Celebrating Older Americans

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) proclaimed May 2012 as Older Americans Month in Jefferson County. Older Americans Month is celebrated each May to honor and recognize older Americans for the contributions they make to our families, communities and society.

Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and support to seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities.

The theme of this year's celebration-Never too Old to Play-encourages older Americans to stay engaged, active and involved in their own lives and in their communities. Older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology, and financial stability. 

On Tuesday, June 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jefferson County's Strategic Plan for Aging Well will hold a Summit on Aging at WaterStone Community Church. Attendees can learn how the growing older population will impact our work and our lives. To learn more or to register for the summit, please visit Aging & Adult Services' web page.

Board Approves Budget Supplementals 

The BCC approved changes and made appropriations to the 2012 budget. These changes were due to unforeseen projects or increases after the BCC approved the 2012 budget in December 2011. Some of the supplemental appropriations include:

• $1.4 million to replace the roof for the Administration and Courts Facility. The current roof is failing and it is 20 years old. The project had originally been scheduled for 2013, however, due to high wind damage it has been moved up as an immediate need.
• $420,000 for the Chatfield Avenue, from Ken Caryl to Garrison, project that was budgeted for 2013. Due to schedule changes, this project can be moved ahead and designed this year. It will be funded by the Southeast Jefferson County Sales Tax Fund.
• $80,000 for Information Technologies. This will be used to replace outdated technology equipment for the Human Services Department as part of the Technology Replacement Program.

For more information on the Jeffco budget, please visit www.jeffco.us/budget.

Open Space to Purchase Land

Jefferson County's Open Space will be adding to its list of acquired land. The BCC approved a purchase and sale agreement for approximately 42 acres that is located west of Foxton Road on the eastern boundary of Reynolds Park.

The purchase was recommended by the Open Space Advisory Committee. It will cost $255,905 plus closing and transaction fees, which will be covered by the Open Space fund. The property will be used for scenic preservation, wildlife habitat, natural surface trails, protection of Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat, and a potential trail link to the Cathedral Spires property.

Special Use for Slash and Mulch Site Continued

The BCC continued case 11-113350SU to May 22, 2012. The case was originally heard at the April 17 BCC hearing. At that time the BCC moved to continue the case to May 8, to allow time for the applicant to complete a sensory impact study. The sensory impact study is not complete. As a result, the applicant requested a continuance until May 22, 2012, to complete the study and allow time for county staff to review the results of the study.

The applicant is asking for a special use that would allow for a type II recycling transfer station for slash such as trees and brush. The site is located in the Pleasant Park and US 285 area and is zoned Agricultural-two.