Posts tagged city
Six puppies test positive for Parvovirus in Boulder
Aug 1st
Animal Control offers prevention tips
The Boulder Police Department’s Animal Control Unit is notifying dog owners about potential Parvovirus (also called Parvo) among some dogs in the city.
At least six puppies have tested positive for the virus, and one has died. The others are undergoing veterinary treatment. The infected dogs were in the area of 9th and Canyon, near the library and municipal building.
Boulder’s Animal Control Unit says vaccinated dogs are at a very low risk of contracting the disease. If your dog is not current on vaccinations, there is a higher risk of exposure. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns or questions about whether your pet is current on shots.
Parvovirus is a serious viral disease. It is extremely contagious and the risk of exposure is a year-round issue. Parvo is most often an intestinal disease, but the virus can also infect the heart muscles. Sometimes an infected dog doesn’t show any symptoms of the virus, although it generally presents itself quickly (sometimes as soon as 12 hours) after a dog has been exposed.
Signs of intestinal Parvo include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea (usually bloody and foul-smelling
- Fever
- Intussusception– this is when a section of the animal’s intestinal tract telescopes into itself. This is an emergency which requires immediate veterinary attention.
There is no cure for Parvovirus. Veterinarians can give fluids orally if the infection is mild, or subcutaneously (under the skin) if dehydration is more extreme. Anti-vomiting medications, antibiotics and blood/plasma transfusions are also used in treatment.
Parvo is spread by dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated feces. People can carry the virus on their hands and clothes if they pet an infected dog or touch the leash or collar of an infected dog. The virus can also be carried on the bottoms of shoes if a person steps on feces or contaminated dirt, and can be transmitted from shoes to homes, workplaces and other areas.
The virus can remain “live” for up to seven months, so it’s important to properly disinfect areas which may have been exposed to the virus. Household bleach is the best disinfectant for surfaces like countertops and floors, or the bottoms of shoes. The dilution formula is one part bleach to 30 parts water. (Be careful with fabrics). Never, ever use the bleach solution on an animal. For people who are sensitive to the smell of bleach, there are commercially-available Parvovirus disinfectants which don’t smell as strong.
The best way to prevent your dog from becoming infected with Parvovirus is to vaccinate against the disease. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or need recommendations for your pet.
CIP bonds building a head of steam
Jul 28th
City makes progress on Capital Improvement Bond projects throughout Boulder
Just six months into the implementation of the Capital Improvement Bond, three projects have already been completed and 13 more are currently under construction. The community projects are funded by the voter-approved bond, a citywide initiative to address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements throughout Boulder.
The city first completed a missing sidewalk link on Gillaspie Drive, along the border of Harlow Platts Park, between Greenbriar Boulevard and Juilliard Street. Next, a new pedestrian crossing was installed at the intersection of Canyon Boulevard and 21st Street. In addition, all of the city’s traffic signalincandescent lamps have been replaced with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.
“Replacing all of the city’s traffic signals with LEDs is a significant improvement that will make our transportation system more energy efficient and will require less frequent maintenance,” said Director of Public Works for Transportation Tracy Winfree. “Each of the LED lamps will use approximately 80 percent less energy, which will save the city thousands of dollars per year.”
During the next three years, the city will continue to utilize Capital Improvement Bond funds to implement 89 individual projects throughout the community. The projects include roadway reconstruction, park facility upgrades, critical software updates, police equipment needs and a renovation of the Main Boulder Public Library.
The 89 individual projects are grouped into 26 categories and three status types. Three projects have been completed, 13 are under construction, and 73 are in the planning and design phase. Since 85 percent of the bond money must be spent within three years, the city will provide the community with continuous project updates and regular reports on progress toward overall completion.
Other construction project updates include:
- Police equipment replacements are underway, including the assembly of a bomb robot.
- Park shelter replacements and improvements are ongoing at Valmont Park, Palo East Park and Valmont Dog Park.
- Substandard traffic signs are being replaced throughout the city.
- A new multi-use path connection is being constructed on Baseline Road from the Bear Creek Path to U.S. 36.
- Renovations and replacements of existing Parks and Recreation facilities are in progress at Canyon Park, Columbine Park and Palo East Park.
- The South Boulder Recreation Center gym floor and racquetball courts have been replaced and are now being upgraded to achieve full compliance with ADA requirements.
- Deteriorating road pavements are being reconstructed and repaired throughout the city.
- The Columbia Cemetery is being upgraded and enhanced, including irrigation system improvements, new fencing and headstone repairs.
- A new sidewalk is being built on the east side of Folsom Street from Arapahoe Avenue to 200 feet south of Arapahoe Avenue.
“The Capital Improvement Bond is allowing the city to make some significant investments in the community,” said City Manager Jane Brautigam. “These investments help to maintain our valuable existing assets and will improve our quality of life in Boulder.”
Keep an eye out for projects around town!
Capital Improvement Bond signs are posted on site as construction begins so that the community can identify the projects that are funded by the bond. The community can also track the progress of the bond implementation online at www.bouldercolorado.gov/bondprojects.
Boulder’s Capital Improvement Bond
In the November 2011 election, Boulder voters approved a ballot measure that allowed the city to leverage existing revenues to bond for up to $49 million to fund projects that address significant deficiencies and high priority infrastructure improvements. Because the bond was paid for using existing revenues, the measure did not raise taxes.
The bond sale was completed on March 22, 2012. The $49 million bond has a 20-year payback and 85 percent of the total is required be spent by March 22, 2015. As of July 2012, 10 percent of the total funding towards the 85 percent goal has been spent.
For the latest information on construction traffic impacts associated with the bond projects, visit www.boulderconezones.net.
Capital Improvement Bond video series
The website hosts an online video series that highlights what the community can expect to see during the next few years as a result of the Capital Improvement Bond. Each video focuses on different types of investments that the bond will allow the city to make, including transportation, parks, parking, library and downtown. Watch the Capital Improvement Bond videos.
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.
