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Contact your Commissioners |  | |
Donald Rosier
Chair
District Three
John Odom
Chair Pro Tem
District Two
Faye Griffin
District One 303-271-8525 |
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BCC Actions
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Want more news from the county? You can also subscribe to 'BCC Actions,' a newsletter that covers the happenings from your Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Hearings and Staff Briefings.
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What's up at the Library | |
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Be Smart. Get a Library Card.
September is Library Card Sign Up Month. Chances are you already know that a library card is the smartest card in your wallet, offering access to a wealth of information and resources. But what about your friends and family? Do they? Share the wealth. From books to movies, music to online DIY resources, culture passes to programs, the Jefferson County Public Library(JCPL) has something for everyone. Help your friends sign up today!
You can catch JCPL in the atrium of the Jefferson County Administration & Courts Building from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17.
JCPL Offers Adaptive Technologies through Grant-funded Program
JCPL received a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant for 2011/12 to connect children to adaptive services and technologies. With funds from the grant, it was able to purchase large print keyboards and large trackballs as well as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Write Outloud, Wynn Reader and Zoomtext. These tools and programs help people who have a variety of disabilities. Head over to JCPL's blog for more details on these services and more.
Wheat Ridge Reads Hosts Local Author Polly Letofsky
As part of its citywide book club, Wheat Ridge Reads, the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission, will be hosting Polly Letofsky, author of 3mph: The Adventures of One Woman's Walk Around the World.
The free programs will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Richards-Hart Estateand 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. |
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Raise the Woof!
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Foothills Animal Foundation, the non-profit organization whose mission is to raise funds to support the orphaned animals at Foothills Animal Shelter, invites the community to attend the 3rd annual Raise the Woof! Gala on Sept. 22.
This fun event will include great food and drink from top-rated restaurants and will be held at the Colorado School of Mines - Green Center. Adoptable dogs (and their handlers) will be mingling in the crowd. A live and silent auction, party photo booth and magicians will also be part of the event.
Tickets are limited. Go to www.RaisetheWoof.org for more information and to register today. | |
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Native Plant Classes
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It's not too late to pursue your interest in plants before the snow flies - take a class on restoring native ecosystems taught by CSU Extension experts.
Native Plant Master Course - Level 2 - Plains Conservation Center
Fridays, Sept. 7, 14, 21
Take a Native Plant Master® course at this natural area on the High Plains south of Denver and discover fall bloomers with an emphasis on the grass and sunflower families. Pre-requisite: passed one NPM course or background in botany.
Introduction to Ecological Restoration
Thursday, Sept. 20
Spend part of a morning with a CSU faculty member learning about the art and science of ecological restoration in which native ecosystems are restored on disturbed sites. | |
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Flight For Life Colorado 40th Anniversary Concert | |
Help Flight for Life raise funds to purchase needed equipment by attending or sponsoring the KBCO and Flight for Life Colorado Anniversary Concert on Oct. 6.
Headlining will be Sheryl Crow. Patron tickets start at $125 with premier Section seating. For $250 a donor will receive a two-hour cocktail party admittance and premium section seating.
To register online go to stanthonyhealthfoundation.org or call 720-321-4310.
For more information contact Amber Luttrell with the Jeffco Sheriff's Office at 303-271-5577. | |
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Kickoff meetings for North Mountains Land Use Plan
by Heather Gutherless, Jeffco Planning & Zoning | |
Jefferson County residents of the unincorporated North Mountains area, which includes Golden Gate Canyon and Coal Creek Canyon, will have the opportunity to shape the future of their neighborhoods. The county's Planning & Zoning Division is updating the North Mountains Community Plan and is hosting two upcoming public meetings.
Planning & Zoning staff will present what the plan is, why it is being updated and how to get involved. The county also wants to hear from residents and will ask questions such as what they think is unique about the area. The same information will be presented at both meetings.
Thursday, September 20
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Golden Gate Grange
25201 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden
Wednesday, September 26
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association
(CCCIA) Community Center
31528 State Highway 72, Golden
If you cannot attend a meeting, a form with a brief overview of the plan update and the questions asked at the meeting will be available online. Answers to the questions can be submitted through Oct. 4, 2012.
For questions about the meetings, please contact Heather Gutherless, 303-271-8716. |
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Participate in Fair Housing Study
by Kat Douglas, Community Development | |
It's essential to provide fair-housing choices to everyone. Jefferson County is taking a close look at the current housing situation in our community. Often, the housing process creates many barriers and they can be more challenging for low income people, people with disabilities, the elderly and minorities.
Whether you are a homeowner or renter, please take a moment to complete the survey and feel free to distribute or pass along as you see fit. Survey outcomes will help the county in applying for and managing federal funding. The survey is available in English and Spanish.
The public input period ends on Sept.30 and results will be made public and available at www.jeffco.us/commdev by the end of the year.
For more information contact Christy Pushchak with BBC Consulting at 303-321-2547 or Emily Sander with Jefferson County at 303-271-8371. |
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JeffCo Parks Launches e-Newsletter by Jeff Golden, Jeffco Open Space | |
 Panorama, the new e-mail newsletter of Jefferson County Parks, is our way to tell you all about the wonderful opportunities and activities provided by CSU Extension, Boettcher Mansion, Jefferson County Fairgrounds and Jefferson County Open Space.
Important updates from all of Parks' facilities will be included in Panorama, as well as recurring sections on health, volunteering, partnerships, nature, history and more. A full calendar of events is provided at the end of each newsletter.
Visit http://www.jeffco.us/parks to subscribe today! |
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Floodplain Questions in Jefferson County?
by Pat O'Connell, Jeffco Planning & Zoning | |
Do you have any floodplain questions? If so, the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Division is here to help. You can call Planning and Zoning at 303-271-8700 to learn whether your property is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) or to obtain FEMA Elevation Certificates for buildings constructed in the floodplains since 2004.
You can also visit www.jeffco.us for additional information and interactive tools such as jMap, a mapping program that includes floodplain boundaries. The website also includes information about building in the floodplain, land disturbance activities in the floodplain, how to protect your building from flooding, and some tips about what to do in a flood. |
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Help Prevent Illicit Discharges
by Pat O'Connell, Jeffco Planning & Zoning | |
 Our storm sewer system is designed to carry runoff from rain and snowmelt and discharge it directly to the drainage way. Materials that are dumped or inadvertently washed into our storm sewer system can pollutant our surface waters. An illicit discharge occurs when an activity results in unauthorized substance entering our storm sewer system.
Jefferson County is responsible for what flows through the storm sewer system even if the pollutants originate on private property. The storm sewer system includes both concrete and metal infrastructure, as well as roadside ditches that convey stormwater. Jefferson has procedures to address illicit discharges into the storm sewer system
Water pollution is harmful to wildlife and may require additional treatment. Always keep solid waste, such as pet waste or food grease, contained and disposed of appropriately.
Liquid waste such as concrete washout, residuals from carpet cleaning, or power-wash water should be contained and also disposed of properly. Disposal options, such as discharging onto your lawn or flower garden, vary on the material being disposed. Please contact Planning and Zoning staff if you have specific questions for disposal options.
If you have any questions regarding Jefferson County's stormwater management program, please call the Planning and Zoning Division at 303-271-8700. If you see an illicit discharge that is an urgent matter, please contact the Jeffco Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211. |
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Outstanding Jeffco Employee Retiring | |
Longtime Jeffco employee Basil Williams is retiring from Building Services at the age of 82.
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Basil Williams and Mike Salazar |
Basil has served the citizens of Jefferson County as an electrical inspector for nineteen years. During that time he has driven more than 280,000 miles and performed more than 37,000 inspections.
He has been a mentor to the entire division through his dedication to performing an excellent job and his willingness to share his extensive knowledge to help promote and maintain a high level of competence within the division. He is recognized for his extraordinary abilities as an electrical inspector, setting an example for exceptional customer service and camaraderie with his co-workers.
Basil is a longtime resident of Jefferson County, having served as an administrative member and firefighter with the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, rising to the rank of Captain. He is one of the founders of the Evergreen Rodeo and continues to be a supporter. |
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Elections Operations Manager Receives Highest Designation
The Election Center | |
 Carrie Kellogg, Jeffco Elections Operations Manager, has been designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA), the highest professional achievement, in ceremonies hosted by the Election Center in Boston, MA on Aug. 17.
CERA designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study conducted by the Election Center's Professional Education Program and completion of twelve core courses taught by the Master's in Public Administration faculty of Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) ranging from ethics, to voter registration and elections law, planning, communications, and voter participation. The intent of the program is to professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration in promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process.
"This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials," said R. Doug Lewis, director of the Center. "Of more than 21,000 elections and voter registration officials throughout America, this graduating class of 57 professionals takes us to 734 election officials who have achieved the CERA status. This is an outstanding accomplishment."
Carrie Kellogg, an elections official for fifteen years, said "This is one of the most challenging education programs I have ever participated in. I am very proud to be counted among the few CERA graduates to have successfully completed the program."
"Carrie's commitment to furthering her professional education through this program is reflective of our office's commitment to provide the most professional, well trained staff to the voters of Jefferson County," said Pam Anderson, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder. "We are extremely proud of Carrie's accomplishments."
Carrie Kellogg joined the Jefferson County Elections Division in 2006 and has served as the Elections Operations Manager since August of 2009. Kellogg previously worked for the Park County Clerk & Recorder's Office and the Denver Election Commission. Kellogg joins Deputy of Elections Josh Liss as the second CERA graduate serving the voters of Jefferson County.
Read more online in a news release from the Election Center. |
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September Public Health Updates
by Nancy Braden, Jeffco Public Health | |
Protect Against Rabies...World Rabies Day is Sept. 28
 Everyone knows the importance of keeping their families healthy, but many of us don't think about rabies when it comes to protecting the ones we love. Recently, skunk rabies cases have been on the increase right here in Colorado.
Other animals like bats and foxes can also carry the virus. These unwanted intruders can get into your yard and on your property, putting you and your family at risk. As of Aug.10, 2012, there have been 131 confirmed rabid wild animal cases in Colorado. The best way to keep your family and pets safe is to make sure all your pets have been immunized for rabies.
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) urges all pet owners to make sure their pets have current rabies shots and to keep their pets from roaming free. Please report any incidents to the Jefferson County Animal Control office, call 303-271-5070 or by email at Animal-Control@jeffco.us.
For more information on animal borne disease and prevention, call Jefferson County Public Health Zoonosis Program at 303-271-5730 or 303-271-5700.
Information is also available from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Food Safety Matters
For many, September means last minute BBQs, busy schedules and back to school. As you celebrate the end of summer, keep in mind that September is National Food Safety and Education Month. Inadequate or improper food handling, preparation or food storage can make you, your family and guests sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases each year and 3,000 of them will die.
So, enjoy your end of summer celebration, but remember to be safe. Read JCPH's recommendations on how to handle, prepare and store food properly.
If you are sending the kids off to school with packed lunches, read about some quick tips to packing a safe lunch!
Don't forget, practice proper food handling, preparation and storage techniques:
- Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Be especially careful not to cross-contaminate foods.
- Cook to proper temperatures.
- Chill or store foods properly.
This chart from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the causes of illness in 1,565 single food commodity outbreaks from 2003-2008.
For more information, please visit the JCPH food safety page, the United States Department of Agriculture food page or call the Food Safety Program at 303-271-5700.
Emergency Preparedness Month
Throughout the month of September,  everyone is encouraged to focus on individual and family preparedness at home, work and school. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are some things that you can do to make sure you are prepared in case of an emergency situation.
- Be Informed- Know what to do before, after and during an emergency.
- Make a plan- Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes so it is important to plan in advance.
- Build a kit- Find recommended items here.
- Get involved- Find opportunities to support community preparedness.
JCPH believes that healthy communities are resilient communities and continues to encourage citizens to get plenty of exercise, eat healthy foods and stay up to date with immunizations and health screenings. Get more information about how you and your family can be prepared with the JCPH's Plan to be Safe.
Fighting the Childhood Obesity Battle
It is no secret that obesity rates in the United States are soaring, especially in our children. According to the National Childhood Obesity Month website, more than 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages two to 19 are obese or overweight.
This is a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. And this epidemic puts nearly one third of America's children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.
The causes of obesity are complex. They include genetic, metabolic, behavioral, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic factors. Colorado communities with the highest rates of obesity face limited access to healthy and affordable foods, recreational facilities, safe neighborhoods and preventive health care. These conditions make it difficult for healthy eating and physical activity to be easy choices for all Coloradans in the places where they live, learn, work and play.
Families can help prevent childhood obesity by:
- Breastfeeding- The risk of childhood obesity is one-third greater for children who never have been breastfed compared to children who have been breastfed.
- Practice healthy eating habits early, including at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and six servings of grains daily (including whole grains). Avoid keeping high-fat foods, such as sweetened drinks and high-calorie snacks in the house.
- Require at least one hour of physical activity each day.
- Reduce time engaged in sedentary activities. Limit screen time (computer or TV) to less than two hours per day
- Make healthy personal food choices and be a positive role model for your children.
JCPH, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and its public health partners are supporting proven and promising strategies to fight the obesity battle including:
- Promoting best practices for schools to provide daily physical activity for students, adopt nutrition guidelines and partner with local farmers to serve fresh produce in school meals.
- Encouraging health care professionals to adopt Colorado Adult and Childhood Obesity Guidelines to provide healthy lifestyle advice to their patients.
- Partnering with communities to design streets and neighborhoods to include bike paths and sidewalks and convenient linkages to parks, schools, grocery stores and community gathering places.
- Supporting communities in developing community gardens, sponsoring affordable healthy-cooking and exercise classes, and offering team sports opportunities for people of all ages.
- Providing businesses with tools for creating incentives and welcoming environments for employees to be healthy and physically active.
Flu Season
The 2012-2013 Flu Season is almost here. Make sure to get flu shots for you and your family. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu illness this season. Make an appointment by calling JCPH at 303-232-6301.
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District Attorney's Community Safety Fair a Success
by Pam Russell, Jeffco District Attorney Public Information Officer |
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District Attorney Scott Storey |
The District Attorney's 4th Annual Community Safety Fair on Aug. 25 was a huge success. An estimated 5,000 adults, children and seniors came to enjoy the interactive outdoor exhibits, safety demonstrations and kids' activities. Bouncy castles, snow cones and face painting brought a festival atmosphere to the Jefferson County fairgrounds.
The main exhibit hall overflowed with 85 booths offering crime prevention tips, giveaways, demonstrations and valuable safety information for the entire family.
One of the most popular attractions at the Safety Fair was the booth offering free consumers' credit reports reviewed by bank officers. Equally popular was the Free 911 Cell Phone project where refurbished phones were given to seniors at no cost. Not only did hundreds of seniors pick up the free phones, consumers brought in boxes of phones for the project. Cool cat CHEEZO, the mascot for the DA's Internet Safety programs, met and engaged kids in Internet and cell phone safety activities.
Safety-conscious consumers brought documents to be shredded, small electronics to be recycled, and old prescription drugs for disposal. This year, 13 large containers of drugs were collected compared to 2011, when two containers were filled.
Many county departments participated in the event, including Commissioner Don Rosier. The good natured commissioner agreed to take part in a game which involved him sitting under a bucket of water, which was then dumped on his head (repeatedly) when kids hit a target with a ball. In his wetsuit, snorkel and float ring, he was prepared to be drenched in the morning's cool, cloudy weather.
The Safety Fair is staffed by DA employees and community volunteers. This year 60 DA employees gave up a Saturday with their families to help bring this event to the community. |
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