by Public Information
comments open from Febraury 21 until March 12

The new W Line, the first line of the FasTracks program —featuring 11 new stations, six Park-n-Rides, three Call-n-Rides and updated bus routes—took decades of planning, engineering and community outreach to complete. This is the final newsletter for the W Line, and the final shout out to say thank you to stakeholders, community members, businesses and local jurisdictions. Thank you for your time, patience and commitment to the success of the line.

W Line Grand Opening
Thank you to everyone who joined RTD in the Grand Opening weekend of the W Line. Nearly 5,000 patrons joined in on the festivities on Friday, April 26 and thousands more enjoyed the station parties along the line on Saturday, April 27. A special thank you goes out to our community members, stakeholders, and local jurisdictions who worked tirelessly to plan and organize their respective station parties along the line. We hope all enjoyed the event as much as we did and didn’t a get a sunburn!

If you would like to share any stories, pictures, or feedback about the event, please submit to Lindsey Smith at lindsey.smith@rtd-denver.com. We would love to hear from you! To see highlights from the weekend, please visit our Flickr webpage.

Community Outreach
The success of the W Line is a testament to the dedication, patience, and communication put forth from the community, businesses and local jurisdictions. Through this coordination, RTD built community relations to ensure safety, keep the public informed, and minimize construction impacts throughout the project. The outreach efforts were impressive and include the following:
• Organized 142 public presentations, including “Safety Roadshows” (photo above).
• Held more than 600 external meetings at schools, neighborhood associations, senior centers, government offices and other locations.
• Distributed nearly 15,200 informational door hangers/fliers about construction, safety, tree removal and other issues.
• Sent more than 51,000 email blasts describing construction impacts.
• Coordinated nearly 100 public tours for the media, residents, businesses, elected officials and other stakeholders.
• Disseminated more than 8,000 fact sheets detailing best safety practices, environmental impacts and business access.
• Wrote more than 60 news releases with project overviews, goals, timelines and expected impacts.
• Delivered a monthly e-newsletter to more than 5,000 subscribers for the past 84 months – since June 2006.
• Fielded more than 5,200 public comments.
• Curated a database of 10,531 individuals who requested W Line updates.

Construction Update
Work continues on the Sheridan Garage and will be complete by early summer. Crews will work to finalize the remaining items including:
o Complete elevator installation
o Complete painting scope of work
o Continue landscaping
o Continue installation of security
o Signalization of the 10th Ave. and Sheridan Blvd. intersection
o Curb, gutter and asphalt constructed on 10th Ave & Ames St.
There may still also be a few construction items that will take place, and we will keep you informed via email notices and the website.

Final Farewell
We appreciate your support and understanding during the construction of this monumental project and hope we provided accurate and timely information during this time. To submit comments/inquiries or for service information regarding light rail, buses, or the addition of the call-n-Rides, please call 303-299-6000 or visit RTD’s new and enhanced website. It has been our pleasure to work with each and every one of you, and we wish you the best!

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter.

by Becky Baker, Building Safety Division Director
comments open from May 7 until May 26

In 2006, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) declared May as Deck Safety Month. Decks are popular structures used frequently as a gathering place for friends and family. Decks are designed to support the weight of people and objects on it as well as forces of Mother Nature. While decks look relatively simple to build, many do not realize these structures need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses.

Life expectancy of a deck can be as short as 10 to 15 years. Decks are exposed to elements, which can cause damage. It is important that decks are regularly inspected and maintained. To prolong the life of your deck, check for things like loose boards or protruding nails. Over time metal connectors, screws and nails can corrode or become loose and weaken the structure of your deck.

Five Warning Signs

Missing Connections: A deck should be built using a series of wood members, nails, screws and metal connectors to create a continuous load path.

Loose Connections: Look for wobbly railings, loose stairs and ledgers that appear to be pulling away from the home.

Corrosion of Connectors and Fasteners: Look for red rust and other signs of corrosion that can weaken the deck.

Rot: Overtime wood can rot and degrade due to exposure to the elements.

Cracks: Large cracks or excessive cracking overall can weaken a deck.

To determine if repairing or replacing is in order, professionals such as structural engineers or contractors are an excellent resource. In some situations retrofitting your deck by applying new or additional hardware to existing framing members may extend the lifespan.

The Building Safety Division is available to answer questions you may have on repairing or replacing your deck.

by County Commissioner Casey Tighe
comments open from May 6 until May 25

Recently a member of Jeffco community contacted me about a very important issue for our citizens with disabilities, which is parking and access. Often times, in our busy lives and the rush to get things done, we don’t think too much about parking. We forget how important it is to make sure everyone in our community has access to stores, restaurants and other businesses and offices. But, for those who have disabilities that limit their mobility, parking and access is an important aspect of their everyday life.

When a person with a disability needs to shop, visit a government building or simply stop by a local park they have to be able to find a place to park that accommodates their needs or they will go home empty handed. What might be a minor inconvenience for some, can result in the inability to access a building, a store or doctor for a person with a disability.

Unless you have a current disabled parking permit, please don’t give in to the temptation to use a parking spot marked with the familiar blue sign with the white figure in a wheel chair, even if you think it will be “just a minute.” And when you park next to these spaces, leave a little extra room so individuals in wheel chairs can easily get in and out of their specialized vehicles. These vehicles need much more clearance than the average vehicle and we applaud those parking lots that offer special spots for them.

Not only is it considered bad manners to park in one of these spots if you are not a person with disabilities, but it is also illegal. Violators can face fines of a minimum of $350.

Next time you are parking, please don’t disable those with disabilities. Remember not to park in the spots designated for persons with disabilities and if you park near one of those spots, park a little further away from the line to give them the extra space that they may need.

For more information on Colorado’s parking program for persons with disabilities, please go to www.colorado.gov and type “persons with disabilities” in the search box.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director
comments open from April 20 until May 9

For the past couple of years, Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (RMMA) has been busy with planning and design for the projects occurring this year.

The need to extend the Runway Safety Area (RSA) on the west end of Runway 11L/29R is driven by the FAA design requirements for the type of aircraft that operate at RMMA. This requirement is 1,000 feet of safety area beyond the runway end, and currently, the RSA is 600 feet in length. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Transportation Appropriations Act required operators of all airports nation-wide that are federally funded and obligated, to comply with FAA regulatory requirements for RSA’s by September 30, 2015.

The project will consist of two phases. The first phase commenced this past fall and involves the relocation of the intersection at Highway 128 and Interlocken Loop. This intersection will move to the northwest to allow for the full expansion of the RSA. The second phase of the project will involve earthwork and relocation of the airport navigational aids, which will begin in this summer.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from February 26 until March 17

We recently held an education fair and information forum for our employees at Jefferson County. During the fair we learned that going to school after you have been in the work world is not easy!

Here is some information on where to start if you are returning to school and how to find the right college or university:

• Decide if you are ready to go back to school. Going back to school sounds glamorous, but it’s really a lot of hard work. Are you ready? Make sure you know what you want and have the support you’ll need in place before you set out on your new adventure.

• Choose a degree. Once you’re sure it’s the right time to go back to school, make sure you know exactly what it is you want to do with your degree so you know which degree to get. That sounds obvious, but it’s an important step. Some questions you may ask yourself are:
o What do you want to study?
o What will you do with your education?
o Are you getting the right degree for the job you want?

• Take a few career tests. There are assessments and quizzes available to help you figure out what you’re good at and what you’d like to do.

• Make an appointment with a Career Counselor. Career counselors are available in almost every city and at almost every school. Search online directories or ask your local librarians for help.

• Choose between online or on-campus. Now that you know what you want to do and which degree you’ll need to do it, it’s time to decide what kind of campus is better for you, a physical classroom or a virtual one. There are benefits to each. Some examples are:
o Is cost an issue? Online courses may cost much less than traditional courses.
o Do you learn better in a social setting, or do you prefer to study on your own?
o Do you have a quiet place at home and the technology you need for online learning?
o Is there a local school that offers the degree you want, and is it convenient?
o Are you the kind of student who needs face-to-face time with our teacher?
o Do you have reliable transportation if you choose to learn on campus?

These are just some areas to explore if you are planning to return to school. It’s important to give time to research these areas and take full advantage of the many resources available to assist you. Education, training and development is an investment in you!

by Jeffco Public Information
comments open from February 25 until March 16

Did you know that you can apply for a passport with Jefferson County? The Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility for the U.S. Department of State.

U.S. citizens planning to travel internationally may apply for their passports Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Admin & Courts Facility, Suite 2560, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden. Passport photos can also be done at the Clerk & Recorder's office for $5.

Please call ahead for your appointment and to get all the important details specific to your travel plans and passport needs.

For more information on passport services, visit the Clerk & Recorder's webpage on passports or call 303-271-8167. For locations and services of the Clerk & Recorder's Office, visit www.jeffco.us/cr.

by Public Information
comments open from February 22 until March 13

Interested in learning more about Colorado native plants including which ones you could add to your landscape or what weeds to control on your property this summer? Take native plant landscaping, weed management or one of our 18 other classes! March and April offerings are listed below. For a complete list of Denver/Gilpin/Jeffco classes, see npm.eventbrite.com or see www.conativeplantmaster.org for other offerings in the state.

Register soon as offerings fill quickly. If you would like to be sure to receive notices of future openings, sign up here. Please forward this to your readership, and/or include in your publication. Thank you for helping us get the word out about Colorado plant courses and classes!

Native Plant Landscaping - Tuesday - March 12
Colorado has a wealth of native plants, colorful wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees, which are well adapted to our variable climate, soils, temperatures and elevations. In this 4 hour class taught by CSU’s Dr. Irene Shonle, you’ll learn how to use native plants in your landscape, and be introduced to many beautiful, hardy native plants.

Basic Botany Class - Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, April 25
Enjoy an interactive, fun and fact-filled class designed to prepare you for success in your study of Colorado's flora. Participants will be exposed to basic botanical terminology, taxonomy and ecology as we navigate a botanical key and explore some of the more useful bits of the primary reference for field botany in our state, Colorado Flora, Eastern Slope, Fourth Edition.

Plant Families and Keying Class - Tuesday, April 2
This class delves deeper into intricacies of Colorado plant families, including key identifying characteristics, followed by a close-up opportunity to key out plants in the field (weather permitting). It is recommended that participants have basic botany knowledge before attending this class. For those needing an introductory botany class that covers parts of a plant and gives a basic intro to plant recognition, see Basic Botany Class on March 26 or April 25.

Introduction to Invasive Weeds and Management - Thursday - April 4
An entry level class taught by CSU’s Dr. George Beck that will cover ID of Colorado’s A- and B-list weeds including live specimens; information about our state weed law; weed biology (life cycles, weed evolution, weeds and succession); strategies and methods for weed management and sprayer calibration.

Invasive Weed Management for Experienced Land Owners - Tuesday - April 30
An intermediate to advanced class taught by CSU’s Dr. George Beck for those that have experienced previous weed training and will cover weed biology and ecology and how this information is used when designing weed management strategies. Ecologically-based weed management will be emphasized including information on using grazing to manage weeds as well as integrating herbicide use with seeding for site recovery. ID, biology and management of local weeds of importance as identified by course participants also will be included.

by Public Information
comments open from Febraury 21 until March 12

Tick-tock, tick-tock. As time inches closer to opening day on April 26, RTD is rapidly checking items off the to-do list. By the end of February, integrated testing will be complete. At the beginning of March, RTD will officially own the line and operational testing will begin. By mid-March all artwork on the line will be commissioned and in fabrication.

2011 Quality of Life Study
RTD released its sixth annual FasTracks Quality of Life Study. The report focuses on the effect the FasTrack program has in areas where there is service, along with areas where current and scheduled construction is taking place.
A few key discoveries from the study found that the number of FasTracks directly-supported jobs increased 11 percent from 2005 to 2011, the taxable retail sales for RTD increased 0.7 percent from 2010 and overall ridership increased 0.4 percent.

Further, the report showed light rail times remain five minutes faster than drive time on the Southeast and Southwest lines, the use of Park-n-Rides remained consistent, and RTD provides 31 percent of destinations with high-frequency transit options.

RTD is constantly looking to improve the district and offer the best transit service in the country. For further information or to view the 2011 Quality of Life Report please visit our RTD website.

Artwork commissions on the West Line
West Line began the process of commissioning public art for the light rail passenger stations in October. By mid-March, artists for all designated locations will be selected. In a three-part series, we will feature a brief biography of each artist commissioned on the West Line.
>> Jose Antonio Aguirre will lend his color pallet to Knox Station
>> John Rogers will put a creative twist at the Lakewood•Wadsworth Station
>> Mike Squared Mosiacs will add a unique, cultured perspective to the Garrison Station
>> Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues are working on a creative piece for Jeffo-Golden Station

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter or get the latest information, see the FasTracks West Corridor website.

Larry Benshoof, Road & Bridge Director
comments open from February 19 until March 10

Overview
The Road & Bridge Division is currently responsible for snow removal on 2,924 lane miles of paved roads and 695 lane miles of gravel roads in the unincorporated areas of the County. One lane mile is a 10 foot wide section of road one mile long. State highways, private roads and newly constructed roads that have not been accepted by formal resolution of the Board of County Commissioners are not included.

Forecasting and Preparations
The Road and Bridge Division is on a twenty-four hour, early-warning alert system. Supervisors utilize local, national, and customized weather forecasts and databases in order to anticipate and be prepared for the intensity of storm forecasted. Equipment is made ready for sanding and plowing during normal working hours for a forecasted storm.

Each equipment operator is assigned a specific route for snow removal and sanding. Assignment of roads to a route is determined by area supervisors based on priority of the road as defined below and for the most efficient utilization of equipment. There are currently 82 designated snow routes in unincorporated Jefferson County.

Snow Removal Procedures
Plowing and sanding operations will take place in four phases during a storm. The order in which streets are plowed in each phase is based on the following definitions of priority:
>> Priority 1 - Main arterial streets that provide for high traffic volumes.
>> Priority 2 - Major subdivision collectors, school zones and school bus routes.
>> Priority 3 - Residential or other local roads that carry moderate to low traffic volumes.
>> Priority 4 - Cul-de-sacs or other dead-end roads carrying very low traffic volumes.

Phase I: Initial opening of all Priority 1 through 3 streets in that order. Severity of the storm may delay response time for Priority 3 streets due to the fact that initial opening of major arterial streets requires that multiple lanes be plowed in each direction.

Phase II: Plowing and sanding of problem roads having steep inclines, curves, bridges or overpasses. Widening of any Priority 1 through 3 streets deemed necessary. Repeat plowing of all streets initially opened as snow continues to accumulate.

Phase III: Removal of packed snow and ice on all Priority 1 through 3 streets where possible and deemed necessary as snowfall accumulation stops. Plowing and sanding operations on Priority 4 streets will take place as resource availability allows. It could be several days after the snowstorm has ended before Priority 4 streets are initially plowed. Intermittent sanding as necessary by road priority.

Phase IV: Storm event is over. Continuation of widening operations to improve safe travel and prepare for additional accumulation during subsequent storms.

Application of Traction Materials: Sanding of most roads is limited during heavy snowfall because the sand is quickly covered and then removed as additional plowing occurs. When applying sand, special attention is given to sections of the road network posing specific safety concerns. These include, but are not limited to, areas such as: school and hospital zones, police and fire stations, bridges and overpasses, turn lanes, acceleration or deceleration lanes, approaches to intersections that are stop sign or signal controlled, curves, steep grades, heavy traffic areas, areas of ice accumulation, speed bumps, and areas with other known problems.

Snow Removal Clarifications

>> Driveways: Driveway approaches affected during Phases I, II, and III are the responsibility of the property owner or resident to clear. When snow removal or widening in Phase IV is being carried out, driveways that were previously opened by the homeowner will not have additional snow plowed into them.

>> Mailboxes and Fences: Mailboxes, newspaper delivery boxes or fences installed alongside the traveled roadway are at the risk of the owner. If an operator strikes a mailbox with a plow, the operator will report it and we will repair it as soon as possible. Mailboxes and fences damaged by snow load during normal plowing operations are not the responsibility of the County. If a mailbox is struck by a plow, it will be replaced with a standard rural mailbox. Postal regulations require residents to clear snow in front of mailboxes to allow for mail delivery.

>> Snow Pushed onto County Street or Right-of Way: The practice of pushing or throwing snow or ice onto or across Jefferson County streets endangers the traveling public as well as county snowplow operators. Jefferson County residents as well as private contractors may receive a warning and/or summons for snow or ice pushed onto County streets and rights-of-way from sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc. Example: When breaking up ice from driveway or flow line of curb, do not throw it out into the street where it can be struck by a vehicle; we encourage citizens to blow and shovel snow and ice onto their grass.

>> Vehicles Parked or Abandoned: Streets on which vehicles have been abandoned or otherwise parked so as to restrict the safe and continuous operation of snow removal equipment may not be plowed until those vehicles are removed.

>> Requests for Emergency Snow Removal: All requests for emergency snowplowing should go to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. If the request is valid, they will notify the Road & Bridge Division and we will respond as soon as possible.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from February 13 until March 4

Young adults are our future. They are just beginning to explore where their lives are headed and need mentorship, guidance, and advice to start the journey. The Jeffco YouthWorks Young Adult Job Fair is a place for young adults to start.

This is the final young adult job fair taking place in the state of Colorado for the year and a chance for young adults to discover career possibilities and opportunities in the work force. Be sure to share this opportunity with any young adults, ages 14 to 21.

All are invited to the 2013 Jeffco YouthWorks Young Adult Job Fair from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on March 5 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds , 15200 W. 6th Ave in Golden.

Local businesses are also invited to participate in the fair. Jeffco YouthWorks is still accepting businesses with available full-time, part-time, summer jobs, or career opportunities for young adults. What a great way to recruit and support young adults in the community!

Businesses that will be at this year’s event include Bandimere Speedway, DISH Network, Home Depot, JetStream Ground Services, Pirates Cove Family Aquatic Center, Safeway, and many more.

With the community wrapped around young adults in this way, the future of our young adults and our community look very bright.

For more information visit www.jeffcoyouthworks.org or call 303-271-4613.

by Public Information
comments open from January 23 until February 11

The City of Wheat Ridge is partnering with Jefferson County to widen a portion of 32nd Avenue--Braun Court to Wright Court. Construction on this project is scheduled to start on January 24, 2013.

What: Public Meeting for 32nd Avenue Widening, from Braun Ct to Wright Ct.

When: January 23, 2013; starting at 5:00 pm

Where: Applewood Shopping Center, Former Old Chicago building, lower level – located at 3258 Youngfield Street, Wheat Ridge CO 80033

Who: Presented by Concrete Works of Colorado, general contractor

Purpose: Present scope of work and schedule of roadway construction

Get more information about the meeting on the City of Wheat Ridge website.

by Public Information
comments open from January 16 until February 4

In less than four months and counting the much anticipated West Rail Line will open to the public—the first rail line to open under RTD’s FasTracks program. But until then, integrated testing continues as the West Rail Line works toward safety certification.

What's in a Name?
The rail line to the west has been called West Corridor, West Rail Line, West Line, W Line, and W Rail. Which is the correct name? Technically, all are right. Materials referring to the line as West Corridor were produced as early as 1978 (in early studies) and as late as 2011 (well into construction). At that time the name changed to West Rail Line. However, as we move into operation, most people refer to the lines by their letter designation.

In this case, it is the W Line, similar to the C, D, E, F and H Lines. Officially deemed the “W” Rail (pictured above), the line takes on a new identity that you will begin to see more and more leading up to and through Opening Day. The upcoming 6th Avenue bridge lighting event is the first time you will see this new identity, but certainly not the last.

West Rail Line Bicycle Lockers
The West Rail Line is set to open April 26, 2013 and bicycle lockers will be available for lease at the following new stations: Decatur-Federal, Sheridan, Lakewood-Wadsworth, Oak, and Jeffco-Golden. You can put your name on the waiting list for a locker at one of these locations by calling the Civic Center Station customer service desk at 303-299-2288. Lockers are currently available with no waiting at the existing Federal Center Station. Bicycle lockers cost $30 for a six-month renewable lease with a one-time padlock fee of $20. An RTD-issued padlock must be used on these bike lockers. First time renters will need to turn in a lease agreement in person at the Boulder Transit Center, Civic Center Station, or Market Street Station. Lease agreements are available at each of these customer service locations.

RTD Introduces Smart Cards
The wait is over. On January 1, RTD introduced a whole new way to ride for CollegePass and EcoPass customers. The first phase of RTD’s smart card rollout brings several benefits, including unlimited rides on regular bus and light rail with just one tap every time you ride. Through mid-January, RTD had smart card ambassadors at light rail stations during rush-hour to demonstrate how to use the new cards. Later in 2013 RTD will convert all fares and passes to smart card technology with the introduction of the MyRide card for the general public.

Additionally, beginning with the opening of the West Rail Line, RTD is working toward making riding even more convenient on all lines by installing the capability for patrons to purchase rides with credit cards. Visit our website for more details on the smart card.

Information contained in this post adapted from the FasTracks newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter or get the latest information, see the FasTracks West Corridor website.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from January 10 until January 29

Cold and flu season is here!

You have probably heard that this season is off to an early start and many workplaces will start to see an increase of people with colds or flu-like symptoms.

If you haven’t done so already, you may want to think about getting your annual flu shot. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.

The CDC also suggests additional ways to help prevent the spread of germs at work such as:
• Try avoiding contact with those who are sick.
• If you can, stay home when you are sick.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least one minute.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

By following these tips, hopefully we can all help minimize the impact of these ailments on our workplaces this season. More information can be found on the Jefferson County Public Health website and the Centers for Disease Control website.

by Lynn Johnson, Human Services Director
comments open from January 2 until January 22

Partnership is powerful. Here at Jefferson County Human Services we know partnership is necessary in order to achieve the very best results. With the power of several minds working together new and creative ideas are born, various viewpoints are shared, and positive results take place. We do everything we can to collaborate with other government agencies, non-profit groups, businesses, and the faith based community. Using each other as resources makes us all more successful, and is ultimately in the best interest of the people we serve. We couldn’t do it alone.

At this year’s Power of Partnership Conference anyone can come discover the power of working together. The conference celebrates collaborations between Jefferson County and the faith community, brings practical ideas to make these collaborations more effective, and enlists new partners and partnerships to serve our community. Join us on Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Waterstone Community Church, 5890 South Alkire Street, Littleton.

We will focus on housing, education, family, building communities, hunger/poverty, and special populations. Anyone who has a desire to partner with others to make the community a better place to live is encouraged to attend. We all come with an open mind and a willingness to work together. Through this conference all are expected to discover the power of partnership.

For more information go to the Power of Partnership website. To register to attend, go to the the online event registration form.

by Mark Danner, Fairgrounds Director
comments open from December 19 until January 7

January is almost here, and to many of us in the Denver Metro area, that means one thing - the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo! Did you know that you can catch some Stock Show and Rodeo action at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds? Yes, at your County Fairgrounds.

Typically the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo grounds in Denver is booked over and above their capacity. That’s why you’ll find the Jeffco Fairgrounds hosting Steer Wrestling qualifying rounds and the bulk of the Team Penning and Sorting events for the Stock Show January 13 and 14. Come see the same top caliber cowboys and cowgirls that you pay to see in Denver, without the gate admission. These local events at the Fairgrounds are free events and great entertainment for the whole family.

Coming up in January, you can also experience train shows, coin shows, postcard shows, enter your dog in agility trials, try your hand at roping and much more! You get the picture. Check out the Fairgrounds calendar - there is something for everyone! For more exciting opportunities and to get information, check out our web site at jeffco.us/parks.