How Can We Build Our Local Economy? -Tonight @ 5:30pm

It was a very informative presentation last night by County Commissioner Don Rosier. Below are the handouts, along with a few notes (apologies, but due to family obligations, I was late getting to the meeting and missed the first half hour).
















Notes: In process of loosening restrictive Official Development Plans requirements to make it easier for developers.
e.g. used to have to not only list exterior lights, but also patina/color of each fixture and type of light bulb put in, and if a change was made to any detail, developer had to file and amendment - led to bureaucratic slowdown with all the paperwork.
Also, if a building contains a laundromat and a grocery store and the grocery store goes out of business, under the old plans, Ace Hardware couldn't move in b/c the plans specified a grocery store.

Changes in planning have been well-received so far, but it has been slow due to status quo mindset.


Streamlining the Building Department:
Wireless real-time data transfer w/integrated GPS technology means that a contractor can schedule inspections online, view status of inspection - date scheduled, name of inspector, etc.
Once inspection occurs, technician inputs data onsite in their truck - no delays. Contractor sees whether they passed or failed inspection immediately, can address issues and reschedule inspection - much more efficient process (used to take days between each step).

Zoning Resolutions:
Community input directly caused change in regulations. Seems to be going great so far (no abuse of signage, placement or aesthetics), regulations adaptable/modifiable depending upon how signage usage continues to occur.

Distressed properties - passed ordinance b/c they were being vandalized to the point of creating safety hazards (ex, a hot tub was stolen from one property by ripping the wires out of the exterior wall - left exposed live wire). Graffiti makes property less attractive, neighborhood values decrease.


Jefferson Parkway:
Last remaining segment of C-470 to be completed, will create 9,000 immediate jobs. C-70 Coalition, which Don Rosier was a member of, was put together to address needs of C470. Had talks with planners from Golden for over 5 months, offered $57 million in road improvements to city, governor and other state officials desired project to be greenlit, at the 11th hour the group declined to pass the offer on to the city of Golden for a vote. Since they want to make this section a partial toll-option (commuters can use toll lanes as they wish, pay-to-use), the law states that a municipality has the right to veto its construction through their domain, regardless of imminent domain.

Plans to finish on hold for now.

FasTracks:
will be finished in fall of this year, open to riders in May of 2013 after testing completed. Interesting side note: copper wiring was stolen and needed to be replaced. In order to prevent it from happening again, the wires were turned on - ie, charged! (Can't help it, but !)


Bus Bench Program:
had separate vendors, found it became a nightmare in inconsistency of quality, maintenance, etc. Now have a single vendor who builds uniform bus stops and benches, ad spaces are available, all of them will have trash and some will also have recycling. Vendor is responsible for maintenance and trash pick-up.

Short Term Rentals:
JeffCo most stringent requirements in CO. Some renters have moved out of countydue to this, but no complaints to Board of Adjustment and it seems to be working fine so far.


Bike Pedestrian Plan:
public comments window now closed (there were some from Conifer residents). Idea is to coordinate with communities, the plan is online if you'd like to view it in more detail.

Shaffers Crossing:
bottom left white-ish area in corner. Outlined area above bought by county for expansion. Slash site new and improved immediately above old site. Looking at developing possible road along Elk Creek (trout pond) to facilitate truck traffic.


Development Activities:
166 Lookout Mtn Rd., AMI Church expansion project - had over 500 people attend planning/zoning meeting, some in favor but most in opposition. Ruling next Tuesday.

Open Space Program:
Continues to add open space area, well-received by public.




Mr Rosier urged anyone who had questions or concerns to contact him directly - he answers phone calls, text messages, emails, etc. New JeffCo website coming online soon, you can get more information on their Facebook page, or by following them on Twitter.

A little off-topic at the end of the meeting was a discussion on Community Development Block Grants
-Funds that come from federal gov't HUD - "Sticks and bricks" projects
Typically go to non-profit organizations
One idea that was floated was if the group attendning (many member sof Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce) could submit a proposal for things like public restrooms to be built in open space areas, or along bike paths where people commonly stop now (and end up relieving themselves along the pathway or in people's yards). Mr. Rosier said to please send along a proposal, so if you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas to add, please contact Dawn Smith at the Chamber.