BCC Enacts Moratorium for Medical Marijuana
Commissioners adopted a resolution that places a temporary moratorium on permits related to marijuana growing, processing or dispensing. The moratorium began as of the date of adoption, Jan. 12, and expires on July 12, unless sooner repealed. 
 
Jefferson County does not currently allow for marijuana growing, processing or dispensing, but staff have received several inquiries related to medical marijuana operations within unincorporated Jefferson County. The Colorado General Assembly is expected to address the legal status of medical marijuana during its 2010 session.
 
According to the resolution, medical marijuana operations present "regulatory issues and questions that require further consideration," and the moratorium "will allow county staff and the Board of County Commissioners to investigate the relevant issues and develop any appropriate regulations."
 
The moratorium applies to commercial, nonprofit, collective or cooperative uses. It does not apply to individuals who use medical marijuana legally.

BCC Approves Plan for Community Services' Federal Funding
Commissioners approved a plan for nearly $340,900 in Federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) dollars to go to a variety of nonprofits and government agencies.
 
Every October, the county's Community Development Division receives applications from nonprofits and governmental agencies for Federal Community Services Block Grants, which fund programs that reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities and empower low-income families to become fully self-sufficient. The grant dollars come from the federal government and are administered by the Colorado State Department of Local Affairs.
 
The Community Services Advisory Board then reviews the applications and makes a recommendation to Commissioners for how to distribute the funding. About $68,200 of the county's funding will go toward administration of the grants.
 
This year, the county is putting particular focus on helping citizens in need. The Community Services Advisory Board is recommending funding for:

• Family Tree, Inc., to assist low-income families with rent, deposits, utilities and moving expenses
• The Arc in Jefferson County to fund emergency services for people with developmental disabilities
• Jefferson Center for Mental Health for prevention of homelessness, education, pre-employment and employment services
• Seniors' Resource Center for four part-time care managers for 100 low-income seniors
• Eaton Senior Programs for meals for 44 very low-income residents
• Arvada Community Food Bank for food for the General Food Program and the Feeding the Future Backpack Program
• Jeffco Action Center for emergency assistance and collaboration with other community resources
• Volunteers of America for Meals-on-Wheels Market Baskets for 60 people for 10 months
• Project Angel Heart for preparing and delivering meals to terminally ill people and people with HIV/AIDS