing with sidewalk seating and liquor licenses, first reading on an ordinance that would require licenses for retailers selling non-cigarette tobacco products, landscaping requirements for commercial and multifamily properties, and awarding this round of i-Neighborhood Matching Grants. Download the agenda and the entire City Council packet.

April 13, “The Two of Us” opens at Miners Alley
The new Miners Alley play runs through May 20.

April 14, Coffee With a Councilor
You’ll find City Councilors from District 1 (South Golden), including Saoirse Charis-Graves and maybe others as well at Read, Write and Brew starting at 9 a.m. It’s a great informal opportunity to chat with your City Council representatives about the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 6, the South Neighborhoods Plan, or whatever else is on your mind.

April 18, One Book One Golden Event
One Book One Golden: An event with Craig Barnes, the author of “Growing Up True.” 7 p.m. at Foss Auditorium (American Mountaineering Center).

April 21, Golden Town Hall Meeting
This town hall meeting (every third Saturday) is hosted by Golden’s state legislators. It runs from 10-11:30 a.m. at Golden City Hall.

May 5-6, Golden Golden Community Pride Days
The city provides a free opportunity for community members to dispose of rubbish, construction materials, scrap metal, tires, electronics, untreated lumber, and brush and tree limbs. The Informer includes a coupon good for one curbside appliance pickup. For hazardous materials you’ll need to make arrangements with the Rooney Road Recycling Center. For details, check out the Golden Community Pride Days website.