This week saw the city celebrate its 115th birthday and Xcel Energy take flak for not providing service for planned developments in the city, which has prompted many developers to skip building in Westminster altogether.

We also learned how much is being spent in one of the most important Congressional races in the country. (Hint: it’s in the millions).

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: The dogged work of the Westminster Hills “Westy” Dog Park Guardians. The volunteer group oversees the 470-acre no-leash portion of the dog park and threw its might into finding Niko, a dog who had not been seen for 69 days.

The Guardians, with the help of park rangers and other volunteers, found a weak and injured but safe Niko at Rocky Mountain Regional Airport. “All involved never gave up,” the Guardians said.

Local officials and residents gathered at The MAC (Mature Adult Center) on Wednesday night to celebrate the city’s 115th birthday. Party-goers got a slice of a cake fashioned after the city’s clock tower and recalled the events that shaped the city’s history.

Local officials and residents enjoyed a slice of the cake during the city's 115th birthday celebration at The MAC Wednesday night.

The party broke up after 30 minutes, so residents could break into small groups to share thoughts directly with city officials about affordability and opportunity.

Residents sat with city council representatives to talk about the problems with affordability in the city.

"I have been looking forward to this town hall," Councilor Jack Johnson said. "This is how we find out what is really on the minds of residents."

Why it matters: Councilors were clear this week that they were not happy with the utility provider. Too many times in the past, the city approves a housing development but Xcel says it could not provide the energy infrastructure.

Councilor Obi Ezeadi also said that Xcel’s rolling blackout plan will inspire “chaos” among residents.

What’s happening: Xcel officials said they will rely on planned outages as a last resort. New technology and a planned substation should help keep Westminster prepared for further development.

What to know: Republican Gabe Evans ended March with $3.5 million cash on hand for his bid to reclaim the 8th Congressional District seat. State Representatives Manny Rutinel and Shannon Bird - a former Westminster City Councilor - ended March with $1.8 million and $1 million on hand. Veteran Evan Munsing, another Democrat, finished the quarter with just over $108,000 in March. 

Next step: Both political parties are watching the 8th Congressional race closely as the winner could decide the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Note: In last week’s poll, 57% who responded said they support a pride flag flying at City Hall.

The Blue Dolphin Swim School will host a community outreach event to assess and teach swimming skills for children ages 3-18. The event will be hosted at Blue Dolphin Swim School, 7655 W. 108th Ave., on May 2 from 2-4 p.m.

The cities of Westminster, Brighton, Thornton and Northglenn as well as Adams County are coming together this Saturday to host this year’s Adams County Earth Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events take place at Westminster’s City Park Recreation Center.

A big feature this year will be a station where residents can drop off hard to recycle electronics and household batteries for free.

Monday:

Tuesday:

Wednesday:

Environmental Advisory Board Meeting — 6:30 p.m., Hybrid at City Hall

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