Denver residents have been hearing a lot about trash collection fees lately and many are wondering why. In District 2, homeowners seem to like the current system. Trash gets picked up and the cost is already part of their taxes. That may be why 76 percent of you said in my 2011 citizen survey that you oppose any trash fee. Ideas still being bandied about include a flat fee, one based on how much trash you produce; a socialized fee to help low-income people; and a contract with a private hauler.
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JEANNE FAATZ'S BLOG POSTS
Jeanne Faatz
City Council District 2
Nov
1st
It’ll take more than trash talk to fix the General Fund
Posted at 6:59am 11/01/2011
May
30th
Thank You
Posted at 1:12pm 5/30/2011
Many thanks for your Council District 2 election decision. It’s an honor to be chosen to serve you with such overwhelming support. I’m grateful and humbled by your expression of confidence. Thank you. Read more »
May
2nd
Raises for Elected Officials Send Wrong Message to Taxpayers
Posted at 9:55am 5/02/2011
Council could not have angered the public and demoralized city employees more than when it recently voted itself a pay raise. Even in a good economy, raises are unpopular. But in a bad economy with revenue down, city services at risk, layoffs iinflicting pain, and a $500 million projected shortfall in future years, they’re inexcusable.
Apr
1st
KB Homes to Construct Terrace Club Estates
Posted at 4:02pm 4/01/2011
KB Homes will construct a new housing development at the former Terrace Club swimming site. It is located north of Hampden Ave. (Hwy. 285), west of S. Knox Ct., just south of the W. Girard Ave. intersection. Twenty single-family homes will be built, some two-story, some ranch style. Price points are expected to be in the mid to high $200,000s. No zoning change will be required.
Jan
31st
Backyard Chicken Issue May Return in 2011
Posted at 1:48pm 1/31/2011
Residents of my council district made themselves perfectly clear in 2010 when I asked in my citizen survey how they felt about homeowners keeping chickens.
Of 2,099 responses, an overwhelming 79 percent said the city should continue to require a permit before residents could be allowed to keep hens. Respondents indicated it was important that neighbors have a say. About 21 percent of the survey respondents said permits shouldn’t be required.
This year the issue may come up again if the individual who started Denver Backyard Farms has his way. This person told council he is collecting signatures for a ballot initiative that would allow up to six chickens per zone lot in all districts as a use by right. No permit would be required under his proposal, and the property owner could decide where to place the chicken coop – front yard, side yard or where ever.
If the proponent collects enough valid signatures, the Clerk and Recorder would put the question on the ballot, either in May or soon thereafter. City Council could support or oppose the measure in a proclamation, but the council couldn’t keep it from the voters.
Those who support chickens say fresh eggs and urban farming are good for the community, and they argue that Denver should support this growing trend. Opponents say hens are noisy, smelly, and attract coyotes, foxes and other predators.
Some council members have said they may offer a zoning code amendment that would accomplish the same as the citizen initiative. If that happened, I would vote the way my citizen survey respondents indicated. But at least that amendment process would require a public hearing. That would give residents plenty of chances to speak for the issue or against it.
Paul Brockwell
President
Jeanne Labuda
State House of Representatives District 1
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