Welcome back to Westminster Window Reflections, your weekly briefing on the decisions and debates shaping this community. The news over the past week revolved around how to respond to deadly violence in another state and our standing with federal law enforcement.

Meanwhile, that old nemesis to development - prairie dogs - have reared their furry heads again, sparking debate on what’s the best way to get rid of them….oops sorry…live with them.

There are also events, great and small, planned for residents as this abnormally warm winter season marches on.

And a citizen group has unveiled some really nice poop disposal receptacles at Westminster’s incredibly popular off-leash dog park.

Let’s get rolling.

One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: The vitriol quickly surfacing over a proposed statement from the City Council directed at the shooting of two protestors by ICE agents in Minneapolis.

Longtime council critic Bruce Baker said councilors had no business trying to block ICE agents from working in Westminster, calling councilors “dishonest and hateful people.“ City Councilor Amber Hott later responded, saying that federal officers are “vigilantes murdering American citizen

Why it matters: Most Westminster City Councilors wanted to make clear who they want enforcing laws in the city - local police - and not ICE. The statement was drafted by Councilor Jack Johnson to be posted on the city’s website and then forwarded to Colorado’s federal delegation.

What’s happening: The statement reads in part that the city condemns ICE’s “flagrant disregard for free speech” and that “no person should have to be afraid to go to work.” Councilor Kristen Ireland cast the dissenting vote on joining the statement.

Why it matters: Advocates say that prairie dogs are a key part of the wildlife food chain and that getting rid of them for development robs bald eagles, hawks and other predators of a viable food source.

What’s happening: In the fall, the city fumigated 2,400 prairie dog burrows at the site where the new drinking water plant is going up, at a cost of $35,000. All state and federal guidelines were followed during the process, according to the city. However, at least one resident and Mayor Claire Carmelia said more humane measures need to be followed in future dealings with prairie dogs.

What to know: Westminster’s Standley Lake is a fishing and wildlife fixture on Colorado’s Front Range and the city is moving ahead with a master plan that has drawn comments from 1,000 people. 

Next step: People want to see better parking and major improvements on the park’s grassland, roads and habitat. The city is taking all of those comments and more in drafting the master plan.

AI in the schools: Westminster Public Schools has blocked ChatGPT on school networks. Read the story here

An uplifting place to drop waste: Westy Dog Park Guardians have produced new decorative Poop Disposals for use at the 470-acre off-leash dog park in Westminster. Read more here

The issue: Westminster’s One Book Westminster brings together the city’s diverse community to read and discuss a special book as part of a shared experience.

Context: Best-selling author Peter Heller will discuss his latest - Burn - on March 14, 2 p.m- 4 p.m. at the City Park Recreation Center.

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