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Jeffco Business Resource Center sees more requests for services in 2009
Small business continues to grow in Jefferson County despite the nationwide recession, according to the Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC). The JCBRC updated County Commissioners on their work in 2009 at the Sept. 8 staff briefing.
 The JCBRC saw more requests for assistance in 2009 from new and existing small businesses in the county than it has seen since 2006. The center offers several services to small businesses, including strategic planning, market analysis, branding assistance and financing information.
From 2006 to 2009, JCBRC experienced a gradual increase in requests from clients. In 2009, the center had 348 requests, compared to 342 in 2008. According to JCBRC, Lakewood has seen the biggest increase with 116 in 2009 compared to 65 requests in 2008. Unincorporated Jefferson County saw a decrease from 137 in 2008 to 110 in 2009.
The county has about 28,000 businesses, of which nearly 22,500 have nine or fewer employees. Jefferson County contributes $60,000 annually to support the Business Resource Center and is among several Business Resource Center partners, including cities and economic development groups within the county.
JCBRC wants to continue to provide services to small businesses and has been working on an online "small business tool kit" that will include a business plan template, 12-month cash-flow estimator, and self-employment and payroll tax estimators. For more information, go to www.jeffcobrc.org.
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County to explore legislation for abandoned property registration
County Commissioners approved Sheriff Ted Mink's request to pursue legislation that would allow Colorado counties to enact ordinances requiring the registration of abandoned or distressed homes and the maintenance of those homes while they are unoccupied.
 With more homes entering foreclosure, neighborhoods are seeing abandoned houses turn into "havens for people engaged in criminal activity," according to Mink. Crimes have included marijuana cultivation, underage drinking, drug use and theft. Poor property maintenance also affects the value of neighboring homes and the quality of life for neighbors. The number of foreclosures in Jefferson County has gone up more than 500 percent over the last 10 years, according to Public Trustee Margaret Chapmen. So far this year, the number of foreclosures is at 2,680, up nearly 5 percent from 2008.
Cities have the authority to force banks to maintain abandoned properties, but counties do not. Jefferson County plans to seek legislation similar to jurisdictions outside Colorado that requires banks and mortgage lenders to report the address of an abandoned home, maintain the property to neighborhood standards, and have an on-call, 24-hour property manager to respond to complaints and law enforcement problems. Counties would have the authority to fine banks or lenders that fail to register abandoned properties.
Any legislation would need to go before state legislators, and if approved, would not take effect until late 2010 or early 2011 at the earliest. |
BCC approves amendments to County's Zoning Resolution
Jefferson County Commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the Zoning Resolution that Planning & Zoning staff said would clarify, enhance and improve regulations and promote public health, safety and general welfare as it pertains to design standards and criteria.
The changes pertain to five sections:
- Signs and Outdoor Advertising Devices: Minor changes to requirements for signs on private property.
- Lighting: Small additions and clarifications aimed at reducing light emissions and requiring downcast lighting to protect the night sky.
- Architecture: Changes to materials and color, 360-degree architecture, and the concept that a building should fit within existing community character.
- Off-Street Parking and Loading: Changes to enhance the ability for pedestrians and automobiles to travel within a development and to neighboring developments; and to allow permeable pavers and sunken landscape islands for new drainage practices.
- Landscaping: Changes to clarify and reorganize existing design standards, and require licensed architects to prepare landscape plans.
At the BCC's July 21 hearing, Commissioners asked that staff take proposed amendments back to the Planning Commission to seek input after hearing concerns that the amended resolution may be too onerous for developers and would result in repeated administrative relief requests. The final version resolved those concerns.
To read the full Zoning Resolution, click here. |
County to vacate land in Meadowbrook Heights
County Commissioners unanimously approved an application to vacate a fifth of an acre in the Meadowbrook Heights neighborhood, conveying the land to the neighboring homeowner. James Thompson, the homeowner, said the right-of-way has not been maintained and is littered with cans and trash. As the new owner of the land, he would landscape and maintain the property and possibly build a garage that would comply with neighborhood standards. Several other Meadowbrook Heights residents attended the hearing, expressing the desire to turn the land into a park for the neighborhood's children. County Attorney Ellen Wakeman told Commissioners that under state statute the county only had the authority to vacate the property to an adjoining property owner or the user of the right-of-way. The County cannot vacate the property for a park. |
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Other BCC Actions
BCC approves grant agreement for Sheriff's Office, West Metro Drug Task Force
The West Metro Drug Task Force and the Sheriff's Office Investigations Unit will receive about $78,400 to fund an Intelligence Analyst and new investigation equipment, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice.
 The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program supports states and local jurisdictions by helping to fund a range of activities that prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. Of the $78,400 awarded to the County, about $67,700 will fund an Intelligence Analyst assigned to the West Metro Task Force. The remaining money will be used to replace investigation equipment for the Sheriff's Office.
Road & Bridge to buy more than a half million dollars in truck component packages
Commissioners approved the purchase of 10 component packages for Mack cabs and chassis valued at nearly $560,000. The equipment falls within the 2010 Fleet Replacement Program and is necessary for effective snow plowing and road maintenance.
New security fence to go up at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport
 The BCC approved a $246,000 contract between Jefferson County and Life Time Fence, Inc., of Denver, to install security fencing along the main entrance road to the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. The company will replace the existing 4-foot chain-link fence with an 8-foot fence to ensure that protection exists between aviation activities and pedestrian activities. The fence will provide separation from airport ramps, taxiways and runways. The project should be completed by the end of this year. | |
 View BCC meetings online! | |
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