Posts tagged City of Boulder news
City of Boulder news briefs
0April 8, 2013
Youth Opportunities Advisory Board applications now available
Applications are now available for the City of Boulder 2013-2014 Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB). Current City of Boulder residents in grades 8 through 11 are eligible to apply. No previous leadership experience is required.
YOAB members learn valuable skills as they make funding decisions on grant proposals for youth programs, advise city government and local agencies on youth-related issues, and work on projects to address youth needs.
Applications are due Friday, April 12, 2013. YOAB is part of the Youth Opportunities Program in the city’s Department of Human Services, Division of Children, Youth and Families. For more information contact Alice Swett at 303-441-4349, or go to www.yoab.org.
Orientation to Family Child Care Workshop offered
The City of Boulder’s Division of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) is offering a workshop on how to become a licensed family child care provider. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the CYF building, 2160 Spruce St.
Participants will learn the costs and benefits of licensing, Colorado’s rules and regulations and the steps required to become licensed.
Now is the time to begin the licensing process for summer or fall enrollment. The workshop is free to City of Boulder residents; there is a nominal fee for non-residents.
For more information about becoming a licensed family child care provider or to register for this program contact Annette Crawford at 303-441-4411 or visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/cyfhhs/rt. CYF is a division of the Department of Human Services.
Boulder Municipal Court closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12
Boulder Municipal Court will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 12, for a staff meeting.
CITY OF BOULDER PRESS RELEASE (AS USUAL)
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Inside Boulder TV News on BC1
0January 4, 2013
“This week on Inside Boulder News: A Boulder second grader is awarded for knowing what to do during a house fire, an analysis shows how a 100-year flood would affect city buildings, and the students of Uni Hill learn about an important natural resource.”
Inside Boulder News – January 4, 2012 from Boulder, Colorado on Vimeo.
Inside Boulder News is a weekly TV news cast from and about the city of Boulder. A new edition appears here every Friday afternoon
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Boulder TV News cast Monday September 12, 2011
0September 12, 2011
Inside Boulder is produced by City of boulder Channel 9 and focus’s on city news.
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Open Space and Mountain Parks releases its West Trails Study Area Draft Plan
0February 2, 2011
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) has released its draft West Trails Study Area (West TSA) plan for public review. The West TSA includes OSMP lands north of Eldorado Springs Drive, south of Linden Avenue and west of Broadway.
The draft plan includes recommendations developed by staff and those contributed by the Community Collaborative Group (CCG). The recommendations contributed by the CCG were accepted by the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) meeting held Jan. 19 for inclusion in the draft plan. The CCG’s recommendations are identified as such in the draft plan.
The staff recommendations contained in this draft plan include proposals about access for mountain biking and other recreational activities, trailhead improvements, trail re-routes, closures and designation of some undesignated trails. The department has used information contained in the comments received from individuals, and community groups throughout the 14-month CCG process.
“The community has given us valuable input at every step of the way,” said Steve Armstead, planner for OSMP. “The West TSA is important to many residents and visitors to Boulder, and they have shared their passionate concerns and suggestions with staff.”
The purpose of the plan is to provide management direction and describe the actions that will protect natural and cultural resources, improve the visitor experience, and provide a sustainable trail system.
The public is invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from Feb. 1 through Feb. 9. In particular, community members are invited to learn more about the staff recommendations for the plan at an open house scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, in Boulder.
Immediately after the open house, the Open Space Board of Trustees will convene a meeting to review and discuss the draft plan starting at 6 p.m. The public will be welcome to comment on staff’s recommendations at that time.
The draft plan will be revised and then considered by the OSBT later in February and City Council in mid-March. The public is invited to offer input at both of these hearings.
The Draft West TSA Plan, background documents and information about how to get involved are available at the West TSA website, www.westtsa.org . For other information, call 303-441-3440.
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Boulder extends search for library director
0February 2, 2011
The City of Boulder today announced that it will extend the search for the Boulder Public Library director.
“The field had been narrowed to four candidates, two of whom the city was interested in potentially making an offer,” said city spokesman Patrick von Keyserling. “Unfortunately, family reasons prevented one candidate from relocating, and the second candidate was not willing to accept the director position within the range offered.”
Von Keyserling said the city will work with the recruitment firm Peckham and McKinney to extend the nationwide search for the Boulder Public Library director. Until the position is filled, acting library director Jennifer Miles will continue in the position.
The city did not state when it anticipates the next round of interviews for finalists, and said that Boulder will follow a similar process before making an offer to any candidate. The field will be narrowed to top finalists who will be required to make public presentations and attend a public candidate reception.
“Our vision for the Boulder Public Library remains the same,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “The city is searching for the most qualified director who can lead a complex organization like our library system and its performing arts center. This is an important position that deserves the best candidate within Boulder’s salary range. While it is certainly disheartening that neither of our top two candidates is able to join the library, we will continue the selection process until we find the right candidate for Boulder.”
The Public Library Director position has been advertised since November 2010. The recruitment firm Peckham and McKinney is conducting the search process and will continue its work under the original contract of $10,500 without additional compensation.
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Coyote attacks in west and north Boulder aimed at pets, precautions listed
0January 12, 2011
City reminds community about wildlife precautions
Recent encounters between coyotes and residents in north Boulder have prompted the city to remind people to use caution whenever a coyote or other wildlife is present, especially when pets are around.
Recent events include: an attack on a dog by a coyote south of Wonderland Lake; a coyote lunging at a dog at the Foothills Community Dog Park; and, an encounter with two coyotes near 4th Street and Lee Hill Drive that forced action by pet guardians.
Incidences like these show that coyotes are predators that should be treated with caution. Most coyotes prey on rabbits, mice, birds and other small animals, but, in urban areas, their prey can include small pets, such as cats and dogs. While attacks on humans are rare, people should take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
“Coyotes are smart, adaptable predators who quickly learn to take advantage of any newly discovered food source,” said Valerie Matheson, urban wildlife coordinator for the City of Boulder. “It’s important to realize that pets may be seen as prey to coyotes that may attempt to lure pets away from their owners in order to attack them.”
Here are some tips to help avoid problematic encounters with coyotes:
· Do not feed wildlife. Feeding coyotes teaches them to associate people with food.
· Do not approach or encourage interaction with wild animals.
· Keep pets on a leash when outdoors.
· Keep outdoor pets in kennels. Even pets in enclosed yards run the risk of predation, especially at night.
· Keep pet food inside in order to prevent attracting wild animals.
· Remind children to stay close to a group of people. If a child is approached by any wild animal, he or she should walk backwards slowly away to where a group of people are present.
· Teach children that coyotes are wild, unpredictable animals that should never be approached and should only be viewed from a safe distance. If an animal appears ‘jumpy’ or nervous when people move, they are probably too close and should move slowly away to a safer distance.
To report coyote attacks on pets, contact City of Boulder Urban Wildlife Coordinator Valerie Matheson at 303-441-3004 or mathesonv@bouldercolorado.gov. If you witness coyotes acting aggressively toward a person in Boulder, report the encounter to the Boulder Police Department by calling 303-441-3333. The Colorado Division of Wildlife offers information on how to safely coexist with the numerous animal species that are native to Colorado and the Front Range. For more information, visit the CDOW website at http://wildlife.state.co.us or call 303-297-1192.
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Reminder to shovel sidewalks even during holiday vacation
0November 21, 2010
With many residents leaving Boulder next week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the city would like to remind everyone that sidewalks need to be cleared of snow even when no one is home.
Prompt removal of snow from sidewalks is important because it helps facilitate safe pedestrian travel in adverse weather conditions. Many people rely on sidewalks to conduct their daily affairs and virtually every trip, even those by car, includes some walking, so it’s important that sidewalks are cleared of snow in a timely manner.
While the current extended forecast does not call for significant accumulation, Boulder residents, property owners, tenants and landlords should be aware of recent changes to the city’s sidewalk snow removal requirements (Boulder Revised Code, Section 8-2-13):
All snow and ice must be cleared from the full width of all sidewalks adjacent to properties by noon the day following a snow storm;
If the snowstorm ends prior to 5 a.m., sidewalks must be cleared by noon that day;
If the snowstorm ends after 5 a.m., sidewalks must be cleared by noon the following day.
People leaving Boulder for vacation are encouraged to ask neighbors, friends or family to help them keep their sidewalks clear of ice and snow after a storm. There are also local contractors that can be hired if people are unable to find volunteers.
To report sidewalk snow removal violations, visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/ezeo and use the “Report a Violation” form, or contact the Environmental and Zoning Enforcement Office at 303-441-3239. The city will post information on snow removal deadlines on its “Winter Tips” website, visit www.bouldercolorado.gov and select “Winter Tips” to learn more.
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OSMP needs raptor monitors for next season
0November 19, 2010
Open Space and Mountain Parks is currently looking for volunteers to help monitor raptor nest sites along the Front Range. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to witness the courtship, nest development and fledging of local birds of prey. We are looking for people who are skilled at bird identification, and can make a four-hour commitment each week. Hiking to the nest sites can be strenuous. A few sites can be observed from a car. Nests are typically occupied from February until late July. For more information and an application, go to the web site: osmp.org.
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City of Boulder Veteran’s Day schedule – Thursday, Nov. 11
0November 10, 2010
City of Boulder Veteran’s Day schedule – Thursday, Nov. 11
Closures:
All city administrative offices
All library branches
All senior centers
Police Department Records and Information Services (from 6 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, to 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12)
Open regular hours:
All city recreation centers
Boulder Reservoir
Flatirons Golf Course
Pottery Lab
Chautauqua Ranger Cottage
Parking:
All city lots, meters and garages are free
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City of Boulder News Briefs
0November 8, 2010
Boulder Library offers free Career Checkup workshop
The Boulder Public Library, in cooperation with the Colorado Career Development Association, presents Career Checkup, a free workshop for job seekers, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6. Career Checkup offers free, one-on-one sessions with career counselors for job hunting tips and assistance with a resume. Participants are asked to bring a draft of their current resume, if possible. No registration is required. Career Checkup will be held at the Main Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., in the Creek Room. For more information, please contact the library’s Reference Department at 303-441-3194.
Meadows Branch Library closed Nov. 11 and 12
The Meadows Branch Library will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 11 and 12, for the installation of an energy-efficient heating and cooling system. All Boulder Public Library branches are closed Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day holiday. On Friday, Nov. 12, the Main and Reynolds branch libraries are open regular hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to serve the public. Boulder Public Library Information: 303-441-3100.
Municipal Court to close from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12
Boulder Municipal Court will be closed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, so that staff can attend a meeting.
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City of Boulder News Briefs
0November 3, 2010
Students launch youth writing contest
High school students on the City of Boulder, Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) are organizing a writing contest in anticipation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Winners will be selected in each of four categories: middle school, high school, fluent in English and not fluent in English. Each winner will receive $100 in Downtown Boulder gift cards. Entrants must live in or attend school in the City of Boulder. The contest is co-sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center. Contest entries are due Monday, Dec. 20th. More information, including themes and possible topics, is available on the web at www.yoab.org.
YOAB is part of the Youth Opportunities Program in the Department of Housing and Human Services. For more information, call Alice Swett at 303-441-4349.
Boulder Senior Services Winter 2010 Magazine now available
Copies of the Boulder Senior Services Winter 2010 magazine have been mailed to City of Boulder seniors and can also be picked up at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, the West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Avenue, or viewed online at: http://www.boulderseniorservices.com.
Registration for winter programs begins on Wednesday, Nov. 17, for Encore members and Thursday, Nov. 18, for all others. Walk-in and phone registration begins Friday, Nov. 19, at 8:30 a.m.
The minimum age for participation in events and classes has been reduced to 55. However, seniors seeking assistance from Senior Resources must be at least 60 for a consultation.
The Senior Resources staff offers individualized consultation and resource referrals. Call to learn about and understand the resources available to adults age 60 and over, as well as their families. The staff can help you clarify needs, understand what your options are, learn how to maneuver the application processes, balance caregiving and develop a plan of action.
New offerings in the magazine include:
· Senior Resources Life Planning fundraiser “Lunch and Learn Series” to be held at the Villas at the Atrium, 3350 30th St., in January and February on four Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. The fee is $15 or a package of four is $55.
· A bus trip for seniors to see Boulder County Holiday Lights and have dinner to be held on Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m. The fees range from $40 to $52.
· An outing to see “Hello Dolly” at the Boulder Dinner Theatre on Sunday, Jan. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fees range from $50 to $60.
· The Andrews Sisters Tribute to held at the East Boulder Senior Center on Thursday, Feb. 10 for Encore and SilverSneakers® members only. The general public can attend for $5.
Both the East and West Senior Centers have a number of rooms of different sizes that are available for rent for your party or meeting. For room rental rates, please call Al Coleman at 303-441-4438, or visit our web site: www.boulderseniorservices.com, click on “facilities” and choose from the drop down menu.
SOURCE: City of Boulder News RELEASE
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Technical issues at libraries resolved
0November 1, 2010
Three library systems are once again operating smoothly after a four-day outage caused by a technical problem with a shared computer circulation system. The system that runs the catalog and patron databases for Boulder, Louisville and Broomfield public libraries shut down on Thursday night, Oct. 28, during what was supposed to be routine, after-hours file maintenance. The system was brought online today, Monday, Nov. 1. Requesting materials through the Prospector system will be available later this week.
Library staff members are working to catch up on processing returns and getting materials shelved again after using a manual system over the weekend.
“We apologize for the inconvenience to our patrons during this outage,” said Boulder Public Library Acting Director Donna Gartenmann. “Library staffs were able to continue checking materials out, but it took longer than usual, and materials that were returned over those days are being sorted to allow staff to check them in and get them back onto shelves. We hope to get everything back to normal in the next couple of days.”
The libraries affected will not charge fines to patrons as a result of the delay in being able to check materials back in during the computer problems.
The computer system is operated by Innovative Interfaces, Inc. (iii), a company based in Emeryville, CA, that specializes in library computer systems. Library administrators are working with iii to ensure that this type of computer system outage does not happen again.
SOURCE: CITY OF BOULDER NEWS RELEASE
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Boulder facility goes ‘off the grid’ generating total power from non-fossil fuels for first time
0October 29, 2010
Less than two weeks after celebrating the implementation of solar photovoltaic panels just outside its gates, Boulder’s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) reached a new milestone, going “off the grid” completely for two and a half hours on Thursday, Oct. 28. Going “off the grid” means that all power necessary to operate the facility came from sources other than Xcel’s traditional fossil fuel supply.
In this case, Coordinator of Wastewater Treatment Chris Douville explained, the plant was able to draw all of the energy it needed, roughly 1,200 to 1,400 kilowatts at any given moment, from the solar array and from its two co-generation (co-gen) system engines. The co-gen engines capture and burn the gas that is coming off the anaerobic digester process tanks, using that gas to generate additional power instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. The solar system, when at its peak on Thursday, was generating close to 800 kilowatts.
Douville said the success was attributable to a combination of factors, including relatively low wastewater flows, less demand than usual, a clear solar day and cooler temperatures. Data captured at the plant shows the milestone was reached at 11:30 a.m. The plant did not start drawing power from the traditional source again until 2 p.m. Attached is a screen grab that shows the solar photovoltaic production for the day.
“This is a great example of what we can get to,” said David Driskell, executive director of Community Planning and Sustainability. “It shows it is possible to really change our energy mix, and that will have long-term economic and environmental benefits to us as a community.”
While going “off the grid” is impressive, the ultimate goal for the WWTF is for 50 percent or more of the facility’s power to come from alternative sources, over a monthly or annual basis, Douville said. The city hopes to meet this goal through a combination of energy efficiency efforts and maximizing its alternative supplies.
SOURCE: CITY OF BOULDER NEWS RELEASE
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City of Boulder News Briefs
0October 25, 2010
Community input sought for Comprehensive Plan
The City of Boulder is seeking community input on changes to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which is the guiding document for development, redevelopment and social and environmental policies for the Boulder Valley. The comprehensive plan will be a focus topic at the next three Boulder Matters meetings:
· Thursday, Oct. 28, 5 to 7 p.m.
East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive
Comprehensive Plan break-out session: 6:15 p.m.
· Saturday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Foothills Elementary School, 1001 Hawthorne Ave.
Comprehensive Plan break-out session: 11:15 a.m.
· Wednesday, Nov. 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
West Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave.
Presentation: 5:30 p.m.
The community is asked to weigh in on desired changes to the comprehensive plan policies, Land Use Map, and the process for reviewing potential Planning Reserve proposals. Presentation participants will have the opportunity to use clicker technology to instantly register their preferences during the presentation, as well as opportunities to provide written and verbal feedback to city and county staff. Input gathered at these meetings will be used to develop potential updates to the comprehensive plan, which will then go to through a review process with the city’s Planning Board, the county’s Planning Commission, City Council and the County Commissioners in spring 2011. The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan goes through a Major Update process like this one every five years. For more information, go to www.bouldervalleycompplan.net or contact Chris Meschuk at 303-441-4293.
Orientation to Family Child Care Workshop Offered Oct. 26
The City of Boulder’s Division of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) is offering a workshop to help participants determine if becoming a licensed family child care provider is the right profession for them. The costs and benefits of licensing, Colorado’s rules and regulations and the steps required to become licensed will be discussed. This class will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Children, Youth, and Families Building, 2160 Spruce St. in Boulder. Cost is free to City of Boulder residents.
For more information and to register, call 303-441-1912 or go online to www.bouldercolorado.gov/cyfhhs/rt. CYF is a division of the Department of Housing and Human Services.
Halloween Carnival for kids Oct. 29 at South Boulder Recreation Center
The South Boulder Recreation Center will host the “Creatures of the Night” Halloween Carnival from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29. The South Boulder Recreation Center is located at 1360 Gillaspie Drive. This indoor event is open to all children ages 1 to 7 (older siblings are also welcome) and admission is $5 per child. There will be carnival games, crafts, snacks, prizes and a wizard bounce house. All participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. To register, visit www.BoulderParks-Rec.org and click the “Halloween Carnival Oct. 29” link, or pay at the door.
Coot Lake walkway improvements and shoreline stabilization work to begin Nov. 1
The City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department is scheduled to begin walkway improvements and shoreline stabilization work (to help prevent erosion of the shoreline) at Coot Lake on Monday, Nov. 1. Coot Lake is located at 5600 N. 63rd St. (adjacent to Tom Watson Park). The project is anticipated to take three to four weeks. Shoreline stabilization work will include replacement of the existing rock walls on either side of the fishing pier with a reinforced, stable surface.
The Coot Lake parking lot will be closed during construction. Visitors are asked to park at Tom Watson Park and use the crosswalk across 63rd Street to access the lake. A lakeside walkway detour will be provided. For park improvement updates, visit www.BoulderParkNews.org.
Insider tip: Good times to swim and dive at South Boulder Recreation Center
Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. are great times to swim and dive at the South Boulder Recreation Center (1360 Gillaspie Drive). Swimmers and divers looking for a quieter time to enjoy the pool are encouraged to visit during this time – when two lap lanes and the diving board are open for use.
Admission to the recreation center also includes access to the cardio/weight room, gymnasium (dependent on availability), hot tub, dry sauna and all drop-in classes. For a full schedule, visit www.BoulderParks-Rec.org
SOURCE: CITY OF BOULDER PRESS RELEASE
