Council's study session has now faded in significance, but last night we heard a very informative presentation from Wade Buchanan, the present of the Bell Policy Center, on the need for reform of the state's fiscal structure. The bottom line is that there is a large and increasing imbalance between state revenues and the cost of state services and we cannot grow our way out of the problem. Golden's own Karen Oxman and Jim Dale provided a great update on the state's TBD process, a statewide conversation addressing issues and challenges facing our state. 


Council also interviewed five extremely qualified applicants for the GURA board. Meeting residents willing to step up their service to Golden is one of my favorite parts of being on council; deciding among them for an appointment is my least favorite.  One more applicant will be interviewed next week, then we'll make our decision. There is always another opening for a board or commission on the horizon, so no one interested in serving need be disappointed for long.


Finally I provided an update on the pedestrian bridge over 6th Avenue connecting our south neighborhoods to the light rail station. This bridge was in the original  RTD plan, but it was value-engineered out of the final project. Recognizing the importance of the bridge, however, RTD  designated $750,000 of FasTracks funds toward it. Also committed are Federal Transportation Enhancement funds in the amount of $1,220,000 and Golden funds of $300,000. In going forward on the project, Golden needs easements on either side of the road from the county. On June 26, Steve Glueck (Golden's Planning Director) and I attended a Board of County Commissioners briefing to seek conveyance of the easements. Commissioners stated they needed additional information and an internal field trip before reaching a decision.  At the next opportunity, on July 17, we came back to the Board with the information requested, showing that the bridge spans the entirety of the CDOT right-of-way, estimating the number of users, and again explaining safety issues and the interest of Golden residents in using alternative transportation and in walkable/bikeable connections within our community. Commissioners then expressed different concerns, to which staff is preparing a response. Although we remain hopeful that we will obtain the County's cooperation, time is growing short between now and the April 2013 opening of the West Line.