Donald Rosier
Chair
District Three

 

  

We bet many of you made New Year's resolutions this year. How's that working out? Need help sticking to it? The JCPL has plenty of resources to help you. Whether you'd like to get fit, upgrade your career, engage politically, spend more quality time with your friends and families or take on a new hobby or something else, JCPL has you covered.

by Bailey Becker, Jeffco Public Information Office 

Do you want to get involved and stay better connected with Jefferson County? What better way than to serve on a volunteer board.

 

Several of these boards, which are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), have members whose terms will expire March 31, 2013 and need citizens who want to help make important county decisions.

 

Audit Committee

The BCC created the Audit Committee and charged it with reviewing the financial statements of the county and other official public financial information; providing oversight of the county internal financial control systems, including overseeing compliance by management with applicable policies and procedures and risk management; and overseeing the annual external audit process. The audit committee also transmits the audited information to the executive management for its review prior to signing and submission. The audit committee engages and interacts with the auditors retained by the county. For more information visit the Audit Committee web page.

 

Board of Adjustment

Grants variances and special exemptions to established zoning regulations under certain circumstances. Determines appeals for variances to the Zoning Resolution in quasi-judicial hearings. This seven member board was created by state statute and appointed by the BCC. Members take extensive field trips reviewing cases. Meets twice a month. For more information visit, the BOA or the Planning and Zoning websites.

 

Board of Health

With members appointed to five-year terms, this board is the governing and policy making body for the Department of Public Health. Meets once a month. For more information, visit the Board of Health and the Jefferson County Public Health

 websites.

 

Board of Review

Appeals and makes special exceptions to the Building Code in quasi-judicial hearings and may suggest amendments to the Building Code. For more information, visit the Board of Review web page.

  

CSU Extension Advisory Committee

Advises county staff of Cooperative Extension on educational outreach in program areas including horticulture, consumer/family, 4-H youth development and natural resources/environmental education. For more information, visit the CSU Extension Advisory Committee web page.

 

Fairgrounds Advisory Board

Provides advice on capital construction and fees at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Determines allowable uses, procedures and regulations of the fairgrounds. For more information, visit the Fair Grounds Advisory Board or the Fairgrounds websites.

 

Historical Commission

Promotes the preservation and use of historical resources and historic sites through educational activities, publications and research projects. For more information, visit the Historical Commission web page.

 

Library Board of Trustees

Establishes policies for the county libraries, employs the executive director for the library; recommends the annual budget for the libraries to the Board of County Commissioners and dispenses funds; acquires and oversees libraries and library assets; participates in strategic planning and library advocacy. Meets twice a month. For more information, visit the Library Board website or www.jeffcolibrary.org/board.

 

Open Space Advisory Committee

Makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding acquisitions, development, maintenance, preservation, and the use and operation of Open Space lands in conformance with Open Space Policies and Procedures. For more information, visit the OSAC or Open Space websites.

 

Planning Commission

Makes recommendations on a wide variety of land use applications including rezonings, special uses, vacations, special district service plans and subdivision plats. Updates and adopts the county's Comprehensive Master Plan. Reviews staff reports and presentations, makes field trip inspections to all sites that are on the meeting agendas and reviews regulations. Members attend pre-meetings and all Planning Commission public hearings. For more information, visit the Planning Commission or Planning and Zoning websites.

 

Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Board

Reviews grant applications from scientific and cultural facilities, distributes funds according to formulas, and allocates 10 percent discretionary funds. For more information, visit the board web page.

 

Go online today, to apply for an open position on one of the many county volunteer boards. If you don't see a vacancy on a board you wish to serve on, still apply. Vacancies will open up in March and throughout the year.

 

Applications can be submitted online or mailed to:

 

Boards and Commissions Coordinator

100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 5550

Golden, CO 80419 

 

All applications are due by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2013. 

Young adults ages 14 to 21 are invited to come explore career opportunities and visit with local businesses looking to hire at the 2013 Jeffco YouthWorks Young Adult Job Fair from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on March 5 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West 6th Ave in Golden.

 

The hiring event is a way for young adults to search for a first job, explore better job opportunities, and learn about building a career with businesses that have open positions. Whether looking for full-time, part-time, summer job or a career, job seekers are encouraged to dress to impress for potential interviews and be sure to bring resumes to give directly to employers.

 

YouthWorks is also encouraging businesses that have opportunities available for young adults, to have a booth at the fair. This hiring event is a no-cost way to recruit and support the young adults in our community and to meet with and hire qualified workers. Businesses that will be at this year's event include Bandimere Speedway, DISH Network, Home Depot, JetStream Ground Services, Pirates Cove Family Aquatic Center, Safeway, and many more.

 

In addition to the job fair, Jeffco YouthWorks can help connect young adults with the people, educational opportunities, and experiences that can help get a first job, a better job, or a career. Computers, workshops and most importantly, friendly, professional staff are available to help in making informed choices about jobs, education, and careers. Eligible young adults can receive help obtaining a GED, acquiring training opportunities, and finding a career that offers financial freedom. Youth can also learn how to conduct an effective job search, research a career, access job listings, find volunteer opportunities, and more.

 

For more information, visit www.jeffcoyouthworks.org or call 303-271-4613.

 

LEAP is a federally funded program that provides assistance to help families and individuals pay a portion of winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating costs.Last heating season 8,488 applications were received in Jefferson County. There were 125,752 applications state wide.

 To qualify for LEAP, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer, or as part of rent; be a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado; or have household members who are U.S. citizens. LEAP applicants must provide a copy of valid identification and a completed affidavit indicating that they are lawfully present in the United States.

 

Completed LEAP applications can be faxed, mailed or delivered to the appropriate county office. Potential program applicants may obtain an application through the following:

• Call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to have an application mailed.
• Visit Jefferson County Human Services, a Jefferson County Public Library, or to locate your county's office, visit the program's website.
• Download and print an application.

To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432- 8435) or visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap for more information.