| Contact your Commissioners |
 |
|
Kathy Hartman,
Chairman, District Three
Faye Griffin,
Chairman, Pro Tem
District One
Kevin McCasky,
District Two
303-271-8525 |
| Trouble Viewing? |
|
Trouble viewing the
Jeffco eNewsletter?
To view in HTML format please change your
display message settings
within your email program
to allow for HTML.
If you need further assistance, please
contact Julie Story
jstory@jeffco.us
|
|
Quick Links
Stay Connected
with Jeffco!
|
 |
|
BCC Actions
Administration & Courts Facility to Undergo Redesign in Atrium
March 2, 2010
Commissioners directed staff to proceed with a plan to relocate and expand the security stations in the atrium of the Jefferson County Administration & Courts Facility to accommodate the relocation of court support functions, including Victim Witness, Pre-Trial and CASA from the court side of the building to administration side on the first floor.
BCC Approves Bike Ride in Deer Creek Canyon
March 16, 2010
The Board of County Commissioners approved a special event request for the Deer Creek Challenge, a series of three bike rides in one day that is expected to attract as many as 3,000
riders to Deer Creek Canyon. The Commissioners felt that the safety and traffic concerns for motorists and bikers in Deer Creek Canyon had been satisfied.
To read these stories in full, please
Subscribe to our BCC Actions Newsletter, which covers the happenings from your Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Hearings and Staff Briefings. |
| Survey of Older Adults to be Sent to Residents of Jefferson County |
|
The Jefferson County Department of Human Services, with funding from Rose Community Foundation, has contracted with National Research Center (NRC), of Boulder, to conduct an assessment of the strengths and needs of the county's older residents. NRC developed the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) to provide a statistically valid survey of older adults in communities across America. The results will provide staff, elected officials and other stakeholders useful information for planning and resource development as well as strengthen advocacy efforts and collaboration. Please assist the county in its planning for older adults by filling out the survey if you receive one in the mail. The surveys will be sent out at the end of April. To find out more on the objectives of CASOA and what the survey focuses on, see the full press release. For more information, contact Program Manager Susan Franklin at sfrankli@jeffco.usor 303-271-4051. |
| Jefferson County Summit on Aging
Susan Franklin, Department of Human Services |
|
Jefferson County has the largest population, age 60 and over, in the state and with the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, that number is expected to double by the year 2020. What will that mean for designing street signs and road markings? For those looking to enhance their workforce with mature volunteers?
This will be explored in a Jefferson County Summit on Aging on June 16, 2010 from 8:30-4:00 at WaterStone Church, 5890 S. Alkire Street, Littleton. The purpose of the Summit is to learn how the aging residents of Jefferson County will impact our work and our life. It is geared toward professionals who do not necessarily work in the field of aging, however, all are invited to attend. The Jefferson County Department of Human Services decided to delve into the subject of aging Baby Boomers two years ago. The Department invited the community to join them in creating a Strategic Plan for Aging Well. Dedicated individuals, many representing organizations from areas of the aging arena, have been coming together for almost two years to discuss transportation and mobility, housing, caregiving issues, supportive services, basic needs such as financial, medical, legal, social and civic engagement, physical and mental health and wellness. We'd like to gather the community to share what this committee has found and to explore how the aging population is going to affect everyone, both professionally and personally. Please join us for this day of dialogue by registering online at: www.Acteva.com/go/aging. You can also register by mail: make checks ($30.00 per person) to Jefferson County Treasurer/Aging Well Summit and send to: Jefferson County Human Services, 900 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, 80401. Please include name of registrants, place of work and contact infomation. Please visit the Web site or more information on the Aging Well Project or call Susan Franklin at 303-271-4051.
| |
|
 |
Have You Returned Your Census Form Yet? |
 Jefferson County wants to make sure you're counted in 2010. In March, 2010, Census forms were delivered or mailed to households across the United States. Every household in the country should complete its Census form upon receipt.
If you respond immediately by mail, you're helping the U.S. Census conduct its counts most efficiently. If you have not returned your form yet, there is still time to do so in April. Responses to the Census form should include everyone who lives or sleeps in the home most of the time as of Census Day, April 1, 2010. Census workers will visit households that do not return the forms to take a count in person.
Census participation is vital for many reasons, including:
- Every year, the federal government distributes more than $400 billion to tribal, state and local governments based on Census data.
- Census data guide local planning decisions, including where to provide additional social services, establish child care and senior centers, and build new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.
- Census data are used to reapportion congressional seats to states and assure proper district representation.
- Many businesses, social services, non-profit organizations and others use Census data to make critical decisions that affect communities everywhere.
Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QAC) are available to assist those unable to read or understand the Census form, and a Language Assistance Guide also is available in 59 languages at all QAC locations. Shape your future. Participate in the 2010 Census. Go to http://jeffco.us/2010census.htm for more information. |
|
Sheriff's Office Events
Mark Techmeyer, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office |
Tip-a-Cop Benefitting Special Olympics Colorado
Deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will be serving the community in more ways than one on Saturday, April 17, 2010, as part of the Tip-a-Cop event.
Tip-a-Cop for Special Olympics
April 17, 2010; Noon to 8 p.m.
Red Robin, 7708 W. Long Dr., Littleton
Deputies will join wait staff at the Red Robin restaurant near Bowles and Wadsworth to serve meals and solicit tips from patrons to benefit Special Olympics Colorado.
Annual Courage Walk for Victims' Rights
The courage walk is a time to honor the strength and courage of survivors we have come to know in the aftermath of crime. It is also a time to speak in unison for victims' rights and services, today and in the future.
The 2010 event will be the 17th annual walk.
Saturday, April 24, 2010 Registration: 10:00 a.m. Walk begins: 11:00 a.m. Jeffco Administration & Courts Facility The walk is approximately one mile long and is wheelchair accessible. Donations are not required to participate in this event. For more information on the event, to find out how to donate to assist victims in our community, or view a slideshow of previous events, visit the Sheriff's Web page. If you have questions please call 303-271-5339. |
|
Jeffco Assessor to Host Business Property Tax Forums
Jim Everson, Jefferson County Assessor |
My staff and I will be conducting an additional Business Property Tax Forums. It is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, at 3:00 p.m. in Hearing Room Two on the first floor of the Jefferson County Administration & Courts Facility. These forums are designed to let the business community in Jefferson County know about the new online business personal property tax reporting option we are offering for 2010 and to help business owners better understand business property taxes in general.
Businesses that received a business personal property tax declaration form in January 2010 have the option of filing their declaration online. Each declaration sent contained instructions for online filing, however, these forums are being made available to business owners to answer questions they may have. We also plan to present information on how we value business real and personal property.
I hope business owners and their tax service providers will take this opportunity to find out more about their property taxes, how to deal effectively with the Assessor's Office and learn about the new online personal property system.
The Jefferson County Assessor's Office is responsible for valuing all property in Jefferson County for property tax purposes. Our Web site offers information about the assessment process and property valuations. |
|
Jeffco Treasurer Prioritizes Safety and Soundness for Investments
Tim Kauffman, Jefferson County Treasurer |
 Everyone knows that the economy and market have taken a substantial hit in the last few years. If you have a retirement savings account or other financial investments, you know only too well that the rate of return is way down. The county faces the same situation of diminishing returns on our financial investments as well. However, please also know that the county is weathering the financial challenges and remains well above the fray to maintain a safe environment for all county funds. Here's how we're doing that:
- The Jefferson County Treasurer's office manages an investable fund portfolio of just over $200 million. These are fund balances that include reserves as well as funds available for cushion and future budget priorities. Annual tax collections are about $700 million.
- Of the annual tax collections, $180 million is retained by Jefferson County for county operational use and the remaining $520 million is distributed to the other taxing entities in the county.
- County funds are closely managed to allow for liquidity for the portions needed for daily and cyclical transactions.
Market rates for fixed income investments (safe and highly-rated investment options available for government funds) are among the lowest seen in many years. As a result:
- Net earnings on the portfolio are lower than in recent times, yet the base principal of the portfolio remains safe and the fund balance invested by the Treasurer's office is not experiencing a loss.
The Treasurer's office will not take on unnecessary risk in hopes of higher yields. All investing is done carefully and conservatively to maintain stability and safety. Much of the current portfolio balance is invested in short term, liquid investments to allow the county to take advantage of a higher yield curve in the future. The placed investments include:
- United States Government Agencies and Government Sponsored Entities and some US Treasury investments.
- These investments are considered extremely safe and often have US Government assurance of safety.
- Funds are also placed in local government pools, which are managed for safety and liquidity.
My staff and I exercise the highest diligence in maintaining safety and soundness of all funds. We only invest in legally permissible investments as allowed by Colorado State Statute. In addition, the Treasurer's Office maintains an investment policy that further dictates how funds are to be invested. The policy states that investments will insure a prudent level of safety, sufficient liquidity to meet daily cash flow demands and to earn a total net return commensurate to the market. We hope you feel more secure in knowing that Jefferson County is weathering the financial challenges and remains well above the fray to maintain a safe environment for all county funds. If you'd like further information on the Treasurer's Office, please see our Web site at www.jeffco.us/treasurer or call 303-271-8330. |
|
First Boys & Girls Club Coming to Jefferson County
Pam Russell, Jefferson County District Attorney's Office |
 Commissioner Kathy Hartman, District Attorney Scott Storey and a group of dedicated business and civic leaders have been working on bringing a Boys & Girls Club to Jefferson County for almost three years. Their hard work is paying off and the dream is becoming a reality. The proposed site for the first Jeffco Club is O'Connell Middle School near Belmar in Lakewood. The plan is to use O'Connell during the after school hours to provide affordable quality youth development activities for kids in surrounding neighborhoods. "The benefits stretch far beyond Lakewood," says Commissioner Hartman. "Everyone wins when kids are given the opportunity to reach their full potential." The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver have eight Clubs throughout the metro area, but none in Jefferson County. "It's time," says DA Storey. "The benefits to our entire community are extraordinary. Across the United States, these Clubs have demonstrated their benefits by reducing juvenile crime rates and juvenile substance abuse." Everyone is invited to an Open House at O'Connell Middle School, 1275 S. Teller Street in Lakewood, on April 8, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. for punch and cookies and an opportunity to tour the new Club. For more info contact Pam Russell at 303-271-6905, www.districtattorney1.com or www.bgcmd.org. |
|
Happenings at the Library |
|
See What's Popping Up
Make the most out of your garden and learn how to grow your own food with a minimum of space and resources! Taught by Sundari Kraft, founder of Heirloom Gardens in Denver.
Locations
Belmar: Saturday, April 10; 10:30 AM
Evergreen: Monday, April 12; 6:30 PM
Arvada: Tuesday, April 13; 7:00 PM
Columbine: Wednesday, April 14; 7:00 PM
Golden: Saturday, April 17; 10:30 AM
Lakewood: Monday, April 19; 6:00 PM
Wheat Ridge: Wednesday, April 21; 5:30 PM
Standley Lake: Saturday, April 24; 10:30 AM
Next Up: "Keeping Chickens" will be coming in June and "Canning and Preserving and Winterizing the Garden" will be coming next Fall.
Check Out New Tech
Playaway is the simplest way to listen to audio on the go. Each Playaway comes with preloaded digital content. Simply plug in earbuds and enjoy. With more than 1,000 titles available on Playaway, you can listen to everything from your favorite classic to the newest bestseller with the push of a button ( may require AAA batteries). Visit the JCPL Web site or your local library for more information. |
|
Cycling in Jefferson County |
 The beautiful 70 degree days between snow storms are a reminder that spring is on its way, and soon cyclists will be on the roadways in greater numbers. We want to remind motorists and cyclists to share the road, stay alert, and do your part to keep our roadways safe for all users.
In the interest of ensuring safe travels for all, here are some reminders for everyone who uses Jeffco's roadways:
- Traffic Laws Apply to Everyone
Both motorists and cyclists are responsible for obeying traffic laws, and both may receive traffic citations for violations.
- Choosing a Route
Drive a new route before you ride it to survey the paved shoulders, turns and traffic volume. Some roads are better suited than others for an activity like cycling.
- Parking
In certain areas of the county, motor vehicle parking for cyclists can be hard to come by.
- Speeds
Keep speeds within the posted limits; just like motorists, speeders on bikes may be ticketed.
- Share the Road
Mutual respect and cooperation between motorists and cyclists makes the road safer for everyone.
Conflicts between motorists and cyclists do occur. If you become involved with a reckless motorist or cyclist, keep your cool and call the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211. For more information on cycling in Jefferson County, please see the Sheriff's Web page. |
|
Public Health Update
Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health |
 2010 Public Health Week Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) invites everyone to celebrate 2010 Public Health Week, April 5-11, by doing something big or small that improves health. If we all make a commitment to improve our personal health and share that commitment with others around us, we can create a ripple effect from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Through just one neighborhood that makes its public parks accessible, one municipality that launches a bike-helmet safety project, one group of people who join together to bring fresh foods to school, or one health center that offers a vaccination program, we can create a patchwork of public health successes across Jefferson County. To read more about Public Health Week, see the Jefferson County Public Health Web page.
 National Infant Immunization Week . . . April 15-23, 2010Staying up to date on immunizations protects our populations from serious communicable diseases. Each year JCPH promotes National Infant Immunization Week as a reminder to parents, and child and health care providers of the importance of preventing once common childhood diseases through vaccination.
While many preventable disease levels are at or near record lows, there are still many under-immunized children, leaving the potential for outbreaks of disease. Many adolescents and adults are under-immunized as well, missing opportunities to protect themselves against diseases such as Hepatitis B, influenza and pneumococcal disease.
 2009 Public Health Champions of the Year
Jefferson County Public Health's diverse group of 2009 public health champions demonstrates the power of partnerships to improve health in our populations. A hand sink, blueprint for a healthier municipality, mass immunization clinics, nutritious school lunches, a curriculum for public health nurses and clients, and a tobacco free school and community policy - all are significant contributions made by community partners in 2009 toward the shared interest of a healthier Jefferson County. Jefferson County Public Health will honor its 2009 Public Health Champions of the Year at a luncheon and awards ceremony on April 7, 2010. The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners and Board of Health will present the awards.
To see the full list of award recipients and their contributions, read the full press release. |
|
FasTracks West Corridor Update
provided by RTD FasTracks
|
West Corridor crews will be closing lanes on Union Boulevard between 4th and 6th Avenues beginning on Monday, March 29, 2010 to begin the construction of the Union light rail tunnel. This activity is scheduled to finish in May 2010. To minimize the impact on the traveling public, nighttime closures will be required Sunday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. - 5:30 a.m. There will also be some full weekend closures during this activity. No lane closures during weekday business hours are expected.
Scheduled dates are subject to change and are weather dependent.
For complete up-to-date information on upcoming construction activities, access the Construction Information Page for the West Corridor on the FasTracks Web site. For questions or additional construction information please contact Kathy Berumen, Denver Transit Construction Group at 303-626-6762.
And don't forget about the parking closures at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility due to the construction starting on campus. Read the full press release for all of the details. |
|
Jeffco Public Library Expands Wireless Access for Patrons |
 Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) has expanded wireless Internet access throughout its service area. Library patrons can now access enhanced high-speed wireless networks from eight JCPL library locations, including Arvada, Belmar, Columbine, Evergreen, Golden, Lakewood, Standley Lake and Wheat Ridge. The new system can support up to 200 concurrent wireless connections per library and enables data transmission over the Internet at speeds of up to 50 megabits per second. "Online access to library resources is one of our fastest growing service areas," said Marcellus Turner, executive director, JCPL. In 2009, patrons accessed online library resources more than 3.9 million times, up from only 215,000 in 1999, for an average increase of 170 percent per year over the past 10 years. "This new system enables us to meet this growing demand by providing fast and convenient access to a wealth of online library resources, including licensed databases, homework resources, audio and video content and links to e-government, county and community resources," he added. Patrons with wi-fi enabled laptops may access the new wireless system from any of the eight libraries listed above by connecting to the "JCPL-Public" network. No special password, user name or settings are required for a patron to gain access to the Internet; however, users must agree to abide by the library's Internet and Safety Policy. Once connected, they will be presented with a user-agreement splash page where they must accept certain terms and conditions prior to using the JCPL wi-fi service.
| |
|
|
|
