Boulder County, Colo. – Water is a critical component of agriculture in Boulder County. This all-day tour gives an on-the-ground view of agricultural water resources with stops from the foothills on out to the plains with a tasty lunch at a reservoir. There will be speakers on the bus as well as at each stop with time for questions and discussion.

What:  Water Tour 2013
When:  Saturday, June 8
Time:  8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Info: Must pre-register at www.watertour2013.eventbrite.com
Fee: $15 includes transportation and fabulous lunch

Limited space is available and the event is expected to sell out, so early registration is recommended. All participants are required to register for tours.

Other Tours

This year’s program also offers two traditional Farm Bus Tours, a family-friendly Trail-to-Farm Bike Tour and a Harvest Festival.  

Tour Dates:

Farm Bus Tours – Tuesdays, July 16 and Aug. 20 from 5:15-8:30 p.m.

Trail to Farm Bike Tour – Sunday, Sept. 15 (times TBD)

Harvest Festival Tour – Sunday, Oct. 6 (times TBD)

 The goal of the farm tours is to show Boulder County citizens the spectrum of agricultural production systems, issues, challenges and opportunities on Boulder County open space lands. The three-hour evening bus tours highlight different farms, representing field and forage crops, vegetable crops and livestock. The Trail-to-Farm Bike Tour, oriented toward families, takes participants along local open space trails with stops at local farms to meet the farmers and learn about agriculture. The Harvest Festival Tour will feature the bountiful harvest of many different crops in Boulder County. This tour will be a self-guided driving tour with the option of a limited number of shuttle spaces to visit the different farms.

Farmers and ranchers will be available to answer questions on all tours.  More details will become available as tour season nears. Please check our website for updates.

In order to plan appropriately, participants are required to register for the tours.  Online registration will be available one month prior to each tour.  There will be fees for some tours: 

Farm Bus Tours - $5/participant 

Water Tour - $15/participant  

For registration or more information please visit www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org/agtours. Registration for those without internet access can be arranged by contacting Meaghan at 303-678-6181 or agriculture@bouldercounty.org.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome is a respiratory disease caused by a virus that is most often carried by deer mice. Deer mice can be distinguished from common “house mice” by their characteristically white underbelly, clearly defined white along the sides of their tails, and relatively large ears.

“Hantavirus can infect people when they inhale dirt and dust contaminated with the feces and urine of mice infected by the disease,” said Lane Drager, Boulder County Public Health Consumer Protection Program Coordinator. “Cleaning out and sweeping up structures that may be rodent-infested, such as barns, garages, storage sheds, trailers, or cabins, lifts up dust particles that may be contaminated.

People should be particularly careful when there is evidence of an active mouse infestation, such as the presence of mouse droppings or nests or recent damage by mice in and around buildings or in nearby wood or junk piles.

Historically, relatively mild winters and wet springs result in larger rodent populations, which may increase hantavirus activity.

The best way to reduce the risk of hantavirus infection is to avoid rodents, especially deer mice, by rodent-proofing homes and buildings; eliminating rodent hiding places and food supplies; conducting rodent control; and using special precautions when cleaning rodent-infested structures.

Go to www.BoulderCountyVector.org and click on “Hantavirus” for specific precautions to take during spring clean-up, or call 303-441-1564 during regular business hours.

Symptoms of hantavirus 

Symptoms most commonly develop within 2-4 weeks after exposure. During the first 3-7 days of illness, symptoms typically include fever; chills; headache; muscle pain in the shoulders, lower back, and thighs; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; and dizziness. These symptoms are usually followed by an abrupt onset of cough and shortness of breath. Respiratory symptoms progress very rapidly and require prompt medical attention.

Comments on other aspects of oil and gas development will be taken at the conclusion of the hearing on transportation-related items

Boulder County, Colo. – The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on May 16 to determine appropriate transportation fees for oil and gas activities in the unincorporated county based on the county consultant's final Oil & Gas Roadway Impact Study and associated public comments.

During the hearing the County Commissioners will also consider amendments to the transportation sections of the county’s oil and gas regulations approved in Docket DC-12-0003 earlier this year.

What:              Public hearing on oil and gas transportation fees and amendments to the transportation section of the oil and gas regulations contained in the Boulder County Land Use Code

When:             Thursday, May 16, 4 p.m.

Where:            Boulder County Courthouse, third floor, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder (map)

Public testimony on the proposed transportation fees and transportation-related amendments will be taken following the staff presentation (each speaker is allowed 3 minutes). Written comments are also encouraged and can be emailed to commissioners@bouldercounty.org or submitted in hard copy at the hearing.

New Addition to Public Hearing:

In response to requests to have an opportunity to address the county commissioners on other issues related to oil and gas development in Boulder County, the commissioners will stay beyond the conclusion of the transportation-related items to take additional comments. Comments will be limited to 3 minutes each and there will be a separate speaker sign-up sheet for the added public session. 

It is requested that speakers allow the commissioners to conclude the public hearing on transportation fees and transportation-related amendments before bringing other issues to the podium. Also, while comments about the current moratorium on new oil and gas development applications are welcome, the commissioners will not be taking any actions concerning the moratorium (which expires June 10) at the public hearings on May 16.

For more information about the county’s role in oil and gas development, upcoming meetings and public involvement opportunities, visit the county’s Oil and Gas Development webpage or contact Jim Webster at 720-564-2600 or jbwebster@bouldercounty.org.

An informational meeting to discuss updates to the shuttle program and to meet the rangers who will be in charge of parking enforcement this summer has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 21:

What: 2013 Hessie Shuttle Kickoff Meeting and Meet the Rangers Event

When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 21

Where: Nederland Community Library, 200 Hwy 72, Nederland (map)

Price will increase from $90 to $135 after May 15

Silver Reels Film Festival and Elders Who Inspire Award Presentation, Saturday, May 11th, 1-4:30 p.m., Centauras High School, Louisville.  Tickets by donation at the door.  View a short documentary titled “Old People Driving”, followed by a presentation by Via Mobility.  Feature film is “Age of Champions”.  Discussion to follow film.  The Spring 2013 Elders Who Inspire Award will be presented to Ruth Perry of Lafayette.

Silver Reels Film Festival, Saturday, May 18th, 1-4:30 p.m., Boedecker Theater, Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder.  Call 303-440-7825 x 110 for tickets.  View a short documentary titled “Raging Grannies”, followed by songs from the Denver Chapter of Raging Grannies.  Feature film is “All Together”, starring Jane Fonda.  Discussion to follow film.

Silver Reels Film Festival, Sunday May 19th, 4 p.m., Boedecker Theater, Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder.  Films only, no discussion.

Caregiving Symposium, Tuesday, May 21st, 12-5 p.m., Calvary Bible Church, Boulder.  Free educational event for family caregivers of older adults and those interested in caregiving issues.  Register by calling 303-441-1585, or at the door.

County’s energy efficiency loan program receives public interest design award

Land Use Department Open House on May 15

As part of Building Safety Month, the Land Use Department is hosting an open house on Wednesday, May 15 where staff will be available to answer questions on county building codes, processes and procedures. Residents are invited to meet the Department’s Building Safety & Inspection Services Team and attend sessions covering the new IVR phone inspection scheduling system, Boulder County Building Code adoptions and amendments, and changes to BuildSmart. Identical programs will be held at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

 

What: Land Use Department Building Safety Month Open House

When: Wednesday, May 15, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special sessions at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.

Where: Land Use Department, Courthouse Annex, 2045 13th St., Boulder

 

Boulder Home & Garden Fair on May 11

Building Safety & Inspection Services staff will have a booth at the Boulder Home & Garden Fair on Saturday, May 11. This event will feature more than 60 vendors including local builders, landscape and garden specialists, an array of home improvement and green living experts, and unique product vendors. Staff will be available to answer questions on county building codes, processes and procedures.

What: Sixth Annual Boulder Home & Garden Fair

When: Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Saturday, May 18)

Where: Twenty Ninth Street Retail District, 29th Street & Canyon Boulevard, Boulder

What:  Water Tour 2013

When:  Saturday, June 8, 2013

Time:  8:45 am to 3 pm

Must Pre-register at www.watertour2013.eventbrite.com

Fee:  $15 includes transportation and fabulous lunch

What: Public hearing on oil and gas transportation fees and amendments to the transportation section of the oil and gas regulations contained in the Boulder County Land Use Code

When: Thursday, May 16, 4 p.m.

Where: Boulder County Courthouse, third floor, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder (map)

Boulder County organizations will observe the day by honoring local LGBTQ families at a free local event from 1-4 p.m. at Cairn Christian Church, 1700 Stonehenge Drive, in Lafayette.

“It is important to recognize and celebrate our LGBTQ families locally while participating in an event that is happening internationally,” said Heather Crate, Boulder County Public Health OASOS (Open and Affirming Sexual Orientation and gender identity Support) program coordinator. “LGBTQ families are sometimes made to feel invisible in our communities, and this day is a way to celebrate all families.”

The celebration is especially significant because it comes just five days after civil unions become legal in Colorado. In the U.S. alone there are an estimated 2 million children being raised by 1 million lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, queer (LGBTQ) parents.

Ash Beckham, the energetic and dynamic speaker whose YouTube video, “I am SO GAY” garnered more than 350,000 views in less than 2 weeks, will speak at the event.

Also planned for the event is a free lunch, activities for children and youth, and free professional family photos. Community organizations will also be on hand to share resources for LGBTQ families. All families that identify as LGBTQ are welcome.

The first International Family Equality Day took place on May 6, 2012, and 15 organizations from 9 countries participated. This is the first time an International Family Equality Day event has been hosted in Colorado.

The event is organized and sponsored by the Boulder County Public Health OASOS Program, the Family Equality Council, Out Boulder, PFLAG Boulder, One Colorado, Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Non-Violence, Boulder County Safe Schools Coalitions, and Bolder Press.

For more information, contact Heather Crate at 303-678-6259.

Boulder County, Colo. – Local, state, and federal land-management agencies, to include the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Boulder County, City of Boulder, and City of Longmont are partnering to develop a long‐term, multi‐agency master plan for a network of access points and travel corridors for non‐motorized users in the foothills and mountains of Boulder County. 

What: Regional Mountain Trails Master Planning

When/Where:

April 29 – Louisville Public Library, 951 Spruce St., Louisville, 6-7:30 p.m.

April 30 – Jamestown Town Hall, 118 Main St., Jamestown, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 1 – Longmont Public Library, Room B, 409 4th Ave., Longmont, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 2 – Gold Hill Fire Barn, 1011 Main St., Gold Hill, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 7 – Allenspark Fire Station, 14861 Hwy 7, Allenspark, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 8 – Ward Post Office, 1 Columbia St., Ward, 6:30-8 p.m.

May 9 – Eldorado Canyon State Park Visitor Center, Eldorado Springs Dr., Golden, 6:30-8 p.m.

“We are excited to collaborate with the community and our fellow land managers on this plan for trails that will direct our work as individual organizations toward a common goal for trails over the coming years,” said Justin Atherton-Wood, Resource Planner for Boulder County Parks and Open Space. “This plan will be drafted in a manner that is sensitive to the resources and values unique to this part of the region, and one that contributes to a more sustainable future for Boulder County.” 

To help define the many unique opportunities and challenges of this effort, the partners are initiating a period of public outreach this spring to gather comments on the community’s needs, expectations, and concerns with the project.  It is anticipated that this initial phase will result in a set of principles and community values that will guide the remainder of this year-long planning process. 

For more information about the project and upcoming meeting dates and locations visit the project website: www.RegionalMountainTrails.com. Or contact Garry Sanfaçon, Public Outreach Coordinator, at 720-564-2642 or gsanfacon@bouldercounty.org.

What: 2013 Caregiving Symposium

When: Tuesday, May 21 Noon-5 p.m.

Workshop Times:

1:00-2:00 p.m.

• There May Be Help! Government Programs and Financial Assistance for Older Adults - Keith Carr, Aging Resource Consultant, Boulder County Area Agency on Aging
• Caring for Yourself While Caring for Another - Joanne Neiman, MA, LPC
• Companioning Your Loved One Through the Memory Loss Journey -Megan Carnarius, RN, MT, NHA, Executive Director, Balfour Cherrywood Village

2:30-3:30 p.m.

• Advance Care Planning: Just Do It! - Peggy Arnold, MA, Program Coordinator, PrestigePLUS
• Comforting and Communicating with Touch - Mary Kathleen Rose, registered massage therapist, creator of Comfort Touch®
• Difficult Conversations: Talking About the Tough Stuff with Older Loved Ones - Sandy Tobin, MSW, Life Care Coordinator, Vincent, Romeo & Rodriguez, LLC

4:00-5:00 p.m.

• A Spirituality of Caregiving: Finding the Meaning - Christiane Griffin-Wehr, former caregiver, author
• The Basics of Memory Loss, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease - Samantha Colyer, MSW, Community Education Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter
• Taking Charge of the Money: The Pitfalls - Jane Walsh, Director, Community Protection Division, Boulder County District Attorney’s Office

Adriana Botello & Ty Ridenour, Family & Children’s, Housing & Human Services - $400 to purchase shirts, brochures, and business cards to help youth with their volunteer outreach efforts, which will focus on educating schools and other organizations in the community about foster care issues.

Ken Knowles, Casa de la Esperanza Learning Center, Housing & Human Services - $500 to purchase new tools that can be used by appropriate-aged youth – under the supervision of adult mentors – to build robots for the robotics programs. 

Tabitha Manresa, Master Food Safety Advisors, Parks & Open Space Extension - $400 to purchase cooking supplies to be used for a portable food preservation kit. 

Donald Shiker, Citizen Ranger Corps, Parks & Open Space - $500 to purchase vests and arm bands that can comfortably be worn over a coat in cooler weather to ensure that visitors can easily recognize Citizen Rangers.

Tyler Sparks, Juvenile Assessment Center, Community Justice Services, Community Services - $300 to purchase yoga blocks, music, and other yoga accessories to expand the yoga program for youth at the Juvenile Center.

Ellen Taxman, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Area Agency on Aging, Community Services - $500 to pay for up to five volunteers to attend a statewide conference on long-term care topics.

Lynn Thrapp, Juvenile Assessment Center, Community Justice Services, Community Services - $500 to purchase positive and inspirational books, movies, games, and posters for volunteers and youth to use as part of the special activities program at the Juvenile Center.

Jessica Turner, Native Seed Collection Program, Parks & Open Space - $500 to purchase kneeling pads, knee pads, and tri-pod stools for volunteers to use while collecting seeds.

Danette Tye, Victim Assistance Program, Operations, Sheriff’s Office - $500 to purchase “Children Die Too” booklets to be added to the on-scene resources available for distribution to those who may have experienced the loss of a child.  

Water Tour – Saturday, June 8 from 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

Farm Bus Tours – Tuesdays, July 16 and August 20 from 5:15-8:30 p.m.

Trail to Farm Bike Tour – Sunday, September 15 (times TBD)

Harvest Festival Tour – Sunday, October 6 (times TBD)

Farm Bus Tours - $5/participant 

Water Tour - $15/participant

Bike and Harvest Tour - $5/participant or $10 for a family/vehicle.  

The Boulder County Community Services Mentor Program is seeking adults who can work well with teens, be a positive role model, and commit to three hours of mentoring per week. Volunteer time essentially consists of activities enjoyed by participants, whether it is going to a ballgame, watching a movie or just grabbing a bite to eat.

The Mentor Program matches adults and juveniles one-on-one in order to provide youths with enduring links to positive supports in the community. Adult role models provide the teens with a unique support relationship that can promote the development of positive assets and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Mentors also provide individual attention that separates teens from the potential influences of higher-risk peers.

Volunteers are required to complete training and commit to mentor a teen for one year. Male mentors are especially needed.

Upcoming Training Dates:

•  April 16 & 17 (evenings, exact time & location TBD)

 Mentors will meet with their teens once a week for 2-3 hours according to a flexible schedule that meets their needs and the schedule of their mentees. Mentors can plan activities that meet their interests; current mentoring pairs have participated in activities such as pottery painting, horseback riding, dance classes and movies.

All prospective mentors must pass a criminal background check. The deadline for applications is April 12.

For application information and additional details, contact the Justice System Volunteer Program at 303-441-3718 or abrubacher@bouldercounty.org.

So far this season, 32 animals have tested positive for rabies in Colorado: 28 skunks, 1 bat, 1 fox, 1 raccoon, and 1 cat. Of these, 1 bat was found in Boulder, and 15 others were found in counties neighboring Boulder County. Just eight animals had tested positive for rabies by this time last year.

“This resident did the right thing by reporting the skunk and keeping all of her pets and livestock up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations,” said Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist.

Unvaccinated pets that come into contact with a rabid animal must be euthanized or vaccinated and quarantined at a veterinary facility for 90 days, followed by another 90 days of strict home quarantine, which can be very expensive. Pets that are behind in their vaccinations must be vaccinated and quarantined at home for 90 days. Fully vaccinated pets need a booster and 45 days of observation at home.

“The fact is, rabies is here to stay in Colorado, so our best defense is taking steps to protect ourselves and our pets,” said McInnes.

Bats are the most common animal source of rabies in Colorado; however, there has been an influx of “terrestrial” rabies during the last few years. Terrestrial rabies, such as skunk rabies, is carried by animals that travel predominantly on the ground.

“Rabies in ground-dwelling animals increases the risk of rabies exposure to pets and livestock,” said McInnes. “If you know of a person or domestic animal that has, or may have had contact with wildlife, or if you see a skunk, raccoon, fox, or bat that looks sick or is acting unusual, call your local animal control office.”

Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite by an infected animal and can be practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat. If bit by an animal, residents should immediately and thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and water. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of immunizations given over a 14-day period. There is no cure for rabies, and it is nearly always fatal if untreated.

For general information about rabies, visit www.BoulderCountyVector.org, or call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911.

A free Community Energy Workshop will be held at the Lafayette Library Community Room on Wednesday, April 17 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Light refreshments and energy-saving goodies will be provided. One lucky attendee will win a Home Energy Assessment (reg. $120).

“I was pleasantly surprised at my Advisor's knowledge and expertise,” says Lafayette resident and EnergySmart customer Tom Van Lieu. “My Advisor, Gaby, made it easy to prioritize what could be done to make my energy use more efficient and my home more comfortable year round.”

Join more than 240 Lafayette residents who have already benefited from EnergySmart assistance. The event is sponsored by the Lafayette Energy Sustainability Advisory Committee and Boulder County. Learn more and RSVP at www.LafayetteEnergySmartWorkshop.Eventbrite.com

EnergySmart home services include free phone advising or discounted $90 Home Energy Assessments (reg. $120). Assessments pinpoint wasted energy, and Energy Advisors help with prioritizing projects, finding qualified contractors and applying for rebates or low-interest financing.

EnergySmart services are available to homes and businesses in all Boulder County communities.

To sign up for EnergySmart or learn more please call 303-544-1000 (for homes) or 303-441-1300 (for business) or visit www.EnergySmartYES.com.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum one year residency in Boulder County
• Currently attending university, community college or technical school as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
• Low to moderate-income level.

Preference is given to students actively involved in a student organization or the community. This is not a scholarship for students who will be graduating from high school this spring/summer.

This is a one-time scholarship; prior CAP multicultural scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again.

Applications are available by visiting www.BoulderCountyCAP.org

Application deadline is April 12. We encourage students of color to apply. E-mail applications and any questions to Sheila Goetz at sgoetz@bouldercounty.org.

Who: Boulder County Commissioners Cindy Domenico, Deb Gardner and Elise Jones. Boulder County Undersheriff, Tom Shomaker

What: Free Cone Day fundraiser with celebrity scoopers

Where: Ben & Jerry’s, 1203 Pearl Street, Boulder

When: Tuesday, April 9 from Noon until 8:00pm. The Undersheriff will scoop from 2:00-3:00pm and the County Commissioners will scoop ice cream from 4:00-5:00pm.

This year’s award recipients:

• Bridge House: Resource Center and Ready to Work Program
• Manhattan Middle School of Arts and Academics Gay/Straight Alliance (Allies)
• Kid Connects, a program of Mental Health Partners

The Bridge House Resource Center is a single point of access for homeless and indigent men and women to learn about and access services that can help them move toward self-sufficiency. The Resource Center offers immediate access to agencies that specialize in substance abuse treatment, employment opportunities, benefits, and housing. The Bridge House Ready to Work Program provides homeless adults with paid transitional work, where they can obtain skills, assistance with housing, and individualized support in hope of leading to permanent work. 

Loss of work and/or unemployment can lead to loss of preventative health care services and often causes increased stress and unhealthy coping behaviors that subsequently impact emergency services. Access to targeted health, employment, and housing services greatly reduces the impact on these services.

 

“The homeless and working poor have been historically underserved in this area,” said Widd Medford, Boulder County Public Health Intensive Services Program manager. “Bridge House focuses resources and links people to services so they can become self-sufficient.”

 

Bridge House has collaborated with the Addiction Recovery Centers (ARC) Intensive Services Program to bring substance abuse services directly to their client base in the Resource Center. Homeless clients discharged from the ARC Valmont site are given transportation to the Resource Center, where they are enrolled, assessed, and given case-specific resources.

 

In 2010, Manhattan Middle School started the first middle school level gay/straight alliance (now called “Allies”) in the Boulder Valley School District. This school year, 113 students are involved in Allies; that’s one-fifth of the school enrollment.

 

Allies actively worked to change the culture of bullying and harassment at Manhattan Middle School by hosting events and sponsoring school movements. For example, they worked to eradicate the phrases, "that's so gay," and "that's so retarded," and handmade and delivered valentine cards to every student so everyone would know they were valued and loved.

 

The 2011 Boulder County Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) indicates that 41.1% of BVSD middle school students report being bullied on school property, and 23.7% report being electronically bullied. Among middle school students, 13.3% had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 8.4% had made such a plan.

 

“We know that students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ), or who are perceived to be LGBTQ, are different in appearance, or have developmental delays or learning disabilities, and are more likely to experience bullying and harassment,” said Heather Crate, Boulder County Public Health OASOS Program coordinator. “These students often internalize negative messaging and are at greater risk for negative health behaviors, such as substance use, self-harm, and risky sexual behavior, as well as depression and suicidal thoughts.”

 

By actively working to change the culture of bullying and harassment in their school, the Allies are helping to reduce the negative influences on students’ health. The effects can be seen in the halls and classrooms of the school, where students speak up and educate other students about safe and welcoming schools.  

 

The Kid Connects program places consultants in child care settings and in family child care homes to identify and support children with challenging behaviors who may be experiencing developmental or mental health issues. The program integrates mental health, primary health care screening, and follow-up in the early care and education setting.

 

Kid Connects has been instrumental in targeting children at risk and working to improve the life skills of children, families, and early childhood educators related to mental health coping strategies. The program has shown a reduction in expulsion rates, an increase in school readiness, and a reduction of behavioral problems.

 

“Over the years, many children were identified with vision, hearing, and dental problems, which contributed to suboptimal learning and behavioral issues,” said Kim Strenge, Boulder County Public Health Child Health Promotion Program nurse. “Kid Connects has worked closely with early childhood educators to develop teaching strategies that support individual children based on their specific behavior issues.”

 

In 2012, Kid Connects placed consultants in 7 child care centers and 7 family child care homes, reaching over 440 children with on-site services. Over 300 enrolled children were screened for developmental and social emotional concerns; 16% of those screened had social and emotional concerns, and 20% had concerns in at least 1 domain of development.

 

The Boulder County Public Health Healthy Community Awards, developed in 2006, recognizes individuals and groups in the Boulder County community that address public health needs and issues. Up to three awards are given annually, and each recipient must have demonstrated the Boulder County Public Health mission and values in an exemplary way, developing and implementing strategies to protect, promote, and enhance the health and well-being of all people and the environment in Boulder County.

A Boulder County Public Health employee must nominate community members or organizations for the award, and a review committee of public health leaders selects award recipients.

This year’s awards will be presented at a reception from 2 to 4 p.m., April 2, in the Houston Room at the Clerk and Recorder’s office, 1750 33rd Street, Boulder. 

Workshop schedule

1. Monday, April 15th – Lafayette Library, 6-8 p.m.
   Location: Meeting Room (Lower Level), 775 W Baseline Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026, (303) 665-5200
2. Saturday, April 20th – Longmont Open Space, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
   Location: Boulder County Parks, Prairie Room North, 5201 Saint Vrain Rd, Longmont, CO 80503, (303) 678-6200
3. Monday, April 22nd (Earth Day) – Boulder Recycling Center 6-8 p.m.   
   Location: 1901 63rd St., Boulder, CO 80301
4. Monday, April 29th – Boulder Recycling Center 6-8 p.m.
   Location: 1901 63rd St., Boulder, CO 80301
5. Tuesday, April 30th – Erie Community Library, 6-8 p.m.
   Location: 400 Powers Street, Erie, CO 80516, 720-685-5222
6. Saturday, May 4th – Lyons Walt Center 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
   Location: 335 Railroad Ave., Lyons, CO 80540, 303-823-8250
7. Tuesday, May 7th – Longmont Public Library, 6-8 p.m.
   Location:  409 4th Avenue, the corner of 4th Avenue and Emery Street, Longmont, CO 80501, 303-651-8795

Space is limited to 35 people per workshop. Interested parties may register online at www.bouldercountyrecycles.org or RSVP with name, phone number and/or email, and number of attendees to jcallahan@bouldercounty.org or 720-564-2221.

Boulder County, Colo. – There is still time for Boulder County residents to apply for winter heating assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), but applications are due by the end of April.

LEAP helps low-income residents who meet income criteria and other eligibility factors pay their winter heating bills. The program is designed to pay the highest benefit to households with the highest heating costs.

“Energy costs have continued to increase throughout the recent economic downturn,” said Theresa Kullen, an eligibility manager with Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS). “We want to make sure that people know this help is available, because it can make the difference between whether or not someone can also afford groceries or a visit to the doctor in a given month.”

In addition, Boulder County residents who may not have previously qualified for heating assistance may now be eligible. The Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (BCDHHS) continues to oversee local expansions of the Heating Assistance Program and can provide help for households with income limits higher than those in LEAP.

Boulder County residents who were previously ineligible for LEAP due to income limit reductions may now qualify for help with heating bills through the Heating Plus program. This new program has gross monthly income limits of 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (for a family of three, this amounts to about $3,000 per month). 

Those who want to find out more about whether they qualify or want to apply for the assistance should email Erica Penz at Boulder County LEAP, or call 303-682-6783. Boulder County will continue to accept applications through April 30, 2013.

The audible siren tests will occur twice on each testing day, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., on April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5.

Siren tests ensure that all systems and procedures are working properly during the season of peak flood danger. The tests also promote public awareness of the warning sirens located throughout Boulder County.

Louisville, Superior and Jamestown sirens will only participate in the first audible test of the season on April 1. After this test, residents in these communities will not hear the sirens unless there is an emergency.

Should Boulder County experience severe weather during one of the planned audible tests, the siren tests for that day may be cancelled. For updated information, visit www.BoulderOEM.com.

Residents are encouraged to review their own emergency preparedness plans and discuss what they would do in the event of a flash flood or other emergency. For more information about personal preparedness, visit www.readycolorado.com.

About the countywide alert system

Used to alert residents to potential danger from a flood or other immediate threat, there are 25 outdoor warning sirens in place across Boulder County, including in Boulder, Erie, Jamestown, Lafayette, Louisville, Lyons, Marshall, Eldorado Springs, Superior and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

All Boulder County sirens undergo weekly tests throughout the year, using a software program that performs a “silent” test.

For more information, visit www.BoulderOEM.com.

 The National Caregiver Training Program is a 21-hour course (meets for 3 hours once a week) that helps family caregivers acquire the skills needed to provide safe, confident home-care for older loved ones. Classes, taught by a registered nurse, provide detailed instruction, demonstration, and hands-on practice. Topics include: Caring for someone on bedrest, providing personal care, using a wheelchair safely, managing medications, taking vital signs, controlling infection, preventing falls, reducing caregiver stress, using local resources, and more.  Each caregiver will receive Quick Tips for Caregivers, a home reference guide. 

·         The course will be held on Thursdays, April 4 – May 16, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., in Boulder. 

Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a 12-hour course (meets for 2 hours once a week) that gives family caregivers the tools to make sure they take care of themselves while caring for others. Classes, taught by trained leaders, help caregivers learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate their feelings, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources. Each caregiver will receive The Caregiver Helpbook: Powerful Tools for Caregivers.

·         The course will be held on Wednesdays, April 10 – May 15, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., in Longmont. 

The courses are open to Boulder County residents providing local or long-distance care for a relative, partner, or friend who is age 60 or older, or of any age if the person has dementia.  There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. Financial assistance for respite care during class periods is available. 

Pre-registration is required; call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org . Class size is limited.

Who: Boulder County Commissioner Elise Jones, Gov. John Hickenlooper, mediated by DU Law School Prof. K.K. DuVivier

What: A debate session with 7 questions, each participant allowed 2.5 minutes per question. The room has seating for approximately 135 people and there is overflow room for an additional 80 people.The event is expected to be full but will be live streaming for any who cannot attend. The link to the live stream will be posted as soon as it is available. A reception with appetizers will immediately follow the debate (Gov. Hickenlooper will not attend the reception).

Where: 2255 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO. University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Room 165

When: April 1 – Debate: Noon to 1 p.m., Reception 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. The doors open for the public at 11 a.m. and close at 11:45 a.m. to begin the debate. 

“I am honored to have an opportunity as a member of the Board of County Commissioners to express not only Boulder County Government’s concerns and views on oil and gas issues, but to reflect the opinions and comments of so many county residents who have shared their views with us over the past year,” said Commissioner Elise Jones.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the reception afterward to mingle and discuss the debate.  

Over the next several years, Boulder County will work closely with the city of Louisville and neighbors of the property in developing a site plan and development proposal for the land. One option for use will be affordable housing similar to the county’s successful Josephine Commons development in Lafayette.

“This land represents an unusual opportunity for us to make a substantial contribution to affordable housing in east Boulder County, where it is truly needed,” said Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) Director Frank Alexander. He noted that the 74-unit Josephine Commons development was fully leased just four days after the county received the certificate of occupancy in August 2012. “We know there are many more people in our area who are struggling to make ends meet and stay in the community they love and this Louisville property will help some of them do that.”

Louisville officials are updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan with a focus on road connections through the property, and a bike and walking path will soon be extended along the railroad on the property’s west side. The land is located in Boulder County, with the intended post-annexation zoning a combination of residential, commercial and mixed-use.

“This is a wonderful acquisition by Boulder County, as it is one of the last undeveloped parcels within Louisville’s boundaries and it’s a great location to build affordable housing for Louisville and the surrounding community,” said Louisville City Council member Jay Keany, who is also a former chairman of the Louisville Housing Authority. “I was very impressed when I toured Josephine Commons and I would be delighted to have a similar project on this piece of land.”

The sort yards do not accept yard clippings, raked up pine needles, root balls, construction materials, dirt, furniture, household trash or wood with metal in it. Sort yard staff will refuse loads that contain unacceptable items.

• Spring hours: Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24th thru June 15th
• Summer/Fall hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30th thru Oct. 19th

The Community Forestry Sort Yards may have additional closures during the open season due to weather, staff training or other administrative requirements. To check the operational status of a sort yard please call 303-678-6368.

Boulder County encourages all of its residents to be good stewards of their backyard forest and to implement effective wildfire mitigation on their land. “The spring is a great time of year to get out on your land and begin preparing your property for wildfires,” said Ryan Ludlow outreach forester with the county’s Land Use Department. “Simple actions like picking up downed branches, raking away all pine needles within 5 feet of your structures, cutting tall dead grass and moving leftover winter firewood piles off of porches and placing them at least 30 feet away from the home can really help improve the chances of your home surviving the next wildfire.”

If you want to learn more about how to implement effective wildfire mitigation on your land join us at the Nederland Community Center on May 11 for a half day workshop focused on “Firewise Landscaping.” Learn how to transform your home’s perimeter into an area that you can not only use, but also looks good and helps protect your home from wildfire.

For more information about the sort yard program or how to implement proactive wildfire mitigation on your land, contact Ryan Ludlow, Boulder County Forest Health Initiative’s outreach forester, at 720-564-2641 or rludlow@bouldercounty.org.

The Youth Corps offers one of the best first-job opportunities available in Boulder County.  Teams have completed projects such as constructing nearly a mile of trail at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, replacing the residential fence at a Boulder County low-income housing development in Louisville and preserving the McDonald Cabin at Betasso Preserve Open Space. Parks and Open space is now accepting applications for Youth Corps members and team leaders.

Who:  The Youth Corps will hire 180 teenagers to work 30 hours per week.

·         Boulder County residents ages 14-17 have until Friday, March 29 to apply for summer jobs with the Boulder County Youth Corps. Boulder County is especially in need of female Corps members.

·         Applicants can apply online at http://www.bouldercounty.org/youthcorps. Applications can also be picked up at counseling offices in Boulder Valley and St. Vrain Valley schools; city and town personnel offices; most local recreation and youth centers and libraries; and the Boulder County Human Resources Department, 2025 14th St. in Boulder. 

What:  Corps members will work on a variety of community service projects such as forest thinning, historic preservation, construction and repair of fencing, trail maintenance, removal of Russian olive trees and noxious weeds, landscaping and replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescents.

When:  Youth Corps members are expected to work Monday through Thursday, from June 10 to July 31.

Where:  Teams will work in unincorporated Boulder County as well as in cities and towns within Boulder County.

Compensation:  This year, Corps members will earn a starting wage of $7.78/hour, with the possibility of earning a $100 bonus at the end of the program based on merit and strong attendance.

·         Teens who have worked for the Corps in past years can earn up to $8.28/hour.

·         Corps members are eligible for reimbursement for the purchase of work boots and gloves. 

·         RTD bus passes for the purpose of traveling to and from centralized work meeting places may be subsidized. 

The Youth Corps is also hiring team leaders, who must be high school graduates at least 21 years old with two years of college coursework or more, among other qualifications. A list of full qualifications is available online. Team Leaders start at $13.50/hour. These positions remain open until filled.

For more information, visit http://www.bouldercounty.org/youthcorps or call the Youth Corps office at 303-678-6104.

-BoulderCounty.org-

EnergySmart makes it easy for residents in Boulder County to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient all year round. Residents in Boulder County are currently eligible for FREE phone advising or discounted $90 Home Energy Assessments (reg. $120). Assessments pinpoint wasted energy and advisors help with prioritizing projects, finding qualified contractors and applying for rebates or low-interest financing.

As a special promotion, Longmont residents who sign up for a Home Energy Assessment before April 30 will receive a free LED light bulb (approx. $30 value).

EnergySmart services are also available for businesses.

To sign up or learn more: Call 303-544-1000 or visit www.EnergySmartYES.com

“Elevations is thrilled to have Xcel trade partners enter the lineup.  Expanding our contractor base is key to the program’s success,” said Jay Champion, Chief Lending Officer at Elevations Credit Union.

The Elevations Energy Loan was created through seed money provided by a Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.  Boulder County, City and County of Denver and Elevations Credit Union have teamed up to provide $35 million in lending capital available for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Additionally, Elevations Credit Union’s Energy Loans program has surpassed its first $1 million in Energy Loans since launching last August. 

“We expect to see continued uptake and momentum with the Energy Loans Program as we open up to more contractors, and word continues to spread in the community about the benefits of this program,” said Jeremy Epstein, Sustainability Finance Specialist for Boulder County.  

For more information about the Elevations Energy Loan Program, to apply, or to speak to a free Energy Advisor about how you can save energy, increase comfort, and have a more healthy and efficient home or business, visit www.elevationscu.com/energyloans or call an energy advisor at (303) 544-1000 (home) or (303) 441-1300 (business).

• Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Senior Hunger talk by Hunger Free Colorado and followed by panel and discussion. Unitarian Universalist Church, Boulder. 2 - 4 pm.
Free. Reservations required: 303-441-4995.
• Protein Bar Cooking Demonstration. Louisville Senior Center 10:30 - 11:30 am. Free.  Registration required: 303-666-7400.
• Microwave Cooking Demonstration. Nederland Area Seniors. 10:30 - 11:30 am. Free. Registration required: 303-258-0799.
• Diabetes Talk by Clinica. Coal Creek Meals on Wheels office, 1 - 2:30 pm. Free. Refreshments at 12:45 pm. Reservations required by March 13, 303-665-0566.

 

• Boulder County Area Agency on Aging Call a Dietitian Day. Call us at 303-441-1599 from 9 am - 3 pm.
• Coal Creek Meals on Wheels offers a free meal. Erie Community Center. Registration required by March 15; call 303-926-2795.

The Boulder County Community Services Mentor Program is seeking adults who can work well with teens, be a positive role model, and commit to three hours of mentoring per week. Volunteer time essentially consists of activities enjoyed by participants, whether it is going to a ballgame, watching a movie or just grabbing a bite to eat.

The Mentor Program matches adults and juveniles one-on-one in order to provide youths with enduring links to positive supports in the community. Adult role models provide the teens with a unique support relationship that can promote the development of positive assets and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. Mentors also provide individual attention that separates teens from the potential influences of higher-risk peers. Male mentors are especially needed.

Volunteers are required to complete training and commit to mentor a teen for one year.

Training Dates:
• April 16 & 17, evening

Mentors will meet with their teens once a week for 2-3 hours according to a flexible schedule that meets their needs and the schedule of their mentees. Mentors can plan activities that meet their interests; current mentoring pairs have participated in activities such as pottery painting, horseback riding, dance classes and movies.

All prospective mentors must pass a criminal background check. The deadline for applications is April 12, 2013.

For application information and additional details, contact the Justice System Volunteer Program at 303-441-3718 or abrubacher@bouldercounty.org.

• Minimum one year residency in Boulder County
• Currently attending university, community college or technical school as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student
• Low to moderate-income level.

 

Application deadline is April 12, 2013. We encourage students of color to apply. E-mail applications and any questions to: sgoetz@bouldercounty.org.

The federal Budget Control Act, which if left in place would cut $1.2 trillion from the U.S. budget over the next 10 years, will lead to a reduction of about $1.25 million this year in the programs overseen by the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services. Included in this is a cut of nearly $800,000 in Boulder County’s rental assistance programs for those at risk of being homeless.

“There’s already been enough damage done to families in our community by the economic downturn and previous budget cuts,” said BCDHHS Director Frank Alexander. “We came together as a community to manage cuts through the recession and still stayed ahead of unprecedented increases in need for assistance. While it’s not sustainable in the long run, we’ll also manage these cuts to ensure that our neighbors don’t bear the brunt of them.”

The human services program cuts will primarily affect child welfare services, child care and low-income energy assistance, and programs for the elderly. Housing cuts will impact rental assistance voucher programs for homeless veterans, families in the county’s school districts, and families in the child welfare system. BCDHHS included some of these anticipated cuts in its budget planning in late 2012, and will strive to absorb them to avoid negatively impacting clients or community partner non-profits. The county’s strategic focus on early intervention and prevention around housing and human services provides the most effective means by which to help stabilize families and individuals and reduce the costs of delivering assistance.

“This is an excellent example of how important it is that counties have a say in how dollars for human services are used to serve those in need,” said Boulder County Commissioner Cindy Domenico. “We need to remain strong enough locally to be able to withstand budget swings like this, and we are.”

Boulder County voters’ passage of Ballot Initiative 1A (the Temporary Human Services Safety Net, or TSN) in November 2010 continues to help cover some of the federal and state budget cuts. The TSN is a 0.9 mill property tax increase that runs through 2015 and provides targeted funding to backfill cuts to human services and help support the efforts of community partner non-profits.

-BoulderCountyHHS.org-

Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County is pleased to be among fewer than a handful of local governments recognized for its leadership and innovation around the issue of climate change and clean energy

Today it was announced by the EPA’s Climate Protection Partnerships Division and its co-sponsors, The Climate Registry (The Registry), the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), and the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), that Boulder County is a winner of the 2013 Organizational Leadership Award as part of the annual the Climate Leadership Awards (CLA).

The CLA is a national awards program that recognizes and encourages exemplary corporate, organizational, and individual leadership in reducing carbon pollution and addressing climate change. Award winners must demonstrate leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in internal operations and throughout the supply chain, as well as integrating climate resilience into their operating strategies.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for the work of our staff and our partners throughout the community who have made it their tireless priority to engage residents of Boulder County in activities and actions that have led to real change on behalf of the environment and reducing our carbon footprint countywide,” said Cindy Domenico, Chair of the Boulder County Commissioners. “Whether it be in the realm of energy efficiency, transportation, Zero Waste, residential and commercial building retrofits, or significant investments in renewable energy options, we’re proud to be on the leading edge of innovation in these areas.”

This year’s awards mark a noteworthy increase in public-sector city and county engagement, a priority effort that Boulder County has championed in collaboration with its municipal partners since the creation of the county’s Sustainability Initiative in 2005.

“It is an honor to receive recognition for the commitment that our past and present County Commissioners and sustainability staff have made to a healthier and more environmentally sustainable place to live,” said Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator, Susie Strife. “This award is a reflection of the hard work, progressive decision making and leadership of Boulder County and the collaborative partnership with all of our municipalities, in particular the Cities of Boulder and Longmont.”

Programs like EnergySmart, Boulder County’s Energy Efficiency service, are helping Boulder County reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings. EnergySmart has helped over 8,600 homes and 2,400 businesses with energy efficiency upgrades.

In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, EnergySmart is stimulating the local economy with over $16 million in energy efficiency upgrades and advancing the state's energy independence. EnergySmart is a collaborative partnership throughout Boulder County, and is funded by seed funding from the Department of Energy's BetterBuildings Program, combined with contributions from the City of Boulder’s Climate Action Plan tax and the City of Longmont.

Other demonstrations of the county’s forward thinking actions include the development of the Climate Change Preparedness Plan, blueprints for action around sustainability and energy efficiency, and the county’s recently completed Transportation Master Plan which identifies programs, services, and facilities that Boulder County will implement to help people get where they need to go in the future in a safe, efficient, and environmentally sensitive manner.

The CLA awards will be presented tonight at the Climate Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

More information about the awards and award winners is available at epa.gov/climateleadership/awards/ or through the EPA’s news release.

-BoulderCounty.org-

Boulder County, Colo. – Almost 1,000 attendees joined Boulder County Parks and Open Space to celebrate the talents of local photographers who captured the splendor of the county’s public lands at the opening exhibit of the “Land through the Lens,” which was held at the Dairy Center on March 8.  Prizes were awarded to adults and youth exhibitors.  Over 100 original photographs can be viewed through April 19 and are available for purchase at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street in Boulder during gallery hours:  Monday & Tuesday, 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday – Friday, 9 am – 8:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 1 – 8:30 pm.

Prizes Awarded to Adults, Over 18 years of age:

• First Prize - “Sweeping Stillness” by David Silver, Boulder, CO
• Second Prize - “Heads or Tails” by Milos Verdon Tomajko, Superior, CO
• Third Prize - “Balance” by Amy Fallon Reid, Boulder, CO
• Honorable Mention – “Water and Ice” by Caroline McLean, Boulder, CO
• People’s Choice (Tied) – “December Morning at Dodd Reservoir” by Gerard Brucker and “Nesting Owl” by David McKinley
• Commissioners’ Choice – “Picture Rock Wildflowers” by Bob Maynard, Longmont, CO 
• KBCO award – “Leafy Hearth” by Galen Brown 

Prizes Awarded to Youth, 18 years of age and younger:

• First Prize - “Sunlit Leaves” by Isabella Dalla Betta, Boulder, CO
• Second Prize - “Fenced In” by Nelson Hegg, Boulder, CO
• Third Prize - “Evening at Pella Crossing” by Adam Schane, Longmont, CO
• Honorable Mention – “Barbed” by Josh Whitaker, Boulder, CO
• Commissioners’ Choice – “Fenced In” by Nelson Hegg, Boulder,CO

Visit the Land Through the Lens web page for additional details about the exhibit and a slide show of the prize winning photos. Contact Karen Imbierowicz, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, at 720-352-7316 for general information.

Contact: Hannah Polow, Transportation, 720-564-2864

Boulder County seeks carpool participants for ‘The Diagonal Shift’

Coffee for carpoolers offered to help improve travel on State Hwy 119 between Longmont and Boulder

Longmont, Colo. - For the month of March, the ‘Diagonal Shift’ will be rewarding carpoolers who carpool at least four times during the month - about once a week - with two free coffees to either Ziggi's Coffee House or Brewing Market (a $10 gift card). The program applies to people who travel along State Highway 119 through Longmont or along the Diagonal between Boulder and Longmont.

Those who carpool and send a picture of their carpool group from each day they carpool will be entered into a drawing for each member of the carpool to win free coffee for the month of April (up to a $50 value).

“We hope this incentive program will encourage people to try carpooling once a week in March and see if it works for them even after they have received their free coffee,” said Hannah Polow, Multimodal Transportation Planner for the Boulder County Transportation Department. “The long term incentives of carpooling include gas savings, less wear and tear on an individual’s own vehicle, and a whole host of other benefits that trump driving alone.”

Follow these steps to enter the challenge:

1.       Register at www.diagonalshift.comby March 8

2.       Each week, fill out a survey via email

3.       Send your carpool pictures to shift@bouldercounty.org if you want to participate in the free coffee for a month challenge.

4.       Carpool must include at least one other person.

How do you find a carpool?

1.       Create an account on iCarpool

2.       Contact shift@bouldercounty.org to organize an on-site presentation/carpool matching meeting coordinated by the Diagonal Shift program free of charge.

The rules:

·         You must have at least two people in your carpool (including yourself)

·         Adult family members count (those who have a driver's license)

·         Any type of trip is eligible to work, to lunch, to the gym, to the grocery store, to school, etc.

·         For the photos: you must include at least two people in your carpool in your pictures and those who send more pictures will have more chances to win (maximum of one picture/day/carpool)! Email pictures to shift@bouldercounty.org.

·         Have more questions? Find your answers.

-www.DiagonalShift.com-

January 17, 2013

Contact: Hannah Polow, Transportation, 720-564-2864

Boulder County launches ‘The Diagonal Shift’

Free lunch Jan. 31 for local business representatives to learn more about the State Hwy 119 program between Longmont and Boulder

Boulder County, Colo. - Boulder County is pleased to announce the “Diagonal Shift,” a new program that encourages carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, bicycling, and walking for trips along State Highway 119 (the “Diagonal Highway”) including both the corridor and within the City of Longmont. 

This project is part of a federal aid program provided by the Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. 

The Diagonal has become a critical transportation artery through Boulder County in an area that has experienced significant residential and business growth in recent years and is expected to grow even more. In the face of two current construction projects at key intersections along the Diagonal (Jay & Niwot) peak-hour congestion is even worse and transportation woes are at the forefront of travelers’ minds.

Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle is excited to offer this resource free of charge. “We recognize that commuters using the Diagonal are frustrated with the congestion, which is worse during the intersection reconstruction,” said Gerstle. “This program provides information and resources to those who travel through this important corridor in the county. We hope that travelers ‘make the shift’ and try carpooling, vanpooling, busing, biking, or walking for some of their trips.”

Join us for a FREE informational lunch to see how we can help your business offer more benefits to employees:

Who:               Business/Group/School Representatives (including HR or Wellness Program staff)

When:              12 – 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31

Where:             Longmont Library, 409 4th Avenue, Longmont, CO 80501

RSVP:             By Jan. 28^th, email shift@bouldercounty.org

Lunch will be available starting at noon and the formal presentation will start at 12:15 PM. Please feel free to attend even if you can’t stay the whole time.

Topics include: maps, sample presentation for employees, how to combine with a  wellness program/challenge, route planning exercise, carpool matching exercise, benefits of Eco Pass, bus-then-bike shelters, employee dot map, and more. 

Want more information? Visit www.diagonalshift.com or email shift@bouldercounty.org.

REF:                NEW AND ADDITIONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS

EFFECTIVE:   JUNE 11, 2012 5 P.M.

Ongoing dry and windy conditions, and Red Flag Warnings on a daily basis, have pushed us into extreme fire danger regionally and county-wide.  Additionally, huge fires in Larimer County, Wyoming, New Mexico, and throughout other parts of the State have strained fire-fighting resources locally and regionally.

The forecast shows no signs of immediate relief.

With these conditions in mind, we are upgrading our current ban on open-fires.  Effective at 5pm today, there will be no open burning of any kind allowed anywhere in unincorporated Boulder County.  This includes slash piles, agricultural burning, camp fires, bon fires, charcoal grills, etc. regardless of location, (mountains or plains). Only liquid gas or propane fired cooking stoves will be allowed for outdoor use. The use and sale of fireworks is also banned throughout the unincorporated county.

Violation of this order may result in a $500 fine for the first offense and escalates with subsequent violations. 

Boulder County  – Residents who plan to cast a ballot in the June 26 primary election have just a few days left to change party affiliation or register to vote. 

Republican, Democratic, American Constitution and minor party members who’d like to change their party affiliation before the primary must do so no later than Friday, May 25. Unregistered voters who’d like to register to vote and participate in the primary must do so no later than Tuesday, May 29. 

Unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party and participate in its primary up to and including Primary Election Day on June 26.

Voters who have moved since the previous election should update their registration if they plan to vote in the primary.

Boulder County voters can visit BoulderCountyVotes.org to register to vote, check and update their voter registration and view primary ballot content. They can also call 303-413-7740 for more information or visit one of three Boulder County Clerk & Recorder's Office branches: 1750 33rd St. in Boulder; 529 Coffman St. in Longmont; or 722 Main St. in Louisville. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The upcoming primary election will be conducted by mail ballot. Only affiliated voters will receive a ballot. Primary Election Day is June 26, but voters will begin receiving their ballots during the week of June 4. Each ballot packet will include details about expanded Clerk & Recorder’s office hours, election service centers and ballot drop-off sites for the June primary.

The test ensures equipment properly tabulates votes. Each type of ballot and all ballot styles will be tested to make sure ballots are properly printed and to verify the scanning equipment properly reads ballots. The test will also confirm that scanning equipment settings are properly calibrated for the ballots. Testing is open to the public, including representatives of local political parties and the media.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, through Friday, May 25 (or until testing concludes). A pre-testing setup day is also open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 22.

Where: Ballot Processing Center, Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 1750 33rd St., Boulder.

After testing concludes, documentation and results will be available online at BoulderCountyVotes.org. 

For more elections information, including ballot content for the June 26 primary, visit BoulderCountyVotes.org.

Other Key Dates for the 2012 Primary Election:

• Friday, May 25: Last day for voters to change or withdraw major party affiliation before the primary.
• Tuesday, May 29: Last day to register to vote for the primary election.
• Tuesday, June 26: Primary Election Day. Ballots must be in hands of Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office no later than 7 p.m.

-BoulderCountyVotes.org-

Boulder County – The Board of County Commissioners today approved Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall’s plan to conduct a mail ballot election with service centers for the 2012 primary election. 

Boulder County’s Elections Division examined several factors to decide how to conduct this year’s June 26 primary election, including voting method preferences in Boulder County, turnout, costs, and comments received from the public. 

The county conducted its first mail-ballot primary in 2010, and has conducted odd-year elections by mail ballot since 2001. Election officials estimate they saved $180,000 by conducting the 2010 primary as an all-mail ballot election rather than a polling place election.

The 2010 primary also saw an increase in voter turnout consistent with mail ballot elections. Turnout grew from 29 percent in the 2008 polling place primary to 43 percent in the 2010 mail ballot primary. 

Of about 97,000 active registered voters affiliated with a political party in Boulder County, about 67,000 have signed up as permanent mail-in voters. Of the roughly 145,000 active registered voters in Boulder County, about 95,000 are PMIVs.

Primary ballots will be mailed beginning June 4. Several service centers will be available in Boulder County from June 18-26 for voters to vote in person, update their registration, drop off voted ballots or request replacement ballots.

The deadline for affiliated voters to change their affiliation to vote in the primary election, or to withdraw their affiliation, is May 25. The deadline to register to vote is May 29.

Voters can check their registration information at BoulderCountyVotes.org to verify update their registration, address information and affiliation. 

- www.BoulderCountyVotes.org - 

However, Boulder County and other local governments in Colorado do not have complete authority to regulate drilling. In order to ensure both our Comprehensive Plan and Land Use regulations are as thorough and up-to-date as possible, today we approved a temporary moratorium on the processing of the required development plans for local oil and gas permits under the county Land Use Code (Resolution 2012-16). This will give us time to make sure that, within the limits of our legal authority, we are able to mitigate local impacts from these activities and to maximize protection for the people and environment of Boulder County.

Boulder County does not voluntarily allow oil and gas drilling on its open space properties. Like many private landowners, we often do not own the rights to a given property’s oil and gas deposits. In other cases, the mineral rights were leased prior to acquisition of the land by the county. In those instances, the county does not have the ability to prohibit drilling, even though it is the surface landowner. As the surface owner, we do negotiate surface use agreements prior to drilling, and in doing so, we attempt to minimize those impacts to the maximum extent possible.

Through our Land Use Code, we do have some local authority over oil and gas drilling on private and public land; however, substantial authority for regulation of oil and gas operations lies with the state and federal governments, so there are limits on what we can restrict. For instance, it is unlikely that Boulder County could simply prohibit hydraulic fracturing on either public or private land in the county.

Boulder County has and is actively supporting efforts to strengthen state regulation, and to expand local authority in the area of oil and gas drilling. We supported legislation signed by former Gov. Bill Ritter to strengthen oil and gas rules and to reform the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. We have also advocated for a stronger disclosure requirements of fracking fluids, although the COGCC ultimately approved requirements that did not include our requests for a process that would allow any leaks to be traced, nor for pre- and post-drilling water monitoring. Finally, we are supportive of legislation that Rep. Matt Jones of Louisville is sponsoring in the 2012 General Assembly to expand local authority over drilling.

We also authorized staff to set a public hearing for Thursday, March 1 to take public testimony on the local impacts associated with oil and gas development, and on the appropriateness of continuing or amending the temporary moratorium on the processing of land use applications for oil and gas development which we approved today. This meeting will begin at 4 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the third floor of the Boulder County Courthouse at 1325 Pearl St. in Boulder. Staff from several county departments will be making presentations regarding our current regulations and the development we have seen on our open space properties.

Members of the public who want to offer feedback can email their comments to Boulder County’s Elections Division at vote@bouldercountyvotes.org. The matter is tentatively scheduled to go before the Board of County Commissioners for approval on Thursday, Feb. 16. Please send written comments no later than Monday, Feb. 13.

Boulder County conducted its 2010 primary election, as well as its November 2011 coordinated election, by mail ballot. The November 2012 general election will use polling places as well as mail ballots.

- BoulderCountyVotes.org -

Registered voters who want to participate in the Republican Party caucus, to be held Feb. 7, 2012, must affiliate with the GOP no later than Wednesday, Dec. 7. They can do so by updating their voter information at BoulderCountyVotes.org or calling the Boulder County Elections Division at 303-413-7740.

Registered Republican voters who’ve moved recently must update their voter information by Monday, Jan. 9, to participate in the GOP caucus. First-time voters, such as naturalized citizens or those who turn 18 before Feb. 7, must register no later than Jan. 9 if they want to participate in the Republican caucus.

Registered voters who want to affiliate with the Democratic Party or American Constitution Party, both of which will hold caucuses on March 6, have until Friday, Jan. 6, to affiliate.

First-time voters and members of those parties who’ve moved recently must update their voter information by Monday, Feb. 6, to participate in the Democratic or American Constitution caucuses on March 6.
 
Each political party organizes and conducts its own caucus. For more information about a party’s caucus, contact local party leaders.

More election information is available at BoulderCountyVotes.org.
 
- BoulderCountyVotes.org -

Final recount results for Boulder County Question 1D are 29,966 votes in favor of the measure and 29,957 votes against the measure.

Representatives of the Boulder County canvass board certified the final results of the recount at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 20.

“The purpose of the recount is to ensure that every vote that should have been counted was included in the results,” said Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall. “We are confident that with the processes we have in place we have accomplished this goal.”

Five votes changed during the recount for a net difference of three votes. These five vote changes can be explained by the following:

• During the recount process two ‘yes’ votes were determined to be undervotes.
• Three other votes (two ‘yes’ votes and one ‘no’ vote) were deemed overvotes by the recount resolution teams due to a lack of  clarity of the voter’s intent. 
• Undervotes and overvotes cannot be counted.

Final results for the contest are available online at www.VoteBoulder.org.

The recount of Boulder County Question 1D will begin on Tuesday with a pretest of the scanning equipment. During this test, election officials will scan four batches of 150 ballots through each of the four scanners used during the election. The machine tally of votes will be compared with a manual tally of votes. If the tallies match, the recount will proceed by scanning all 63,275 ballots that include Boulder County Question 1D.

If there are any discrepancies in the pretest results that cannot be explained by voter error, the Elections Division will conduct a manual recount of all ballots cast that include Boulder County Question 1D.

Vehicles with a model year of 1976 and newer that already display “Collector Vehicle” license plates will be allowed to maintain their plate status as long as the registration is renewed on time. If the registration expires on models 1976 and newer, the vehicles will be required to pass an emissions test and will be registered with standard license plates. Additionally, if a vehicle with a model year of 1976 and newer is sold to a new owner, it will no longer qualify for the “Collector Vehicle” license plate.

The Boulder County Motor Vehicle Division has sent letters to vehicle owners who could be immediately impacted by the new law. Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed Senate Bill 09-003 into law on June 1, which changed the definition of collector vehicles.

If you have any questions, please contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 303-413-7710 or email motorvehicle@bouldercounty.org. 

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Vehicle registration fees will increase each year by the following amounts:

For any vehicle weighing 2,000 pounds or less, which includes motorcycles and small trailers:
• $22.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $25.75: July 2010 – June 2011
• $29.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing between 2,001-5,000 pounds, which includes most cars, SUVs, and light trucks:
• $32.00: July 2009 – June 2010
• $36.50: July 2010 – June 2011
• $41.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing 5,001-10,000 pounds, which includes most large trucks and large SUVs:
• $39.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $45.25: July 2010 – June 2011
• $51.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing 10,001-16,000 pounds, which includes most passenger buses:
• $51.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $58.75: July 2010 – June 2011
• $66.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing more than 16,000 pounds, which includes most commercial trucks:
• $55.00: July 2009 – June 2010
• $63.00: July 2010 – June 2011
• $71.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

The new law already requires Colorado residents to pay an additional $25 each month they are late to register their vehicle. Late fees may not exceed $100. Permits are also subject to late fees.

The registration fees and late fee increases are mandated by the FASTER bill (Senate Bill 09-108), which Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law on Monday, March 2. For complete details on the bill, visit Senate Bill 09-108. All funds generated from the fees will be used to maintain Colorado roads and bridges.

If you have any questions, please contact the Motor Vehicle Division at 303.413.7710 or email motorvehicle@bouldercounty.org.

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A new Colorado State law will increase Motor Vehicle late fees to $25 a month beginning June 1, 2009. Registration fees will also increase beginning July 1, 2009. Funds generated from the fees will be used to maintain Colorado roads and bridges.  

Colorado residents will now be required to pay an additional $25 for each month their vehicle’s registration is late. The late fees may not exceed $100.

“We would like Boulder County residents to be aware of these costs, especially the late fees imposed by the new State law,” said Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall. “I hope residents will be able to avoid some of these costs by renewing their registrations on time.”

Motor Vehicle registration fees will also increase over a three-year period beginning July 1, as part of the legislation’s road and bridge safety surcharges. All registration fee increases are based on a vehicle’s weight.

Vehicle registration fees will increase each year by the following amounts:

For any vehicle weighing 2,000 pounds or less, which includes motorcycles and small trailers:
• $22.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $25.75: July 2010 – June 2011
• $29.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing between 2,001-5,000 pounds, which includes most cars, SUVs, and light trucks:
• $32.00: July 2009 – June 2010
• $36.50: July 2010 – June 2011
• $41.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing 5,001-10,000 pounds, which includes most large trucks and large SUVs:
• $39.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $45.25: July 2010 – June 2011
• $51.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing 10,001-16,000 pounds, which includes most passenger buses:
• $51.50: July 2009 – June 2010
• $58.75: July 2010 – June 2011
• $66.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

For vehicles weighing more than 16,000 pounds, which includes most commercial trucks:
• $55.00: July 2009 – June 2010
• $63.00: July 2010 – June 2011
• $71.00: July 2011 and each year thereafter

The late fees and registration fee increases are mandated by the FASTER bill (Senate Bill 09-108), which Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law on Monday, March 2. For complete details on the bill, visit Senate Bill 09-108.

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(Boulder County, Colo.) - Boulder County residents can now calculate an estimate of their registration fees for newly purchased cars or light trucks on the Boulder County Motor Vehicle Web site. Boulder County’s new tool is one of the first of its kind in the State of Colorado.

“The calculator is intended to help members of the public budget for their registration fees,” said Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall. “Fees still need to be confirmed and paid by visiting our office but this will at least give an idea of the costs.”

“Motor Vehicle registration costs are calculated by several factors," said Hall. “As long as accurate data is provided online, the estimate should be very close to the registration fee.”

The Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office is encouraging residents to email their feedback on the calculator to motorvehicle@bouldercounty.org. Registrations can be renewed online by visiting http://www.bouldercounty.org/register/motorvehicle. 

December 11, 2007

CONTACT: Tim Swope, Boulder County Alternative Transportation Coordinator, 720-564-2658

County to launch new bus service in 2008

New routes connect East County to jobs, schools, hospital, US36 transit

Residents in east Boulder County will gain a brand new bus route and expanded service on an existing route in 2008, making it easier for them to access work, school, medical care and shopping.

The Boulder County Commissioners have approved the use of funds from the County’s Transportation Sales Tax to partner with RTD in providing two new bus services in Louisville, Lafayette and Erie. The first will extend the seven-year-old JUMP service to East County Line Road in Erie. The second will launch a new “LYNX” service connecting downtown Louisville and west Louisville neighborhoods to the US36 Corridor.

The JUMP currently travels though Boulder every 10 minutes, with service to the Lafayette park-n-Ride every 20 minutes. The proposed extension would travel through Lafayette along Arapahoe Road and Baseline Road, then head north through the Boulder County sections of Erie to the currently planned terminus at the Erie Town Community Center at the intersection of East County Line Road and Leon Wurl Parkway.

“Growth in Erie and Lafayette, along with continued in-commuting from areas east of Boulder County, warrant an extension of this bus service. Both RTD and Boulder County have long sought a more direct transit service to Erie, and folks in Erie have been encouraging us to start the service as soon as possible,” said Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor. “This service will carry out the commitment we made to county voters when they supported the countywide transportation sales tax.”

The new LYNX bus will offer transit service from the Louisville Library (in downtown Louisville) south to Monarch High School, Avista Hospital, the Flatirons Crossing park-n-Ride and the Broomfield park-n-Ride.

The services are scheduled to start this summer. Both services will be funded through a combination of Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality grants and revenue from the Boulder County Transportation sales tax, which county residents approved in 2001. During the 2007 election, County voters approved an extension of the sales tax, beginning in 2009.

Details of the LYNX and JUMP services and the County’s agreements with RTD have not yet been finalized. “We still have to work out the details with RTD, our local partners, and the Regional funding agencies about how this is going to work,” Transportation Director George Gerstle explained. “Originally we had wanted to launch this service sooner, but we are very excited that this most recent proposal offers residents a better service at a lower long-term cost to both the County and RTD.” 

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May 14, 2007

Contact: Michelle Krezek, Boulder County Land Use Department (720) 564-2623

Public invited to provide comments on proposed Sustainability Element for County Comp Plan

The Boulder County Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing for the evening of Wednesday, May 16, to take public testimony on adopting a new Sustainability Element for the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.

The hearing will take place:

When:     May 16, 2007, 7:00 p.m.

Where:    3rd Floor Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl Street, Boulder

As proposed, the new Sustainability Element will help create a framework of sustainable policies and practices for future land use in unincorporated Boulder County. The element gives broad, inclusive goals to help guide future regulations while also providing specific direction on policies such as an expanded transfer of development rights program, structure size, and green building.

The Planning Commission will take public testimony at Wednesday night's hearing and it is anticipated that they will then take action to adopt the Goals and Policies making them a part of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. Once the Element is adopted, the County Land Use Department will begin work on programs to implement these goals and policies.

For additional information, please contact Michelle Krezek at mkrezek@co.boulder.co.us or 720.564.2623. A copy of the draft goals and policies of the Sustainability Element can be found at: www.co.boulder.co.us/lu.

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Philadelphia, Pa - Boulder County Land Use Department Director Graham Billingsley officially took office today as president of the American Planning Association’s (APA) professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners. The swearing in ceremony was conducted as part of APA’s National Planning Conference in Philadelphia.

Graham has served as president-elect for the past year and will now serve as president for a two-year term. As president, he is responsible for heading up the American Institute of Certified Planners Commission and guiding certification, accreditation, professional development and ethics within the planning community. The presidency is a voluntary position.

Billingsley has served as director of the Boulder County Land Use Department since 1989 and has played a critical role in facilitating an ongoing public process of updating both the County’s Comprehensive Plan and the County’s Land Use Code. As a result of his efforts, other communities often look to Boulder County as an innovative role model for long term, smart growth planning.

Graham's 18-year tenure at Boulder County has included the adoption of a site plan review program for all new construction; the adoption of numerous intergovernmental agreements creating urban growth boundaries for all communities in the county; and a transfer of development rights program that has led to the preservation of more than 6,000 acres.

Most recently, Billingsley has helped oversee an extensive review and revision process for the existing land use code, a process that is putting sustainable land use policies and practices in the forefront of future planning and development.

Billingsley’s career in the planning profession spans more than 30 years of service in public and private sectors in Colorado, Texas, Missouri and Ohio. He served as president of the APA Colorado chapter for four years (from 2002-06), and has held a number of other offices in professional planning organizations.

APA is a 41,000-member organization committed to promoting good planning processes. The professional institute, which constitutes 16,000 of those members, certifies planners and focuses on ethics, professional development and standards of professional practice. For more information about APA, please visit: www.planning.org.

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