The Arvada City Council held a notable meeting on June 17, during which they passed a 3.5% increase in trash hauling rates, approved a new intergovernmental agreement with Jefferson County Public Schools, and presented a proclamation to the Jefferson County Public Library in celebration of Juneteenth.
The trash hauling rate increase had first been discussed in the prior meeting on June 3, leading to clarifications on contract language with Republic Services, Arvada’s trash hauler since 2020.
City Councilmember Shawna Ambrose voiced appreciation for the city team’s efforts to address her concerns regarding the contract’s language, proposing a motion in support of the resolution, which successfully passed with a 6-0 vote, although Mayor Pro Tem Randy Moorman was absent.
Jacqueline Rhoades, Arvada’s infrastructure director, presented the specifics of the contract amendment before the vote, confirming that the opt-out fee for residents using alternative haulers will remain stable at $4.55 per month until 2028.
“This resolution allows for the contract to extend to July 2028, ensuring that the minimum service opt-out fee charged by Republic will stay unchanged through that date,” Rhoades clarified.
Rhoades went on to inform the council that the updated fee schedule reflects a 3.5% increase in service costs as shown by the National Water, Sewer and Trash Index, with bills rising by 59 cents to 90 cents, depending on the service level.
Residents will notice this rate increase on their bills starting July 1.
“I will vote yes on the resolution because the opt-out fee is not going up,” stated Councilmember John Marriott, adding that he would oppose the increase if it impacted the opt-out fee.
Marriott expressed confidence that residents understand the inevitability of such fee increases amid rising business costs, as long as the opt-out fee remains stable.
In addition to the trash hauling rate increase, the council also approved a new intergovernmental agreement with the Jefferson County Public School District, focusing on school resource officers (SROs).
Under the updated agreement, Jeffco Schools will cover 50% of the officers’ salaries, a notable change from the previous arrangement where the City of Arvada solely financed these positions.
Arvada Police Chief Ed Brady indicated there are currently nine SRO positions available, with eight already filled, acknowledging that there is potential for future staffing increases, although he did not commit to any details.
Councilmember Brad Rupert, a former Jefferson County Board of Education member, highlighted the vital role of SROs in schools, emphasizing their importance in building connections with students beyond security.
Rupert commented, “During my time on the Jeffco Board of Education, I can tell you how important the SROs are to our students and schools. They develop relationships with students; they are instrumental in helping many students reach graduation.”
Echoing Rupert’s appreciation, Councilmember Sharon Davis shared her positive experiences with SROs, noting the warmth and camaraderie between students and officers in school hallways.
The intergovernmental agreement passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote.
Lastly, the meeting recognized the efforts of staff members at the Jefferson County Public Library with a proclamation honoring Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, which marks the conclusion of slavery in the United States.
Councilmember Bob Fifer presented the proclamation, and Cynthia Kiyotake, JCPL’s chief libraries and inclusion officer, accepted it, detailing the programming the library has organized to commemorate Juneteenth.
Kiyotake emphasized, “I’m proud of our ongoing efforts to celebrate diversity and support racial equity,” noting how library initiatives promote community understanding of Juneteenth’s historical significance.
Some highlights from the library’s celebrations include an Afternoon of Jazz Music at the Columbine Library, a program focusing on the relevance of jazz, partnership programming on the Civil Rights Act with the city of Edgewater, and a mud painting activity in honor of Juneteenth during the Art Around the World bilingual camp at the Arvada Library.
Kiyotake expressed satisfaction in connecting the community with the narrative of Juneteenth and the continued celebration of Black history and joy.
image source from：coloradocommunitymedia
