Resident recounts Centennial’s founding and urges a local museum

A member of the public told the City Council a detailed recollection of events surrounding Centennial’s founding and urged the council to preserve those stories in a local museum.

Speaking at the Jan. 20 meeting, the commenter — who identified himself as Steve Kroll and said he was the city manager of Greenwood Village — described being briefed on a proposed annexation that led to a two-year campaign culminating in state legislation and a Colorado Supreme Court victory. He recounted working closely with collaborator Brian Bowden, criticized a private investigator Greenwood Village hired who "dug through our trash looking for dirt," and described pressure from local Chamber members who questioned the Chamber’s role in city formation.

"A museum is a good way to do that," the commenter said, urging the council to collect citizens’ stories for the city’s 25th anniversary. Mayor Sweetland thanked the speaker and said staff and the council would consider the idea.

The remark was made during the public comment portion of the meeting; no formal action or commitment to fund a museum was recorded in the meeting minutes.