City Manager approves business incentive for Covidien
Dec 17th
City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based Covidien for up to $75,000 in rebates. The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and development review and permit related fees.
The flexible rebate program is one of the city’s business incentives, first approved by the City Council in September 2006. The rebate incentive covers a wide range of fees, equipment and construction use taxes
“Covidien would like to thank City Manager Jane Brautigam for approving the rebates for our new innovation center,” said Marta Newhart, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Covidien. “The new facility will help to foster Covidien’s culture of innovation, accelerate new product time-to-market and will also be used for enhanced staff training and development.”
Covidien (formerly Valleylab) was founded more than 40 years ago in Boulder with a 26-acre campus that serves as headquarters for two Global Business Units: Energy-based Devices and Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions. With more than 1,500 employees, the company manufactures medical devices and supplies, diagnostic imaging agents and produces devices and instruments that provide industry-leading solutions in electrosurgery, vessel sealing and interventional oncology. In September, the Planning Board approved a Site Review Amendment application for Covidien to build a new 66,000 square foot building and a new parking structure.
“The City of Boulder is proud to have been the home of Covidien for more than 40 years,” said City Manager Jane S. Brautigam. “The city is very pleased that Boulder’s second largest private employer plans to expand its Gunbarrel campus to continue to develop and manufacture its innovative, world class medical devices and healthcare products.”
The 2010 flexible rebate program uses social, community, and environmental sustainability guidelines. Companies may choose the guidelines that best fit their company, but they must meet minimum requirements in order to receive the rebate. Covidien has significantly exceeded the minimum community sustainability guidelines. In addition to meeting the guidelines related to average wage, health insurance, diversity support, and non-profit support, Covidien provides housing assistance for relocating employees who are purchasing a home in Boulder. Covidien makes broad efforts to reduce its impact on the environment, from financial assistance for bus passes to becoming a zero waste facility. Also of note, the proposed new Building 7, has been designed to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. Funds from the requested rebate will be used for more energy saving features.
Boulder police caution parents about stranger interactions
Dec 17th
During the past week, the Boulder Police Department has responded to several reports of strangers approaching middle school students during after school hours in north Boulder. At this time, it does not appear that any crime has been committed, but officers would like to remind parents to educate their children so they are confident about the best ways to handle potential situations.
Remind children:
· Never talk to strangers;
· If an unknown adult tries to approach you, run away and report it to the nearest trustworthy adult;
· If you cannot run away, yell “HELP!” as loudly as you can;
· Don’t be outside alone – walk or play with a friend.
Here are some other points to emphasize during conversations about safety:
· Always check first with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult before going anywhere, accepting anything, or getting into a car with anyone.
· Say “no” if someone tries to touch you, or treats you in a way that makes you feel sad, scared, or confused. Get out of the situation as quickly as possible.
· Tell a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if you feel sad, scared, or confused.
· There will always be someone to help you, and you have the right to be safe.
Anyone with information about the recent incidents is asked to contact the Boulder Police Department at 303-441-3333.
–
Sculpture not so appreciated in Boulder Because its crap!!
Dec 17th
In a city press release below, the city could barely contain itself by asking local artist to remove his crap off peoples lawn. Had the city liked the art, he probably would be praised.
Homeowner, city ask artist to remove mystery sculptures by Monday
While the City of Boulder appreciates the fun-loving spirit in which two sculptures were anonymously placed this week, the recipients of the sculptures are asking the mystery donor to remove them by Monday, Dec. 20.
The two sculptures were left overnight earlier this week by an unknown person on a private homeowner’s lawn and on city property in front of the Boulder History Museum. The decision to ask the artist to take down the artwork was made as a result of a request by the private homeowner and a determination by city staff that all donated art is subject to city review policies.
It is the hope of both the homeowner and the city that the artist will reclaim the sculptures as requested, and then if he or she chooses, submit them for consideration pursuant to city policies on temporary and/or donated art. The identity of the artist remains unconfirmed.
On Monday, Dec. 20, if the artwork has not been removed, the sculptures will be removed and temporarily stored in a safe location while city staff determines if they have value to the city’s art program.
“Art is in the eye of the beholder, and we are delighted that this artist is exposing us to his or her artistic vision in unexpected places and ways. This speaks to our community’s love of creativity and expression,” said Arts Director Donna Gartenmann. “At the same time, however, the city has to recognize that there could be public safety and property rights considerations. We encourage artists to use the processes that have been established for these reasons.”
The city’s policies regarding the temporary display or donation of public art are available on the city’s homepage athttp://www.bouldercolorado.gov.
