Bill Christopher: Does Westminster have a cat problem?

I always thought the beauty of working in local government was the daily variety of issues, projects and programs that I worked with and encountered. No two days were alike. With that variety, came special interest groups pushing their single purpose agendas.

Well, apparently the latest issue in Westminster is feral cats roaming the city needing to be “fixed.” The person pushing an ordinance to TNR roaming cats —either feral or pet that are owned — has a couple of the city council members carrying water for this special interest.

“TNR” stands for “trap-neuter-release.” In study session, council agreed to have Animal Management staff do more research and come back with a potential ordinance which could implement this practice. Legal issues are to be addressed as well.

However, I liked the point Council member Ireland raised that she had not had a single constituent call about cats and or needing to TNR them.

Do you have a “cat problem” in your hood? While other adjacent suburban cities have acquiesced to the special interest to implement such an ordinance — like Commerce City, Thornton and Northglenn — it does not mean it’s a “one size fits all” situation for Westminster. There is already a proper TNR opportunity with Foothills Animal Shelter.

So, what else is needed? Requiring a leash law for cats is just plain silly.

Then, Council member Hott wants an ordinance to prohibit puppy mills and selling cats and dogs in Westminster. Recently, I checked with the City Clerk’s Office regarding licensing of puppy mills and selling cats and dogs. There are no pet stores in the city which sell cats or dogs and there are no puppy mills. So, what’s the problem?

Are we jousting at windmills?

A city government cannot be all things to all people

Some city council members need to be wiser about what “causes” or issues they jump on. In part, they need to remember they produced and adopted an annual strategic plan which set out the work plan and allocation of resources for the staff for the whole year.

Also, the last I knew there was a policy that it takes four or more council members to have staff do research and work on a new issue or topic. Assuming this policy is still in effect, it needs to be practiced more vigorously.

With time in the position, council members can become more experienced, smarter and wiser.

Part of the maturation of a council person is the realization that “a city government cannot be all things to all people.” I preached and practiced that wisdom for many years when leading the city administration. It still applies today.

The Homeless Point-In-Time Count is coming

The annual point-in-time homeless census mandated by the federal Housing and Urban Development Department is coming soon. With the increasing homeless populations throughout the United States — and especially in major metropolitan areas — it has become a regular procedure, like the one we do every ten years with the federal census.

The 2024 national count showed an amazing 770,000 homeless people across America which is an 18% increase from the year before. Remember before there were homeless point-in-time head counts?

My, how things have changed in America with its exploding homeless population and the accelerating number of people with food insecurity.

“The count captures a snapshot of people sleeping in sheltered locations and a street count of places unfit for human habitation, such as sleeping outside on the street or sidewalks, in tents, cars or abandoned buildings.”

According to the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, the seven county Denver metropolitan area PIT for 2024 showed 9,977 homeless people with 71% sheltered and 29% unsheltered.

In Adams County, the count reflected 970 people who met the criteria or a little less than 10% of the metro area. The previous year tallied 948 homeless people in the county or a 2.3% increase.

It is helpful to have an accurate count for the area cities, counties and non-profit organizations to understand the demographics and needs of those who are coping with homelessness. In turn, it assists in creating solutions to address homelessness in specific geographic areas as well as being eligible to receive funding for essential community-based services.

This year’s PIT will take place on Jan. 28. While I have not heard back from city staffers, I would imagine they need volunteers to assist with the count this year. I will report back for those who might be interested.

It’s an interesting experience as my wife Ann and I have helped on the Westminster PIT previously.

Christmas Lights after Christmas is a Denver tradition

Some folks might wonder why they see so many outdoor Christmas lights being displayed after Christmas has come and gone.

Well, you are seeing the influence of a Denver tradition which started in 1922 when some civic-minded Denverite suggested leaving the Christmas lights on post-Christmas to provide some sparkle and color for visitors. It was in conjunction with leaving the holiday lights on at the Denver City and County Building. More specifically, it was a way of welcoming out of town visitors to the annual National Western Stock Show in Denver.

The combination rodeo, stock show and fair opens on Jan. 11 and runs through the 26th at the National Western Complex and Denver Coliseum. So, keep those beautiful, sparkling lights on accordingly, to carry on the tradition and share some cheer.

Westminster Community Foundation heads in a different direction

Recently, the leadership of the Westminster Community Foundation (formerly the Westminster Legacy Foundation) chose to take the organization in a different direction.

First, they notified the city that they were terminating the Memorandum of Understanding with the city regarding cost sharing on their Executive Director’s position. The memorandum was to be in effect through 2026 with a declining percentage the city was obligated to pay —50% of salary in 2025 and 25% in 2026.

Why the Foundation would walk away from such cost sharing puzzles me, but it is what it is. With that action, Natalie Martinez, who was the Executive Director, is transitioning off the city’s payroll. From what I have ascertained, Brian Head is now the interim part-time Executive Director.

So why is this important to the public?

A 20-plus year relationship

The Westminster Legacy Foundation was established in 2000 thanks to former Mayor Nancy Heil who saw the need for the city government to have a 501(c) 3 non-profit foundation to assist in funding different community needs. The 24 years in which it has existed produced over $1 million in funds raised for numerous good causes.

Key projects/programs included the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park, the Nature Play Park adjacent to the train station, numerous years of providing grants to non-profits serving Westminster citizens, public sculptures and more.

There have certainly been ups and downs like so many non-profit organizations over the years including COVID. The foundation always struggled over fundraising which was a main reason for the city to enter into a MOU to help pay the executive director’s salary.

Recently, the foundation’s attempt at a different approach to major fundraising basically only covered expenses of the fundraising event.

The organization’s plight was clear: The word is they are contemplating a new direction, including fundraising. Also, it is noteworthy that their Board of Directors is down to a mere six members. At one time when I was on the board there were 23-25 members.

Perhaps, it is time for the foundation to see the handwriting on the wall and call it quits. Like other things in life, some things tend to run their course. The wise people then see the merit in acknowledging that they ran the race and it is time to hang it up.

Speaking of Christmas lights

Each year, the staffs at the City of Westminster and Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District do an outstanding job in designing, building and installing beautiful holiday decorations for the public’s enjoyment. It’s easy to simply take these decorations for granted. However, there is a lot of work and effort which goes into achieving the beauty and joy created each year. A big “Thank You” to those who provide these stellar displays each year!

Bill Christopher is a former Westminster city manager and RTD board member. His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media. You can contact him at bcjayhawk68@gmail.com.

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