Posts tagged service
2013 Hessie Trailhead Shuttle Program Meeting – May 21 in Nederland
0May 15, 2013
Come out and meet the summer rangers and learn about the 2013 Hessie Trailhead shuttle program − Tuesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. at the Nederland Community Library
Boulder County, Colo. – Boulder County will run a free shuttle service again on weekends and holidays from June 2 to Oct. 6 to carry passengers from Nederland Middle/Senior High School to the Hessie Trailhead, a popular entry point for accessing the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
The Hessie Trailhead shuttle program began last summer to address the issue of increased parking and traffic congestion on the way to the trailhead. This year it will be extended to include peak “leaf peeping” weekends in the fall.
While the trailhead itself is managed by the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, the road that accesses the trailhead is managed and maintained by Boulder County. Parking near the trailhead and on nearby roads such as 4th of July Road is extremely limited, and Boulder County Parks & Open Space rangers are responsible for enforcing strict parking regulations in the area.
Rather than driving directly to the trailhead, visitors are encouraged to take the RTD ‘N’ bus to Nederland from Boulder or park at Nederland Middle/Senior High School and take the free shuttle instead.
An informational meeting to discuss updates to the shuttle program and to meet the rangers who will be in charge of parking enforcement this summer has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 21:
What: 2013 Hessie Shuttle Kickoff Meeting and Meet the Rangers Event
When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 21
Where: Nederland Community Library, 200 Hwy 72, Nederland (map)
It is not necessary to RSVP to the meeting, and family, friends and neighbors are all encouraged to attend.
Shuttle Service:
The shuttle service will begin Sunday, June 2 and will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays throughout the summer. The shuttle will also run on holidays over the summer including Independence Day (July 4) and Labor Day (Sept. 2). This year, the shuttle operation schedule has been extended until Sunday, Oct. 6 to accommodate the peak autumn leaf season.
Details:
- Park and catch the free shuttle at Nederland Middle/Senior High School (map)
- Take RTD’s ‘N’ route from Boulder and transfer to the shuttle at Nederland Middle/Senior High School
- Shuttle arrives every 15 minutes
- Leashed dogs are welcome on board on the shuttle
- Parking is for day use only; overnight users should make other arrangements
If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like more information or you would like to provide feedback, visit www.HessieTrailhead.com or contact Scott McCarey at smccarey@bouldercounty.org or 720-564-2665.
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Graduating seniors give CU Boulder high marks
0May 8, 2013
About four in five respondents reported satisfaction with their CU-Boulder education. A similar proportion would recommend CU-Boulder to a friend and nearly 98 percent of the seniors reported that their program of study met their educational goals.
The 2012 study is the latest edition of the senior survey, conducted 11 times since 1985 by CU-Boulder’s Office of Planning, Budget and Analysis, or PBA.
“The survey data clearly demonstrate that these students, from their perspective as seniors, judge the university in overwhelmingly positive terms,” said Michael Grant, CU-Boulder associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education. “CU-Boulder routinely invests a lot of time and energy in polling our senior students about their experiences, academic and otherwise, in order to continuously work toward improving those experiences.”
The online questionnaire was sent to 7,646 degree-seeking seniors and was completed by 2,890, or 38 percent, of the recipients. Comprising about 200 scaled items, plus four open-ended questions, the survey collected a massive amount of information including nearly 7,900 written comments.
The 2012 seniors’ ratings of CU-Boulder advising services were higher than those from any previous senior survey. The seniors’ satisfaction with numerous other CU-Boulder services, from libraries to information technology, was high and generally comparable to that of earlier cohorts.
“We use the survey results extensively to look at what’s popular and working well, to set goals to improve services, and even to pass along advice,” said Jim Davis Rosenthal, CU-Boulder director of orientation and director of the Office of Student Affairs Assessment. “Based on one of the survey questions, we are able to let incoming freshmen know what outgoing seniors wished they had gotten involved in. Other departments also use the results to encourage students to try opportunities they might not otherwise have considered. In a way, it’s like older siblings giving advice to their younger siblings.”
Large proportions of seniors said that if they were to start over at CU-Boulder, they would put more effort toward or spend more time on interacting with faculty (60 percent), career exploration (51 percent), and campus-related research projects, internships and applied experiences (45 percent).
Nearly two-thirds of seniors who expected to graduate by summer 2012 reported that their principal activity in fall 2012 was most likely to be paid employment, either full time (48 percent) or part time (15 percent). A combined 15 percent said they were most likely to be enrolled in graduate studies, professional school or other coursework. A combined 13 percent expected to go into military service, or pursue volunteer service, an internship, student teaching or travel.
The thousands of student comments included praise for various aspects of their major programs, suggestions for ways to enhance and improve major programs, and descriptions of ways in which their major program did or did not meet their educational goals.
One student wrote, “I feel that I am prepared to be an exceptional teacher after I graduate. The school had a lot to do with my preparedness.” Another wrote, “Excellent material, mostly great professors, and fantastic facilities all add up to a well-rounded education.”
The survey collects information on seniors’ satisfaction with their educational experiences at CU-Boulder and about their post-graduation plans. The survey’s findings are used primarily to provide systematic information for academic and service units to use in planning and improvement, and for use by prospective and current students, their advisers, and their families.
Preliminary results for the Seniors’ Future Plans Survey, which is separate from the comprehensive senior survey and which has been conducted each year since 2009, show a jump in full-time employment expectations. The initial data show that 54 percent of CU-Boulder seniors in 2013 expect full-time employment to be their principal activity after graduation, an increase from 48 percent in 2012. Expectations for part-time employment were reported by 15 percent of the 2013 seniors.
The 2012 questionnaire and comprehensive data from the senior survey, including summary reports from students in each of CU-Boulder’s schools and colleges and nearly 50 departments, are available athttp://www.colorado.edu/pba/surveys/senior/12/index.htm.
-CU-
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Boulder High’s student council is as good as gold
0April 5, 2013
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Are these high school students we’re talking about?
(NASC contributed to text) RESTON, VA–– For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that serve to improve the school and community, Boulder High School has been awarded a 2013 National Gold Council of Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). In addition Boulder High School is one of just five schools in Colorado to receive the Gold Award. Nearly 180 high school councils across the country were named National Councils of Excellence. Of those, Boulder High School is one of only 163 high school councils nationwide to receive the highly-esteemed honor of being named a National Gold Council of Excellence. 
“I am extremely pleased with the honor our Student Council has received”, says Scott Cawlfield, Assistant Principal at Boulder High. “To be recognized for the exemplary work and commitment our students demonstrate on a daily basis, and being one of only 5 high schools in the state of Colorado to receive this award, the staff of Boulder High couldn’t be more proud.”
“I am very proud of the hard work this council has completed to achieve this award” says Russell Selnau, Student Council adviser at Boulder High.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as a gold standard council”, says Tate Moore, Student Body President at Boulder High. “Everyone has worked so hard and put so much effort in and I am so proud.”
To meet the requirements of the NASC National Council of Excellence award, a student council must demonstrate that it meets a variety of criteria. Those councils named to the Gold level have successfully met a greater number of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings, a democratic election process, and membership in NASC, schools that qualify for the award demonstrate such things as leadership training for council members, teacher/staff appreciation activities, student recognition programs, school and community service projects, spirit activities, goal setting, financial planning, and active participation in their state and nation student council associations.
“I am so glad that all the hard work we do in Student Council can finally be recognized”, says Flora Quinby, Council of Excellence committee chair. “Collecting all the work from the past year has taken a long time but looking back, it was worth the hard work and effort.”
“Receiving an NASC National Council of Excellence Award indicates a dedication on the part of the local school to providing a strong, well-rounded student council program,” says Jeff Sherrill, associate director of NASC. “NASC applauds the work of the National Councils of Excellence and challenges them to continue their leadership and service to their schools and communities.”
“I am so pleased there is an award that acknowledges the years of development and excellence of this group of leaders”, says Ruthie Banta, assistant Student Council adviser at Boulder High.
In addition to receiving this award, the Student Council at Boulder High is very excited about Keegan Velasquez, a current junior, having been elected to serve on the 2013-2014 Colorado State Student Council board as CHSAA Student Leadership President. Says Keegan, “I’m very excited for the opportunity I’ve been given to help lead the students of Colorado as CHSAA Student Leadership President. It will be a great thing for Boulder High School to develop a stronger connection with the community and the state. I’m confident many great things will come from this. I hope that Boulder High can become an incredible example to all who look in and see a school full of great leaders, great students, and a great community. We have already made a tremendous accomplishment in this by becoming a Gold Council of Excellence. My goals are to develop a way to communicate or meet with Student Leaders from around our region and the nation. I also hope to continue work from this year by reaching out to as many possible schools around the state to work on our State Projects (Make-a-Wish and Special Olympics). And finally I hope to organize meetings for schools within their districts or regions to help enable community collaboration. Building a strong community is the best resource I, along with the board of student State Representatives, can develop to ensure our success as a state. Working with our schools, and the local, regional, state, and national councils will expand our potential and allow us to make a difference now and in the future! I am honored to be in this position and I can not wait to be the President of something so powerful, so passionate, and so enduring.”
BVSD press release
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CU business school endowed with $2.25 million chair to promote global enterprise
0April 3, 2013
Advancing global enterprise at the university level by a billionaire seems to make excellent sense.
A better understanding of the core drivers that help great leaders innovate — and avoid failure — is key to advancing global enterprise. The Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder is now better equipped to advance this understanding, thanks to a new $2.25 million gift from the Thomas Stix Guggenheim family to establish an endowed faculty chair aimed at educating new generations of entrepreneurs on the core drivers of successful business design and innovation.
This prestigious faculty post was made possible by Thomas Stix Guggenheim and his wife Pedie, of Cincinnati and Snowmass Village, Colo., and his four children, each of whom also attended CU-Boulder.
The new chair will enhance business education at the Leeds School by offering a broader exploration of the factors that allow some firms to succeed while others fail.
The chair also advances key Leeds priorities, as it will help aspiring innovators develop the critical thinking skills that result in creative solutions to diverse and complex challenges. “Our business experience has demonstrated there is as much, if not more, to learn from business failures as from successes,” Guggenheim said. “One main aspect of our endowed chair is to case-study this belief.”
David Ikenberry, dean of the Leeds School, said the creation of the Thomas Stix Guggenheim Family Endowed Chair in Business Design and Innovation is emblematic of the school’s mission. “We have embarked on an innovation agenda that will enable graduates to evolve in a rapidly changing business climate and ensure their ability to drive value,” he said. “We are fortunate and grateful for the family’s generous support as we pursue this great challenge.”
The concept of business design is an emerging area of business education — exploring the interaction of factors such as strategy, product or service design, and entrepreneurial leadership to solve complex problems and drive economic innovation and successful business creation.
With Leeds and CU’s long-standing reputation for entrepreneurship education along with Boulder’s identity as one of the nation’s most entrepreneurial and creative cities, the new chair is a logical fit for Colorado and its economy.
The Thomas Stix Guggenheim Family Endowed Chair in Business Design and Innovation is a tribute to the successful career and outstanding leadership of the chair’s namesake. After graduating from CU-Boulder in 1950 with a degree in marketing, Guggenheim went on to lead two successful hosiery (sock) businesses.
“It’s exciting to see CU-Boulder graduates giving back to the university in such an important way so future generations of students can succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors,” said Chancellor Philip DiStefano.
A longtime donor to CU-Boulder, Guggenheim has supported the Center for Education on Social Responsibility, which integrates ethics education across the Leeds School curriculum to develop values-driven leaders, and a popular freshman-level course titled “Profiles in American Enterprise,” which invited top executives to discuss relevant business issues.
An endowed chair gift provides a reliable and perpetual stream of funding for a senior faculty position. It is a public indicator of a program’s prestige and it helps universities recruit and retain top talent.
A global search will launch immediately to identify a candidate to serve as the first Guggenheim Family Endowed Chair. The goal is to fill the tenured post, to be housed within the school’s Division of Management, for the start of the fall semester in 2014.
The gift is one of more than 275,000 gifts made to date during Creating Futures, a $1.5 billion fundraising campaign to enhance CU education, research, outreach and health programs benefiting citizens throughout Colorado and beyond. Visit http://www.cufund.org for more information.
-CU Press Release-
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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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CU continues clampdown on 4/20 activities
0March 11, 2013
“We are committed to ending the unwelcome 4/20 gathering on the CU-Boulder campus, and this year’s approach represents the continuance of a multi-year plan to achieve that end,” said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano. “What’s important here is the protection of CU’s missions of research, teaching and service. This isn’t about marijuana or drug laws. It’s about not disrupting the important work of a world-class university.”
DiStefano noted that the passage of Amendment 64 by Colorado voters last year does not make marijuana legal on the CU-Boulder campus. Amendment 64 doesn’t legalize pot smoking in public or possession of marijuana by those under 21. Marijuana is still prohibited by campus policy.
DiStefano noted that the passage of Amendment 64 by Colorado voters last year does not make marijuana legal on the CU-Boulder campus. Amendment 64 doesn’t legalize pot smoking in public or possession of marijuana by those under 21. Marijuana is still prohibited by campus policy.
Last year, the university’s closure to non-affiliates on April 20 resulted in the reduction of a 4/20 crowd of about 10,000 to 12,000 people in 2011 to a crowd of several hundred. A Boulder judge upheld the university’s right to take reasonable steps to avoid disruption of the university’s missions of teaching, research and service.
This year on Saturday, April 20, CU-Boulder’s normal academic and cultural activities will continue as scheduled, but the following measures will be in place:
- Students, faculty and staff are all welcome on campus and invited to attend all official university functions and make use of university facilities as they always do.
- Students, faculty and staff will be asked to present their Buff OneCard IDs at campus entrances and other areas.
- Consistent with last year’s protocol, law enforcement officers will politely and professionally engage those wishing to enter the campus to ascertain if they are affiliates or approved visitors. This will involve checking Buff OneCards for students, faculty and staff and credentials for registered visitors.
- Those unaffiliated with CU-Boulder, or who are not approved visitors, will not be permitted on campus. Those who trespass risk citations, which can mean punishment of up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
- Law enforcement, including the Colorado State Patrol, will conduct additional enforcement on highways surrounding Boulder, looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Visitors who have official business, meetings or other officially sanctioned activities on the CU-Boulder campus will need to obtain a visitors’ pass by visiting the following link and filling out the form at http://www.colorado.edu/april20/campusaccess. Forms for visitors must be completed and submitted to CU-Boulder by 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 14.
Affiliates are encouraged to use alternative methods of transportation to get to and from campus. Bus routes that normally travel through core campus on 18th Street and Colorado Avenue – including the HOP and Buff Bus – will be detoured down Regent Drive. Please see http://www.colorado.edu/pts/content/420-traffic-parking-transit-impacts for additional information. - All campus performances and events are on as scheduled for the evening of April 20 and the campus is expected to be fully open again at 6 p.m.
CU-Boulder officials this year agreed with CU student leaders on several new measures and adaptations in closing the campus:
- Officers will carry and distribute information cards explaining the university’s security actions and protocols for the day and providing a contact point for reporting concerns about the day’s procedures or police conduct.
- The university will not place any fish fertilizer on the Norlin Quad.
- The Student Government will not host a concert this year on 4/20 in an effort to save student funds and in response to student feedback.
Funding for the campus security measures comes from insurance rebates to the campus, not from tuition or student fees. As a reminder, per campus policies and the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act with which the university must comply, marijuana is not permitted on the campus.
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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.
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Free, expanded bus services to provide safe transportation New Year’s Eve
0December 28, 2012
The City of Boulder, University of Colorado Student Union, RTD and Via encourage New Year’s Eve revelers to take advantage of:
· free HOP bus service from 7 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, until midnight on Tuesday, Jan.1, 2013;
· free Buff Bus, Black, Gold and Silver Line Late Night Transit bus service from midnight until 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan.1, 2013; and
· free RTD bus services, including the SKIP, JUMP, BOUND, DASH, BOLT and SkyRide routes, from 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.
Hop abord if you’ve been drinking
In addition to the free bus services that are being offered, the University of Colorado Buff Bus and Late Night Transit services will expand coverage to larger areas of the city. The Buff Bus will provide service on Broadway south to Greenbriar Boulevard, on Baseline Road east to 30th Street, and on 30th Street north to Arapahoe Avenue. The Silver Line will extend service on Broadway north to Iris Avenue. The Black Line will extend service on Moorhead Avenue south to Table Mesa Drive. The Gold Line will extend service from areas east of downtown to 30th Street between Arapahoe and Iris avenues. These expanded bus services will allow passengers to safely access most areas of Boulder while celebrating the New Year. Passengers do not have to be University of Colorado students to ride and may ask any bus driver for information if they are unsure about which bus route to take.
The HOP bus and all RTD bus services will operate on the regular weekday schedule on New Year’s Eve and on a holiday schedule on New Year’s Day. The normal weekday services will return on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013.
For more information about the free HOP and Late Night Transit bus services, call Via at 303-447-8282 or visit www.viacolorado.org. For bus route maps, fares, schedules and other information, visit www.rtd-denver.com and www.goboulder.net.
For real-time arrival and departure information for the HOP bus, visit www.nextbus.com.
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Boulder County budget released
0December 13, 2012
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Boulder County Commissioners adopt 2013 budget
The county’s mill levy and general operating budget to remain flat for 2013
Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Commissioners have adopted a budget of $319.6 million for 2013, down from $321.7 million in 2012.
The 2013 budget represents a nearly flat comparison to the one adopted in 2012, based largely on the fact that the county is in its second year of a biannual property reappraisal cycle. With property values assessed only every other year, the second year in the cycle rarely reflects much of a change in the property tax portion of the county’s projected revenue stream.
The real difference in the budget this year is reflected through a reduction in carryover funds from the year prior and the annual adjustment of revenues in funds other than the General Fund (such as the Road & Bridge Fund and Capital Expenditure Fund) which fluctuate year-to-year based on their designated purpose and funding sources.
In keeping with a flat budget, the County Commissioners have worked hard to bring expenses in line with revenues for 2013, all the while continuing to support programs popular with county residents.
As in past years, the careful and deliberate process of evaluating program requests by elected offices and departments in a public forum has led to sound fiscal decisions that allow the county to function at a high level and continue to provide excellent service to county residents with essentially no increase to the General Fund.
“The 2013 budget is a culmination of more than six months of productive discussion and input from our non-profit leaders, elected officials and department heads who work closely every day with members of the public to figure out how best to meet the needs our community,” said Cindy Domenico, Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “We are pleased to adopt this fully balanced budget which serves as a guiding document for carrying out the values of our residents.”
Commissioner Deb Gardner said she was pleased to adopt a budget that “balances the long and short term needs of the county and works within a sustainable context to make sure that the county will stay on track for years to come in responding to the priorities set forth by the residents of Boulder County.”
Commissioner Will Toor remarked on the complexity of the county budget and praised the efforts of county leaders and staff for continuing to implement and expand on highly-desired programs for residents, even within a fiscally-constrained framework.
“Whether we look at the strong support for our non-profit community and our human services safety net programs, or the extension of the popular EnergySmart program,” which faces an end to its federal grant in mid-2013, “or the continued improvement of our county’s transportation network, including all modes of transportation, we’re very pleased with the ability to support incremental expansions of these programs despite the fiscal constraints we’re under,” said Toor.
The County Commissioners thanked staff and everyone from the public who participated in the budget process, acknowledging that the collaborative effort in creating next year’s budget made for a much better document through their efforts.
Commissioners certify mill levy
The Commissioners also today certified a mill levy of 24.645 mills, the same as the last two years, which is projected to generate property tax revenues of $134,612,456 in 2013 (up only slightly from $134,408,021 in 2012). The county’s mill levy amount represents roughly 29 percent of a property owner’s total average property tax bill within Boulder County. Other taxing entities that receive property tax revenues include (from 2012 data): school districts (53%), cities and towns (11%), and “other” fire, water and special districts (7%).
For a copy of the funding package for 2013, visit: www.bouldercounty.org/gov/budget.
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Swiss Chalet Timepieces
0November 19, 2012
Located on the historic Pearl Street in Boulder Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We have over 500 models of quality Swiss Watches in stock and we can order any watch from the manufacturers listed below. (see discounts and Order by phone) Founded by Swiss born Walter Ammann, a qualified Rolex watch maker, Swiss Chalet is Family owned and operated. Bruno, his son, is Swiss trained and Rolex qualified in repair of all quality Swiss Watches. We sell and repair Swiss watches and clocks and offer quality service to customers worldwide. We also have a fine collection of Vintage Watches to select from.
1642 Pearl St.
Boulder, CO 80302
303-443-0346
Email : info@swisschaletboulder.com
Store Hours
Mon. – Fri. 10-6 P.M.
Sat. 10-5 P.M.
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Art Cleaners
0November 10, 2012
Boulder Valley Rotary Club annual share a coat drive is on. During November bring your coats to any of our stores listed below. We will clean and press them and then send them to the Rotary club who will distribute them to Boulder Valley Schools. All at no cost to you. Any warm clothing will do and you can help a child in need stay warm this winter.
Art Cleaners has been your friendly neighborhood full service dry cleaner since 1921, offering you the finest in dry cleaning, laundry and alterations. Service is our top priority with our friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff we strive to make every encounter with us a pleasant experience. Quality is foremost for us as well. In 2003 we were pleased to convert to the GreenEarth Cleaning System.
7-7 Monday – Friday
8-5 Saturday
Email: contact@artcleaners.com
Website: http://artcleaners.com/
Locations
| The Meadows 4800 Baseline Rd. 303.494.2709 View Map |
Basemar Center 2570 Baseline Rd. 303.499.7030 View Map |
Downtown 1715 15th St. 303.440.8600 View Map |
North Boulder 3980 N. Broadway 303.443.0158 View Map |
| Uptown 1501 Lee Hill Rd. 303.447.8700 View Map |
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News from Art Cleaners
News from Art Cleaners
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CU-Boulder to honor vets through Veterans Week events Nov. 9-17
0November 9, 2012
The University of Colorado Boulder will honor the nation’s veterans, including CU-Boulder’s own faculty, staff and student veterans, through Veterans Week, beginning with a Nov. 9 Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. in the University Memorial Center’s Glenn Miller Ballroom.
The free, public ceremony will feature guest speaker Michael Dakduk, executive director of the national organization Student Veterans of America. A reception will follow in the UMC Veterans Lounge.
In the Marine Corps, Dakduk was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and to Afghanistan in 2007, where he earned military decorations for distinguished service in combat. He left active duty in 2008 and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he organized student veterans on campus as a chapter of Student Veterans of America.
“We take this time to acknowledge and express gratitude for the sacrifices of those still serving and those who have served so gallantly and selflessly in our armed forces,” said CU-Boulder Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano. “This weekend, we can each take a moment to reflect on how much we owe the silent heroes in our midst and reach out and thank a vet for this outstanding service. The University of Colorado Boulder joins the nation on this one day of the year our country has set aside to honor our veterans and acknowledge the legacy of their steadfast defense of our American ideals, principles and liberties.”
Also on Nov. 9, CU-Boulder will host Military Student Day to assist military service members interested in transitioning from military service to life as a college student.
CU-Boulder is home to about 650 student veterans and 250 faculty and staff vets, according to Michael Roberts, program manager of CU-Boulder’s Veteran Services office on campus.
“The Office of Veteran Services here at CU-Boulder continues to build a robust program supporting our veterans transitioning from the military to college and ultimately to the work force,” Roberts said. “We have a group of committed staff and faculty leaders who are eager to support our student veterans.”
Student veterans can visit the Student Veterans Center in the Center for Community building, room S482. The center serves as a one-stop shop to support student veterans.
One of the most sought-after services is help with the GI Bill, Roberts said.
“Most veterans are taking advantage of this great opportunity they earned while serving our nation,” he said. “The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers all in-state tuition and fees as well as providing a monthly living allowance. In Boulder, it is quite substantial — $1,500 per month while they are in school.”
The CU-Boulder Law School also recently opened the Veteran’s Legal Clinic to help unite the Colorado legal community and students at CU as they work together to develop a support system for veterans across the state.
Mark Fogg, president of the Colorado Bar Association and a Colorado Law alumnus, recognized the need for pro bono legal services in the veteran’s community in Colorado, said Andy Hartman, an adjunct professor and director of the experiential learning program at Colorado Law.
“The bar wanted to have veteran’s clinics in different cities throughout Colorado including Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction, and they wanted a program at CU-Boulder and the University of Denver to serve their student veterans and their families,” Hartman said.
Attorneys from the Colorado Bar Association work with student volunteers from Colorado Law to meet with veterans and address some of their legal questions. Neither party is financially compensated for their work, although it affords practicing attorneys and students the opportunity to fulfill their public service pledge to provide legal services that benefit the community.
Kevin Brown, a third-year law student at CU-Boulder and a former attack pilot for the Marines, has a vivid memory of the Veterans Legal Clinic’s first client.
“The very first person that walked into the clinic last November on Veterans Day was a homeless veteran that needed many different kinds of help,” said Brown. “To see a veteran who was homeless and in need and to watch the Colorado Bar Association and the volunteer attorneys come together and work to provide assistance and help to him was inspiring.”
Other campus observances for Veterans Day include:
Nov. 9, at 6 p.m., in Old Main Chapel
The CU-Boulder Veteran Services office will have a public viewing of the documentary “Veterans Day 11.11.11.” The feature-length documentary examines what it means to be a veteran in America through the stories of several men and women vets who served during times of peace and war.
Pat Woodard, the documentary’s co-executive producer and writer; Richard Deki, one of the veterans featured in the documentary; and Suzanne Popovich Chandler, a photographer whose work is featured in the documentary, will be present to interact with the audience during and after the film.
Nov. 14, 6-9 p.m., Old Main Chapel
A public showing of the documentary “The Welcome,” an award-winning film that offers a “fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike.”
Nov. 17, 9 a.m., UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom
The annual veterans pre-game party honors CU’s military families as well as members of the military across the Front Range community. For more information contact the Veteran Services office at 303-492-7322.
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Transmission Technology Services
0November 8, 2012
Transmission Technology Services The Most Trusted Name In Transmissions, Automatics, Standards, Transfer Cases, Free 11-Point Check, Foreign/Domestic, Tune-Ups Brakes Mufflers, All Your Auto care Needs, Locally Owned And Operated, Honesty Integrity And Complete Customer Satisfaction.
6270 Arapahoe Ave.
Boulder, CO 80303
303-541-9964
transdoc@transmissiontech.com
Monday-Friday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
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Boulder County: Traffic nightmares in SE county
0October 11, 2012
Several projects to affect travel in southeastern Boulder County
Alternate routes, modes suggested
Boulder County, Colo. – People traveling throughout the southeast part of Boulder County next week are advised to use alternate routes or modes of transportation.
Baseline Road will be closed west of 95th Street from Oct. 15-24 so that Burlington Northern Santa Fe and the City of Lafayette can replace the railroad crossing at that location.
That project is in addition to the Boulder County Transportation Department’s reconstruction of the intersection at 76th Street and South Boulder Road and the Colorado Department of Transportation’s ongoing reconstruction/widening of Highway 7/Arapahoe Road from 75th Street west to Cherryvale Road.
The three projects will be underway simultaneously beginning Monday, Oct. 15. Additionally, water line work is being done on Baseline Road near Platt Middle School.
The Boulder County project at 76th and South Boulder Road is replacing the roadway at the intersection. One westbound through lane on South Boulder Road and both eastbound lanes will remain open; 76th is closed to through traffic. This work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2.
Recommended alternative routes/detours:
- Louisville and southern Lafayette residents should use South Boulder Road
- Central Lafayette and southern Erie residents should use Highway 7
- Northern Lafayette and Erie residents should use Isabelle/Valmont roads, Lookout Road or Highway 52
Recommended alternative modes:
- Use RTD bus service
- JUMP from Erie/Lafayette Park-n-Ride along Highway 7/Arapahoe Road
- DASH from Lafayette/Lafayette Park-n-Ride along South Boulder Road
- BV from Superior/Louisville Park-n-Ride
- Carpool
- Shift commute time to earlier/later to avoid rush hour congestion
For more information, please contact the Boulder County Transportation Department at 303-441-3900 or transportation@bouldercounty.org.
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Boulder Valley School District opens online forum
0October 10, 2012
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
October 3, 2012
Boulder, CO – The Boulder Valley School District has launched BVSD Listens, a new comprehensive community engagement website developed by MindMixer. It’s a place parents can engage, communicate and collaborate with the superintendent and school board – along with other residents – on where they see the district heading.
The goal is communication – involvement. Parents and community members who sign up with BVSD Listens will be part of the planning process on issues like the school year calendar and the role schools can play in Boulder’s future as a city.
BVSD Listens allows contributors a chance to share new ideas, second others’ ideas, expand upon existing ideas, give feedback on initiatives, and work with school leaders on a variety of topics online anytime, anywhere. The Boulder Valley Board of Education, Superintendent Bruce Messinger, and other key administrators at BVSD will be tuned in to the site.
The discussion has begun with the following topics and will branch off from there based on contributor input:
- Which calendar guiding principles are most important to you?
- What is the best way for the district to communicate with you?
- What is your favorite thing about Boulder Valley Schools?
- How do you see the public schools and the students they produce contributing to your vision of our community’s future?
BVSD Listens also measures and tracks participation, identifying the most interested citizens and most compelling topics. The tools make it easy for administrations to communicate back with parents, and they deliver measurable results and invaluable insight as plans move forward.
Nick Bowden, CEO of MindMixer, says,“ Our tools go beyond just technology. Our mission is to build community contributors. Ideas, voices, and perspectives are shared to facilitate deeper and better conversations that yield actionable insights and a stronger community.”
As part of its service, MindMixer consults and collaborates with clients to identify issues that are critical to stakeholders in order to update topics and content for their websites.
