Posts tagged city
Annual EXPAND Duck Race® to be held May 27; online duck sponsorship now available
0May 18, 2013
The 26th annual EXPAND Duck Race® will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 27, at the Boulder Creek Festival. The Duck Race is a benefit for the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation department’s EXPAND (EXciting Programs Adventures and New Dimensions) program, which provides recreational opportunities for children, youth and adults with disabilities.
Participants can sponsor ducks for $5 each. The ducks will race from the 9th Street bridge to the finish line in Boulder Creek next to the main Boulder Public Library lawn at the Peace Garden. Online registration is now available and will remain open until race time. Participants can also sponsor ducks at the Boulder Creek Festival or at one of the three recreation centers.
Dozens of prizes will be given away to the top duck finishers, including the grand prize of $1,000 in cash from Fisher Honda/Fisher KIA of Boulder; 2nd prize is a one-night stay at the Hotel Boulderado, market style BBQ dinner at the West End Tavern, brunch at Centro Latin Kitchen and a $100 downtown Boulder gift card; and 3rd prize is a nine-month membership at the Quest Martial Arts Center. In addition, 80 more lucky ducks will win prizes.
Participants do not need to be present to win. Prizes will be mailed and winners will be notified within 14 days. All proceeds benefit the EXPAND program.
For more information, a full list of prizes and to sponsor a duck, visit www.EXPANDDuckRace.org.
–CITY of Boulder press release–
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Noxious weeds on the city’s “hit” list
0May 2, 2013
As a result of a state mandate to eliminate “List A” noxious weed species from all public and private property in Colorado communities, the City of Boulder is proposing an update to its existing weed ordinance to require property owners to remove the weeds from all properties.
“List A” weed species, as provided in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, are plants that have yet to be well established in Colorado but are either present in small populations or are invasive in nearby states. There are two species of “List A” weeds that are of most concern within Boulder’s city limits: myrtle spurge and Japanese knotweed. The city was awarded a grant through the Colorado Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Management Fund to assist in an educational plan.
“Early detection and eradication of these particular species can prevent them from becoming a major problem in Colorado,” said city Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Rella Abernathy. “Most of these plants are ‘escaped’ ornamental plants and many residents may not realize that they present a threat to the natural lands surrounding Boulder and are illegal to grow here.”
These noxious, invasive plants can negatively impact biodiversity, threaten endangered species, degrade native habitat, displace wildlife, increase soil erosion, damage streams and other wetlands and increase the risk and frequency of wildfires if allowed to spread. Boulder is in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act on city-owned properties but has not been enforcing the statue on private property.
The city will focus on education and outreach to notify the public of the requirements and to provide information for identification, environmentally-sound weed removal and suggested replacement plant options.
“A soft enforcement approach is being implemented with voluntary compliance being the goal and enforcement action being a last resort,” said Code Enforcement Supervisor Jennifer Riley. “However, ticketing is possible if property owners do not comply with repeated requests from officers to address illegal weeds.”
Education will begin with a “Purge Your Spurge” event on May 18 where residents are encouraged to pull their myrtle spurge and exchange it for free native plants. This event will occur as part of Boulder Community Day at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other education efforts will include a webpage; fact sheets; media engagement; outreach to nurseries, landscapers and lawn care companies; and code enforcement officers who assist with education in the field.
“Identifying and removing noxious weeds from private property can take some effort, but it’s important to prevent these weeds from spreading to our neighbors’ yards and ultimately to natural areas,” said Abernathy. “Fortunately, only two of the weeds from the list are widespread within the Boulder city limits, myrtle spurge being the most common. We want to make sure people can easily identify the weeds, know how to remove them safely and know what native plants can be used to replace them.”
Myrtle spurge has been commonly used as a decorative plant. People should be aware that it contains a white sap that can cause skin irritation including blistering if touched. Those removing it should wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves and eye protection. Removing at least four inches of the root is recommended to prevent its return. It should be placed in a plastic bag and tightly fastened. DON’T compost noxious weeds as that will cause the weed to spread.
The city’s weed ordinance is expected to be modified through a City Manager rule change, which will be published in the Daily Camera on May 3, as well as on the city’s website. Public feedback will be accepted until May 20. The rule is anticipated to go into effect on June 1, 2013.
For more information or to provide feedback on the proposed City Manager’s rule, contact Rella Abernathy at 303-441-1901.
– CITY OF BOULDER NEWS RELEASE –
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Fraudulent website for Parks and Recreation gathering personal information for resale
0April 25, 2013
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department was notified by the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) that there is a possible fraudulent website offering registration for some Boulder Parks and Recreation activities and classes. Findsportsnow.com, is believed to be posting city programs and offering registration through their site, however, the city has no business relationship or agreements with this entity.
Area residents should visit www.BoulderParks-Rec.org or contact a city recreation center for program and registration links and information.
According to a memo from CPRA to parks and recreation departments around Colorado this week, the website “Findsportsnow.com has been listing several park and recreation agency programs, claiming to be a ‘one stop shop’ for registering for these sports programs. They are collecting personal information, including credit card numbers and charging a $2 ‘processing fee’ for each transaction. Their website claims they are then passing along this registration information to the host agency. THIS has NOT been the case in three instances we are aware of! Several of our CPRA Agencies have been notified by customers that they had registered through this website, only to find out they had been scammed.”
If you believe you may have registered for a City of Boulder recreation program through this website, please contact us. For more information call 303-413-7270.
CITY OF BOULDER NEWS RELEASE
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City of Boulder News Briefs
0April 24, 2013
Temporary lane closures for tree removals along Arapahoe Avenue rescheduled for Friday, April 26
On Friday, April 26, there will be intermittent lane closures in both directions on Arapahoe Avenue between 18thand 19th streets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contractors working for the City of Boulder Urban Forestry Division will be removing three high-risk trees in preparation for the upcoming Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project. During the tree removals, traffic will be directed into the center lane. The work schedule is weather-dependent.
For more information, please refer to the original press release about this project.
Youth Services Initiative art show opening May 2
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Services Initiative (YSI) program will host an art show opening from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at the North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway. The show features art from YSI participants, ages 7 to 18.
Growing Up Boulder (GUB), Boulder’s “child- and youth-friendly city initiative,” photographer Rebecca Stumpf, and YSI partnered to initiate a neighborhood photovoice project funded by a Diversity and Excellence grant from the University of Colorado and a Boulder Arts Commission mini-grant. The “Giving Youth a (Photo) Voice: Pairing Photography and Word to Express Youth Voice” project is a part of this year’s art show.
Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, call Whitney Oftedahl, Parks and Recreation Department, at 303-413-7214.
City of Boulder News Release
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Songdogs a threat to pets on Sanitas
0April 12, 2013
OSMP:
temporary leash requirements at Sanitas due to recent coyote activity
The City of Boulder OSMP is temporarily requiring dogs to be leashed on the Mount Sanitas Valley trail, effective immediately, as a result of several encounters between dogs and coyotes. Although Voice and Sight control is normally allowed in this area, OSMP is enacting the temporary leash restrictions in order to provide the best possible protection for both dogs and coyotes. Advisory signs have been posted to educate users on the issues.
“In the last two weeks there have been several reports of dogs interacting with coyotes. In each of these cases the dog guardian had either lost sight of his or her dog or was unable to call the dog back and the dog charged a coyote that was seen near the trail. At least one of these encounters resulted in significant injuries to the dog,” Ranger Supervisor Joe Reale said.
The type of coyote behavior reported suggests there may be a den site in the area that the coyotes are defending. An off-leash dog may be viewed as a threat to a coyote that has young nearby.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Kristin Cannon said, “This time of year coyotes will be active providing food and protection to young pups. It is important that we keep unleashed dogs away from areas where coyotes are hunting and raising young. Eventually the coyotes will disperse from the area, and the risk to both dogs and coyotes will be reduced.”
OSMP will monitor the situation at Mount Sanitas and will inform the public when it is once again safe to walk dogs under voice and sight control.
Please visit www.osmp.org for detailed maps and up-to-date information on regulations, closures, temporary or otherwise; or call 303-441-3440.
–CITY of Boulder press release–
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Boulder’s newest trail gets suggested guidelines
0April 12, 2013
Access expected to go into effect April 24
The newly purchased portion of the Chapman Drive Trail starts at Boulder Canyon roughly at the location of the Red Lion Restaurant and proceeds south, uphill for approximately 1.4 miles.
OSBT recommended that council designate this portion of property as a Habitat Conservation Area (HCA). The guidance from OSBT included the following uses by visitors:
- Mountain bike travel up and down, on trail, from Boulder Canyon to Flagstaff Road;
- Dogs allowed, on leash and on trail, from Boulder Canyon to the junction with the Tenderfoot Trail; and
- Voice and sight control for dogs permitted from the Tenderfoot junction to Flagstaff Road.
Staff is currently in the process of working with the City Attorney’s Office to finalize these proposed uses. Once finalized, there will be a 15-day comment period for public feedback. Unless significant changes are necessary after the input process, access is expected to begin, pursuant to these guidelines, around April 24.
Please check the OSMP.org web site for updates about this process and watch for signage at the trailhead soon. For more information about these changes, contact Jean Koszalka at 303-413-7622.
City of Boulder Press Release
–CITY–
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City of Boulder: Nightmare on Arapahoe postponed due to snow
0April 8, 2013
Temporary lane closures for tree removals along Arapahoe Avenue rescheduled for Monday, April 15
With a winter storm warning in effect for Boulder, the tree removal work that was planned for Tuesday, April 9, and Friday, April 12, has been rescheduled to April 15 due to the inclement weather forecast.
On Monday, April 15, there will be intermittent lane closures in both directions on Arapahoe Avenue between 18th and 19th streets from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contractors working for the City of Boulder Urban Forestry Division will be removing three high-risk trees in preparation for the upcoming Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project. The two-lane section of Arapahoe Avenue, between Folsom and 17th streets, is in poor condition and in need of a reconstruction.
During the tree removals, traffic will be directed into the center lane. The work schedule is weather-dependent.
In the 1800 block of Arapahoe Avenue, two silver maple trees with significant trunk cavities and restricted root zones will be removed for safety reasons. In the 2100 block, a Siberian elm will be removed due to past storm damage. These are the only large trees planned for removal as part of the Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction. The city has contacted adjacent property owners in advance and will explore opportunities to plant replacement trees.
The city’s Urban Forestry Division inspects street trees in neighborhoods and parks for structural integrity and safety using industry-set standards and techniques. For more information about the tree removals, contact Patrick Bohin with the Urban Forestry Division at 303-519-8750 or watch the video at vimeo.com/63247248.
The Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project includes reconstruction of the street into concrete, storm drainage improvements, and sidewalk, bus stop, and landscaping improvements, as space and funding allow.The reconstruction is planned to begin in late May 2013 and will be completed in fall 2013. The project is funded by the 2011 voter-approved Capital Improvement Bond, which allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for approximately $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies, such as this one, and high priority infrastructure improvements. A community stakeholder committee prioritized projects to be funded by the bond and Arapahoe improvements were given a high priority due to current deteriorating conditions.
For more information about the Arapahoe Avenue Reconstruction project, contact Noreen Walsh at 303-441-3266 or visit www.bouldertransportation.net > “Projects & Programs” > “Arapahoe Avenue.”
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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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City of Boulder: Input on prairie dog relocation sought
0April 8, 2013
900 Prairie dogs slated for move
A public meeting is scheduled to discuss a city proposal to relocate up to 900 prairie dogs from city-owned land around Foothills Community Park and from additional open space colonies to city open space land east of Highway 93, south of Coal Creek, and north of Highway 128, south of Boulder. This number has been scaled back to reflect on-the-ground and projected drought conditions. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 9, in the Foothills Elementary School Cafeteria, 1001 Hawthorn Ave. Staff from the city will be available to answer any questions, and to receive comments and feedback.
The city is intending to apply for a State of Colorado permit to relocate the prairie dogs from these areas, which are designated as removal areas in the Urban Wildlife Management Plan and the Grassland Ecosystem Management Plan.
The proposed receiving site was previously the site of an extensive 155-acre prairie dog colony that has since died off. The prairie dogs are being removed from multiple city sites with the dogs near Foothills Community Park being moved first.
CITY OF BOULDER PRESS RELEASE– FOR THOSE TOO IGNORANT TO KNOW HOW THE BUSINESS WORKS
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Residents plagued by phony phone surveys about municipalization
0April 4, 2013
It’s similar to a recent survey by Xcel energy
The City of Boulder wishes to inform the public that it is not currently conducting any telephone polling about the potential creation of a local electric utility or possible ballot language related to this effort.
Residents have reported receiving a call from a research firm asking about several topics that the firm suggests will be on the ballot this fall. This call is similar in nature to a survey that was conducted on behalf of Xcel Energy last month.
Currently, the only item the city may place on the ballot related to possible municipalization is about the bonding process. Council will discuss this potential issue over the next few months.
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Smoking ban on Pearl Street Mall has Teeth
0March 21, 2013
Enforcement of smoking ban on Pearl Street Mall begins April 1
The ordinance banning smoking on the Pearl Street Mall went into effect on Jan. 18, 2013. The ordinance bans all smoking between 11th and 15th streets on the Pearl Street Mall, and on the lawn of the Boulder County Courthouse. The maximum penalty for a first or second offense within two years is a fine of $500; a third and subsequent conviction within two years triggers the general penalty provision of a maximum $1,000 fine and/or maximum of 90 days in jail.
Boulder police officers who patrol on the Pearl Street Mall have been educating people about the smoking ban since it went into effect, and have not written any tickets while the signs were being manufactured. On Monday, April 1, the ordinance will be fully implemented, and enforcement will begin.
Signs were ordered after City Council approved the ordinance in December; however there was a delay in the sign manufacturing. The signs on the mall are custom enameled and take longer to fabricate. The enamel signs are more resistant to graffiti and other tampering.
The city is collaborating with several partners, including Boulder County Public Health and Downtown Boulder, Inc. (DBI), to create a coordinated educational campaign for downtown employees and visitors about the smoking ban on the mall. A celebration event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, on the 1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall, where county, city and DBI staff will be available to answer questions about the smoking ban and about free resources available for individuals who wish to quit smoking.
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City of Boulder News Briefs
0March 15, 2013
City to host open house on revised floodplain mapping for Upper Goose/Twomile Canyon Creek
The City of Boulder will host an open house to collect public input on revised floodplain mapping for Upper Goose/Twomile Canyon Creek from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Foothills Elementary School Library, 1001 Hawthorn Ave.
City staff will provide information about how the proposed floodplains in the area have changed and how the revised mapping may impact property owners and residents in the area. If adopted, the proposed map would add 279 properties to the floodplain and remove 259. The property owners that may be impacted have been notified.
Public input will be requested on the proposed changes to the floodplains. After input is collected and analyzed, the mapping will be revised as appropriate and presented to the Water Resources Advisory Board and Planning Board later in 2013. A final recommendation to City Council will follow.
Floodplain maps are periodically updated and revised to reflect changing conditions, such as new topography, land development, updated mapping studies, impacts of flooding, and construction of floodplain improvements. The city strives to update its floodplain maps every 10 years.
For more information, contact Kurt Bauer at 303-441-4232 or visit www.boulderwater.net and click on “Projects & Programs.”
City of Boulder Planning & Development Services Center closed Tuesday, March 19 for staff training
The City of Boulder Planning and Development Services (P&DS) Center will be closed on Tuesday, March 19 for a staff work and training session to enhance core customer service functions such as processing development review and permit applications. The services center will resume regular hours of operation at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20.
The PDS Center is open during the lunch hour and continuously available to customers from:
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Anyone who enters the services center before 4 p.m. will be served. Customers who are working through the Land Use Review (LUR) and Technical Document (TEC) processes can schedule an appointment with a project specialist ahead of time by contacting Administration Supervisor Karlin Goggin at 303-441-4053.
Planning Development Services coordinates all of the development-related functions across the city’s Community Planning & Sustainability and Public Works departments. The customer services provided include building applications and permits, comprehensive planning, development review, GIS mapping services, historic preservation, inspections, licensing and zoning information.
All customers are encouraged to use www.boulderplandevelop.net before visiting the services center to access information and download applications and forms.
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City manager approves business incentive for Gnip
0March 15, 2013
Publisher note: Holy Cow!! The city has done it again. They gave a huge tax break to a company that generates zero tax revenues to the city. It is Gnip who sell absolutely no retail items in Boulder. They are an office. Gnip represents everything that is wrong about boulders “good ole girl” pr machine touting really stupid ideas. Gnip won the dubious award of being the Best place to work in Boulder. But our spies showed the company have an open alcohol and drug policy during work hours. Now they are receieving tax breaks but for what?? Shame on the city
Ed note: See the city’s response at the end of the article
City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based Gnip for up to $45,000 in rebates. The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and permit-related fees.
“Gnip is a fast-growing company in Boulder’s thriving downtown and high-tech communities,” Brautigam said. “The city is very pleased that it can support Gnip’s expansion so it can grow as an industry leader, delivering three billion social media activities per day.”
The flexible rebate program is one of the city’s business incentives, covering a wide range of fees, equipment and construction use taxes. Under this program, the city manager may consider a specific incentive package for tax and fee rebates to meet a company’s specific needs. The company is then eligible for the rebate after it has made its investment and paid the taxes or fees to the city.
Gnip is the largest provider of social data in the world, partnering with Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and WordPress, among others, to aggregate social media data and information for their clients. Founded in 2008, the company has emerged as a leader in the social media industry. With 50 employees, Gnip recently expanded into a new space at 1050 Walnut, Suite 115, to maintain its presence in downtown Boulder. In addition, Gnip was named “best place to work” by both the Boulder Chamber and the Denver Business Journal.
“We’re excited to be a based in Boulder and we think our growth is facilitated by the many advantages offered by the City of Boulder”, said Gnip CEO Jud Valeski. “We think Boulder offers the world’s best place to work and live.”
The flexible rebate program uses social, community, and environmental sustainability guidelines. Companies choose the guidelines that best fit their circumstances, but must meet minimum requirements in order to receive the rebate. Gnip has exceeded the requirements and, of note, the company has initiated the Gnip Gives Back program. This program coordinates charitable giving and organizes group service opportunities for the company to participate in. Gnip also offers Eco Passes, Boulder B-Cycle memberships, and annual City of Boulder Recreation passes to their employees and is located in a LEED Gold certified building.
Gnip’s application is approved as part of the 2012 flexible rebate program; one application is still pending. The city’s approved 2012 budget includes $350,000 in funding for 2012 flexible tax and fee rebates for primary employers.
For more information about the city’s economic vitality program, go to www.bouldercolorado.gov, click on “Business,” or call Liz Hanson at 303-441-3287.
Hi Jann,
We have met several times over the years. I am the city’s Economic Vitality Coordinator and I oversee the city’s flexible rebate business incentive program. The program is designed for primary employers (defined as Boulder companies that bring in over 50% of their revenues from outside Boulder County); it is not available to retail stores. Two return on investment analyses (ROI) are done for each rebate application, one that considers all local employees and one that considers only those employees who live in Boulder. Economic impacts such as company spending on catering, hotels, local purchases, and restaurants are considered, as is employee spending at restaurants and retail stores. This was an important factor for Gnip, as a downtown employer.
I would be happy to speak with you by phone or meet with you to explain the program further. The flexible rebate program is in its seventh year and has had a good track record of investing in companies that are investing in Boulder. Please note that, as a rebate program, no company receives city funds unless they have made a capital and/or facility investment and have submitted receipts for the tax/fee payments.
Warm regards,
Liz Hanson
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City of Boulder begins seasonal grassland raptor closures
0March 12, 2013
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) is temporarily closing areas in order to protect nesting and roosting burrowing owls and osprey. Properties where burrowing owls nest will be closed from March 15 through Oct 31. Properties closed for the protection of nesting osprey will be closed from March 15 through Sept. 10. Closures may be lifted early if monitoring indicates it is appropriate.
The following property will be closed for the protection of osprey:
Axelson (northwest of Boulder Reservoir; portions closed).
The following properties will be closed for the protection of burrowing owls:
- Damyanovich/Yunker (north of Marshall Drive, between Cherryvale Road and US 36);
- Jafay/Lynch (north of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
- Cosslett/Knaus (South of Lookout Road and east of 75th Street);
- Kelsall (north of High-Plains Trail, trail remains open);
- Mesa Sand and Gravel (east of 66th Street, south of Marshall Drive); and
- Superior Associates (north of High-Plains Trail, trail remains open).
These closures were established to protect sensitive species. Burrowing owls nest in prairie dog burrows and their populations are declining in Colorado. This bird is listed as threatened by the Colorado Division of Wildlife has been listed as endangered or as a species of “special concern” in 12 US states and in Canada. Staff will be monitoring these sites and others during the spring and summer to understand more about the distribution and breeding biology of this owl on city property.
City of Boulder relies heavily on the public to respect the closures, and the cooperation of visitors to avoid these areas is greatly appreciated. Trespass violations can result in a summons with penalties up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
More detailed information and maps can be found on the Open Space and Mountain Parks’ website: www.osmp.org. or call 303-441-3440.
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Chime in on the city’s energy plan
0March 7, 2013
The City of Boulder will host a conference call next week for residents and businesses to gather feedback on the options related to Boulder’s Energy Future.
Business Conference Call – March 12
On Tuesday, March 12, the city invites everyone, specifically business community members, to dial-in to a free conference call that will focus on issues of reliability, financing and governance. From noon to 1 p.m., individials can listen in on a panel presentation that will include the following panelists:
- Heather Bailey – executive director of Energy Strategy and Electric Utility Development
- Ms. Bailey will provide an overview of the modeling the city has conducted to date and key findings, especially those related to rates and reliability
- Michael Berwanger – managing director of The PFM Group
- Mr. Berwanger will share his perspective on the financial assumptions the city used in its modeling and outline key steps and factors in process for seeking financing related to the possible creation of a city electric utility
- Bob Lachenmayer – Schneider Electric
- Mr. Lachenmayer will explain how the city’s proposed service area plan helps maintain existing reliability and discuss possible enhanced reliability opportunities for businesses by utilities that are able to make innovation and unique customer needs priorities within their business model
- Jeff Tarbert, senior vice president of American Public Power Association
- Dr. Tarbert will discuss how public power utilities across the US handle governance and customer participation. He will outline best practices and share his thoughts about some of the key factors that need to be considered when determining how important utility decisions will be made.
Each panelist will give a short presentation, which will be followed by a question and answer session with conference call participants. People interested in joining the call should pre-register at www.BoulderColorado.gov/energyfuture/businesscall. The limit is 300 participants.
Community Open House – March 13
All potential customers of a city-operated electric utility are invited to attend an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 13, at the West Boulder Senior Center, 909 W. Arapahoe Ave.
At the event, the city will have stations set up, staffed by the Energy Future Project team, for individuals to learn more and ask questions about a variety of topics, including:
- Six options modeled by the city as part of its recent analysis
- How a potential utility would be governed
- The recently created technically optimal service area map and its impact on reliability
- What the “Electric Utility of the Future” might look like
- The status of partnership discussions with Xcel Energy
In addition, participants will be given an opportunity to rank a variety of feedback statements that most represent what excites them and/or concerns them about the possible creation of a city utility. These results will be shared with City Council in advance of council’s next decision on April 16.
In order to help potential attendees, the city is preparing a short video to explain the options and address other issues related to this initiative. The video will be available on at www.BoulderEnergyFuture.com by Tuesday, March 12, and will also be shown at the open house.
Individuals are welcome to come to the open house at any point during the two-hour period that is most convenient for them.
Other Feedback Opportunities
There are several additional ways for the public to share input on the options and the city’s ongoing work in this area:
- Visit www.BoulderEnergyFuture.com and use the comment form provided
- Send an email to energyfuture@bouldercolorado.gov
- Visit www.InspireBoulder.com, the city’s community collaboration tool, where the team is featuring each option over the coming weeks in hopes of starting an online dialogue.
Interested community groups are also encouraged to contact the city to schedule a presentation at one of their own established events. Send an email to energyfuture@bouldercolorado.gov to request a presentation/guest speaker.
