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BCC Directs Staff to Pursue Energy Audit Findings
Jefferson County stands to reduce its CO2 emissions by 5.4 million pounds and save 15 percent to 18 percent in annual utility expenditures, or roughly $280,000, a year, according to preliminary findings from an energy audit.
 Commissioners adopted a resolution accepting Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds and directed staff to begin pursuing some of the energy-conservation projects identified through the audit.
Those projects include:
- Lighting: Replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent; installing LED exit signs, occupancy/daylight sensors and high-efficiency T-8 lighting.
- Cost: $530,000
- Cost Savings: $54,000 a year with a project payback of 8.6 years
- Energy Impact: CO2 reduction of 1 million pounds a year
Water Conservation: Installing low-flush valves on urinals and toilets and low-flow aerators on faucets.
- Cost: $200,000
- Cost Savings: $17,000 a year with a project payback of 12 years
- Energy Impact: Water savings of 170,000 gallons a year
Policy Changes: Automating the nightly shut-down of computers; reducing small appliance usage by employees; setting building temperature at 75 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.
- Cost: Staff time to implement
- Cost Savings: More than $60,000 in the first year
- Energy Impact: CO2 reduction of 2.7 million pounds a year, which is equal to planting 31,570 trees or eliminating 165 cars from the roads
The county also plans to investigate several renewable technologies, including installing solar photovoltaic collectors on the Laramie Building on the main Jeffco campus and the Evergreen and Central Road and Bridge Shops.
In total, the county's energy savings would equal planting 63,140 trees or eliminating 330 cars from the roads. The plan also has the potential to create and/or retain 44 jobs.
Projects would be self-financed with the $1.8 million in EECBG funds, $250,000 in utility rebates and $55,000 a year in renewable energy credit payments from Xcel Energy, low-interest Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds, and other grants, possibly from the Governor's Energy Office.
McKinstry, a Seattle-based company with offices in Conifer, conducted the energy audit. McKinstry will begin preparing detailed scopes of work for priority projects and will work with County staff on creating financing plans. |
Commissioners Recognize Homeless Youth Awareness Month
To increase awareness of the issues facing homeless and runaway youth and to educate the public about solutions, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed November as Colorado Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month.
 Statewide, Coloradans recognized the month as part of the Colorado Homeless Youth Action Plan. According to the National Runaway Switchboard, a federally designated communication and support center for homeless and runaway youth, callers under the age of 12 have increased by 172 percent since 2000. These children are at high risk for HIV infection, suicide, incarceration, dropping out of school and becoming teen parents.
With help from Family Tree, a Wheat Ridge-based nonprofit organization that provides services and shelter to families and youth who are overcoming child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness, the Commissioners are encouraging Jefferson County residents to be part of the solution. (See photo above of representatives from Family Tree accepting the Commissioners' proclamation.)
"The citizens of Jefferson County, Colorado, are the key to preventing youth homelessness by acting as mentors and role models for youth, guiding them toward available resources and productive choices, and creating opportunities for youth to successfully transition to adulthood," according to the Board's proclamation.
For more information on how to become involved in preventing and addressing youth homelessness, go to www.thefamilytree.org. |
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BCC Approves Rezoning Request for B&B near Genesee
Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a Bed & Breakfast at a single-family home in the 400 block of Blueridge Drive, just east of Genesee, after the owner agreed to delete the special-events use that was part of the original request.
After receiving a zoning violation in September 2008 for operating a Bed & Breakfast in an agricultural-two zoning district where Bed & Breakfasts are not allowed, the owner requested to change the property's zoning from agricultural-two to planned development. The property consists of a single-family home and a two-story detached garage. The county continued to allow the owner to operate the Bed & Breakfast during the rezoning process.
According to the owner, special events at the property would include weddings, receptions, reunions and conferences and would be limited to 100 people. With or without rezoning to allow for special events, the owner would still need to apply for special event permits. As many as 30 are allowed annually. However, some property owners seek special events zoning to add to the property's designated uses and possibly increase the property's value.
The Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the short-term rental request but did not support the special-events use, because of concerns about increased traffic and noise in the area. Neighbors voiced concerns about more people being on the property and late hours of operation. However, they had few concerns about the Bed & Breakfast use.
Bed & Breakfasts are allowed under the Central Mountains Community Plan. |
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Other BCC Actions
County Receives Grant for Fatherhood Programs
 Commissioners approved the fourth year of five-year $35,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Human Services Colorado Works Division that will support programs to strengthen and increase the involvement of fathers in their children's lives. Child Support Services will receive $8,750 during this fourth year as outlined in its contract with the Colorado Works Division. Jefferson County Child Support Services offers a variety of services, including classes and groups, designed to promote responsible fatherhood.
County to buy water and sewer taps for new animal shelter
 The BCC approved the purchase of water and sewer taps for $210,000 from Pleasant View Water & Sanitation District. The taps are for the new Table Mountain Animal Center that is scheduled to open in 2010 near the Jeffco Fairgrounds. Jefferson County committed $3 million to the new animal shelter and will use dog-license revenue to fund $5.2 million in certificates of participation. For information about the animal center's capital campaign, go to www.tablemountainanimals.org. |
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