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 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 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.

by Public Information
comments open from October 18 until November 6

While it is clear that there are environmental benefits to going green, the debate continues as to whether there is a financial benefit. So what about the investment the county made in green technologies? Will there be a financial benefit? You bet there is! With funds received from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) and rebates from Xcel Energy, the county is enjoying financial savings even greater than what was originally forecast.

In 2012 the county successfully closed out the ARRA Grant. These funds were used to purchase solar photovoltaic arrays which are installed on several Jeffco buildings including the Laramie Building on the Jefferson County Government Campus, the Evergreen Road & Bridge shop, the Central Road & Bridge/Fleet facility north of Golden, the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. To date, the combined output of these systems equate to 828,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) produced, which is equivalent to the energy required to power 150 single family homes. Xcel Energy pays the county a wholesale rate for the energy we produce monthly.

New and improved lighting is part of the story too. Through a rebate program, Xcel Energy encourages businesses and communities to upgrade lighting systems and utilize new technologies. Now that the new lights have been installed and are operational throughout Jeffco government buildings, Xcel paid a onetime rebate to the county - the largest amount Xcel ever paid to a single entity in Colorado!

The savings to taxpayers doesn't even stop there. The new lighting and other retrofits installed, bank the county annual in utility savings. Based on the total investment made in energy efficiency, the county expects to recover the project cost in less than 10 years. Not bad for an investment expected to last well into the future.

Are you interested in learning more? In the atrium of the Administration and Courts Building sits a kiosk. This is a touch screen computer display that is updated continually with production data from the solar arrays. Stop by some time and see just how much our systems contribute to the community and give back to the environment.

From recycling to renewable energy, Jefferson County continues to play a key leadership role in the community by enhancing our facilities, leading by example and embracing a sustainable work place.

by the Board of County Commissioners
comments open from October 3 until October 22

As we begin the annual preparation of the county budget, we are looking for feedback from our residents and want to know which county services are most important to you.

In an effort to reach out to more citizens, than a traditional town hall meeting attracts, we hosted a telephone town hall on Sept. 25, from 7 -8 p.m. Citizens were able to provide valuable feedback, ask questions or just listen in over the phone.

Calls were placed to 50,000 randomly selected phone numbers of unincorporated residents. But the meeting was not limited to just those who were called. Anyone was able to call in. There were 7,038 attendees that stayed on the line for an average of 10 minutes each.

The commissioners not only heard great questions about county services, but also received comments from citizens on the ease of accessibility to the commissioners since they were able to attend a town hall without leaving home.

For more information, to view the polling questions or listen to an audio recording of the meeting, visit www.jeffco.us/townhall.htm.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from September 4 until September 24

The City of Houston recently released this video on what to do during an active shooter event. This short video is worth watching and provides valuable, life-saving tips.

by Nancy Braden, Jefferson County Public Health
comments open from August 30 until September 18

Hookah smoking lounges are opening in some Jefferson County communities that have not yet strengthened their smoke free laws, with the latest one opening just across the street from Wheat Ridge Middle School. Although state law prohibits the use of any form of tobacco, including hookah tobacco, for anyone under the age of 18, kids as young as 16-years old are encouraged to come in to some of these establishments, and are often enticed by the candy or fruit flavored tobacco and club-like atmosphere of these smoking lounges.

So, what exactly is “hookah”? A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke flavored tobacco. Many think that “smoking hookah” has no negative health effects. The truth might surprise some, especially parents who have allowed their children to participate in this fad.

Fact: Hookah smoking is NOT safer than cigarette smoking. According to an article by Dr. Lowell Dale, M.D. published by the Mayo Clinic, hookah smoke contains high levels of toxic compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and carcinogens. In fact, hookah smokers are exposed to more carbon monoxide and smoke than cigarette smokers.

Fact: Although many teens and parents think what is inhaled is only steam, it is not. It is tobacco smoke. There is a common myth that smoking tobacco through a hookah filters the harmful toxins associated with smoking tobacco. It does not. Hookah tobacco contains the same cancer-causing chemicals found in other tobacco products.

Fact: Because smoking a hookah is a prolonged, social activity, a hookah smoker might inhale the smoke-equivalent of 100 cigarettes during a single, average, 45 minute session.

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that hookah smokers are at risk for the same kinds of diseases that are caused by cigarette smoking, including oral cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, cancer of the esophagus, reduced lung function, and decreased fertility.

Fact: Secondhand hookah smoke may be more dangerous than cigarette smoke. It contains smoke not only from the tobacco but also from the heat source (e.g., charcoal) used in the hookah.

Fact: Sharing a hookah mouthpiece might contribute to the spread of colds, flu, and other infectious diseases.

Fact: According to The American Lung Association, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States.

Fact: According to the US Surgeon General, and based on years of scientifically sound, published research, there is no safe level of tobacco use or tobacco smoke exposure.

Though many hookah smokers already smoke cigarettes, hookah smoking for some can lead to nicotine addiction and, in turn, use of other nicotine products. Jefferson County Public Health urges parents to get the facts and be involved with the choices their teens are making when it comes to tobacco and hookah smoking.

For more information on how to help your teen make informed decisions, contact Jefferson County Public Health at 303-275-7555 or visit, The American Lung Association.

Resources:
>> The Mayo Clinic's article on Hookah and smoking

>> The World Health Organizations document on Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking

>> The CDC's fact sheet on Hookahs

>> The American Lung Association's paper, "An Emerging Deadly Trend: Waterpipe Tobacco Use

by Public Information
comments open from August 28 until September 16

It’s essential to provide fair housing choices to everyone and Jefferson County is taking a close look at the current housing situation in our community. Often, the housing process creates many barriers and they can be more challenging for low income people, people with disabilities, the elderly and minorities.

Whether you are a home owner or renter, please take a moment to complete the survey and feel free to distribute or pass along as you see fit. Survey outcomes will help the county in applying for and managing Federal funding.

The public input period will end on September 30 and results will be made public and available at www.jeffco.us/commdev by the end of the year. For more information, you can contact
>> Christy Pushchak with BBC Consulting at cpushchak@bbcresearch.com or 303-321-2547, or
>> Emily Sander with Jefferson County Community Development at esander@jeffco.us or 303-271-8371.

Link to Resident Survey in English:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/JEFFCOResidentSurvey

Link to Resident Survey in Spanish:
www.surveymonkey.com/s/JEFFCOResidentSurveySpanish

by Public Information
comments open from August 24 until September 12

It’s not too late to pursue your interest in plants before the snow flies! Take a class with Jefferson County's CSU Extenstion on restoring native ecosystems, taught by an expert from CSU; or learn more about the flora of the Plains ecosystem. See below for more details. Register early as these classes are filling quickly.

For more information on all of the available course, see our eventbrite site or our Native Plant Master Program webpage. You can also search for information about plants of interest to you with our Colorado Plant Database. You can always contact us at 15200 W. 6th Avenue, Unit C, Golden, Colorado 80401, 303-271-6620.

by Jennifer Fairweather, Human Resources Director
comments open from June 13 until July 2

Jefferson County Government employees are no strangers to fiscal responsibility, something we owe both to ourselves and to the citizens we serve.

The following are some suggested ways to save on health care expenses:

Use urgent care before the emergency room
Both the employee’s and Jefferson County’s costs are significantly reduced through the use of urgent care versus the emergency room (ER). Unless you have a life-threatening condition, urgent care (sometimes called “after hours care”) facilities can help you through most situations including mild asthma attacks, sinus infections, sore throats, ear infections, or cold and flu symptoms. For the benefit of your most valuable commodity, time, urgent care offers significantly reduced waiting times and may help you avoid exposure to infections that may be lurking in ER’s.

When the county bids for insurance renewal each year, one of the factors that insurance companies look at is the number of emergency visits for the insured population. We all can reduce the cost of future health benefits by using urgent care whenever possible. Of course, the most cost-effective way to utilize health care is to see your primary care provider before the condition becomes “urgent” or “emergent” in the first place!

Sometimes it costs less not to use insurance
As wonderful and necessary as it is to have insurance, sometimes it saves money to pursue other options instead of whipping out your insurance card. For instance, some merchants offer $4 prescription drug programs for certain medications. Ask your health care provider if there is a generic medication for your condition that works just as well, and then see if you can find a place that offers it for $4 instead of buying a proprietary medication that may cost both you and your insurance company more.

Likewise, independent providers may offer frames and glasses at a lower rate than the provider working with the doctor on your vision plan. Ask around to find the best prices so you don’t pay more than you have to.

Once again, when insurance renewal comes along, any reduction in costs to your plans via services obtained elsewhere helps to reduce insurance rates overall.

Staying healthy keeps costs down for everyone
Missed work puts a toll on co-workers, the county, and you – just think about all the work waiting for you when you get back. Everyone gets a cold, the flu or breaks a bone now and then; but what about those conditions that we can help prevent?

You’ve heard these before, but let’s take a quick review of how to stay healthy:
1. Schedule a preventive visit with your doctor once a year – it’s 100% covered.
2. Listen to your doctor’s advice at the visit – it’s for your own good, not theirs!
3. Complete an online health assessment through your insurance plan and follow their recommendations.
4. Participate in the free disease management programs available through your insurance providers.
5. Strive for 30 minutes of exercise at least three days a week. For most people, it’s not that hard - go for a walk, ride your bike, chase the dog or the kids, or take the stairs rather than the elevator.
6. Think about what you’re putting into your body. Don’t smoke. Don’t take illegal drugs or somebody else’s prescription drugs. Try to eat at least one healthy meal a day – maybe oatmeal with a banana for breakfast, a light salad for lunch, or a lean protein with a whole grain dish for dinner. Just thinking about what’s going into your body can make a big difference in how you act.

Staying healthy, both now and in the future, reduces your insurance costs and rates, allows you to stay productive and working, and can help you to enjoy your life and your family for years to come.

Have a great summer and stay happy and healthy!

by Public Information
comments open from June 7 until June 26

Due to elevated fire conditions, a fire ban has been implemented for specific portions of unincorporated Jefferson County, to include all federal land. This ban is in effect June 7, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. Along with the fire ban, the fire restrictions already in place will remain effective.

Am I in a fire ban or under fire restrictions?
>> You are in a fire ban if you are located west of C470, west and south of the intersection of Wadsworth Blvd. and C470, or west of Highway 93.
>> You are under fire restrictions if you are east of C470, east and north of the intersection of Wadsworth Blvd. and C470, or east of Highway 93.

What is allowed in a fire ban?
Only devices that are liquid fueled or gas fueled are allowed. Simply put, gas grills, gas fire pits, gas stoves, and gas lanterns are allowed. The rule of thumb is whether or not the fire can be “turned off,” rather than “put out.”

What is not allowed in a fire ban?
>> Anything which produces an open flame which is not liquid fueled or gas fueled. This includes charcoal grills at private residences.
>> Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.
>> Using any fire to burn trash, debris, fence rows or vegetation, or any campfire.
>> There are restrictions regarding operating a chain saw, operating an acetylene or other torch, welding, or the use of an explosive initiation system. See the attached for guidelines.

What is allowed under fire restrictions?
>> Charcoal grill fires at private residences or within a permanently constructed grate in a developed park, campground, or picnic area.
>> Any fires contained within liquid fueled or gas fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices.
>> Legal fireworks provided that all combustible material is adequately cleared above and around the fireworks being used.

What is not allowed under fire restrictions?
>> Any fire or campfire, not within a permanently constructed fire grate in a developed park, campground, private residence, or picnic area.
>> Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area of at least three feet diameter that is barren or cleared of all combustible material.
NOTE: The Sheriff’s Office will strictly enforce a zero tolerance policy on all fireworks violations in the restricted area.

Jefferson County deputies will strictly enforce the temporary fire ban and temporary fire restrictions in the unincorporated areas, to include federal lands. Pursuant to County Policy Part 3, Chapter 6, Section 2, authorizing the Declaration of Open Fire Bans, violations of these prohibitions, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $600.00. Such act(s) violate section(s) 102.8 and/or 308.2.1 of the International Fire Code.

For the full detail and to view the signed documents, see the full release by the Sheriff's Office.

by Public Information
comments open from April 25 until May 14

Learn to recognize wildflowers in their native habitat by taking an award-winning Native Plant Master® course through the Jefferson County CSU Extension. Register soon as classes are filling up. See our class registration web site for a full list of classes to be held this year.

Between Mountain and Plain – South Valley – Fri. May 18: Spend a day enjoying gentle trails amidst dramatic redrock formations in this Jeffco Open Space park which shelter early wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Learn how these plants adapt to Colorado's erratic spring weather and how they differ from more familiar summer blooms. Details and registration: betweenmountainandvalley.eventbrite.com.

Basic Botany – Thurs. June 7: Enjoy an interactive, fun and fact-filled evening designed to prepare you for success in your study of Colorado's flora. Choose April 17, 24 or June 7. Learn more and register: basicbotanyjune7.eventbrite.com.

Native Plant Master Course – Golden Gate Canyon – Saturdays July 14, 21, 28: Take a Native Plant Master® course at this scenic state park and discover Colorado wildflowers, trees and shrubs as you explore the trails over three successive Saturday mornings. Learn more and register: npmcoursegoldengate.eventbrite.com.

Native Plant Master Course – Reynolds – Saturdays July 14, 21, 28: Take a Native Plant Master® course at this streamside Jeffco open space park and discover Colorado wildflowers, trees and shrubs as you explore the trails over three successive Saturday mornings. Learn more and register: npmcoursereynolds.eventbrite.com.

by Tom Hoby, CPRP, Open Space/Jeffco Parks Director
comments open from April 12 until May 1

Last fall, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) announced a special grant opportunity for projects providing recreational access and protection to river corridors. Following stakeholder meetings and requesting concept papers from across the state, the need for funding was confirmed by 63 projects requesting over $160M in funds.

GOCO staff invited 17 projects to submit full applications for the $31.9 Million available for the River Corridors Initiative. A joint application by Jeffco and Clear Creek Open Space programs to build six miles of trail and access improvements in Clear Creek Canyon was submitted on March 16, with a presentation to the GOCO Board on April 9. The joint application requested $6.5 M in GOCO Funds to help create a unique recreation and education destination within minutes of the Denver metro area.

Additional financial commitments for the project have been made by the Cities of Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge; Apex Park and Recreation and Prospect Recreation and Park Districts, Jeffco Open Space Foundation, Inc. and Team Evergreen.

For more details on the Peaks to Plains Trail – Clear Creek Canyon Segment application by Jefferson County and Clear Creek County, see the Executive Summary on Open Space's Clear Creek Canyon web page.

The GOCO Board will announce grant awards in June!

by Becky Baker, Building Safety Division Director
comments open from March 5 until March 24

With spring right around the corner, we not only think of spring-cleaning but the many home improvement projects we dream of. The Building Safety Division has many helpful guides available to make your home improvement projects a reality. The following guides are available online on the Building Safety website:
>> Addition
>> Basement Finish
>> Enclosing Existing Patio Covers
>> Detached Garage
>> Patio Cover and Carport
>> Re-Roofing
>> Uncovered Decks and Porches

Building Guides provide helpful information to ease the process of applying for a permit. They can answer questions on code requirements for your project, as well as guidance on how to submit plans.

The Building Safety division is available to make the process of permitting as easy as possible with walk-thru plan review on most of the projects listed above. We also offer online inspection requests and results. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing and re-roofing permits can be applied for online as well.

Visit our website for an array of information to make all your home improvement dreams come true.