Mayor Jim Gunning was absent from the September 16 Lone Tree City Council meeting. Not buying the flimsy explanation he might have caught a cold getting soaked in the September 6 Community Movie Night dunk tank, let me start the rumor: since he's a veteran and fiscal conservative with almost two years City Council and 6 months mayoral experience for a city of 10,500, he may be in negotiations to be an October Surprise.

Lone Tree needs mariachis.

Council member Jackie ("Bisset") Millet expressed other tenants' concern over outdoor music planned by the new La Sandia Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at the Vistas at Park Meadows. Maybe neighboring restaurants should be more worried about tequila drinkers' residual noise.

By the way, after sitting through umpteen liquor license hearings, this was the first time my doorbell rang for the required neighborhood approval survey. Did I vote yes or no for tequila? Vote in the comments section.

No camping in parks or streets. For good this time.

Here I thought the No Camping Emergency Ordinance would peacefully expire after the DNC left town. In Study Session, Council informally decided to affirm it next meeting, which should be a Public Hearing. Police Chief Stephen Hasler agreed that electrical cords to Grandma's RV are a public safety issue. It's like everyone always says: You just can't have enough laws. Or, on a state-wide level, amendments to the constitution.

Lone Tree's Bridge to Nowhere

Because the Yosemite light rail bridge to the mall will not have an operating elevator as scheduled, the stairs won't open either, guaranteeing equal non-access until after the Christmas spending season.

Further evidence Negotiations = Mutual Backscratching

In order for Lone Tree to put a permanent message sign on their property, South Metro Fire District wants a trail leading to Yosemite. It doesn't have anything to do with the sign, they're just tired of kids cutting across the fire station lawn. In reference to juveniles even walking on top of the adjoining retaining wall, Public Works director John Cotten stated, "I don't know why." Answer: Because it's there. And they're kids. And trails don't help.

Until the cows come home.

The Triangle property near the Bluffs regional park is back in the news. It's being rezoned from Institutional/Public Facilities to Parks and Open Space. Apparently some concern was expressed about allowing cattle grazing under the new zoning. It's probably better than its previous use as an informal dump.

Community Resource Planner Jennifer Drybread noted that the property looked like it was in good shape. It should, since City Staff was directed to spend up to $55,000 cleaning it up last September.

It's a pool.

Lots of discussion about dressing up the new Cook Creek pool buildings: a little brick here, some nicer shingles there. No mention of paisley curtains. Fast forward to $42,500 more spent and a mildly frustrated architect after somebody described his Craftsman style arches as Asian influenced and the deal is done. Until next meeting.

More evidence Jim Gunning is destined for greater things.

We have an official City Seal now.