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.

“I am excited about serving on the council and working toward improving our air quality,” Toor said. “It is an opportunity for local governments to collaborate on land use and transportation policies that will improve our economy and quality of life while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Ritter reauthorized the RAQC in March, enhancing its composition and mission to fulfill its air quality planning responsibilities. The council will seek to develop and propose effective and cost-efficient air quality planning initiatives with input from government agencies, the private sector, stakeholder groups and citizens of the region.

The RAQC continues in existence until April 2011 or until further modification or rescission by the Governor. Its primary task is to prepare state implementation plan elements that demonstrate and ensure long-term compliance with state and federal air quality standards and provide acceptable public health and environmental protections to those residing in the Denver metropolitan area along the northern Front Range.

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.

As part of the update to its Comprehensive Plan, Boulder County is asking for public opinion on how to best develop, manage and maintain the county’s multimodal transportation system. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on the draft policies that will guide the county’s transportation service, facility improvement and investment decisions on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the third floor of the Boulder County Courthouse on the Pearl Street Mall.

“Looking toward the challenges of the future, we must transform our existing transportation system if we are to preserve our incredible quality of life and create the kind of future we want for our children,” said George Gerstle, Boulder County Transportation Director. “To do so will take creativity and vision in light of local and regional growth, the aging of our population, and the energy, global climate change, and fiscal challenges we are facing. We need to explore new ways of providing safe, affordable, and convenient mobility options that are environmentally, socially, and fiscally sustainable for current and future generations.”

The proposed transportation policies, which the county released in draft form last week, seek to meet the travel needs of county residents and visitors by providing choices about how to travel – by car, bicycle, bus, or on foot – and by taking good care of existing county transportation facilities. Because demands typically exceed available resources, the county is proposing that priority be given to maintaining the existing transportation system and improving mobility and safety in corridors that connect communities to each other and the region. Overall, the new policies suggest that the county’s transportation resources should focus on moving the greatest number of people in as sustainable a manner as possible.

The new transportation policies also forward Boulder County’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by addressing transportation’s role in generating these emissions. For example, like many communities throughout the country, the county is proposing that it implement a program to reduce vehicle miles traveled within the county.

“Such an approach not only reduces transportation’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, but can also reduce the demand for major facility expansion, which can be incredibly expensive and disruptive to communities and the environment,” Gerstle said.

For more information, please contact Transportation Planning Manager Julie McKay at 720-564-2662 or jmckay@bouldercounty.org.

The goal and purpose of GIS Day is to provide education about how geography and geographic information system technology make a difference in our society. The event is open to the public, Boulder County staff, high school and college students, and GIS professionals.

The open house will feature presentations, demonstrations, and a map gallery that aim to help demonstrate the real-world applications and the importance of GIS in Boulder County.

GIS Day Open House
Friday, Nov. 20, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Agenda
Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Boulder County Courthouse, third floor
1325 Pearl St., Boulder

Please contact Mary Hagler at 303-441-3941 or mhagler@bouldercounty.org for more information.

The total proposed budget for 2010 is estimated at $280 million. (For 2009, the adopted budget was $286,866.). Assessed property values in Boulder County increased 4 percent in 2009 over 2008, but sales and use taxes were down in the same period. The proposed budget takes into account the decline in tax revenues overall in Colorado and reflects the county’s historically conservative approach to managing public funds even in a year of projected increases in property tax revenue.

At a public meeting on Nov. 5, following five weeks and more than 20 hours of public budget request hearings by county offices and departments, the Boulder County Board of Commissioners provided their list of recommended expenditures for 2010 to the County Budget Office. The budget staff will present the preliminary proposed budget during the hearing on Thursday.

“The 2010 budget that we’re proposing reflects the same careful management of county funds that we’ve enjoyed for many decades in Boulder County,” said Commissioner Cindy Domenico at the Nov. 5 public meeting. “As in the past, we remain committed to the kind of careful stewardship of public dollars that our residents expect from us year over year.”

Snapshot for 2010

With property values assessed every two years, the latest assessment in May 2009 will affect county budgets in 2010 and 2011. Although assessed property values are up 4 percent this year in Boulder County, there remains some uncertainty in projections for the next bi-annual county valuation assessment of residential and commercial properties. Additionally, sales tax projections in the county are down 8 percent this year over last year.

The uncertainty in the trend of revenues for tax years 2012 and 2013, coupled with the severe and immediate cuts to the state government budget and increasing needs for human services across the county, has prompted the county commissioners to limit the amount of expenditures in 2010 that have an ongoing obligation for future years.

“Our strategy in Boulder County during a tough economic time like this one is to favor one-time expenditures that address immediate needs in the county and fund necessary improvements versus putting extended obligations on the county’s base operating budget ,” commented Commissioner Will Toor on Nov. 5. “We believe that this strategy will help us ride out this period of economic uncertainty without hindering our ability to provide essential core services for residents and to continue to make sustainable investments in our county facilities and programs.”

For 2010, this approach means turning down or postponing a number of worthy budget requests by county officials and department heads, and retaining employee salaries at the 2009 base rate.

“We appreciate the tremendous restraint shown by our county offices and departments this year when making requests for 2010 expenditures,” remarked Commissioner Ben Pearlman. “By not over-extending obligations to future years, our proposed budget for 2010 keeps us in line with expected revenues for next year and buffers us against any potential downturn in property values over subsequent years.”

All three commissioners praised the hard work and dedication of employees in the Community Services and Housing and Human services divisions who have seen a tremendous increase in caseloads and requests for services such as: basic needs of food clothing and housing; unemployment and workforce assistance; early childhood education; home foreclosure prevention and consumer debt counseling; public transportation subsidies; and other services as a result of the economic downturn.

Some notable features of the recommended 2010 budget include:

A breakdown of budgets by spending area will be available at the public meeting on Nov. 12 where public comment will be taken starting at 9 a.m. The Board of County Commissioners will adopt the final budget at 10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 15.

* Boulder County’s projected 2010 budget continues to be influenced by the passage of 2005 ballot issue 1A that allows for the retention of property tax revenues collected in excess of the TABOR limitations on fiscal year revenues and spending. Ballot issue 2005-1A designated certain uses for the property tax revenue received in excess of the base year 2005 property tax revenues. In compliance with those designations, the 2010 budget will appropriate in excess of the following required increases: Public safety services 30%, health and human services 20% with 33% of that amount going to non-profit organizations, and sustainable and renewable energy programs receiving 6.67%.

-END-

Sixty-five investors came from as far away as Connecticut and California to the Courthouse on the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder and paid $2,852,434 in past due taxes that will now be distributed to more than 100 taxing authorities such as school and fire districts. In order to receive 10 percent interest on their investments, the investors also paid a premium of $44,947 that will go directly into the county’s General Fund to pay for road repairs and other public services. With the help of the auction, the Boulder County Treasurer has been collecting 99.87 percent of all property taxes levied by the taxing authorities within the county.

“Unlike other counties who use Internet auctions, we have kept the live auction out of a sense of tradition and because it brings a number of people to downtown Boulder where they will spend money on lunches and other goods,” said Boulder County Treasurer Bob Hullinghorst. “Most of the investors say they want to keep the live auction.”

The bidding was fast and furious, led by Adam Kivel, a professional auctioneer from Morrison, Colo. Alycia Allshouse, the Treasurer’s Administrative Services Manager, supervised the sale from registering investors to checking all the bids. Lisa Bishop, Finance Manager for the Treasurer’s Office was responsible for cash accounting and deposits.

In his introductory remarks, Hullinghorst observed that the tax lien sale has a history rooted in Magna Carta, the document establishing a constitutional democracy in England 800 years ago. “Magna Carta was basically a document about tax fairness,” he said.

This year’s auction was about 58 percent larger than last year’s, in part due to its being held a month earlier. “However, this year’s auction also reflects that more people are being hurt by the weak national economy,” Hullinghorst said.

Under Colorado law, a property owner has three years from the date of the tax lien sale to pay his or her accrued property tax and interest. After that time, the investor has the right to request a Treasurer’s Deed, which requires the Treasurer’s Office to do a title search and then notify the property owner and all other interested parties by certified mail. Only one residence has been transferred by Treasurer’s Deed in the last 30 years in Boulder County.

County property owners who are interested in the Boulder County tax lien sale or other property tax information can go to www.bctaxhelp.com or call 303-441-3520 and ask to be put on the Tax Lien newsletter produced quarterly by Steve Elliott, Chief Deputy Treasurer.

-BoulderCounty.org-

To celebrate and honor the many adoptive families of Boulder County and to raise awareness of the need for foster-to-adopt parents, the Boulder County Commissioners recently adopted a resolution to make November Adoption Awareness Month. Speaking before the commissioners on the importance of the resolution, Gabriel Bernier, marketing and recruitment specialist for the Family & Children Services division of Boulder County’s Department of Housing & Human Services, noted that reunification of children with parents is the primary goal of the agency.

Boulder County has approximately 180 children in out-of-home care at any given time. With the help of Family & Children Services, 100 children returned home in 2008 and 72 children have been reunited with families so far in 2009. By Nov. 20, it is expected that 48 children will have found permanency through adoption in Boulder County this year.

The entire foster-to-adoption process can be lengthy and is a collaboration of caseworkers in the Human Services department, parents, foster-to-adopt parents, law enforcement personnel and the judicial system. “However, in some cases adoption is the only means of securing permanency for a child,” Bernier said. “In this way adoption plays a crucial role in our community.”

National Adoption Day – local celebration
Friday, Nov. 20, 9-10 a.m.
Boulder County Justice Center, Jury Assembly Room
1777 Sixth St., Boulder

The public and media are invited to attend. Please contact Ana Mostaccero at 303-441-1269 or amostaccero@bouldercounty.org for more information.

The second annual Sabroso y Saludable (Tasty and Healthy) event will be held on World Diabetes Day, Saturday, Nov. 14 from 2-6 p.m. at the Longmont Senior Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Area restaurants are challenged with creating or adapting a recipe for people with diabetes and the dishes are analyzed and approved by registered dietitians. A panel of community members will judge the entrees and award trophies and prizes. The event includes a resource and health fair, dancing and music, and limited samples of food in the competition will available.

As part of World Diabetes Day 2009, the theme of which is Understand Diabetes and Take Control, the Sabroso y Saludable event emphasizes that managing any chronic condition involves community support, and restaurants can provide that support by offering healthy choices.

“While individuals make choices about their eating and exercise habits, the environment in which they live affects those choices,” said Robin Bohannan, Director of Boulder County Community Services. “We are pleased that our community is responding to nutrition-related health disparities by coming together for Sabroso y Saludable.”

Diabetes concerns
The prevalence of diabetes, especially among Latinos and older adults, is growing.
• 23 percent of people 60 and older have diabetes
• 10 percent of Latinos 20 and older have diabetes
• Of people 65 years and older, Latinos are four times more likely than non-Latinos to be hospitalized due to uncontrollable diabetes.
• In 2007, the CDC estimated that diagnosed diabetes accounted for $116 billion dollars in medical costs

Event information
Sabroso y Saludable fair and recipe competition
World Diabetes Day (Saturday, Nov. 14), 2-6 p.m.
Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave.

The event is made possible by the collaboration Boulder County Community Services, Boulder County Public Health, the Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center, Dental Aid, the Longmont Senior Center, and El Comite de Longmont. Participating restaurants include Sol Azteca, Illegal Pete’s, Polleria la Fogata, El Taquito, The Armadillo, Deli Cioso, La Palmeras, La Panda, Las Tres Margaritas, Las Cazuelas, La Papusa Loca, Chipotle and Pura Vida.

Please contact Marja Johnson at 303-441-3599 or mjohnson@bouldercounty.org for more information.

·        1 p.m., Nov. 7: audit setup including selection of contests and ballots

·        Starting 9 a.m. each day, Nov. 9-13: conduct manual count 

Where:

·        Ballot Processing Center, Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office
1750 33^rd Street, Boulder

·        Contact Jessie Cornelius to attend: 303-413-7766 or email.

The audit is a post-election quality assurance procedure that ensures the accuracy of the machine tally of votes. Results of manually counting a statistical sample of ballots are compared to the machine tally of the same ballots. Discrepancies, if any, are investigated. The final audit report will be issued to the canvass board for verification prior to election certification.

Boulder County’s audit is unique because it includes auditing a wide selection of contests, groups of ballots, and equipment which are all selected at random. The audit is designed to focus audit resources on the contests with smaller margins of victory and less focus on contests with wide margins of victory. The Boulder County Elections Division worked with statisticians from Boulder County and across the United States to develop its enhanced audit process.

Members of the public can review the process and data used in the audit by visiting www.VoteBoulder.org. Members of the public are also invited to nominate additional contests and ballots to be included in the audit. If time allows, the audit will be extended to some of these nominations. Nominations must be submitted to Jessie Cornelius at jcornelius@bouldercounty.org by the close of business on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to be considered.

-End- 

The program, which provides full financing for more than 40 different energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, has already issued nearly $13 million in loans to 612 participants through two rounds of residential financing. A third round of loans will be available to residential property owners in the spring.

In January, the ClimateSmart Loan Program will be available for the first time to commercial property owners in Boulder County.

“We are very excited about continuing the growth of this great program,” Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor said. “We are proud to be on the leading edge of Sustainability issues and I was happy to see three Colorado counties (Eagle, Gunnison and Pitkin) pass ballot issues this week to install similar programs.”

An entirely voluntary program, a ClimateSmart loan provides participants that opt in the ability to save on utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. To date, the most popular improvement utilized by loan recipients has been the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. The top four improvement measures are:

1.         Solar PV                           $3.6 million (231 total projects)

2.         Windows and doors          $1.2 million

3.         Air sealing and insulation    $1 million

4.         High efficiency furnaces      $653,607

The ClimateSmart Loan Program, made possible by the 2008 passage of ballot issue 1A, authorized $40 million in affordable financing to Boulder County residents and business owners that wish to implement energy improvements to their properties. The program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions – a major objective of the countywide Sustainable Energy Plan and long-term goal of carbon neutrality – while generating green-collar jobs and stimulating the local economy.

Financing obtained through the ClimateSmart Loan Program is repaid by the property owner over a 15-year period. Payments are made via a special assessment that is included with the annual property tax bill, tying the loans to the actual energy improvements and not to individual owners.

For more information, please visit ClimateSmartLoanProgram.org, send an e-mail to climatesmart@bouldercounty.org, or call 303-441-4565.

The HHW facility is normally open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, and from 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays and Saturdays. Reusable products are also available to the public during these hours.

Before delivering any waste, residents are advised to call the HHW facility’s hotline at 303-441-4800 for closure information. The outdoor nature of the collection facility results in occasional closures due to extreme weather, including temperatures below freezing and above 98 degrees, rain, snow, high winds, and lightning storms.

The HHW facility is located at the Western Disposal Services waste transfer station at 5880 Butte Mill Road in Boulder. More information on the Household Hazardous Waste Program is available at www.bouldercountyrecycles.net or by calling the the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division at 720-564-2220.

Space is limited to 30 people per workshop. Please RSVP with name, phone number and/or email, and number of attendees to jbohn@bouldercounty.org or 720-564-2242. For more information and directions visit www.bouldercountyrecycles.net.

Workshop schedule

Lafayette
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road (east of U.S. 287)

Longmont
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-noon
Boulder County Parks & Open Space, 5201 St. Vrain Road (between Airport Road and North 75th Street)

Boulder
Saturday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-noon
Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63rd St.

In addition to utilizing the new curbside compost bins, residents are encouraged to compost food scraps and yard waste at home. Keeping organics in backyards is an effective way to reduce household carbon footprints and provide quality compost for use in gardens next spring.

When organic materials such as food waste and leaves are sent to the landfill they are buried along with the trash and they break down in a way that produces methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting does not create methane because it is a natural decomposition process that changes the food and yard waste back into soil.

The Elections Division completed tallying the preliminary results of 62,667 ballots for the Coordinated Election by 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Voter turnout for this election was 34 percent.

“We had a low turnout this year for two reasons. First, because there was no statewide issue,” said Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall. “Second, we had a record number of people register to vote in 2008 and many did not turn in a ballot this year. We need to find a way to encourage one-time voters to become lifetime voters. We want them to understand how all elections can impact their lives.”

The Elections Division is mailing letters to voters who need to verify their signature or provide a photocopy of their ID. Voters can visit www.VoteBoulder.org to ensure their signature or ID was accepted. The deadline for voters to provide signature verification or a photocopy of their ID is Thursday, Nov. 12.

“We are still evaluating whether any races will need to be recounted as there are still ballots that are awaiting signature and ID verification,” Hall said.

Election results must now undergo a preliminary audit process, Boulder County Canvass Board review, and final certification prior to the results becoming official.

Boulder County will conduct its state-of-the-art audit process beginning Saturday, Nov. 7. Individual ballot contests will be randomly selected for the audit.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the audit as well as nominate additional contests and ballots to be included in the audit. Visit www.VoteBoulder.org for complete details on the audit process and schedule.

On Monday, Nov. 16, the county canvass board will begin a thorough reconciliation of ballots. The primary function of the canvass is to ensure every voted ballot is accounted for throughout the entire ballot process.

The final election results will not be official until the appointed Boulder County canvass board certifies the results.

-BoulderCounty.org- 

In 2008, the program processed 4,166 applications over the 6-month program period, representing an average monthly submission of nearly 700 applications. In that same time period, 3,392 applications were approved with an average benefit amount of $546.63 per household. 

In order to receive LEAP assistance one must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Be a resident of Colorado
• Be a Boulder County resident
• Pay heating costs directly to an energy or fuel-source provider, or have heating costs included in your rent
• Meet the following gross monthly household income guidelines (below)

For more information on LEAP please visit http://www.bouldercounty.org/hhs/leap.htm or call (303) 678-6097. The Boulder County LEAP Office is located at 529 Coffman St., Suite 190 in Longmont.

Additional information can be found at the Colorado LEAP website http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/index.htm.

###

The meeting will take place at the Altona Grange Hall at 39th Street and Nelson Road. Members of the public are invited to participate in the discussion and offer ideas about making mountain roads safer for motorists and bicyclists.

The working group, organized by Boulder County’s Transportation Department and the Sheriff’s Office, will present a draft set of recommendations that include physical improvements to roads, communication strategies that promote respect and a shared responsibility, and law enforcement strategies.

Public meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Altona Grange Hall
9386 N. 39th St., Longmont

Open house: 5 p.m.
Presentation: 5:45
Discussion: 6:15

Background
An increase in cycling along Boulder County’s scenic, narrow and winding mountain canyon roads has caused tension between cyclists, motorists and mountain community residents. Some residents and others who use the roads are frustrated by cyclists, while some cyclists feel unwelcome or unsafe on the roads. The Boulder County Mountain Canyon-Cyclist-Motorist Working Group’s charge has been to develop practical ideas to address these concerns.

The Working Group met a number of times in August and September in an effort to identify ways to enhance cooperation and improve safety on canyon roads. The group is comprised of community and cycling representatives who were identified by the local communities, county Transportation and Sheriff’s officers and by the interest groups themselves.

Please contact Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle at 303-441-3955 or ggerstle@bouldercounty.org for additional information.

The 20th Judicial District court and probation offices will also open at 9am.

Certain direct client services such as Motor Vehicle, Housing and Human Services, Public Health, Treasurer's Office, Assessor's Office, etc. will be delayed in opening one hour this morning. The Sheriff's patrols and other public safety functions are not affected by the delayed start.

Transportation and Facilities crews have been working throughout the night and morning hours to clear county roads and building parking lots in order to allow county residents and employees access to their places of business within Boulder County. 

-###-

Slash piles are cut wood piles left over from forest thinning projects conducted in the past two years by the department. It is typical to wait a couple of years before igniting slash pile to make sure the cut wood is very dry. It is also common practice to ignite these slash piles during snowfall and winter conditions.

Many of the piles will smolder through Thursday. Boulder County Parks & Open Space and Sheriff’s Department staff will monitor the slash piles until they are extinguished completely.

All members of the public and media who would like to learn about mail ballot elections in Boulder County are invited to attend the rescheduled open house. Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall will cover a range of topics during the event including:

• Ballot processing in Boulder County
• Boulder County’s state-of-the-art audit process
• Boulder County’s enhanced election processes
• Details about election night

When: Monday, Nov. 2, 4-6 p.m.

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

Members of the public and media who have questions about the event can contact Jessie Cornelius at 303-413-7766 or email jcornelius@bouldercounty.org. No RSVP is necessary to attend.

The training includes discussion of the history behind the adoption of these regulations, which became effective on June 30, their intent, and the planning review processes that are required before a building permit can be issued. Requirements for ground- and pole-mounted solar panels will also be discussed.

Land Use Department staffers Doug Parker (Sustainability Examiner) and Kim Sanchez (Planning Division Manager) will make presentations on what Boulder County will be evaluating during the review process, and how to assemble complete planning and building permit applications.

The training session is free and breakfast refreshments will be provided.

What:  Renewable energy regulations (solar and wind) informational training

When:  Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8:30-10 a.m.

Where:  Administrative Services Training Room
  Downtown Courthouse – East Wing
  2025 14th St., Boulder

Please contact the Boulder County Land Use Department at 303-441-3930 for more information.

Members of the public interested in proposed policy to guide the future of transportation in Boulder County now have the option of attending a workshop in Longmont on Nov. 3 or in Boulder on Nov. 4.

The workshops are designed to discuss the proposed content of the Transportation Element in preparation for release of the draft document on Nov. 10. Both workshops begin at 5 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer feedback.

The workshop is designed to discuss the Transportation Element of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan. The workshop begins at 5 p.m. in the conference room of the Transportation Department’s Boulder office building at 13th Street and Portland Place. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer feedback.

Public workshop
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Boulder County Transportation Department
2525 13th St., Boulder

Meet and greet:  5 p.m.
Presentation and discussion: 5:30 p.m.

Background
Because of a continued emphasis on sustainability policy, Boulder County is updating the Transportation Element of its Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan establishes a roadmap for the future of the county and provides policy guidance. The Transportation Element of the plan specifically addresses the myriad components of Boulder County’s transportation system.

The Transportation Element includes policy for facilities and services such as roads, bikeways, transit, and trails throughout Boulder County, as well as programs to encourage a sustainable transportation future.

Please contact Julie McKay at 720-564-2662 or jmckay@bouldercounty.org for more information.

Some reports have inaccurately stated that Boulder County is considering charging fees for use of open space. It is important to understand that this is a city of Boulder proposal and that the Boulder County government is not considering any kind of fee implementation for access to its open space trails or parking lots.

Boulder County and the city of Boulder are two separate government entities, each responsible for their own open space lands.

“Boulder County has never charged, and has no intention of charging, a fee for using Boulder County Open Space trails or trailhead parking,” said Ron Stewart, Boulder County Parks and Open Space Director. “We recognize there are open space programs up and down the Front Range that Boulder County residents go to visit and we welcome neighboring county residents to enjoy our many parks and trails without a fee.”

Questions for the Boulder County Parks and Open Space department should be directed to Ron Stewart at 303-678-6278 or rstewart@bouldercounty.org.

Questions for the city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department should be directed to Steve Mertz at 303-441-4408 or mertzs@bouldercolorado.gov.

Voters can check their information at www.VoteBoulder.org to confirm their ballot was mailed, to verify their address, and to ensure their voted ballot is received and their signature is accepted by the Boulder County Elections Division.

Voters who lose or spoil their ballots can apply for a replacement ballot by calling 303-413-7740 or by e-mailing vote@voteboulder.org. Replacement ballots can be mailed if applied for by Tuesday, Oct. 27, or picked up at the following Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Offices:
•  Oct. 19-Nov. 3: 1750 33rd St., Boulder
•  Oct. 28-Nov. 3: 529 Coffman St., Longmont
Offices are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Voters have several options for returning their voted ballots to the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office.

Ballots can be dropped off at the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Offices: 1750 33rd St., Boulder; 529 Coffman St., Longmont; 722 Main St., Louisville:
•  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
•  Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Ballots can be dropped off at the Boulder County Courthouse: 1325 Pearl St., Boulder:
•  Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Treasurer’s Office)
•  Tuesday, Nov. 3, 4:30-7 p.m. (Main Courthouse)

Ballots can be dropped off at a drive-by location: 1750 33rd St., Boulder; 529 Coffman St., Longmont; 824 Front St., Steinbaugh Pavilion, Louisville:
•  Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
•  Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
•  Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Voters returning their ballot by mail must affix $0.44 postage to their ballot’s return envelope. All mail ballots must be in the possession of the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Ballots that are postmarked but not received by this deadline will not be counted.

Accessible voting will also be available at the following Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Offices:
•  Oct. 12- Nov. 3: 1750 33rd St., Boulder
•  Oct. 28- Nov. 3: 529 Coffman St., Longmont
Accessible voting will be available during business hours: Monday- Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Altona Grange Hall at 39th Street and Nelson Road. Members of the public are invited to participate in the discussion and offer ideas about making mountain roads safer for motorists and bicyclists.

The working group, organized by Boulder County’s Transportation Department and the Sheriff’s Office, will present a draft set of recommendations that include physical improvements to roads, communication strategies that promote respect and a shared responsibility, and law enforcement strategies.

Public meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Altona Grange Hall
9386 N. 39th St., Longmont

Open house: 5 p.m.
Presentation: 5:45
Discussion: 6:15

Background
An increase in cycling along Boulder County’s scenic, narrow and winding mountain canyon roads has caused tension between cyclists, motorists and mountain community residents. Some residents and others who use the roads are frustrated by cyclists, while some cyclists feel unwelcome or unsafe on the roads. The Boulder County Mountain Canyon-Cyclist-Motorist Working Group’s charge has been to develop practical ideas to address these concerns.

The Working Group met a number of times in August and September in an effort to identify ways to enhance cooperation and improve safety on canyon roads. The group is comprised of community and cycling representatives who were identified by the local communities, county Transportation and Sheriff’s officers and by the interest groups themselves.

Please contact Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle at 303-441-3955 or ggerstle@bouldercounty.orgfor additional information.

Residents may continue to drop off logs, branches and slash, including “hot” beetle-infested wood through Saturday during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The site is located north of Meeker Park on Highway 7, about one-eighth of a mile north of the Boulder/Larimer County line on the east side of the road. Boulder County operates the site free of charge to the community in partnership with Peak to Peak Wood and Larimer County.

The community forestry sort yard program was established to help landowners dispose of wood cut on private lands, to remove hazardous beetle-killed trees, to improve defensible space around homes, and to create a healthier forest ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.bouldercounty.org/foresthealth, call Ryan Ludlow at 720-564-2641, or email pinebeetle@bouldercounty.org.

The events feature a guest speaker and offer opportunities for caregivers to share their experiences with others and relax with massage and other wellness therapies.

Lunch will be provided and the events are free, but registration is required at least one week in advance. Please register for one event only.

Caregiver Wellness Days

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Flatirons Community Church
400 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette
Register by calling 303-441-1685

Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Longmont Senior Center
910 Longs Peak Ave.
Register by calling 303-651-8411

Free on-site respite care is available; call 303-678-6286 for details. Please contact Emily Cooper at 303-678-6116 or ecooper@bouldercounty.org for more information.

Caregiver Wellness Days are sponsored by Boulder County Aging Services in partnership with the senior services of the cities of Boulder, Lafayette, Longmont and Louisville, the Colorado chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, PrestigePLUS, HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties, and 50 Plus Marketplace News.

Commissioners Ben Pearlman, Cindy Domenico and Will Toor officially opened the .75-mile trail link, which includes two bridges and an underpass at U.S. 287 south of Dillon Road. The Rock Creek Trail – open to pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians – is now continuous from 120th Street in Lafayette, through the Carolyn Holmberg Preserve, past Stearns Lake, and up to Brainard Drive in Broomfield.

“This is an exciting day for Boulder County, especially for residents here in the southeastern part of the county,” Domenico said. “The master plan of the Rock Creek and Coal Creek trails is to link Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield and Superior with a series of multiuse, soft-surface trails. Today, we opened a small section of trail that goes a very long way toward connecting these communities.”

Boulder County hopes to complete the western-most segments of the Rock Creek and Coal Creek trails in Superior in 2010. Additionally, the City and County of Broomfield is planning to complete its portion of the Rock Creek Trail between Brainard Drive and Flatiron Crossing.

Construction of these projects will signal the successful completion of the master plan and would provide two uninterrupted, off-street trails along Coal Creek and Rock Creek between 120th Street in Lafayette and Superior Town Hall. Upon completion, the Coal Creek Trail will span 9.6 miles through Lafayette, Louisville and Superior. The Rock Creek Trail will span 11.7 miles through Lafayette, Broomfield and Superior.

“We are very proud of the progress we’ve made to connect communities through the regional trails program,” Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle said. “Today’s opening is another milestone in the development of a trails network that provides both transportation and recreational opportunities for the county’s citizens and visitors alike.”

Each year, Colorado law requires the County Treasurer to sell liens on properties with delinquent taxes in order to collect the funds needed by school districts and 90 other government entities supported by taxes in Boulder County. Last year, Mr. Hullinghorst collected $1,813,765 in delinquent tax through the tax lien sale.   

Advance Briefing Scheduled

This year the Treasurer’s Office will be hosting a Briefing for New Tax Lien Investors at 6 p.m., October 14, in the Commissioner’s Hearing Room Third Floor of the Old County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl Street, Boulder. This informal event will review the tax lien process, discuss how premium bidding works and show participants how to download the on-line list of available properties and use it for their own calculations prior to the sale. Also discussed will be how to use the Assessor’s E-Mapping program to research property. Participants are invited to bring their laptops.

Adam Kevil, a professional auctioneer, will again conduct this year’s tax lien sale.  At the sale, investors will bid on how much premium they will pay to purchase tax liens that will earn interest monthly at an annual rate of 10% until they are redeemed. Successful bidders will pay the interest and fees plus their premium.

Mr. Hullinghorst stated emphatically that purchasing a tax lien does not give the investor a title to the property or the right to trespass on the property or harass the property owners in any way. Property owners have three years to pay their delinquent tax, plus interest and fees, before the investor can request a Treasurer’s Deed on the property. No home or farm has been lost because of delinquent taxes while Mr. Hullinghorst has been County Treasurer.

Last year, the Treasurer advertised 715 properties. This year he is advertising 1,238 properties; a 42% increase. While some of this increase may be attributed to the economic recession, it should be noted that this tax sale is being held 30 days earlier than last year’s sale. Property owners who owe delinquent taxes can pay them with interest before the tax lien sale, but they must settle their account with the Boulder County Treasurer’s Office no later than 3 p.m., Thursday, October 29. After that time, redemption payments will be accepted beginning Wednesday, November 4, for delinquent taxes plus interest. Please contact the Treasurer’s Office for exact amounts and information.

The Treasurer’s Office will be closed for regular business all day October 30 in order to conduct the tax lien sale. The office will reopen for regular business at 8 a.m., Monday, November 2.

Registration for the tax lien auction will begin at 7:45 a.m., Friday, October 30, in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the Boulder County Courthouse, 1325 Pearl St., Boulder. All buyers must complete a registration form, deposit certified investment funds, and sign a completed W9 form.  Bidding will start at 8:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, also on the 3rd floor of the County Courthouse

For more information, for a list of tax liens for sale, and for parking instructions go to www.bctaxhelp.com or contact the Treasurer’s Office, 303-441-3520 or email taxlien@bctaxhelp.com. New buyers are asked to read all the information about the tax lien sale available on the Web site before they attend the sale.

-END-

The six-week workshop, held every Thursday from Oct. 15-Nov. 19, is free for adults age 60 and older who are experiencing a chronic condition. Family and friends that help support those with chronic conditions are also invited. Space is limited to 15 participants and preregistration is required. Call 303-441-3599 for information.

The Healthier Living program is taught as a small-group workshop. Groups meet once a week for about two hours. Topics covered in the workshops include:
• Fighting fatigue
• Controlling pain
• Learning exercises to build and improve strength
• Using medications appropriately
• Dealing with depression
• Communicating effectively with family and health professionals
• Learning how to evaluate new treatments

The program was created by the Division of Family and Community Medicine in the School of Medicine at Stanford University in cooperation with the Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Participants of the program have demonstrated significant improvements in self-reported general health, exercise, symptom management, and communication with physicians. Additionally, participants spend fewer days in the hospital.

“I have learned many important skills through this course,” said Judy Krassner, a Boulder resident who took the course in 2008. “I plan to write a letter to my physician recommending the program.”

What: “Healthier Living: Managing Your Chronic Health Conditions”

Cost: Free for adults 60 and older. Donations are accepted. Participants receive a supplemental course book and relaxation CD upon course completion.

Where:  Boulder Community Hospital
Flatirons Conference Room
311 Mapleton Ave.
Boulder, CO 80304

When: Every Thursday from Oct. 15-Nov. 19; 3-5:30 p.m.

Who: Workshop is designed for older adults experiencing a chronic condition and those who support them. Family members are encouraged to attend.

About chronic conditions
A chronic condition is an ongoing condition such as cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke), cancer, diabetes, or arthritis that is persistent over time and cannot be prevented by vaccination. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness and disability among older Americans. Eighty percent of adults ages 65 and older have at least one chronic condition and 62 percent have two or more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three out of four premature deaths in the United States can be attributed to chronic disease.

No one is immune to chronic conditions; however, many prevalent and disabling diseases can be managed to minimize the impact of the symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. Nearly 75 percent of the nation’s $2 trillion medical care costs can be attributed to chronic conditions, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

For more information, please contact Marja Johnson at 303-441-3599 or mjohnson@bouldercounty.org.

Boulder County, Colo. – Free basic home energy assessments are being offered to county residents looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Following the assessments, the Boulder County Energy Corps will install energy efficiency measures and give homeowners advice on how to further reduce their energy consumption and utility bills.

Assessments are being scheduled through existing community groups, such as homeowners associations, neighborhood organizations and PTAs. Representatives of interested groups should contact Beth Beckel at bbeckel@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-3502 for scheduling information.

On Saturdays from November through April, teams of Energy Corps employees will visit one Boulder County neighborhood to perform basic energy assessments and implement simple energy efficiency upgrades. The Energy Corps intends to inspect 20 homes each Saturday. Each home will be pre-scheduled for the 2-hour assessment.

All materials and services are provided at no charge to homeowners. Corps members will install compact florescent light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, programmable thermostats, weather stripping and clotheslines, and will assess and adjust thermostats, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters and furnaces. Assessments will conclude with personalized information and tips for reducing in-home energy use.

The Boulder County Energy Corps is a new program initiated by the Boulder County Commissioners’ Office to engage community groups and provide them with basic energy efficiency education and upgrades at no cost. The program, a partnership between the Commissioners’ Office, Boulder County Youth Corps, and the Longs Peak Energy Conservation, is funded through the spring of 2010 by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Please visit www.BoulderCounty.org/EnergyCorps for more information.

The program, which provides full financing for more than 40 different energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, completed its first round of financing in May with more than $6.6 million loaned to 393 participants.

The financing has been available to residential property owners in Boulder County, but the third round of funding, set to launch early next year, will also include commercial properties.

Nearly 40 percent ($1.26 million) of the $3.18 million loaned out this week will be used for installing photovoltaic solar systems, while 22 percent ($715,000) will be spent on upgrading exterior windows and glass doors. Other projects include adding insulation to attics and walls, and installing high efficiency heating and cooling systems.

More than 40 percent of the money ($1.29 million) was loaned to Boulder residents, while residents of Louisville (18 percent) and Longmont (16 percent) each accounted for more than $510,000 in financing.

The ClimateSmart Loan Program, made possible by the 2008 passage of ballot issue 1A, offers affordable financing to Boulder County residents and business owners that wish to implement energy improvements to their properties. The program helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions – a major objective of the Boulder County government’s Sustainable Energy Plan and long-term goal of carbon neutrality – while generating green-collar jobs and stimulating the local economy.

Financing obtained through the ClimateSmart Loan Program is repaid by the property owner over a 15-year period. Payments are made via a special assessment that is included with the annual property tax bill, tying the loans to the actual energy improvements and not to individual owners.

For more information, please visit ClimateSmartLoanProgram.org, send an e-mail to climatesmart@bouldercounty.org, or call 303-441-4565.

Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is seeking volunteers to serve as Victim Advocates, who will work with law enforcement to provide assistance to victims of crime, accidents, trauma, and critical events.

Working as a victim advocate offers the opportunity to touch the lives of others by providing a valuable source of support and information for people in the community who have had their worlds altered by traumatic events.

The program’s free 40-hour training course covers a wide variety of topics that can be used in everyday life as well as in crises. The training course covers such topics as crisis intervention, listening skills, victimization, grief and loss, and domestic violence. The training will be held on Thursday evenings and Saturdays during the day, from Oct. 29-Nov. 14.

The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 29. Volunteers are required to make a one-year commitment to serve as advocates.

For more details about the program, a job description or an application, please visit www.bouldersheriff.org and click on the “volunteer opportunities” link. For additional information, contact Donna Foster at dfoster@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-3656.

Hosted by Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT), the seminar includes video and presentations that address topics such as scam protection, disposal of unused medication, and special transit.

District Attorney Stan Garnett and Longmont Public Safety Chief Mike Butler will make opening remarks at the seminar.

A shredding event starts at 8 a.m. for seniors wishing to safely dispose of any personal documents. Breakfast will be provided at 8:30, followed by the speakers and presentations.

The event is completely free, but reservations are required for participants who plan to eat breakfast. For more information and to register, call the Longmont Senior Center at 303-651-8411.

Representatives of the Testing Board and Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Hillary Hall signed paperwork confirming there were no issues identified with the equipment’s ability to correctly tabulate ballots or the optical scanners’ ability to properly read the ballots.

The testing has also confirmed that ballots are properly printed for the election and the equipment is accurately calibrated to process this year’s ballot.

This year, ballots for the Logic and Accuracy Test were folded and run through the United States Postal Service’s mail machine. This additional process closely simulates the actual election which will be conducted by mail-in ballot.

Each piece of equipment used during the Logic and Accuracy Test has been cleared of test votes and reset to zero, which will ensure the equipment is ready to count live ballots for Election Day.

The used test ballots will be sealed and sequestered and the testing records will be retained by the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder as part of the official election record.

The 2009 Coordinated Election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. There will be no polling place. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters from Oct. 13-16.

Boulder County, Colo. – In its continuing effort to battle diabetes in the Latino community, Boulder County is challenging local Mexican/Latin American restaurants to a competition of diabetes-friendly recipes.

The second annual Sabroso y Saludable (Healthy and Tasty) event will be held at the Longmont Senior Center on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 2-6 p.m.

The free community event provides awareness and information about what diabetic-friendly meals look and taste like. Restaurants may submit recipes and present food in both the appetizers and entrees categories. A panel of judges comprised of community members will award prizes to winners in each category.

The event also includes a health and resource fair, music, dancing, and the chance to sample healthy Mexican/Latin American food.

More than 250 people attended the inaugural Sabroso y Saludable event in 2008, which included contest winners Sol Azteca, Casa Alvarez, La Casita de Durango and Arreola’s Mexican Food.

Sponsors of this year’s event are Boulder County Aging Services, Dental Aid, City of Longmont Senior Services, Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center, Boulder County Public Health, and El Comite de Longmont.

Restaurants are asked to register for the event by Oct. 14. For more information and to register, contact Marja Johnson at 303-441-3599 or mjohnson@bouldercounty.org.

Beginning this year, the Logic and Accuracy Test will also be used to confirm that the optical scanning equipment settings are properly calibrated for this year’s ballot. This additional practice is part of Boulder County’s enhanced election processes and procedures.

Time/Date:     10 a.m. until completed, Thursday, September 24

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

The testing is expected to take the entire day or until testing is complete. Representatives from the political parties, the public, and members of the press are all welcome to witness the testing.

Entities who have placed candidates, issues, and questions on the 2009 Coordinated Election ballot will serve as representatives for the Testing Board.

Upon completion of the testing, the Testing Board will sign paperwork detailing the tested devices, results, any problems identified during testing, and whether each device performed to a satisfactory level. The used test ballots will be sealed and sequestered and the testing records will be retained by the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder as part of the official record of the 2009 Coordinated Election.

The 2009 Coordinated Election will be conducted by mail-in ballot only. There will be no polling places. The Boulder County Elections Division will mail ballots to eligible voters from October 13-16.

The deadline to register to vote for the Coordinated Election is October 5. Boulder County residents can visit www.VoteBoulder.org to register to vote or to verify their voter registration status.

In an effort to increase the representation of people of color on boards and commissions, Boulder County Community Action Programs developed PERL to teach individuals from the county’s diverse communities about the inner workings of boards and commissions. Participants learn about communications, budgeting and fundraising, the difference between boards and commissions, and much more.

Boulder County scans paper ballots into images similar to a PDF to be counted. This specific driver file controls the ballot scanner and allows communication between the scanner and the ballot processing software. The incompatible version of the driver impacted the quality of the ballot images. This caused the need to visually inspect all ballot images during the 2008 General Election to ensure the accuracy of election results.

The Boulder County Elections Division has implemented several improved processes and procedures as a result of this discovery to ensure this error does not occur again during future elections. The new processes will also improve the efficiency of ballot processing and continue to ensure accurate election results.

The discovery further emphasizes the importance of Boulder County’s enhanced audit process, which ensures the accuracy of election results. The enhanced audit process would detect errors before the election is certified.

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. 

-END-

• COUNTY ISSUE 1A: [Open Space Countywide 0.25% Sales and Use Tax Extension and $50M Bond Authorization Issue]
  
  Resolution 2009-100 
  Parks and Open Space Sales & Use Tax Extension; 0.25% currently expiring in 2019 to be extended to 2034 (15 years) with 20-year Capital Improvement Trust Fund bonds to be issued, payable from revenues from the extended tax through 2029; Note: Prior open space sales & use tax resolutions from 1993 and 1999 are referenced within Resolution 2009-100.
   
• COUNTY ISSUE 1B: [ClimateSmart (CEOLID) $85M Bond Authorization]
  
  Resolution 2009-101  ClimateSmart Loan Program; New bond authorization of $40 million (or more, if including an amount to be used to issue bonds for financing Local Improvement Districts in other counties, pending legislative change and voter authorization in those counties);

• COUNTY ISSUE 1C: [$6.1M Bond Authorization for Energy Conservation Projects]
  
  Resolution 2009-102  Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds; Shall Boulder County debt be increased by up to $6,100,000, with a maximum repayment cost of up to $8,000,000, with no increase in an county tax or tax rate, for the purpose of financing energy conservation in county buildings and other county property, by the issuance of bonds such as those authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the federal stimulus bill). 
  
  
• COUNTY QUESTION 1D: [DA Term Limits Extension to Three Terms]
  
  Resolution 2009-103  Term Limit for the District Attorney; Extension to a maximum of 3 terms;

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.

-END-

A new Colorado State law will increase Motor Vehicle late fees to $25 a month beginning June 1. Registration fees will also increase beginning July 1. 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.

-End-

(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 www.bouldercounty.org/clerk. 

UPDATED: 12/10/2008 3:00 p.m.

(Boulder County, Colo.) - A temporary road closure remains in effect along a 200-foot section of Idylwild Trail (a county-maintained road) from Lookout Road to Harvest Road following a non-injury accident earlier this week involving a dump truck and a covered archway at the entrance to a residential Gunbarrel neighborhood. 

Boulder County Road Maintenance closed that section of Idylwild Trail on Monday, December 8, until an assessment could be made concerning the safety of an archway that spans the vehicular entrance to the HOA-maintained Gunbarrel Green neighborhood. The archway was structurally damaged when it was struck by a privately-owned and -operated dump truck around 11 a.m. Monday morning.

On December 10, a structural engineer hired by the Gunbarrel Green Homeowners' Association deemed the covered structure at Lookout and Idylwild Road to be unsafe and recommended it be removed. A contractor hired by the HOA will be moving ahead as soon as possible to remove the structure, with de-construction time expected to take three to four days once the work is begun.

After the structure has been removed the road will be opened. A tentative date for the work to be completed and the road reopened to public traffic is December 19th, although the road could be opened sooner if the contractor is able to start work immediately and work through the weekend.

The homeowners' association hopes to move forward with the construction of a new structure in the future.

The closure does not impact direct access to any individual residence, but traffic will need to be routed around the closure. Alternative access to nearby residential homes is available via Old Post Road or Carter Trail.

-END-

Pascale Fried, Education & Outreach Coordinator
303-678-6201; pfried@BoulderCounty.org

Boulder Canyon Temporary Closure

Boulder County Parks and Open Space will be working on the Boulder Canyon Trail corridor on Tuesday, December 2.

The work will take place at the mouth of the canyon, east of the trail underpass, along the concrete section of the Boulder Canyon Trail.

The department has hired a contractor to remove loose rocks from the hillside to minimize rock fall on to the trail. Due to the safety concerns, Highway 119 and the trail will be periodically closed during the day while crews are working.

For more information contact Al Hardy, Trails Supervisor, Boulder County Parks & Open Space, at ahardy@co.boulder.co.us or 303-678-6189.

It is possible the work will take more than one day. Please check the department's web page at www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org for information about progress of the project.
 
-END-

13 February 2008

CONTACT: Ann Livingston, Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator, 303-441-3517

Or Megan Castle, Director of Communications, Governor’s Energy Office, 303-866-2262

Governor’s Energy Office awards Energy Star grant to Boulder County, Boulder, Longmont

Grants will help increase energy efficiency of new homes built in Boulder County

Boulder County and the cities of Boulder and Longmont have been named as recipients of matching grants from the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) for the 2008 Colorado Energy Star New Homes program. The GEO will provide $15,000 in matching funds to support Boulder County, Boulder and Longmont’s collaborative efforts to increase the energy efficiency of all new homes built in their jurisdictions.

The Boulder County collaboration was one of 12 statewide award recipients named by the GEO. Boulder County’s grant will help fund “green building” trainings to help homebuilders construct homes that meet the energy standards set forth in Boulder’s Green Points program, Boulder County’s BuildSmart program and Longmont’s Build Green program. Each of the three partnering governments will contribute $5,000 in funds to match the Governor’s grant.

“About a quarter of our countywide greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the residential sector—the result of the energy used in homes. While improving the energy efficiency of existing homes will be an integral part of any energy and climate strategy, we also must focus on the new buildings being constructed today, which will be around for decades to come,” said Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator Ann Livingston. “Building energy efficient homes is an important part of our effort to maintain a sustainable community.”

Through the GEO Energy Star New Home program, city and county officials will work closely with area residential builders to help them earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR label for new homes and increase the energy efficiency and value of their housing stock.

“Energy-efficient homes are our best defense against the rising cost of energy and reducing our overall energy demand,” said GEO Director Tom Plant.  “The goal of the ENERGY STAR New Homes program is to educate communities, builders, homeowners and buyers that energy efficiency is an essential feature to controlling costs, reducing pollution and having a more comfortable home.”

To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

Once built, the home must have an energy audit by a certified by an independent Home Energy Rater who is responsible for conducting onsite testing and inspections of installed measures such as insulation, high performance windows, building envelope, duct systems, and efficient heating and cooling equipment. 

For more information about Boulder County’s BuildSmart program and other sustainability efforts, visit www.bouldercounty.org/sustain.

For more information about the city of Boulder’s Green Points program, visit www.bouldercolorado.gov. To find out about Longmont’s Build Green program, visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/bldginsp/adopted.

Read more about the Governor’s Energy Office and its programs at www.colorado.gov/energy.

-END-

February 7, 2008

CONTACT: Ann Livingston, Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator, 303-441-3517 or Patricia Demchak, Boulder County Public Information Officer, 303-441-3399

Boulder County, Louisville, Consortium of Cities adopt Sustainable Energy Plan

A countywide plan recommending key strategies to vastly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions throughout Boulder County has received official approval from Boulder County, Louisville and a consortium representing the city, county and town governments in Broomfield and Boulder counties.

The Boulder County Commissioners approved the adoption of the Boulder County Sustainable Energy Plan on Tuesday, one day after the Louisville City Council passed a resolution pledging Louisville’s support of the plan. Yesterday, the plan also received the official nod from the Boulder County Consortium of Cities, an organization with representatives from Boulder County, every municipality in the county, and Broomfield. The consortium passed a resolution urging all of its member jurisdictions to support the plan.

“It’s a very well thought-out, ambitious plan, and I think it reflects the desires and aspirations of many Boulder County residents to make a real difference in this arena,” Boulder County Commissioner Will Toor said during the approval of the resolution.

The Sustainable Energy Plan is a collaborative, countywide guiding document that recommends 35 actions for local governments and others in Boulder County to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make our communities sustainable. The plan focuses on the dominant sources of emissions identified in a countywide greenhouse gas inventory: residential buildings, commercial buildings, transportation and industrial operations. Together these four sectors account for 91% of the county’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Sustainable Energy Plan was forged by the Boulder County Consortium of Cities Energy Strategy Task Force, working in concert with subject-matter experts and representatives of local businesses, environmental organizations and communities. With the final draft completed, the plan is now being brought forward to each participating city, town and county for adoption.

The Plan provides an outline of the recommended means for achieving Boulder County’s goal of reaching compliance with the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement that sets targets for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by the year 2012. Although the United States has not ratified this protocol, Boulder County and other local governments are not waiting for Federal action to reduce harmful emissions; instead, they are joining the 780 other local governments nationwide that have already passed resolutions pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout their communities.

Boulder County conducted an inventory of countywide greenhouse gas emissions in 2005. In addition to identifying sources and quantities of emissions, the inventory extrapolated a “business as usual” trajectory. This trajectory predicts that in 2012, if significant action is not taken to reverse energy consumption and pollution trends, countywide emissions will equal approximately 5,830,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is about 85% above the Kyoto goal.

Combined, and accounting for overlap between strategies, these plan’s key strategies are expected to result in:

·        Emissions reductions in 2012 of more than 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent

·        Emissions reductions in 2020 of more than 3.6 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent

·        Annual cost savings that will grow to exceed $445 million dollars by 2020

·        Nine-year payback for all 20 actions (5 years for all actions except vehicle-to-grid).

If implemented, the top 20 strategies outlined in the Sustainable Energy Plan will bring the county nearly halfway toward achieving the Kyoto Protocol target. In the longer term, these strategies will reduce emissions even more significantly. By 2020, for example, the SEP strategies will enable the county to reduce GHG emissions 11% below 1990 levels. Putting this in terms of Governor Bill Ritter’s Climate Action goal, the SEP will result in a reduction of emissions 40% below 2005 levels in the year 2020. This is a reduction nearly twice that called for by the Governor.

“The Sustainable Energy Plan outlines a set of action-based, achievable strategies that will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of local governments, businesses, and residents in Boulder County as well as have a positive economic impact,” said Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator Ann Livingston. “It prescribes achievable actions that we can implement today to begin having an immediate impact, but it’s also a living document that we can amend to include additional strategies as the technology and funds become available.”

Key actions recommended by the plan include:

·        Conduct neighborhood energy awareness sweeps

·        Offer discounts on high efficiency light bulbs and residential energy audits

·        Develop residential green building codes and ordinances for new and existing residential, commercial and governmental buildings

·        Promote industrial combined heat and power technologies

·        Encourage statewide participation in the Western States Climate Initiative

·        Implement controls and policies to limit idling of municipal and county vehicles

·        Install light emitting diode (LED) traffic signals

·        Promote sustainable biofuels

·        Promote vehicle-to-grid power connection

·         Implement a Clean Car Incentive program

·        Adopt a statewide Clean Car Standard

·        Develop a sustainable energy financing district

·        Target utilities, including use of incentives and a renewable portfolio standard

·        Maximize the use of rebate incentives for sustainable energy

·        Create energy budgets and rate structures

·        Create a revolving loan fund for sustainable projects

·        Offer “climate offsets credits” and use to build community wind

·        Implement Energy Performance Project for businesses

The Consortium of Cities resolution requested that the final plan adopted by member jurisdictions include a requirement to complete a greenhouse gas inventory update within the next five years and to provide annual progress reports by the jurisdictions.

To view the entire final draft Sustainable Energy Plan, visit www.bouldercounty.org/sustain.

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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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18 April 2007

Contact: Patricia Demchak, Boulder County Public Information Officer, 303-441-3399

CU, Cities, Boulder County host month-long series of Earth Day, Arbor Day activities

On campus and in neighborhoods throughout Boulder County this month, the University of Colorado, local cities and Boulder County are teaming up to bring energy-wise and environmentally friendly events and education straight to the public. The events, planned in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, aim to teach county residents how to cut back on energy use, reduce waste and pollution, and save loads of money.

The Earth Day collaboration is just one piece of a long-term, regional sustainability collaboration that will help protect our environment, energy security and economy by implementing a countywide culture of energy efficiency. The strategy targets energy efficiency across the breadth of all energy users, including government, businesses, residents and schools.

So when CU students or city or county staff come to your door, your office, or your neighborhood, say “yes” to energy savings, a clean environment, strong economy, and a healthy community. 

Calendar of Earth Day/Arbor Day activities:

Countywide:

• Composting yard waste and food scraps reduces trash sent to the landfill while providing valuable nutrients for your garden. In honor of Earth Day, the Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and City of Boulder Environmental Affairs will launch their “Get the Dirt on Composting” campaign.
• April 21 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and the City of Boulder, 10 a.m.-noon, Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63^rd St., Boulder. RSVP to 720-564-2223.
• April 22 -- Celebrate Earth Day at Heil Valley Ranch, 1-4 p.m. Work with staff  to help restore healthy forest and meadow ecoosystems. The work is part of a larger restoration plan that will re-establish natural forest systems and improve wildlife habitat.  Snacks will be provided. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 19.  RSVP to Matt Bruce at mbruce@co.boulder.co.us or 303-678-6216.  
• April 27 -- Plant trees and shrubs in honor of Arbor Day, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Help Boulder County Parks and Open Space plant more than 100 shrubs and 40 trees.  Your assistance will help convert unused agriculture land back into wildlife habitat.  Work will take place at Sisters of Saint Francis, a small agricultural property located southeast of Longmont.  Please bring your own lunch.  Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 25.  RSVP to Matt Bruce: mbruce@co.boulder.co.us or 303-678-6216.
• May 2 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and the City of Boulder, 6-8 p.m., Boulder County Recycling Center.
• May 5 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division, 10 a.m.-Noon, Boulder County Parks and Open Space Building, 5201 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont. RSVP to 720-564-2223.

Erie:

• April 28 – Erie Arbor Day, 10 a.m.-noon at Coal Creek Park. Event will include free tree seedlings and educational materials, free refreshments, drawings for prizes and gift certificates, tree planting, coordinated activities for children, flag ceremony and a presentation of Arbor Day/Tree City USA Plaque.
  
  

Lafayette:

·       April 21 -- Arbor Day Restoration of Coal Creek Corridor and Open Space.
More than 100 native trees and bushes will be planted in the Coal Creek corridor and on the adjacent open space to celebrate Arbor Day, and as part of an ongoing effort to restore the area. Volunteers are needed to help with the planting from 8 a.m.-noon. The inclement weather date is April 28. Volunteers should wear work gloves and bring a shovel. A brief Arbor Day ceremony and demonstration of proper planting techniques will be held at 8:15 a.m. Beverages and snacks will be provided.

The City of Lafayette has committed to planting trees to help reach the 2007 Metro Denver goal of planting 7,000 new trees in seven days between Earth Day and Arbor Day. Volunteers should sign up through the “I Volunteer! Day” program with the Volunteer Connection of Boulder County by calling 303-444-4904 or visiting http://www.volunteerconnection.net/. Volunteers will receive free t-shirts.

Louisville

• April 28 – Celebration of Louisville’s 26^th consecutive year as a Tree City USA with an informational booth and tree planting at Louisville’s Community Park starting at 11 a.m.
• April 21 – 28 - As part of the 2007 Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration, the City of Louisville is proud to announce its involvement with the “Seven in Seven” region-wide tree planting campaign.  The City of Louisville, along with citizen volunteers, local tree care professionals and the Horticulture and Forestry Advisory Board (HFAB) will plant trees during the seven-day period from April 21 through April 28.  Trees will be planted in parks, rights-of-ways, and other public land.

Longmont

• April 7-28 -- Annual "Clean-up Green-up" campaign. Coordinated community effort to clean up parks, greenways, open spaces, roadways, etc. The City of Longmont will provide coffee, donuts, juice and 35-gallon garbage bags at the kick-off on April 7.
• April 16-22 -- Tree limb pick-up. City collects tree and shrub limbs/branches at no charge and hauls to the Tree Limb Diversion Center, where they are ground into mulch for free pick-up by residents.
• April 21 -- Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration at Thompson Park, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Activities and displays for kids; tree and rose bush sale.
• May 5 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division, 10 a.m.-Noon, Boulder County Parks and Open Space Building, 5201 St. Vrain Rd.  RSVP to Stacy Lambright, 720-564-2223.

Superior

• Saturday, April 21 -- Town Arbor Day Celebration, 10 a.m. at Purple Park. The celebration will include tree care education and demonstrations, kids' activities, and refreshments.

University of Colorado

• “Computers to Youth Recycling Program” Kickoff: Launch of a program that collects and upgrades surplus computer devices and delivers them into the homes of low-income high school students, who are also paired with CU student mentors.
• April 19 -- Earthdance: The Short-Attention-Span Environmental Film Festival, 7 p.m., MCOL W100, CU-Boulder. EarthDance is a juried compilation of documentaries, mockumentaries, animations, high adventures, and dramas that invite you to celebrate and explore your relationship with the natural world.

Boulder

• April 21 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and the City of Boulder, 10 a.m.-noon, Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63^rd St.  RSVP to 720-564-2223.
• April 21 -- In celebration of Earth Day, there are a number of environmentally-related volunteer projects. Find out more and learn how you can get involved at http://www.volunteerconnection.net/ and www.colorado.edu/vch. Volunteers can participate in opportunities such as:
  • Outdoor habitat landscaping with the Colorado Reptile Humane Society
  • Clean-up Boulder Creek with the Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative
  • Denver Urban Garden project benefiting refugees from Somalia living in Denver
  • Plant native trees and shrubs with Lafayette Parks & Open Space
  • Transplant, sow and mulch to get Boulder’s Growing Garden programs ready for spring and summer.
• April 22 -- Earth Day 5K Run/Walk. A Bolder Boulder qualifier, the Earth Day 5k Run/Walk is an opportunity to celebrate Earth Day by supporting resource conservation. The race has become Boulder’s highest profile Earth Day celebration. The event will feature an expanded sustainability expo with sustainability and conservation information and resources.   
• May 2 -- Backyard composting workshop sponsored by Boulder County Resource Conservation Division and the City of Boulder, 6-8 p.m., Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63^rd St.  RSVP to 720-564-2223.

Forestry Programs in Boulder:

• April 17 - 20 -- Twenty trees will be delivered (from Trees Across Boulder) to Boulder Housing Partners to be planted at three low-income housing communities in Boulder.
• April 16 – 20 -- Newborn t-shirts will be distributed to all babies born at Boulder Community Hospital during Arbor Day week. T-shirts say, “I was born on Arbor Day.”
• Arbor Day, April 20 -- Urban Forestry staff will plant a tree with the Boulder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at Christensen Park in Boulder (annual event).
• Arbor Day, April 20 -- Urban Forestry staff and disc golf volunteers will plant trees at Harlow Platts Park, East Boulder Recreation Center.
• April 23 -- Urban Forestry staff will plant 4-5 trees with the 5th grade class of University Hill Elementary School at Beach Park in Boulder.
• April 21 - 28 (estimated time frame) -- Eighty trees (from Trees Across Boulder) will go to Boulder's Housing and Human Services Department to be planted around single family homes in the HHS permanently affordable housing program. Participants will pick up trees at the Park Operations facility.
• March 15 - May 15 (estimated time frame) -- City of Boulder Urban Forestry Division will plant approximately 135 trees along city street Rights-of-Way and in city parks through the Street Tree Planting Program.

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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