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Jeffco Head Start May Relocate to Arvada School Building
Commissioners will sign a letter of intent to research the possible purchase of Russell Elementary School in Arvada where Jeffco Head Start could relocate five classrooms.
Jeffco  Head Start had been looking for locations to relocate its classroom sites in Arvada, Westminster, Golden and two in Edgewater, because of expensive necessary repairs needed at the current sites. Repairs and replacements would cost $571,000 and would need to be completed by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year to meet licensing standards.
In January, the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education voted to close and sell Russell Elementary to help make up for the $40 million in budget cuts it faces over the next two years. If the county decides to buy the building, Head Start would move all five classrooms there and possibly add a library room, therapeutic classroom and gymnasium. By consolidating the sites, Head Start believes it will save about $132,000. The move would be funded with $145,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that must be spent before September, and $99,200 in federal earmark money that must be spent before summer 2012.
Head Start would bus children from stops near the current sites to the new site in Arvada, which has the highest percentage of families with young children who live in poverty in the county, according to the recently completed 2010 Jefferson County Human Services Community Assessment.
Head Start and Human Services staff briefed Commissioners on the plan at the staff briefing. The BCC will send a letter of intent to Jeffco Public Schools that will allow the county to assess the initial and ongoing costs related to purchase and maintenance. Commissioners directed staff to move quickly in its assessment in order to ensure the county provides Head Start locations when the new school year begins this fall. |
BCC Approves New Special District for New Development in South Jeffco
In a 2-1 vote, the BCC approved a new special district service plan for the Lyons Ridge development, west of the Hogback between Turkey Creek Road and West Belleview Avenue. The Lyons Ridge Metropolitan District would cover the 284-acre proposed development, which is designed to have 230 homes at build-out. Money collected by the district would fund streets, open space, parks, public trails, stormwater drainage systems, detention ponds, landscaping, signage, a bridge over Turkey Creek and water and sewer improvements.
Visit the Treasurer's Web site to learn more about how your property taxes are assessed through special district mill levies |
BCC Proclaims May as Mental Health Month in Jefferson County
The BCC proclaimed May to be Mental Health Month in Jefferson County. David Goff, chief financial officer of Jefferson Center for Mental Health, accepted the proclamation.
"The vast majority of children, youth and adults in Colorado who have mental health disorders are not receiving the help they need," according to the proclamation. "And addressing their complex mental health needs is fundamental to the future of Colorado."
 The Jefferson Center for Mental Health has seen a 40 percent increase each month in the number of people it serves. Last year, it served more than 11,000 people in need. Because of the economic downturn, more people are in need of mental health services than ever before. Many of the people turning to Jefferson Center for Mental Health are hard-working citizens whose financial foundation has collapsed in the economic free fall.
In response to this turn of events, Jefferson Center launched a program called "Jefferson Center Partners," which offers as many as 10 counseling sessions for $5 a session to those dealing with mental health issues related to the economy.
"Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time," said Commissioner Faye Griffin. "That's why everybody needs to understand how mental illnesses can affect individuals, families and communities."
An increased awareness of preventative measures, such as proper medication and treatment, will save money by reducing emergency room visits and correctional facility costs. Addressing the complex mental health needs of children, youth, adults and families today is fundamental to the future of Colorado.
For more information about Jefferson Center for Mental Health and the services it provides, visit the Jefferson Center's Web site. |
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Other BCC Actions
BCC Approves Contract for Concrete Removal and Replacement
 Commissioners approved a $1.25 million contract with Concrete Express, Inc., of Denver, for concrete removal and replacement services. The Road & Bridge Division uses Concrete Express' services to supplement its own work. This contract will last through February 2011. The work in 2010 is covered in this year's budget. Work in 2011 is contingent upon approval of the 2011 budget.
Commissioners Agree to Assist DOE with Moss Street Extension
 The BCC approved an agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) to help the DOE extend Moss Street to accommodate increased traffic at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Last year, the DOE conducted an environmental assessment of the expansion of NREL and found that more staff at the property would increase traffic on the westbound exit of I-70 at the Denver West Parkway/Denver West Marriott Boulevard intersection. The DOE determined that a new full-service access road to NREL along the Moss Street corridor would alleviate traffic congestion. Because of the county's expertise in design, construction and right-of-way acquisition, the DOE asked for the county's assistance with the project. The county has no fiscal obligation under the agreement. |
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