2016 Archives

Because the articles on this page are dated, the links may not be working. We apologize for any inconvenience.

TrailMark Holiday Lights Contest Winners
Thank you everyone that participated in the TrailMark Holiday Lights contest on our Facebook page! The winners are: 1st place: $100 to Rex Williams (41 likes), 2nd place: $50 to Leighton & Lauren Cartwright (21 likes), 3rd place: $25 to Rhonda Kay Herbel Linser (20 likes). Congratulations! Thanks to everyone for decorating the neighborhood and making it merry and bright. View the Entries and Winners Happy Holidays!
Posted December 22, 2016

TrailMark Holiday Lights Contest
So many beautiful holiday lights are going up, and we want to celebrate it and share it with the rest of the neighborhood! We have an easy contest for you to promote all your hard work:
1) Post a picture on the HOA Facebook page of your outdoor holiday light display at night (or post a neighbor’s house on their behalf!). We welcome a fun caption to “name” your masterpiece!
2) Deadline to post an image is the end of day on December 15th.
3) The houses with the most likes by end of day December 20th wins! First place prize is $100 gift card, second place is $50, and third place is $25.
View the Entries – Happy Holidays!

TrailMark Night at the Lights
Wednesday, December 14, 5:30pm-8:30pm at Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms
$5 per person. Make sure you stop by the Barn for cookies and hot cocoa and a visit from Santa. Help needed! Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090d4ea8ab238-night

Meet the 2017 HOA Board
Thank you to all that came out in the snow to make the annual HOA and TMMD budget meetings on Thursday, November 17, and to help vote in our three HOA board members! We know it is challenging with the weather and with dinners to make. But we are so grateful for the support and interaction. To those that sent in your proxy votes – thank you for doing this! The meeting was almost postponed when we did the final count that evening and didn’t receive enough proxy to reach quorum. We needed 80 votes, and we were only at 67. So thanks to the community members who helped collect from their neighbors on their own time, to those who helped at the meeting by last minute texting neighbors to try to make the count, and to those that answered those last minute texts and emails and quickly sent in their proxy! We couldn’t do it without your participation! Introducing your HOA board for 2017: President: Sally Janssen is a retired Army officer with 23 years of service. After retiring, she joined the ranks of the National Park Service and then Denver Public Schools. She has volunteered on the TrailMark Design Review Committee (DRC) since 2014 and has served on the HOA Board since 2012. Sally enjoys skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, and traveling. Vice President: Michael Penny and his wife, Lisa, moved to Trailmark in July 2015. They love it here and have made the community their home. They have two children, Garret, a senior at UCCS, and Anna, a sophomore at Heritage High School. The family is completed by their three dogs. Michael looks forward to getting more involved in the community through the HOA. Secretary: Julie Devin and her husband, Ryan, moved to TrailMark in January 2013, and have two young children. She grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and is a proud graduate of CU (go Buffs!). She has a background in marketing, journalism and anthropology. She enjoys hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and snowboarding. Treasurer: Sandy Farish and her husband, Andy, have been TrailMark residents for 11 years. Sandy recently retired from Oracle Corporation, where she worked as a senior analyst, and now plans to spend the first year of retirement caring for her newborn granddaughter. She enjoys walking the local trails with her husband and dog, and the beautiful scenery TrailMark provides. Member at Large: Patrick McClammer moved to the Trailmark community in July 2014 with his wife, Katie, and two sons, Gavin and Ryan. He spends his free time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and woodworking. He is the Director of Technology for IRBNet, a research compliance software company located in Cambridge, MA. His spirit animal is the Big Horn Sheep.
Posted December 1, 2016

TrailMark News Update – December 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/022829?fe=1&pact=6668-135882101-8702302581-ed3d0283acd09511543479bf802dd0183a1b369a

Street Maintenance in Trailmark
Just a “heads up” that street repairs are currently taking place in TrailMark. More information on the City of Littleton website
Posted November 21, 2016

New Jefferson County eNewsletter to Launch in 2017
Outreach Program Manager Jeremy Fleming, Jefferson County
The Jefferson County Public Engagement team is excited to announce plans for our new enewsletter, which will launch in early 2017! The enewsletter, titled Engage Jeffco, will be a great resource for citizens to stay updated on county news, important services, events and much more. The goal of the Engage Jeffco enewsletter is to not only inform citizens, but to get them engaged in their community. We would love to hear your feedback on topics that interest you. Please feel free to comment or send us a message with details on what you would like to know more about. To subscribe to the Engage Jeffco enewsletter, click here.
Posted November 21, 2016 on TrailMark NextDoor

Mail Violation Notices not endorsed by City of Littleton
Community Development Mark Barons, City of Littleton
It has come to the attention of the City of Littleton that residents are receiving a yellow notice card in the mail regarding property code violations. The backside of the postcard includes an advertisement offering to buy properties in the area. While designed to look like an official public notice, the cards were not produced or endorsed by the City of Littleton. For questions or to check on the validity of mail you have received from the city, call 303-795-3700.
Posted November 18, 2016 on TrailMark NextDoor

Annual Meeting Update
On Thursday, November 17, the 2017 budget was approved, and good news all – there will not be an HOA dues increase in 2017. Also, three open positions on the HOA board were filled. Please welcome new members Patrick McClammer and Michael Penny to the board, and welcome back Sally Janssen for another term. Thank you for volunteering to help our community! And to Frank Melara and Kim Longbrake, thank you for serving on the board and helping make TrailMark even better. We are grateful for your time and service!

Annual TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 6:30pm at Fire Station 19, 8490 W Trailmark Pkwy
Three positions are open on the HOA Board of Directors. Any TrailMark resident interested in serving is encouraged to fill out the self-nomination application and submit it to the HOA Board at board@trailmarkhoa.org. Positions are irrelevant at this time as they will be decided after the election. QUORUM NEEDED! If you do not plan to attend, please fill out this proxy and email it to board@trailmarkhoa.org. (One per household.) PARKING FOR TONIGHT’S MEETING IS LIMITED. Parking is allowed in the marked spaces in the fire station parking lot, on the street, and in the small 4-space parking area across the street from the fire station. Please note that the meeting date has changed from 11/10. All are welcome.

Annual TMMD Meeting / Budget Hearing
Thursday, November 17, Following the HOA Meeting, Fire Station 19, 8490 W Trailmark Pkwy
Agenda Please note that this date has changed from 11/10.

TrailMark News Update – November 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/4a06c8?fe=1&pact=6139-135255117-8702215668-fe1e9af52f9e6bf756292740e722fa328176eb7f

Leash Law Reminder
On October 26, a resident and her dog were chased down the street by an off-leash dog, badly frightening our fellow neighbor. The City of Littleton’s leash law states: “Both the City of Littleton and South Suburban Parks and Recreation require that, outside of designated off-leash parks, pets must be on a leash at all times.” Please help ensure the safety of all residents of TrailMark and their pets by keeping your dog(s) on a leash at all times. Thank you!

City of Littleton Drug Take-Back Day
Saturday, October 22, 2016, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at Littleton Police Department, 2255 W. Berry Avenue, Littleton
Clean out your medicine cabinet and dispose of your unused or expired medications. The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating about the potential for abuse of medications. Items which cannot be accepted during Take-Back Day: Needles and sharps, Mercury (thermometers), Oxygen containers, Chemotherapy/radioactive substances, Pressurized canisters, Illicit drugs. For more information call 303-795-3881 weekdays, prior to the event.

Regarding Political Signs
We have received a question on the HOA Facebook page regarding whether the HOA allows political signs, and we also received a notice that some signs are being removed from homeowner’s yards. Please do not remove your neighbor’s political signage, as this is their right as free speech, and it is considered trespassing. Here is what the HOA wrote regarding our notice about signage in the October newsletter: “TrailMark HOA covenants state that signs, with the exception of sales or lease signs, are not allowed in TrailMark, including political signs. However, Colorado state law limits an HOA’s authority when it comes to political signs to the following: State law requires that political signs be posted on property for the time period of up to 45 days before the election date, and up to 7 days after the election date. If you plan on posting an election sign please observe the state law. Colorado Management will send violation letters to those homeowners who do not comply.”
Posted October 17, 2016

Three positions open on the HOA Board
There are three positions up for HOA Board Election. Any TrailMark resident interested in serving on the HOA Board of Directors is encouraged to fill out the self-nomination application and submit it to the HOA Board at board@trailmarkhoa.org. Positions are irrelevant at this time as they will be decided after the election.
Posted October 17, 2016

Holland Street Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 15th, 1:00-7:00 pm
COME ONE, COME ALL!!! Please bring a 6 pack of your favorite fall beer for our beer sharing table as well as a dish to share (see below). Brats and Hot Dogs as well as non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Bounce house for the kiddos and plenty of fun for all! This is the final Holland St. block party for the summer so be sure to join us! Please bring a dish according to your last name: A-I: Appetizer, J-Q: Dessert, R-Z: Side Dish. As usual South Holland Street will be closed for the festivities so please plan accordingly.

About Littleton Fire Rescue
Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR) provides emergency response services and life safety education programs to the citizens of the City of Littleton, the Littleton Fire Protection District, and the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District. Mission statement is “Serving with pride and honor to protect our community.” Motto is “Serving with pride and honor.” Vision is to be the recognized leader in the fire service through: Dedication to safety, reliability, and customer service; Professionalism and compassion; Innovation and creativity; Teamwork and commitment; Trust and respect. To Contact Littleton Fire Rescue (LFR) –
NON-EMERGENCY – Call: 303-795-3800 – Fax: 303-794-5804 – Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am–5pm
EMERGENCY – Call: 911 – Hours: 24/7
Per Littleton Fire Rescue Admin, homeowners may visit the fire station by ringing the bell at the front door. However, there is no guarantee it will be answered. In general, it is best to call the non-emergency number – 303-795-3800
Posted October 13, 2016

TrailMark Neighborhood Car Rally
(Open invitation to any car enthusiast) Saturday, October 8, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Hogback Hill Park (next to soccer field)
Bring your car and join your neighbors to share your interest in fun cars. Share the invitation with anyone in our neighborhood who might have a special car to bring or who would just like to join us. Bring your own meat to grill and a side dish or dessert to share. Plates, silverware, and drinks provided. BYOB. Rain date: Sunday, October 9, 2016 11 am – 2 pm. Questions: Call Jon 720-840-6501

TrailMark News Update – October 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/6f80c8?fe=1&pact=5556-134609447-8702215668-d131b0eaf3ad4a3356eeaef386791ba60d307994

HOA Assessments Due October 1st
As a reminder, HOA Assessments are due October 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Williams at Colorado Management, 303-730-2200, ext. 3134. TrailMark HOA Board

Letter regarding Fairview Reservoir #1 Uses
The TrailMark Metropolitan District understands that the TrailMark HOA has received inquiries about allowing canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, remote control water vehicles, etc. onto Fairview Reservoir #1. Click here to read the letter regarding this issue.
Posted September 28, 2016

TrailMark Night at the Corn Maze
Tuesday, September 27, 5:30-8:30 pm, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Free hayrides, kettle corn, and face-painting! Cost: $5 per person, cash or check. Food vendors available for purchase.

TrailMark Neighbor of the Month
The TrailMark HOA is offering a new program called “TrailMark Neighbor of the Month” to honor all our kind and considerate neighbors who go above and beyond to keep TrailMark a wonderful place to live! Three neighbors have already been nominated for September: Robert Cannady, Juli Warton Hill, and Rick Redman! Up to four people may win each month, so there is still time to nominate someone! The rules are simple – nominate someone for a good deed or a job well done by posting their name and the action you wish to congratulate them for on the TrailMark HOA Facebook page (images welcome!). Winners will be chosen by the amount of likes to the post, so it is the community members that get to vote! Up to four winners will be selected every month, and each winner will be given a $25 gift card as a thank you for their contribution to our neighborhood. The same person may be nominated for separate actions, but may not be nominated for the same deed more than once a year.
Posted September 26, 2016

Excavation Alert
From the TMMD: On Monday, September 26, work will begin to remove sediment from the spillway on the east side of Fairview Reservoir 2. The excavated sediment will be spread along the pond banks, seeded and then covered with erosion blankets. This work requires the use of smaller sized excavation equipment which will be on site Monday. The work is not expected to take more than a day or two.

The Littleton Leadership Academy
Want to gain an in-depth understanding of how the City of Littleton and its major partners work together? How about meeting community leaders and future leaders? Interested in honing your leadership skills? Applications are now open for the 2017 Littleton Leadership Academy, a community supported non-profit project. To learn more and/or apply, go to http://littletonleadershipacademy.org.
Posted September 23, 2016

TMMD Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 6:30 pm at Fire Station 19, 8490 W Trailmark Pkwy, Agenda

TrailMark Food Truck Thursdays
First & Third Thursdays, May-August & September 15, 5:30-8:30pm, South Field Way near TrailMark Park
New this Summer! A variety of savory and sweet food trucks will be joining our community for purchase on the first and third Thursdays of the month, May through August, and September 15. Truck selections will vary. Please bring a picnic blanket or chairs, and your appetite!

A Letter from the Littleton Fire Department regarding the conduct of meetings at the new fire station
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of Fire Station #19 for the conduct of community meetings whether groups, clubs, or other organizations. Unfortunately, the fire station is not available due to Homeland Security restrictions and liability concerns given that the station is home to the personnel on duty. Furthermore, given our 24/7 status, our day-to-day operations requirements are such that the bays are occupied throughout the day for training and maintenance. The bi-monthly HOA Board meetings and TMMD meetings are the only meetings permitted since this was negotiated when the fire station project was initiated. Again, thank you for your inquiry. If you have further questions, please contact me. Enjoy your new station !!! Jeff Tasker, Division Chief
Posted September 14, 2016

TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, September 8, 6:30pm at Fire Station 19, 8490 W Trailmark Pkwy. All are welcome.

Garbage Pick-Up delayed due to Labor Day Holiday
TrailMark’s garbage & recycling pick-up will be delayed from Tuesday, September 6th to Wednesday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday. http://alpinewaste.com/

Drivers: Reminder to Stop when School Bus Lights are Flashing
As we start a new school year, we would like to remind residents that when the school bus lights are flashing red, drivers have to stop from every direction.
Colorado law states: “You must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching. You must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the school bus and children crossing the roadway before proceeding. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or other physical barrier.”
Posted September 1, 2016

TrailMark News Update – September 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/541c98?fe=1&pact=4389-133972737-8702215668-c5a61c13bf4853df67683724ef47ac7c3cd110df

TrailMark Concert Series presents Dakota Blonde
Sunday, August 28, 5:30 pm at Hogback Hill Park. Featuring Dakota Blonde http://www.dakotablonde.com/home. Italian Ice, Pizza, Orange Crunch Food Truck, Free Bounce Houses, To volunteer, contact Juli Hill at social@TrailMarkhoa.org

Fire Station 19 Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Saturday, August 13th – The City of Littleton Marketing and Communications staff has changed the agenda for Saturday’s fire station grand opening: 10:00 am – Tours of the Station, Fire Truck shaped Bouncy House, Littleton Fire and Rescue Dive Team, Haz Mat Team, Ladder 12 Truck, Bike Medic Cart; 10:45 am – Dedication and Ribbon Cutting. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The no-parking signs along TrailMark will be covered, with some coned-off handicap parking spaces. Due to very limited parking please consider walking or biking to the event.

TrailMark News Update – August 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/24f5e7?fe=1&pact=3880-133298730-8702215668-ba63de504d263ee59a06dc8a2366162596716d72

9NEWS e-cycle event to recycle old electronics
From 9news.com, July 26, 2016 – http://www.9news.com/news/outreach/community/9news-e-cycle-event-to-recycle-old-electronics/274705776

TMMD Special Meeting
July 21, 2016 – Due to lack of a quorum for the July 19th TMMD meeting, the Board has rescheduled its meeting to Thursday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S. Carr Way. Agenda

Littleton Fire Dept. set to open new station in Trailmark
New station will improve response time to enclave neighborhood, deal with Lockheed also struck
By JOE VACCARELLI | jvaccarelli@denverpost.com, July 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm
Deahna Visscher remembers what she calls the longest 13 minutes of her life last winter in the TrailMark neighborhood. While walking with a friend, her friend’s dog got loose and wandered out on the ice near the neighborhood park and fell through the ice. Visscher and her friend called for help, and it took responders 13 minutes to get there. The dog was rescued and survived, but Visscher wonders what would have happened if it was a child who had fallen through the ice. But Visscher doesn’t have to worry about that scary scenario any longer. The Littleton Fire Rescue is a just a few weeks away from opening a new $2.6 million firehouse in the TrailMark neighborhood, an enclave of Littleton separated from the rest of the city immediately to the west of Chatfield State Park. “We’re very thankful that they are building this because our response times will be much better,” she said. The new facility will serve TrailMark, the Fairview Meadowbrook development and Lockheed Martin, which is switching from its own fire service to Littleton Fire. The 7,800 square-foot firehouse is scheduled to open Aug. 1 with a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 13. In the past, TrailMark had been served by the West Metro Fire District, which has a station at South Kipling Parkway and West Chatfield Avenue. Littleton’s closest firehouses are at C-470 and Santa Fe Drive and Pierce Street and Coal Mine Avenue. “This firehouse was crucial for this subdivision, Lockheed Martin and Fairview Meadowbrook,”said Wayne Zygowicz, division chief for the Littleton Fire Rescue. “These people are going to have wonderful response times from the fire department to get there and take care of their needs.” This is the first new Littleton fire station in 20 years, and it will be staffed with three firefighters at a time. It will include an office for a Littleton police officer and could also serve as a location for a community meeting. “It’s also a benefit to have that sort of community building,” Littleton City Councilman Debbie Brinkman said. The decision and funding for the building came together somewhat quickly when an agreement was reached with Lockheed Martin for Littleton Fire to service Lockheed’s facility near Waterton Canyon. Littleton firefighters have already been training on-site at Lockheed, according to Zygowicz. The agreement expedited the approval process, and the money the department will receive from Lockheed made the project more cost-feasible. “This is a great opportunity. The agreement is a win-win for both Lockheed Martin and the Littleton Fire Department. The new firehouse enables the Littleton Fire Department to provide coverage to a larger population at an offset cost while Lockheed Martin benefits from improved fire, hazmat and medical capabilities,” Lockheed Martin Space Systems security director Derrick Wehner said in an email. Brinkman is happy to get the new firehouse and sees it expanding in the future. “Over time as you see the population grow, we’re going to recognize that this is a very forward-thinking move,” she said. Visscher said most of the community is in strong support of the new firehouse, and she’s personally glad to feel just a little safer in her neighborhood. “The city of Littleton has done a lot of different things to try to address the issue in the past,” she said. “I think now they have the best solution.”

Snake Alert!
Hildebrand Ranch is conducting its yearly weed harvesting this month, which could result in a greater presence of snakes in the community. Please be aware.
Posted July 16, 2016

TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, July 14, 6:30pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way, All are welcome. Agenda

Littleton Aging Well Resource Center
The Aging Well Resource Center provides community resource and referral information for those over the age of 50 on a number of subjects including In-home care, caregiver support, senior living options, Medicare & Medicaid, insurance, transportation, food & nutrition, education, recreation, and volunteerism. They are the experts at finding the experts! If they don’t have the information you seek, they will find it! Staff members provide 30-minute consultations. Please stop by, call or email (No appointment is necessary). There is no charge for using the Center’s services.
Aging Well Resource Center, 6014 S Datura St. (Located inside Bemis Library), 303-795-3980, cmokw@littletongov.org , www.littletongov.org/awrc Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday-Thursday, Closed Friday
Grab Gab and Go: Stop in for complimentary coffee, tea and refreshments on the 4th Monday of each month from 1:30-2 p.m. Stay and learn about our services and/or continue on to the library’s monthly afternoon program which takes place from 2-3 p.m.
Posted July 11, 2016

TrailMark Night at Pirate’s Cove
Sunday, July 10, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Pirate’s Cove Water Park, 1225 W Belleview Ave, Littleton, Colorado 80120
TrailMark is renting out Pirate’s Cove, so please come join your neighbors for poolside fun! Concessions will be open for sale, but you can also bring your own food. Glass and alcohol not permitted. $3 per person, children under 3 are free. http://www.piratescovecolorado.com/

Trash Pick-Up delayed to Wednesday, July 6
TrailMark’s garbage & recycling pick-up will be delayed to Wednesday, July 6th due to the 4th of July holiday. http://alpinewaste.com/

TrailMark’s 4th of July Bike Parade
Monday, July 4th, 9:30 am at TrailMark Park (playground)
Dress up your bikes, wagons and scooters for the Annual TrailMark July 4th Bike Parade! Monday, July 4th – Meet at TrailMark Park (kids’ playground), Parade at 9:30 am. Be sure to stay afterward and enjoy the fun and games at Hogback Hill Park (athletic field), including Popsicles, face painting, balloon animals, a water balloon toss, and cookies! Volunteers Needed – Please contact Juli Hill at social@TrailMarkhoa.org.

HOA Assessments Due July 1st
As a reminder, HOA Assessments are due July 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Martinez at Colorado Management, 303-730-2200, ext. 3134. TrailMark HOA Board

TrailMark News Update – July 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/846618?fe=1&pact=3588-132471035-8702302581-4c320e58fba4aa2b168d1934d4d4265df2e7b9d5

TrailMark Concert Series presents The Accidentals
Sunday, June 26, 5:30 pm at Hogback Hill Park
First Trailmark Concert of 2016! Featuring THE ACCIDENTALS http://www.moreaccidentals.com – Italian Ice for sale – I PIE Food Truck will be selling pizzas – Free Bounce Houses. Other Concerts in the Series: The JV3 on July 24 & Dakota Blonde on August 28. To volunteer, contact Juli Hill at social@TrailMarkhoa.org

Video update of Station 19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUiTam-qFUQ
Posted June 21, 2016

Use of Fireworks in the City of Littleton
As the Fourth of July approaches, it is important to understand the legal consequences regarding the possession and use of consumer fireworks in the City of Littleton. Each year the careless use of fireworks contributes to personal injuries and large financial losses to property owners, insurance companies, and the community. The use of fireworks could also result in criminal charges such as Arson and Criminal Mischief, as well as civil penalties for damages cause from the fireworks. The City of Littleton has adopted International Fire Code 3301.1.3, which prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of Class 1.4G fireworks. These “consumer” or “common” fireworks include bottle rockets, ground spinners/pinwheels/helicopters, flares, Roman candles, firecrackers (M80s, Cherry Bombs, etc.), black snakes, and sparklers. Fines for fireworks violations top out at $2,650.00 or up to one year in jail. The Littleton Police Department would like to see everyone enjoy a safe and happy July 4th holiday, and recommends that you celebrate the holiday by watching one of the many outstanding professional fireworks shows around the metro area. To report fireworks violations or to file a complaint of fireworks usage in your area, call 303-794-1551. For all true emergency matters, call 9-1-1.
Posted June 20, 2016

Littleton City Manager Firing
The Following is a message from Debbie Brinkman, as a private citizen:
Dear Friends, I am writing to ask for your support. I have attached a letter of No Confidence to Littleton Mayor Bruce Beckman, council members Clark, Cole and Valdes for their ambush and firing of city manager Michael Penny on June 14th. As you are aware, I am on the city council but this letter is coming to you from Debbie, the citizen. Littleton has become a city that welcomes smart development, diverse housing, great business and young families looking for a place to raise their families. The current council majority seem to only support a regression back to the 1950’s. Firing the manager was not the first attack on our future by this council and the screaming Sunshine Group (obstructionists who are methodically destroying all our good work) and it will not be the last unless we stand up now and stop it. A bright future starts with a community waking up to what has been going on. If you agree with the letter please send an email to LittletonAwake@gmail.com with your name as you would like it to appear. And PLEASE reach out to your friends and neighbors. You do not have to be a citizen of Littleton to support this effort – just someone who cares about our future. Thank you, Debbie Download File

Garbage & Recycling Pick-Up delayed to Wednesday, June 1TrailMark’s garbage & recycling pick-up will be delayed to Wednesday, June 1st due to the Memorial Day holiday. http://alpinewaste.com/

TrailMark News Update – June 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/84f5e7?fe=1&pact=2528-131864239-8702215668-346a3f0501e7ce7939fed6b531920a0eb76cc862

TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, May 19, 6:30pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way – Agenda – All are welcome.

TMMD Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 17, 6:30 pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way

Common Area Fence Painting Is Happening This Spring!
If you have a common area fence on the south side of the neighborhood, painters may be coming by in the next few weeks to paint the exterior side! Gantner Painting has been hired by the TMMD to paint the common area fencing (on the exterior side only) throughout TrailMark. They paint in the neighborhood every spring, taking on 1/4 of the neighborhood fencing a year (so the entire neighborhood has been painted every four years). The owner, Greg Gantner, said that one person will jump onto the other side of your fence in order to shield and protect the homeowner’s side from paint spray that could possibly damage the homeowners plants, decor, etc. The owner’s name is Greg, and his number is 303-888-6974. Please call him with any questions.

TrailMark Beautification Day
Saturday, May 14th, 8:00am at HogBack Hill Park
Help us keep TrailMark beautiful! The HOA will meet all volunteers at 8:00 am to pass out trash bags, gloves and waters in the Hogback Hill parking lot. Donuts and coffee will be provided!

Social Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 10th, 7pm at Starbucks, 7403 W Chatfield
Anyone is welcome! Bring your ideas. A few representatives from South Suburban Parks & Recreation will be there. Please email social@trailmarkhoa.org if you are interested in attending. Juli Hill, Social Chair

TrailMark News Update – May 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/bcda67?fe=1&pact=1397-130269633-8702302581-1957d2e967d90188beabd38eacd48d770ba21eae

Results of “Proposed Amenities on Shea Property Survey”
Thank you to every neighbor that filled out the “Proposed Amenities on Shea Property” survey! We received 384 unique household responses! The HOA board met on April 28th with City Council member Debbie Brinkman and City Manager Michael Penny to discuss the neighborhood survey consensus data. The City will continue holding conversations regarding the purchase of the Shea property, as it is not owned by the City at this point. The City will also schedule a meeting with an architect to determine feasibility of the amenities and draw up a multitude of potential options and designs. There is no cost estimate at this time, as many details are unknown. The amenities and property costs have not been determined. The HOA Board will share any and all data on these issues as it becomes known. The results of the survey do not mean that those amenities will necessarily be in the final plan, nor that the top selections will be included and the lesser selected options will be ignored. The survey was a starting point to see the desires of the community as a whole. The HOA board will send out monthly updates as they arise. Please stay tuned, and thank you for your patience as we go through the process that we hope will greatly add to the welfare of our community as a whole. Please send any questions or comments to board@trailmarkhoa.org.
Posted May 1, 2016

Parks, Recreation & Trails Final Master Plan to be Presented
The Parks, Recreation and Trails final master plan will be presented by Greenplay at the City Council Planning Session Tuesday night, April 26th at 6:30pm. Planning to attend? Here is the link: http://www.littletongov.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=6787

There is a new location for Food Truck Thursdays!
Due to the permit and fee requirements for the food trucks to park on South Suburban land at the Hogback Hill parking lot, we moved the event to the vicinity of TrailMark Park. The trucks will park on the eastern side of S. Field Way facing the lake, near the bridge and playground. Food is available for purchase. Please bring your chairs or picnic blankets and join us for the first Food Truck Thursday event on May 5th!
Posted April 25, 2016

HOA Board Meeting Date Change
Due to HOA board member schedule conflicts, the May 12th HOA Board meeting is rescheduled to Thursday, May 19th, 2016. The meeting will be held at the TrailMark Learning Center at 6:30 pm. An agenda will be posted prior to the meeting.
Posted April 15, 2016

Add your garden to the ‘Bird Habitat Garden Tour’ hosted by the Audubon Society
The Audubon Society of Greater Denver is preparing for their second annual Bird Habitat Garden Tour, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 23. Their first event last year had over 110 people attending! This year, they will be focusing on homes in the TrailMark and Roxborough neighborhoods. They are looking for folks who have yards that are bird-friendly, with native plants, plantings for wildlife, and bird feeders. If you are a TrailMark resident interested in showcasing your yard, please contact – Karl Brummert, Executive Director, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, 9308 South Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton, Colorado 80128, 303-973-9530, www.denveraudubon.org
Posted April 5, 2016

TrailMark Metro District Election Update

Two self nominations were received for the two open director positions. As a result, the two applicants will fill the open vacancies and the election originally scheduled for May 2016 has been canceled. Lori Tolle and Curt Fankhouser, the two applicants, will continue their service on the Board, both serving four year terms. Effective April 1, 2016, there will be one Director vacancy on the TMMD board. This vacancy results from Director Russell’s announcement (and corresponding resignation) that he will no longer be a property owner/resident of TrailMark as of March 31st. The Board will be appointing a replacement Director to serve the remainder of Director Russell’s term (ends May 2018). Anyone interested in filling the vacancy should submit interest to the TMMD District Manager Cathy Noon (CNoon@CRSofColorado.com) no later than April 29, 2016. Our thanks to Director Russell for his service on the board and best wishes to him and his family.
Posted April 4, 2016

HOA Assessments Due April 1st
As a reminder, HOA Assessments are due April 1st. If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Martinez at Colorado Management, 303-730-2200, ext. 3134. TrailMark HOA Board

TrailMark News Update – April 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/3bca67?fe=1&pact=831-130416673-8702302581-89f74b3d276f598871580bf9890d03bb7c16da57

Goose Deterrent (for Playground Only)
While we love the geese that share our neighborhood and ponds, we would love to keep our wildlife and young children separated (for both safety and also hygiene concerns, aka the goose droppings everywhere). We are going to post a few coyote decoys around the playground perimeter starting in April. Please share this with your spouse and children so no one mistakes these decoys for the real thing.
Posted March 26, 2016

Shea Survey Update
The survey for Shea Property feedback will come out in the April news email (on April 1st).
Posted March 24

2016 Street Maintenance Trailmark Subdivision
Street work will be taking place in the TrailMark Subdivision. The main work will start on Monday, March 21, but there will be a couple of crews that will be saw-cutting starting today (3/17). Project Start 3/17/16, Project End 4/21/16. Work Hours 8:30 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday. Full depth crack repair, at multiple locations. Traffic Control and Flaggers may be encountered at anytime during work hours.
Posted March 17, 2016

Update from the City’s Public Works Dept: The City will be using a contractor for full depth patching of the areas marked (with orange spray-paint). Due to budget constraints, not all the cracks can be done at this time. If a resident would like to request to get a crack filled, please contact the Public Works Street Department at 303-795-3981. You can also use the Littleton Click & Fix website.
Updated March 21, 2016

TMMD Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way

Fire Station 19 Update
A TMMD member walked the Fire Station 19 construction site with the site superintendent and received the following update: The masonry proportion of the building and removal of scaffolding is scheduled to be completed next week. Utility lines, excluding gas and power, will be installed shortly thereafter. The superintendent has been in touch with our landscaper regarding irrigation and aeration lines, and trenching for these lines is scheduled to occur this month. Xcel is responsible for the gas and power installation, estimated to take place next month. Paving of the entire exterior lot is also scheduled for April.
Posted March 14, 2016

Shea Property Discussion Outcome
March 10th HOA Meeting – Thank you to everyone who came out to share their feedback with the HOA Board on the potential purchase of the Shea property! Here is a quick summary of the ideas that were desired: a community garden; a pool; a clubhouse with some or all of these amenities – gym, meeting room, theater room, pool; a shelter with BBQ grills and/or a firepit; pickleball/tennis courts; a playground geared to older children (a rock wall, for example); and there were also requests to leave the land as is. All neighbors wish any of the amenities to have landscaping and be aesthetically pleasing. These ideas have created a wishlist, and the HOA Board will next send out a survey to the entire neighborhood to hone in on the true interest of the community at large. PLEASE get your email into our database so we can send you the survey link by going to trailmark.org and clicking the sign-up button in the upper right section. If you have more ideas to include on the list, email board@trailmarkhoa.org.

TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, March 10, 6:30pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way
Shea Property Discussion! At the invitation of Littleton City Councilwoman Debbie Brinkman and Littleton City Manager Michael Penny, the TrailMark HOA Board met to discuss the potential land use of the vacant Shea property located on the north side of TrailMark Parkway at the TrailMark main entrance. The City is in negotiations with Shea and has determined that the property is available to the City provided it is for non-commercial use and agreement can be met for the purchase price and amenities to be installed. Councilwoman Brinkman and City Manager Penny are developing a “straw man” of potential amenities that might be incorporated into the space. Once amenities are identified, a designer will be hired to develop a potential community park. Amenities discussed are: Bike/Skate Park, Community/Family Garden, Dog Park, Pickleball Court, Playground, Recreation Center with -Gym -Meeting Rooms -Swimming Pool -???????, Shelter with BBQ Grills, Landscaping to provide sound and sight barriers. TrailMark residents now have an opportunity to participate in the plan development for the site. Potential amenities will be an agenda item for the March 10th community meeting. Please attend and participate in the discussion Thursday, March 10th, 6:30 pm at the TrailMark Learning Center. Bring your ideas!!
Meeting Agenda – All are welcome.

TrailMark Fire Station Vandalism
March 9, 2016 – Mark Barons with the City of Littleton posted on Nextdoor.com: “…There has been some vandalism to the equipment working on the new TrailMark fire station. This has been occurring on the weekends and after hours. Please keep an eye out for this type of activity and report it to the Littleton Police immediately.”

Important Emergency Information
For those of us in TrailMark, it is important to know that West Metro Fire and Rescue is our fire and medical emergency responder and Littleton Police is our law enforcement responder. If you have a medical or fire emergency and need to call 911, immediately tell the operator that “West Metro” is your fire district. If calling from a cell phone, expect to provide your address, because it will not be known automatically to the dispatcher. If you have a police issue, call 911 and ask for Littleton police. Print this sign and display it in your home as a reminder. (Left-click on the sign to enlarge it, and right-click for options.)
As of March, 2016, this information is no longer current.

TrailMark Social Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 8, 7:00 pm at Starbucks – Chatfield and Wadsworth
I would like to have a meeting to get new ideas, comments on existing ideas, and an over general discussion about the events we have in our neighborhood. Let me know if you can come by sending an email to social@TrailMarkhoa.org. Or if you want to be a part of this, but can’t come this night, let me know that, too. Thanks, Juli Hill

TrailMark Survey Results
Thank you to every community member that took the HOA Communication Survey! We are grateful for your valued feedback, as it helps to make decisions that truly reflect the desires of the neighborhood as a whole. We will continue to use surveys in the future for feedback. The study was sent out via Facebook, NextDoor, the TrailMark HOA website, email, and by postcard to every home. According to the study, 81.4% of participating residents prefer communication via email. Less than 25% wanted an online newsletter in the previous format. While we will continue to post news and updates on the HOA website, HOA Facebook page, and on NextDoor, we will utilize email as our main source of communication moving forward. Please look for our email news updates in the future. ALL SURVEY RESULTS
Posted March 3, 2016

City of Littleton Updates
Crack Repair: The city awarded a contract late last fall for the repairs to “Straight Line Saw Cutting”, but the winter weather postponed the work. The pavement has be relatively dry and free of frost, otherwise the repair will not hold. The work is scheduled to start the beginning of April with construction lasting four weeks. (Submitted by Public Works Director Mark Relph)
TrailMark Street Signs No Longer Including South/West Designations: While the signs have a different look, the street name and location information is the same as on the previous signs. The “W” (west) and “S” (south) was dropped from the left side or front of the street name signs because the streets in Littleton, and all of those in TrailMark, are either South or West in relation to the Denver street grid system. The official designation for the streets still includes the west or south direction (for example, West Danzig Pl and South Holland St). As to the numbering included in the lower right corner, the hundred block does not represent the addresses on that street but rather the cross street. (Submitted by Transportation Engineering Manager Aaron Heumann)
Fire Station 19: With the foundation complete, TrailMark will now be seeing masonry walls going up, along with reshaping the lot around the building to remove much of the excess soil. March will be a very busy month with steel arriving and the structure starting to take shape, plus water and sewer connections will be made from TrailMark Parkway. (Submitted by Mark Relph)
Intersection of S Holland and Finland:The city has completed data collection of the volume and speeds in the area and has done an assessment of the location, and will be meeting with HOA representatives in March to discuss options for speed control at that intersection.
Posted March 3, 2016

Common Area Committee Update
The Common Area Committee is working on the final part of the landscaping project started last year. This capital improvement planting project involves the corners on TrailMark Parkway from Dover, Everett, Flower, Holland, Independence, Danzig, Cambridge and before Belfast Streets. Many of these are quite bare and will be enhanced with plants, grasses and shrubs. The CAC is also looking into planting low ground cover on many of the islands along TrailMark to add color. Following the planting, we will be re-mulching those areas. The third part is the reintroduction of native grasses on the north side of TM Parkway from Dover to Flower. We are applying for a grant from SSPRD for planting trees, to add a trail(s) from the Hogback Hill parking lot to the top of sled hill with a connector to the trail to the NE, and to add some benches at the top of sled hill. Any input from the community is always welcome. (Submitted by Rick Handley, CAC Chair)
Posted March 3, 2016

TrailMark News Update – March 2016
https://gem.godaddy.com/p/78cb57?fe=1&pact=109-130060888-8702215668-f644b5ab8a1c1aee315ab6417018ecca743f2e56

TrailMark Metropolitan District (TMMD) Election
The next directors’ election will be held in 2016. The election will be held on the 3rd day of May, 2016, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, TWO directors will be elected to serve 4-year terms. Eligible electors of the TrailMark Metropolitan District who are interested in serving on the board of directors will need to submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form by February 26, 2016. Call for Nominations (pdf) Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form (pdf)

TrailMark HOA Communication Survey
The TrailMark Homeowners Association would like to better our communication process in order to keep the community informed. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey below so we can reach you more efficiently as the need arises. Deadline for response: February 8, 2016 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Trailmark5

Great Turn Out at Fire Station Groundbreaking, February 3rd

Fire Station 19 Groundbreaking
Please join us to commemorate the building of Fire Station 19! The City of Littleton is hosting a groundbreaking event on Wednesday, February 3rd at the construction site near the front entrance of TrailMark. The event will take place at 11:00 am. Further details to follow. City of Littleton information

Garbage will be Picked Up Today
Tuesday, February 2 – It is a Snow Day for most, but Alpine Waste & Recycling WILL be picking up in TrailMark today.

Informative Video about Fire Station 19
TrailMark resident and Littleton City Manager Michael Penny discusses the Station 19 project with Fire Chief Christopher Armstrong and Public Works Director Mark Relph. https://www.youtube.com/embed/gPjKaomi9eg?wmode=opaque. Posted January 28, 2016

Parks and Rec Update from the City of Littleton
Tuesday night, January 26 at 6:30pm, GreenPlay will be presenting a findings report to City Council on what they heard during the public input sessions and through the community survey and polls. It will be at a joint study session of Council and SSPR Board of Directors. As this is a study session, no public input will be taken. After this meeting, the City will then move into development of the “meat” of the plan with analysis of programs, services, and finances. From there, a draft plan will be developed and will be presented to the planning board, council and SSPR board of directors for adoption in April or May. https://www.littletongov.org/index.aspx?page=232&recordid=8097

Residential Street Ice Removal
The Street Maintenance Division will be in the neighborhood Tuesday, January 26th to remove ice. The original date of January 22nd was delayed due to the snow forecast over the weekend. It will take several days to complete the job.

TMMD Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 19th, 6:30 pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, Agenda

No Delay for Garbage & Recycling Tuesday, January 19th
Garbage and recycling will be picked up on schedule Tuesday. The delays for this year are Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. Delay dates are posted on the website calendar – https://www.trailmark.org/calendar.html

Approved 2016 Sewer Rate
The new sewer rate is $55.91 for residential customers, which is billed bi-monthly (every two months). Ken Caryl Ranch Water & Sanitation District provides sanitary sewer service to the TrailMark subdivision. Denver Water is the water provider and the City of Littleton processes the storm sewer. Posted January 18, 2016.

In case you missed the HOA meeting…
Representatives from the City of Littleton presented the improved plans for the new fire station at the January 14th HOA meeting. 1/18/16 Update: Station 19 Site Plans (pdf)

TrailMark HOA Board Meeting
Thursday, January 14, 2016, 6:30pm at the TrailMark Learning Center, 9743 S Carr Way. Meeting Agenda. All are welcome.

HOA Assessments are due January 1st
If you have any questions, please contact Melanie Martinez at Colorado Management, 303-730-2200, ext. 3134. TrailMark HOA Board, http://trailmark.org

Littleton Aging Well Resource Center
The Aging Well Resource Center provides community resource and referral information for those over the age of 50 on a number of subjects including In-home care, caregiver support, senior living options, Medicare & Medicaid, insurance, transportation, food & nutrition, education, recreation, and volunteerism. They are the experts at finding the experts! If they don’t have the information you seek, they will find it! Staff members provide 30-minute consultations. Please stop by, call or email (No appointment is necessary). There is no charge for using the Center’s services.
Aging Well Resource Center, 6014 S Datura St. (Located inside Bemis Library), 303-795-3980, cmokw@littletongov.org , www.littletongov.org/awrc
Hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday-Wednesday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday-Thursday, Closed Friday
Grab Gab and Go: Stop in for complimentary coffee, tea and refreshments on the 4th Monday of each month from 1:30-2 p.m. Stay and learn about our services and/or continue on to the library’s monthly afternoon program which takes place from 2-3 p.m.