City News
This is news from the city of Boulder, about the city or any of its departments
Incentives draw another outdoor retailer to Boulder
Jul 12th
City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based American Rec for up to $25,000 in rebates. The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and permit-related fees.
“American Rec’s decision to expand its operations in Boulder allows the city to be home to the company’s ten major outdoor industry brands, strengthening Boulder’s outdoor industry sector,” Brautigam said. “We are pleased that the flexible rebate program helped American Rec with its investment at its Gunbarrel location.”
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.
American Rec is a collection of ten prominent outdoor industry brands, including Kelty, Royal Robins, Sierra Designs, Wenzel, Slumberjack, Rokk, Insta-Bed, Mountain Trails, Ultimate Direction and ISIS. The company was founded in St. Louis, MO, and in 2010, moved its headquarters to Boulder where several of its brands were already based, and because of the strong outdoor industry and lifestyle. With the move, American Rec grew to 60 employees. After purchasing ISIS for Women and moving it to Boulder, American Rec now has almost 100 employees. The company recently remodeled its space at 6235 Lookout Road to better accommodate its growth.
“The Boulder location and exposure from the Diagonal Highway is an integral part of our corporate identity,” said Brett Jordan, chief executive officer of American Rec’s Equipment Group. “The new building remodel will meet the new demands of the consolidated divisions along with anticipated growth over the next several years.”
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. American Rec has met the requirements and, of note, has a commute trip reduction program that includes alternative work schedules, showers, secure bike parking, and designated carpool parking. In addition, the company participates in volunteer industry initiatives, runs a recycling program, and will participate in the city’s energy assessment and EnergySmart programs.
American Rec’s application is the first 2012 flexible rebate application. The city’s approved 2012 budget includes $350,000 in funding for 2012 flexible tax and fee rebates for primary employers.
Boneheads kept rescuers busy Tuesday
Jul 11th
Multiple Rescues on Flagstaff Mountain and First Flatiron
On Tuesday, July 10th, 2012 at approximately 1645 hours, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, along with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Rangers responded to the report of a 22-year old female who became stuck while scrambling on the the first Flatiron. The woman was not injured and eventually assisted back down to safety by Rocky Mountain Rescue Group members.
At about 1800 hours, a 16 year old female rock climber requested assistance in getting down off the first Flatiron as she fell while climbing the “Fandango” route and sustained a lower leg injury. Rocky Mountain Rescue responded and assisted the climber to safety.
At around the same time, another rescue was reported on the Green Ridge Trail off of Flagstaff Drive. A 52 year old male injured his leg and required assistance and advanced medical care. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group members responded and used a litter to carry the man to safety.
Although the Flatirons appear to be a low complexity climb, caution should be considered when climbing the higher sections of the iconic formations. The rock is typically slick, the slopes steep, and the climb quickly becomes treacherous without proper equipment and climbing knowledge.
Skeeters carrying West Nile virus are HERE!
Jul 11th
First mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile Virus in City of Boulder
The City of Boulder received notification today of the season’s first mosquito pool to test positive for West Nile Virus within city limits. The mosquito sample was pooled from three different traps that came from Tom Watson Park, Christensen Park and Stazio Ball Fields. The infected mosquitoes could have come from any of those sites, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are present at all three.
No human cases have been reported in Colorado so far this season; however, the city urges residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding sites.
Keep safe this summer and remember the four D’s:
1. Use insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
2. DRESS in long sleeves and pants.
3. Avoid the outdoors from DUSK until DAWN.
4. DRAIN standing water outside your home.
Mosquito activity this year has been lower than usual so far due to the dry conditions. However, the type of mosquitoes that have the ability to transmit West Nile Virus have been present in greater percentages earlier in the season than in previous years.
City residents can help minimize the spread of West Nile Virus by eliminating any potential breeding grounds from around their properties:
- Clean gutters regularly.
- Change water in bird baths every three days.
- Check and empty any outside items that collect standing water (flower pots, lawn ornaments and toys).
- Do not overwater lawns.
- Keep trash cans covered and clean.
For general information about West Nile Virus, visit Boulder County Public Health’s website or call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 877-462-2911 or the Boulder County Hotline at 303-441-1460.