tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91505090626897500822024-02-19T01:44:57.902-07:00Lynn Padgett For Ouray CountyYour Commissioner for Grass Roots DemocracyLynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-88508964273596673332012-12-13T09:17:00.000-07:002012-12-13T09:17:01.645-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Updated information on Good Samaritan policy that will limit liability for Good Samaritans improving water quality at draining abandoned mines is now on the EPA web site (cut/paste below): </span><a href="http://water.epa.gov/action/goodsamaritan/index.cfm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://water.epa.gov/action/goodsamaritan/index.cfm</span></a><br />
<h1 style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; clear: left; color: #151515; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: bold 2em/normal "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans", Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
</h1>
<h1 style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; clear: left; color: #151515; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: bold 2em/normal "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans", Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
Good Samaritan</h1>
<div id="cs_control_2103" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #151515; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 13px/19px "Lucida Sans Unicode", "Lucida Grande", "Lucida Sans", Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="CS_Element_Schedule" id="CS_Element_basicTemplateContainer" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="">
<div class="cs_control CS_Element_Textblock" id="cs_control_656310" style="display: block; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="CS_Textblock_Text" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
The Good Samaritan Initiative is an Agency-wide initiative to accelerate restoration of watersheds and fisheries threatened by abandoned hard rock mine runoff by encouraging voluntary cleanups by parties that do not own the property and are not responsible for the property's environmental conditions. The Good Samaritan administrative CERCLA tools were issued on June 6, 2007. The tools are a model comfort letter and a model settlement agreement (an administrative order on consent or "AOC"). The Agency also issued a memorandum to EPA Regions in 2007, describing the purpose and intended use of the tools.</div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
On December 12, 2012, EPA issued a memorandum to its regional offices that encourages cleanup activities at hard rock abandoned mine sites. The memorandum is intended to reduce the perceived Clean Water Act legal vulnerability faced by "Good Samaritans" who want to clean up their communities. There are hundreds of thousands of abandoned mine sites across the nation and many pose serious health, safety, and environmental hazards. Many community organizations have been looking at opportunities to clean up these sites and EPA's memorandum clarifies that these "Good Samaritans," or non-liable parties, who volunteer to clean up these abandoned sites are generally not responsible for obtaining a permit under the Clean Water Act (CWA) both during and following a successful cleanup.</div>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 2em 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://water.epa.gov/action/goodsamaritan/upload/2012-good-samaritan-memo-signed.pdf" style="color: #4298aa;">2012 Memorandum (PDF)</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="fileinfo" style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.85em;">(7 pp, 1.7MB,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html" style="color: #4298aa;">About PDF</a>)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://water.epa.gov/action/goodsamaritan/upload/good-sam-faqs-2012.pdf" style="color: #4298aa;">Questions and Answers About 2012 Memorandum (PDF)</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="fileinfo" style="color: #666666; font-size: 0.85em;">(2 pp, 24K,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html" style="color: #4298aa;">About PDF</a>)</span></li>
</ul>
<h3 style="font-size: 1.35em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 1em; padding: 0px;">
Where to find more information:</h3>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 2em 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_107164" href="http://water.epa.gov/action/adopt/faq.cfm" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Frequently Asked Questions</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_8030" href="http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/cleanup/superfund/cercla-goodsam-principles-mem.pdf" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Guiding Principles to EPA Regions</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_8033" href="http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/cleanup/superfund/goodsam-agreement-mod.pdf" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Model Settlement Agreement</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_8035" href="http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/cleanup/superfund/goodsam-comfort-mod.pdf" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Model Comfort Status Letter</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_106863" href="http://water.epa.gov/action/adopt/funding.cfm" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Funding</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- EPA funding programs that relate to abandoned mines</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_105834" href="http://water.epa.gov/action/adopt/contacts.cfm" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">Contacts</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>- EPA contacts on abandoned mine issues</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="CP___PAGEID_8045" href="http://cooperativeconservation.gov/" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;"></a><a href="http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/" style="color: #4298aa;"></a><a class="CP___PAGEID_8045" href="http://cooperativeconservation.gov/" onmouseout="" onmouseover="" style="color: #4298aa;">America's Great Outdoors</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.epa.gov/epahome/exitepa.htm" style="color: #4298aa;"><img align="absbottom" alt="Exit EPA Disclaimer" border="0" height="13" src="http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/epafiles_misc_exitepadisc.gif" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="87" /></a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-65584208951510025922012-12-12T12:25:00.002-07:002012-12-12T12:25:18.404-07:00Wow! A present for the Holidays! EPA issues Good Samaritan policy this morning!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The need for clear policy to allow bona-fide Good Samaritans with no connection to past mining activity at abandoned mines to improve water quality where mine waters are draining acidic and/or potentially toxic waters has been an on-going need for almost 40 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning the EPA released information about a new agency policy that should encourage greater Good Samaritan hard rock mine cleanups. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the press release from Senator Udall's office. The new policy guidance can be found at this link:<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/116560607/2012-EPA-Good-Samaritan-Memo"><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>http://www.scribd.com/doc/116560607/2012-EPA-Good-Samaritan-Memo</strong></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More information may be posted by the EPA on their web site in the near future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to all of my colleagues and those who have been on the front lines of this issue for so long. This is going to open opportunities for improved water quality in the San Juan Mountains and across the country.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks to Senators Mark Udall, Michael Bennett and Barbara Boxer and their staff for working on this issue. Thanks to the EPA and Director Lisa Jackson for moving this issue toward resolution.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Senator Udall's Office:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">December 12, 2012</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Udall’s
Leadership Leads to New Policy to Help Good Samaritans Clean Abandoned Mine
Sites</span></span></strong><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><em><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Udall’s Longtime Efforts, Outreach to EPA
Led to New Policy</span></b></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Mark Udall thanked the Environmental Protection Agency for standing with him
and Good Samaritans today by issuing </span><a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/9793192fef1dad40978cddc001e6afce/427189314/realurl=http:/www.scribd.com/doc/116560607/2012-EPA-Good-Samaritan-Memo"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">a
new policy</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> to give groups additional protections as they help clean up the
more than 7,000 abandoned hard rock mine sites located in Colorado and
thousands more throughout the West. Today’s announcement follows more than
decade’s work on Udall’s part to unleash the power of local groups and
volunteers who want to help clean up old mine site.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"This new policy, which follows a multiyear effort I led, is welcome
news for my constituents and Good Samaritans everywhere. Abandoned mines in Colorado
and across the West threaten our waterways and the environment," <strong>Udall
said</strong>. "I am glad the EPA has partnered with me to develop this
policy, which will free up Good Samaritans – like Trout Unlimited, the Animas
River Stakeholders Group and the Willow Creek Reclamation Committee – to help
protect our streams, waterways and drinking supplies. We still have work to do
to address these abandoned mines, but this is a welcome step in the right
direction that will unleash the power of local groups and volunteers."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Specifically, the policy clarifies that:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<ul type="disc"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Good Samaritan agreements with EPA can include extended
time periods for monitoring or other activities, thereby extending the
legal liability protections contained in the agreement; and,<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Good Samaritans are generally not responsible for
obtaining a Clean Water Act permit during or after a successful cleanup
conducted according to a Good Samaritan agreement with EPA.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"I commend the EPA and Administrator Lisa Jackson for joining with me
to leverage the resources of groups committed to cleaning up abandoned mine
pollution. This policy clearly demonstrates their desire to protect Western
watersheds. I look forward to working with Good Samaritans to evaluate the
effectiveness of these clarifications and determine if other improvements are
needed," <strong>Udall said</strong>. "In the meantime, I plan to
continue to work to secure additional federal funds for mine reclamation and
the cleanup of abandoned mines."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">"Abandoned mines represent the single-greatest, least-understood threat
to clean water and fish in the West," <strong>said Chris Wood, president
and CEO of Trout Unlimited</strong>. "The otherwise outstanding laws of
our land, the Clean Water Act and Superfund, actually prevent third parties —
Good Samaritans — from entering into cleanup projects because of the liability
risks they place on would be helpers, such as Trout Unlimited. Today we commend
EPA for taking this important step to provide appropriate protection for Good
Samaritans, and we applaud Sen. Udall’s efforts to get this problem
fixed."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Udall, who serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has been
</span><a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/9793192fef1dad40978cddc001e6afce/427189314/realurl=http:/www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1987"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">one
of the leading voices in Congress on cleaning up and remediating abandon mine
sites</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> since he joined Congress in 1999. The EPA’s memo stems from </span><a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/9793192fef1dad40978cddc001e6afce/427189314/realurl=http:/www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1986"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Udall’s
work over the past two years</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> to find a way to give Good Samaritans
additional protections as they continue their important work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/9793192fef1dad40978cddc001e6afce/427189314/realurl=http:/www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=B017fYZ53Ps"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Udall
also recently visited a mine site in San Juan County</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> to hear about how
additional legal certainty for Good Samaritans would help local groups
remediate mines.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Last month </span><a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/9793192fef1dad40978cddc001e6afce/427189314/realurl=http:/www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2908"><span style="background-color: lime; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Udall
implored the U.S. House of Representatives to take up the legislation he
co-sponsored</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> that will allow Colorado and other states more flexibility in
utilizing federal funds to clean up abandoned hard rock mining sites. The
legislation, S.897, would allow states like Colorado to use funds that were
previously only available for the reclamation of coal mines to be used for hard
rock mines as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Please contact Mike Saccone at 202-224-4334.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em><b>###</b></em> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-75086688580998128012012-11-12T08:57:00.000-07:002012-11-12T09:52:40.193-07:00Thankyou! We succeeded together!<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you to my supporters & contributors. We did it! The election night tally was 1,655 to 1,512! Wow, I am blown away by the turn out for our celebration party on Nov. 9 before the movie High Ground. (If you missed the movie, it is about wounded veterans trying to heal from PTSD and other injuries, there is a copy at the Ridgway Library.)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">How much coffee does it take to win an election?</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/cutler_coffee_tower2papersm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/cutler_coffee_tower2papersm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thanks Cutler for demonstrating!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Thank you all!</strong></span><br />
<br />
I wish to say thank you to all of the Ouray County voters who voted in the 2012 election. To my supporters, thank you. I am truly honored to have been selected to serve Ouray County for a second term as county commissioner. To everyone, I want nothing more than to find ways to work together, because we all love Ouray County and we all want the best for our communities, land, water and livelihoods.<br />
<br />
A strong democracy cannot exist without having informed and engaged citizens. Democracy also cannot exist without having multiple candidates come forward to provide open dialogue on policies and issues to give voters choices. I wish to thank my opponent Jack Flowers for being willing to step forward as a candidate. He is a good man and neighbor. Our race was tough, and I appreciate that we were able to have positive campaigns centered on the issues. I sincerely hope Jack continues to be interested and will be active in county government. <br />
<br />
No candidate runs without a lot of support, help and sacrifice from family members and volunteers. I want to thank my husband Jeff and our kids for handling the extra stress and challenges of this campaign year with unending grace and understanding. Many thanks also go to the volunteers who opened their homes and businesses and contributed with their hands, minds, and hearts.<br />
<br />
Last, I wish to thank the Plaindealer and Watch newspaper owners and staff for providing thorough coverage of our local government affairs and of this election. Having a good, local, fair, free press is an amenity that I think we sometimes take for granted. To have reporters posting returns, taking statements, and writing articles at the midnight hour shows their dedication to our communities and county.<br />
<br />
I encourage anyone with a county-matter on their mind to email me, call me, or stop by my office at 380 W. Sherman in the Lupita's building.<br />
<br />
Sincerely, Lynn Padgett <br />
970-258-0836 | <a href="mailto:d1bocc@mtngeogeek.com">d1bocc@mtngeogeek.com</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ouraynews.com/index.php/component/content/article/717-ouray-county-lynn-padgett-re-elected-as-ouray-county-commissioner" target="_blank">Plaindealer Election night statement</a><br />
<a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/20536680/article-%E2%80%98Commissioner-of-the-Year%E2%80%99-Padgett-Seeks-Second-Term?instance=election_ouray" target="_blank">The Watch Interview</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>P.S. </strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am recycling plastic campaign yard signs for a woodshop insulation project and for making holiday gift boxes (and anything else we think of). Please drop my yard signs off at my office or call me and I will pick them up. The wire frames can be recycled at Recla Metals, so please return those too.</span></strong><br />
<br />Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-61002507975911619982012-08-06T12:56:00.001-06:002012-08-13T16:59:28.030-06:00Public Info about the Tire Flood Incident<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">8/13/2012 -- UPDATED DOCUMENTS/MINUTES/ARTICLES ARE POSTED ON MY WEB SITE: </span><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/TIRES.HTML">WWW.LYNNPADGETTFOROURAYCOUNTY.ORG/TIRES.HTML</a></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The Public Hearing Scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. Here is the revised agenda for the tire matter: </b>1:30pm (4H Event Center) -- The Public Hearings that were scheduled have been cancelled as adjudicatory hearings, and <span style="color: #990000;">the </span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">BOCC will consider a proposed settlement agreement to resolve the county’s claims under the </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rubbish Ordinance and the Solid Wastes Disposal Sites and Facilities Act. Public comment may</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">be taken</span>, but will be limited to discussion of the proposed settlement agreement. Action may be </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">taken by the Board on this item.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strike>Public Hearing – Notice and Order to Show Cause concerning Removal of Rubbish: (This hearing </strike></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><strike>was continued from July 24, 2012 to August 14, 2012.) </strike>Cancelled</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strike>Public Hearing – Notice of Violation pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-20-100 et, seq., the Solid Wastes </strike></span><strike style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Disposal Sites and Facilities Act:</strike><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Cancelled</span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></strong>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Disclaimer -- I have tried to include everything I know of in the public record. However, due to numerous correspondence between different attorneys and the volume of information, it is possible something may have been inadvertently missed.</span> </strong><br />
<h4>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Web Sites:</span></strong></h4>
<ul><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li><h5>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>State of Colorado Regulations web site: </strong></span><a href="http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/wastetires/index.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/wastetires/index.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></h5>
</li>
<li><h5>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Army Corps of Engineers web site: </strong></span><a href="http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></h5>
</li>
<li><h5>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Ouray County web site: </strong></span><a href="http://www.ouraycountyco.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.ouraycountyco.gov</span> </a></h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
<img border="2" height="368" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_august5.jpg" usemap="#Map" width="400" /> </h6>
<h5 align="center">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Photos from August 5, 2011 <strong><a href="http://www.ouraynews.com/" target="_blank"><em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em></a></strong></span><a href="http://www.ouraynews.com/"><em></em></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, used with permission.</span></h5>
<h6>
<img border="2" height="141" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/CDPHE_Plaindealer_sept22.jpg" width="400" /></h6>
<h5 align="center">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" id="newspaper2" name="newspaper"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Photo from September 22, 2011 <strong><a href="http://www.ouraynews.com/" target="_blank"><em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em></a></strong></span><a href="http://www.ouraynews.com/"><em></em></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, used with permission. Original source: CDPHE.</span></h5>
<h4>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Newspaper Articles:</span></strong></h4>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style653">
<strong>2011</strong> </h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 5, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_5_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Tire junk in the Unc</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_5_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">, by Jessi Marlatt <em>(Ouray County Plaindealer)</em> </a>-- "Tires that washed down the Uncompahgre River in a July 26 flash flood on July 26 came from an illegal dump on private property in Ouray County." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 12, 2011: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_12_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Tires teetering on the edge</strong>, by Jessi Marlatt <em>(Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a>-- "According to Joe Lewandowski with the Department of Wildlife, there are 'hundreds of tires in the Billy Creek State Wildlife Reserve. Eventually we will want to clean the tires up off the state land portion.'"</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h5>
</h5>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 14, 2011:<a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/15092977/article-Flood-of-Tires-Came-From-Illegal-Private-Dump?" target="_blank"> <strong>Flood of Tires Came From Illegal Private Dump</strong>, by Peter Shelton <em>(Watch Newspapers)</em></a> -- "Tires that washed down the Uncompahgre River in a July 26 flash flood on July 26 came from an illegal dump on private property in Ouray County." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 19, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_19_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">The heat is on and Gunn is on the hook for tire flood</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_19_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">, by Jessi Marlatt <em>(Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a> -- "State Health Department and local authorities inspect property and find acres of buried tires." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 21, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/15170314/article-The-Life-Cycle-of-a-Waste-Tire?" target="_blank">The Life Cycle of a Waste Tire</a></strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/15170314/article-The-Life-Cycle-of-a-Waste-Tire?">, by Peter Shelton <em>(Watch Newspapers)</em></a> -- "The investigation into Ouray County’s 'tire flood' continues."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 25, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/15211023/article-Ouray-County-Hears-From-State-Health-Department-on-Tire-Investigation?" target="_blank">Ouray County Hears From State Health Department on Tire Investigation,</a></strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/15211023/article-Ouray-County-Hears-From-State-Health-Department-on-Tire-Investigation?"> by Peter Shelton <em>(Watch Newspapers)</em></a> -- "The department may be ready next week to issue its preliminary finding on last month’s 'tire flood.'" </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Aug 26, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_26_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">BOCC updated on Cow Creek tires by CDPHE,</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Aug_26_2011_Plaindealer.pdf"> by Jessi Marlatt<em> (Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a> -- "A full investigation is underway by the Department of Solid Waste Materials. So far, they have found Gunn does not have a certificate of use for a landfill; Keith Maynes, owner of Maynes Tire in Montrose is not a permitted tire hauler; roughly 1,000 tires are in the river; and, fees were charged for their disposal." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Sep 2, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Sep_2_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Fraud, criminal aspects of tire flood called into question, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Sep_2_2011_Plaindealer.pdf">by Samantha Wright (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "I hope the Sheriff's Department does work with law enforcement people in Montrose County to prosecute the people who were actually transporting tires to the site. It raises questions about what consumers are paying disposal fees for when the tires have ended up in a landfill here in Ouray County."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Sep 22, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Sep_22_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">State requests cleanup, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Sep_22_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">by Jessi Marlatt(<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "Gunn and Maynes told authorities from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment and the Ouray County Sheriff's Department during a site inspection on Aug. 12 that Maynes (owner of Maynes Tire in Montrose) has been supplying Gunn with tires for erosion mitigation at his property for roughly 15 year. They estimated roughly 4,000 tires remain on the property." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Oct 6, 2011: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Oct_6_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Tire junk still in Unc, </strong>by Jessi Marlatt(<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "'We have a problem with the language in the CDPHE [Compliance] report; it seems like a request rather than an order. Our question today is whether or not we, as the county, should issue our own order," said Heidi Albritton, BOCC chair."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Oct 20, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Oct_20_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Army investigates Unc tires, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Oct_20_2011_Plaindealer.pdf">by Jessi Marlatt(<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "According to the letter from the DA: 'Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires a DA permit to be obtained prior to the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including wetlands. Since a DA permit has not been issued authorizing this discharge, the work appears to be in violation of the Clean Water Act."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Oct 27, 2011:<a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/16194548/article--OURAY-COUNTY-BRIEFS-High-Water--Bureaucracy-Delay-Tire-Cleanup?" target="_blank"> <strong>OURAY COUNTY BRIEFS</strong> [discussion of Waste Tires], by Peter Shelton <em>(Watch Newspapers)</em></a> -- "High Water, Bureaucracy Delay Tire Cleanup:
Many of the tires in the Uncompahgre River have been removed, but cleanup of the source, an illegal dump on private property, remains unresolved."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Oct 27, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Oct_20_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Cleanup of buried tires in question, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Oct_20_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">by Jessi Marlatt (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "The Ouray Board of County Commissioners met Oct. 25 to allow members of the pubic to speak about the impact they have directly experienced due to the tires that washed into the Uncompahgre River in late July and to determine if the parties involved had cleaned up the tires as ordered by the BOCC."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Nov 17, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Nov_17_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">19 down 100 to go, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Nov_17_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">by Jessi Marlatt(<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "Volunteers organized by the Uncompahgre Watershed Project pulled tires from the river near the Billy Creek Bridge on Tuesday, Nov. 15." on state land.</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Nov 24, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Nov_24_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Volunteers trudge through muck for tires, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Nov_24_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">by Jessi Marlatt(<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- "Volunteer efforts removed 48 tires from Cow Creek on Friday." " The DPW manages another parcel of land owned by the state on Burro Creek. Dave Hale, DPW officer, believes there are another two or three hundred tires on that property."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Dec 8, 2011:<strong> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Dec_8_2011_Plaindealer.pdf" target="_blank">Damage done during Gunn tire removal, </a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/Dec_8_2011_Plaindealer.pdf">by Jessi Marlatt <em>(Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a> -- "Gunn has been under investigation since over 1,000 tires from an unnamed drainage on his property in late July. Keith Maynes, of Maynes Tire in Montrose, has been hauling tires to the Gunn property since 1989 for 'erosion control'".</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style652">
<strong>2012</strong></h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jan 26, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/17291125/article--OURAY-COUNTY-BRIEFS-Visual-Impacts--The-Discussion-That-Will-Not-Die?" target="_blank">OURAY COUNTY BRIEFS</a></strong><a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/17291125/article--OURAY-COUNTY-BRIEFS-Visual-Impacts--The-Discussion-That-Will-Not-Die?"> [discussion of Waste Tires], by Peter Shelton <em>(Watch Newspapers)</em></a> -- "Two subjects that keep coming around like a bad penny, visual impacts and waste tires, highlighted last week’s meeting of the Ouray Board of County Commissioners."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jun 28, 2012:<a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/19138178/article--OURAY-COUNTY-BRIEFS-Resolution-of-Tire-Cleanup-Still-on-Hold?" target="_blank"> <strong>Resolution of Tire Cleanup Still on Hold, </strong>by Peter Shelton (<em>Watch Newspapers</em>) </a>-- "Almost one year out, the Ouray BOCC heard about the still-pending negotiation over last summer’s 'tire flood.'"</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 19, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_july19_2012.pdf" target="_blank">Opinion: Don't tred on us, Jerry</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_july19_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, by Alan Todd (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> [pdf page 3]</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 19, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_july19_2012.pdf" target="_blank">House ag committee chair weighs in on buried tires</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_july19_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, by Beecher Threatt (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a> -- "In the midst of the county's ongoing enforcement action against Gunn for an unlawful rubbish dump, a state representative from Sterling, in northeast Colorado, has termed the county's action as "hassling" Gunn, and District 58 representative Don Coram of Montrose told the Plaindealer, "I'm surprised that Ouray County has taken such a hard line."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 25, 2012:<a href="http://www.watchnewspapers.com/view/full_story/19577158/article-County-Fights-Back-on-Illegal-Tire-Dump?" target="_blank"> <strong>County Fights Back on Illegal Tire Dump</strong>, by Peter Shelton (<em>Watch Newspapers</em>)</a> -- "Despite interference from State Ag Committee Chair Sonnenberg and Rep. Coram, Ouray County presses for solution to waste tire disposal problem." </h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 26, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">Opinion and Letter to the Plaindealer</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> [pdf page 3] </h5>
<h6>
</h6>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 26, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">Tire History At A Glance</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> [pdf page 2]</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
Jul 26, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">BOCC tired of CDPHE stuck in low gear</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publicationjuly25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, by Jessi Marlatt & Beecher Threatt (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- BOCC directed the county attorney to initiate an administrative action to enforce the state Solid Waste Disposal Sites and Facilities Act. "BOCC takes action and tries to negotiate with Gunn."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
August 2, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_august2_2012.pdf" target="_blank">Albritton tenders resignation despite ongoing tire issue</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_august2_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, by Beecher Threatt (<em>Ouray County Plaindealer</em>)</a> -- BOCC directed the county attorney to initiate an administrative action to enforce the state Solid Waste Disposal Sites and Facilities Act. "BOCC takes action and tries to negotiate with Gunn."</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<h6>
</h6>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
August 2, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_august2_2012.pdf" target="_blank">State rep weighs in on tires</a></strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_plaindealer_articles/publication_august2_2012.pdf" target="_blank">, Letter to the Plaindealer, by State Rep Jerry Sonnenberg, <em>R. Sterling, Chair, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee</em> <em>(Ouray County Plaindealer)</em></a>[pdf page 2]</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><br />
<hr />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
<strong>Ouray County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Meeting Minutes:</strong></span></h4>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style652">
<strong>2011</strong></h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Aug_9_2011.pdf" target="_blank">August 9, 2011 Minutes</a></strong>: Sheriff report to BOCC and concerned public at Call to the Public.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Aug_23_2011.pdf" target="_blank">August 23, 2011 Minutes</a></strong>: Discussion of tires and waterways. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Sep_27_2011.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>September 27, 2011 Minutes</strong></a>: Executive Session. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Oct_4_2011.pdf"><strong>October 4, 2011 Minutes</strong></a><strong></strong>: Discussion of a possible Notice and Order and letter regarding the tire issue. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Oct_25_2011.pdf"><strong>October 25, 2011 Minutes</strong></a>: Public Hearing on Notice and Order. Public Hearing is continued to 12/6/2011. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Nov_1_2011.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>November 1, 2011 Minutes</strong></a>: Executive Session. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Nov_22_2011.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>November 22, 2011 Minutes</strong></a>: Administrative request for copies of Sheriff's reports and Sheriff's position. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Dec_6_2011.pdf" target="_blank">December 6, 2011 Minutes</a></strong>: Public Hearing on Notice and Order. Public Hearing is continued to 1/24/2012. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Dec_20_2011.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>December 20, 2011 Minutes</strong></a>: Executive Session.</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style652">
<strong>2012</strong></h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Jan_24_2012.pdf" target="_parent">January 24, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Public Hearing on Notice and Order. Public Hearing is continued to 3/13/2012. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Feb_7_2012.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>February 7, 2012 Minutes</strong></a>: Executive Session.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Feb_14_2012.pdf" target="_blank">February 14, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Executive Session.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Feb_21_2012.pdf" target="_blank">February 21, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Executive Session.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_Mar_13_2012.pdf" target="_blank">March 13, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Public Hearing on Notice and Order. Public Hearing is continued to 6/12/2012. </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_May_8_2012.pdf" target="_blank">May 8, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Motion to reschedule Public Hearing from 6/12/2012 to 6/26/2012 at request of Gunn counsel Amy Ondos.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
<strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_minutes/Pages_from_June_1_2012.pdf" target="_blank">June 1, 2012 Minutes</a></strong>: Administrative discussion about a 6/11/2012 conference call between the County Administrator, County Attorney and CDPHE</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>
<strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Reports & Correspondence:</span></strong></h4>
<blockquote>
<h5>
<strong>July 26, 2011 -- TIRE INCIDENT HAPPENS -- 1,000 or more waste tires are washed down aver 14 miles of Burro Cr, Cow Cr, and Uncompahgre River waterways from source on an Ouray County private property.</strong></h5>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style652">
<strong>2011</strong> </h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
August 12, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/august_12_2011_cdphe_inspection_report.pdf" target="_blank">CDPHE Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division Solid Waste Inspection Report</a></strong> -- Report from site inspection with Gunn, Maynes, CDPHE and Ouray County Sheriff's Office</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
September 16, 2011:<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/110916%20ltr%20CDPHE%20LBG%20Compliance%20Advisory.pdf" target="_blank"> <strong>CDPHE Compliance Advisory to Gunn</strong></a></h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
September 16, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/110916%20ltr%20CDPHE%20KM%20Compliance%20Advisory.pdf" target="_blank">CDPHE Compliance Advisory to Maynes</a></strong> </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
October 5, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/notice_and_order_signed_nov5_2012.pdf" target="_blank">BOCC Notice and Order</a></strong> -- of Rubbish Violation to Gunn</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
October 12, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/Army_Corps_of_Engineers_Letter_dated_10-12-11.pdf" target="_blank">U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ("ACOE") Notice of Violation ("NOV") Letter to Gunn</a></strong> -- Certified letter with determination of "unauthorized filling" of a drainage.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
October 14, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/County_letter_to_Army_Corps_of_Engineers_Letter_dated_10-14-11.pdf" target="_blank">County Reply Letter to ACOE regarding the 10/12/11 ACOE NOV Letter to Gunn</a></strong> --notifying ACOE of County NOV.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 1, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/G_CDPHE%20Letter%20Dated%2011-1-2011%20to%20Butch%20Gunn.pdf" target="_blank">Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment ("CDPHE") Letter to Gunn</a></strong> -- granting extensions to 9/16/2011 Compliance Advisory </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 1, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/11-1-11_Keith_Maynes_Letter_from_CDPHE_-2.pdf" target="_blank">CDPHE Letter to Maynes</a></strong> -- granting extensions to 9/16/2011 Compliance Advisory</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 1, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/11-1-11_Keith_Maynes_Letter_from_CDPHE_-2.pdf" target="_blank">CDPHE Letter to Gunn</a></strong> -- granting extensions to 9/16/2011 Compliance Advisory</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 15, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/111115_ACoE_Gunn.pdf" target="_blank">ACOE Letter to Gunn</a></strong> -- granting extensions to 9/16/2011 Compliance Advisory </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 23, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/111123_AKO_KMS_re_ACoE_Meeting.pdf" target="_blank">Ondos Letter to Ouray County</a></strong> -- request for public hearing extension to Jan. or Feb. 2012</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 26, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/GunnLease.pdf" target="_blank">Gunn Agricultural Lease</a></strong> -- provided 11/26/2011</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 30, 2011:<strong> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/Nov_30_2011_sheriff_position.pdf" target="_blank">Ouray County Sheriff position statement to BOCC</a></strong></h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
November 30, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/sheriff_investigation_reports_provided_nov30_2011.pdf" target="_blank">Ouray County Sheriff office provides BOCC with Investigation Reports</a></strong> -- detailing investigative work dated 8/1/2011; 8/9/2011 & 8/12/2011</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
December 21, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/111221_AKO_SM_re_Time_Extension.pdf" target="_blank">Ondos Letter to ACOE</a></strong> -- requesting extension in meeting the ACOE Compliance Advisory</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="style652">
<strong>2012</strong></h5>
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<h5>
January 5, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/H_Gunn%20Public%20Hearing%201-5-12%20Extension%20Request%20Letter_Ondos.pdf" target="_blank">Ondos Letter to CDPHE</a> -- </strong>From Gunn's attorney requesting extension in meeting the CDPHE Compliance Advisory</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
January 5, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/H_Gunn%20Public%20Hearing%201-5-12%20Extension%20Request%20Letter_Ondos.pdf" target="_blank">Ondos Public Hearing Extension Request Letter</a> -- </strong>From Gunn's attorney</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
January 11, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/H_Gunn%20Public%20Hearing%201-11-12%20Corps%20of%20Engineers%20Letter.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>ACOE Letter to Gunn</strong></a> -- referencing December 15, 2011 inter-agency meeting in which all parties agreed that CDPHE would be the primary regulatory lead.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
January 16, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/Jan162012_waste_tire_manifest_form_130_tires.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Maynes Waste Tire Manifest Form</strong></a> -- shows 130 tires picked up by a registered tire hauler</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
January 24, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/120124_CDPHE_Maynes_extension_denial.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>ACOE Letter to Maynes</strong></a> -- Denial of request for ACOE compliance extension</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
January 24, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/120124_CDPHE_Gunn_extension_denial.pdf" target="_blank">ACOE Letter to Gunn</a></strong> -- Denial of request for ACOE compliance extension </h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
February 9, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/120209_KMS_SS_Gunn.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Ouray County Attorney letter to Colorado Attorney General's office</strong></a> -- asking for movement by CDPHE on issue</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
February 21, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/120221_EV_Status_Report.pdf" target="_blank">Voogt Letter to BOCC</a></strong> -- giving status report</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
March 12, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/march12_2012_EricVoogt_LettertoCDPHE_Status_GUNN.pdf" target="_blank">Voogt Letter to CDPHE</a></strong> -- "Partial Report" regarding remedies of 9/16/2011 Compliance Advisory</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
March 14, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/March14_2012_Gunn_Trip_Report_Agritech.pdf" target="_blank">Agritech</a></strong> -- Letter Report about March site visit</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
April 23, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/McDermid_Stabilization_Report_20120423_FinalReport_V2.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>McDermid April 23, 2012 Stabilization Plan</strong></a><strong></strong> -- Gunn's engineer</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
June 21, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/6_21_12_CDPHE_response_letter.pdf" target="_blank">CDPHE Comments on Gunn's April 23, 2012 Stabilization Plan</a></strong></h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
July 16, 2011: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/july_13_2012_addendum_to_april2012_stabilization_plan_real.pdf" target="_blank">Addendum to April 23, 2012 Stabilization Plan with responses to CDPHE</a></strong> -- by McDermid</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
July 18, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/july_18_2012_voogt_proposal_stabilization_plan.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>New engineering"Proposal" to CDPHE</strong></a><strong></strong> -- by McDermid</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
July 25, 2012: <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/G_CDPHE%20Letter%20Dated%2011-1-2011%20to%20Butch%20Gunn.pdf" target="_blank">BOCC Letter to CDPHE</a></strong> -- regarding CDPHE and status of resolution</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
July 25, 2012:<strong> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/Gunn-MaynesNOVfinal_July25_2012.pdf" target="_blank">BOCC Notice of Violation of State Solid Waste Disposal Act to Gunn</a></strong></h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>
August 3, 2012: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tires_documents/Gail_Jossi_Reply_8-3-12.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Ouray County Administrator Response Letter to FOIA Request</strong></a>-- Ms. Jossi made a request on 7/23 -- "As a citizen of Ouray County, I am formally making an open records request as to the amount of money spent on the Butch Gunn matter including attorney fees and staff time. Also the estimated time spent in commissioner meeting and public hearings dealing with the Gunn property issue. "</h5>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Photos</strong> (click on any photo to see an enlargement):</span></h4>
<h6>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_august5.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="203" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_august5.jpg" width="223" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_nov17.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="203" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_nov17.jpg" width="161" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_nov24.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="203" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/plaindealer_nov24.jpg" width="232" /></a></h6>
<h6>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/CDPHE_Plaindealer_sept22.jpg" target="_blank"><img height="203" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/CDPHE_Plaindealer_sept22.jpg" width="570" /></a></h6>
<h4>
July 26, 2011, Tires and debris photographed on the Uncompahgre River near Buckhorn Road (photos courtesy of RIGGS):</h4>
<h6>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2846.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="250" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2846.jpg" width="168" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2849.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="250" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2849.jpg" width="167" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2852.jpg"><img border="1" height="250" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2852.jpg" width="167" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2854.jpg"><img border="1" height="250" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2854.jpg" width="159" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2868.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2868.jpg" width="295" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2812.jpg" target="_blank"> <img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2812.jpg" width="296" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2863.jpg" target="_blank"> <img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2863.jpg" width="165" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2870.jpg"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/riggs_MG_2870.jpg" width="300" /></a></h6>
<h4>
November 2011, UWP volunteers spend 50 hours on 2 days removing 48 tires from State land at Cow Creek (photos courtesy of UWP):</h4>
<h6>
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5697.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5697.jpg" width="271" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5704.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5704.jpg" width="269" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5708.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5708.jpg" width="268" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5709.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_5709.jpg" width="268" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_6494.jpg" target="_blank"> <img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/IMG_6494.jpg" width="265" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/Jessistars.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/Jessistars.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/Tires_Cow_Creek_125.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/Tires_Cow_Creek_125.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek020.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek020.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek054.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek054.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek078.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek078.jpg" width="311" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek039.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek039.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek104.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek104.jpg" width="302" /></a> <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek101.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="1" height="200" src="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/tire_photos/TiresCowCreek101.jpg" width="302" /></a></h6>
Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-25450078469649725112012-08-01T17:34:00.000-06:002012-08-01T17:34:10.047-06:00EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & COUNTY FIRE RESTRICTIONS -- changes & updates effective 8/1/2012<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Ouray County Fire Ban & Restrictions --</strong> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Due to additional significant recent rain and an increase in moisture within potential fuels, as well as Ouray County's desire to not burden residents and visitors with fire restrictions that are not absolutely necessary, all fire restrictions have been rescinded due to a decrease in fire hazard. This action was made at the recommendation of the Ouray County Sheriff and is in sync with the actions of federal land management agencies and other nearby counties. The Board of County Commissioners had a special session on August 1st and unanimously passed <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/Resolution_2012-022_Fire_Restrictions_Removal.pdf" target="_blank">Resolution 2012-022: "Fire Restrictions Removal".</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Certain <strong>NON-agricultural</strong> controlled burns are still regulated by <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/Ordinance_2012-01_Open_Burning_Notification_System_for_Slash.pdf" target="_blank">Ordinance 2012-01: "Open Burning Notification For Slash"</a>. In 2012, a new Colorado state law and unfunded mandate required Ouray County to enact a slash burn notification system, but agricultural burns are specifically exempted.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Please also sign-up and check out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/#OCTNS" target="_blank">Ouray County Target Notification Service (TNS) -- for all residents & property owners</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/#OCWENS" target="_blank">Ouray County Wireless Emergency Notification Service (WENS) -- all residents & visitors</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ouraycountyco.gov/" target="_blank">Ouray County web site</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.loghillfire.org/" target="_blank">Log Hill Fire Department web site</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Are you ready for an emergency?-- check out </span><a href="http://www.ready.gov/"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">www.ready.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-24815586604886622022012-07-22T10:58:00.001-06:002012-08-09T16:16:16.801-06:00County Road 1 Escarpment Work Starts Monday 7/23<br />
<div id="sub_main_bg">
<div id="maincolumn">
<div class="nopad">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="blog">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><h3>
<table class="contentpaneopen">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="contentheading" width="100%"><h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Work Starts on South County Road 1, Expect 30 Minute Delays Between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm -- revised construction schedule:</b></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just received this revised information about traffic control today, Thursday, August 9 --</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The County Road 1 Escarpment Repair Project has been
progressing ahead of schedule. Additionally, although traffic control delays
can be up to 30 minutes, the contractor has had few delays of that extent with
most being 10 minutes or less. The latest estimated schedule is as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -2.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday August
10
Expect 2 separate one-way traffic zones. Delays will be 10-30 minutes; During
30 minute delays, traffic will be allowed through on the half hour (8:00, 8:30,
9:00, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; text-indent: -99.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -2.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mon. Aug. 13 -
Tues. Aug. 14 Expect 2 separate one-way traffic
zones. Delays will be 15-30 minutes; During 30 minute delays, traffic will be
allowed through on the half hour (8:00, 8:30, 9:00, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; text-indent: -99.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -2.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wed. Aug 15 –
Friday Aug. 17 Expect short delays of 5-15 minutes. If longer
delays are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, traffic will be allowed
through on the half hour (8:00, 8:30, 9:00, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; text-indent: -99.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: -2.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mon. August 20
– Thurs. Aug. 24 Delays will be 15-30 minutes; During 30 minute delays, traffic
will be allowed through on the half hour (8:00, 8:30, 9:00, etc.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 117.0pt; text-indent: -99.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please be aware that the above estimated schedule may vary
due to weather conditions, and other circumstances outside the contractor’s
control.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Please drive carefully and obey all posted speed limits
and cautionary signs. At times there may be severe bumps and asphalt drop-offs.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">_________________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Schedule updated Monday, July 23 -- </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mon 7/23-Tues 7/24: Mobilize equipment, layout materials, saw asphalt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wed 7/25 - Fri 8/17: Install culverts, repair drainages, replace asphalt on cuts</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wed 8/15-Fri 8/31: Patch and crack seal asphalt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mon 9/3-Mon 9/10: Chip seal</span></div>
</td><td align="right" class="buttonheading" width="100%"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
<table class="contentpaneopen"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" valign="top"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://www.ouraynews.com/images/stories/cr1.jpg" /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="2" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Diagram by Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett showing the approximately 2.17-mile section of the County Road 1 to receive repairs.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="article_separator"> </span>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="article_column" valign="top" width="100%"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) placed repairs to culverts and slumping "soft spots" on the south side of County Road 1, known as the "Escarpment" section on our priority list. In 2011 we worked on the dangerous and expensive potholes on the north side of CR1. In 2012 we scoped work on the potholes and slumps of the escarpment area on the south side of CR1. The issues on CR1 are due to substandard or failing base material that is exacerbated </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">by moisture penetrating the road base and causing cave-ins and other issues.<br /><br />County Road & Bridge Department worked with County Engineer Bill "Frowny" Frownfelter of Russell Engineering to develop a work plan that includes replacement of 6 culverts and 9 soft spots in early 2012. The entire 2.17 miles will be chip sealed and crack sealed. (Detailed drawings on aerial photos can be downloaded <b><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/documents/CR-1_Escarpment_Aerials_7-2012.pdf">HERE</a></b>.)<br /><br />In order to get the original bid cost of traffic control down lowered by $44,000, the county took on the task of contracting for traffic control separately rather than to include traffic control costs in the road work bid award. To keep these costs down as low as possible and to accomplish the work as quickly as possible, including giving the best odds of finishing as soon as possible, hopefully prior to the first day of school on August 27, the BOCC agreed to having both lanes of the road closed. One lane will open for traffic at 30 minute intervals, anticipated to be at the top and bottom of each hour, throughout the 10 hour work day. Two lanes will be open during non-work hours, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 am. Emergency vehicles will be able to get through the work area at all times. This arrangement will cut the need to 2 additional traffic controllers. <br /><br />Mobile signs warning of work and traffic disruptions have been placed on the south and north ends of County Road 1 as well as near the project area.<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Funds for this project would come from those already
budgeted for the project from the Log Hill Bond and Interest Fund and from the
Road and Bridge Paving Maintenance Reserve and Sales Tax funds. E.C.O.'s
contract totals $362,332.12. The contract for traffic control is for up to </span>$24,335, from Sir StripeALot. The actual cost for traffic control will be for time and materials.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-66723516174591735712012-07-05T14:17:00.003-06:002012-07-05T14:18:28.748-06:0027th SOW, Cannon Air Force Base terminates the low altitude training area environmental analysis (9/2011 EA)<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
On June 21 the U.S. Air Force issued this press release regarding the proposed Low Altitude Tactical Navigation (LATN) aka Low Altitude Training Area (LATA) for Colorado and New Mexico:</div>
<br />
<div class="storyTitle" style="color: #783f04;">
Press release: Air Force terminates low altitude training
area environmental analysis </div>
<div class="lastUpdated" style="color: #783f04;">
Published: Thursday, June 21st, 2012 </div>
<div class="lastUpdated" style="color: #783f04;">
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<span class="goog_qs-tidbit-0"><span class="goog_qs-tidbit goog_qs-tidbit-0">CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air
Force Special Operations Command leadership concluded that a Finding of No
Significant Impact</span></span> (FONSI) could not be reached through the
current Environmental Assessment (EA) of the 27th Special Operations Wing's Low
Altitude Training Area proposal currently under review.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
Leadership anticipated that the No Action Alternative presented in the LATA
proposal would not meet the wing's training requirements. Subsequently, the
current EA action will be terminated and the Air Force will conduct a deeper
analysis on a broader scope of wing training requirements.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
"After careful evaluation, it became clear that a Finding of No Significant
Impact could not be reached for this EA and still accomplish all of the training
critical for our special operations forces," said Brig. Gen. Michael Kingsley,
AFSOC vice commander.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
The decision to terminate the current EA was influenced by the limited scope
of the proposal; the valuable comments received from the public, agencies and
other interested parties; and the existing need to supplement portions of the
Beddown Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) at Cannon AFB, said Kingsley. </div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
The wing, however, continues to have a requirement to train aircrews in low
altitude flying. Currently this is being accomplished through the use of
established Military Training Routes, Special Use Airspace, Visual Flight Rules,
and excess capacity from other bases. All of these methods adhere to FAA
regulations and Air Force Instructions. However, they provide less than optimal
training and will not be sufficient as Cannon continues to receive its full
complement of aircraft, expected to be complete in 2017.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
"We still need to conduct flying training missions." said Col. Buck Elton, 27
SOW commander. "The wing operates nine different types of aircraft, each with
unique training requirements. We are now conducting a complete review of all of
our training needs, including, but not limited to, low altitude flying."</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
The requirement to assess the impact of low-altitude training, which drove
the LATA EA, now overlaps with the Air Force's responsibility to assess
additional training needs that were not fully known or entirely addressed during
the initial Cannon Beddown EIS and Record of Decision in 2007, including
requirements learned from recent operations. Fiscal realities and Air Force
guidance indicate a transition to a more comprehensive analysis of the
alternatives available to meet Cannon's training requirements would be wise.
</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
Currently, the 27th Special Operations Wing is refining its flying training
requirements. When these requirements are fully defined, the Air Force will
follow the implementing regulations prescribed by the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) to determine the appropriate action.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
"The NEPA process helps us make well-informed environmental decisions. We
intend to fully define our training requirements, and then take the most
appropriate action to meet those requirements," said Elton.</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
These fully defined training requirements may require more detailed
environmental impact analysis and may lead to preparation of an EIS. The Air
Force expects to make this determination in early 2013. </div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
"We will find the best way to achieve our critical training objectives while
remaining good neighbors to the people of Colorado and New Mexico and good
stewards of our environment," said Kingsley.</div>
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While this is good news for those who took the position that a serious and accurate analysis of potential impacts and appropriate mitigation measures was needed before the Air Force moved forward with the proposal, it is unfortunate this Press Release was not directly emailed to those who took the time to submit written and oral comments. </span></div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On June 11th, 2012, (before the above press release was ever issued) I was made aware by reporter, about the Denver Post article that stated that the LATN proposal had been "postponed indefinitely". After reading the June 5th Denver Post article (<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/latin/ci_20797440/colo-senator-low-level-training-flights-delayed">CLICK HERE</a>), I went to the Cannon Air Force Base web site. From the June 5th press release Cannon Air Force Base had posted on their web site, there was nothing that said the Air Force was postponing indefinitely -- just that they were reevaluating their training needs and would make a decision on whether a more detailed study was needed in early 2013. Here is what I wrote to that reporter on the night of June 11th, 2012: </span></div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">"From the 6/5/2012 Cannon Air
Force Base announcement on its web site, the Air Force says that it is
reevaluating training requirements from lessons learned in Afghanistan and from
a 2007 report that appears to contribute to “emerging training requirements”
that will lead to “refining” special operations flying training
requirements. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">The 6/5/2012 Cannon web site
post goes on to say that the Air Force expects to finish the refinements to
training requirements and then make a determination in “early 2013” about what
an appropriate environmental analysis for the low-altitude training
requirements might be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">In 2010-2012, Ouray County and myself <span style="color: #444444;">[see the LATN tab at the top of this blog] </span>went on record
asking for a detailed analysis to identify potential impacts that may exist for
ranching, recreation, game and sensitive species, potential to trigger
avalanche, medical and emergency response, and other community concerns.
There were shortcomings in the September 2011 Environmental Assessment
document. The 2011 EA fell short of the accuracy in baseline information
about the communities and landscapes it was going to be flying over, and thus
could not be trusted to identify proactive mitigation measures.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Based on the information
released by the Air Force this week <span style="color: #444444;">[June 5th]</span>, it seems that a 6-month or so step back
will be helpful for them to focus on what is best for training our
military. <b>Personally, I believe that our military should be the best
trained military in the world. I also believe that training needs to be
conducted to ensure the safety of not only those in flight, but also those on
the ground. It also needs to be respectful of people’s livelihoods and
the character of the landscape. Hopefully, this action by the Air Force
leads a level of analysis of future low-altitude activities equivalent to an
Environmental Impact Statement. The best odds of having potential impacts
appropriately mitigated exist if the affected communities and landscapes are
correctly identified and a thorough analysis based on accurate data is
conducted. </b> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However,
now from finding the June 21 Cannon Air Force Base press release, it does seem very clear that the
Air Force took the substantial public comments into consideration and recognizes the deficiencies in the 2011 Environmental Assessment. I really appreciate the straightforwardness of this latest press release and the Air Force's commitment to balancing training needs, environmental health, and the health, safety, and welfare of the people living under a proposed LATA. Our democracy could not exist without those dedicated to protecting and serving the American people.</span></div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
</div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cannon Air Force Base appears to have taken down most of the LATN/LATA materials from their web site, but the Sept. 2011 EA is still available along with the June 21st press release. To keep up with this topic, you and I will need to keep visiting <a href="http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/environment.asp">http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/environment.asp</a> for the most up-to-date information.</span></div>
<div class="articleBody" id="articleBody">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-31944755542280782212012-03-09T20:30:00.000-07:002012-03-09T20:30:01.913-07:00CONGRATS TO OUR BOTTOM UP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT "G3" COMMITTEE<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">KUDOS & THANKS TO CHAIR MICHAEL McCULLOUGH, AND THE "G3" COMMITTEE: Lucy Boody, John Clark, Dee Williams, Susie Odahl, Beecher Threat, Caroline Lescroart, Joyce Linn, and Lynn Padgett</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">GOV. HICKENLOOPER ANNOUNCES COLORADO’S </span></strong><strong><span style="color: #134f5c;">FIRST FORMALLY-DESIGNATED CREATIVE DISTRICTS</span></strong></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><strong>DENVER — Friday, March 9, 2012</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: normal;"> — Gov. John Hickenlooper today announced the formal certification of two new Colorado Creative Districts: </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><strong>Downtown Salida </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: normal;">and</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><strong> Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: normal;">. The districts will each receive a $15,000 grant and assistance to attract artists, creative entrepreneurs and visitors as a strategy to infuse new energy and innovation and enhance the economic and civic capital of the community. The program is administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade through the Colorado Creative Industries division.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">“Colorado is filled with vibrant centers of commerce, culture and creativity, and is a magnet for creative workers,” Hickenlooper said. “The formation of Creative Districts provides visitors and residents with an opportunity to participate and invest in the arts, while contributing to the economic vitality of the region and attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Forty-four different districts from 25 counties applied for the designation. In addition to the two Certified Creative Districts, five applicants were designated as Prospective Creative Districts and will each receive $8,000 </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">and a customized package of technical assistance to enhance the likelihood that they will be certified in the future.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> Eight were designated as Emerging Creative Districts and will each receive $</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">2,000 and technical assistance to further their district planning. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Prospective Creative Districts:</span></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: auto auto auto 30.35pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 589px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Longmont Arts & Entertainment District</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple;">Town of Ridgway</span></span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Downtown Pueblo</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Town of Telluride</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denver’s River North Art District</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Emerging Creative Districts:</span></div><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: auto auto auto 30.35pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 589px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Downtown Parker</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">City of Trinidad</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Downtown Greeley and the University District</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Downtown Colorado Springs</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">40 West Arts District in Lakewood</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aurora Arts District</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Durango Business Improvement District</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 14.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background: white; border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 14.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 441.9pt;" valign="top" width="589"><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo13; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">North Fork Valley in Delta County</span></li>
</ul></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">The remaining applicants not selected will be eligible for assistance through the “Colorado Creates” grant program, which supports arts activities in communities. They can also receive assistance through the inaugural Creative Industries Summit and Colorado Creative Industry’s website. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">“The Art District on Santa Fe is thrilled to be an inaugural designee”, said Jack Pappalardo, board president. “The receipt of this recognition validates our accomplishments to date and illustrates what a cooperative effort of creative individuals can produce. We now look forward to collaborating with CCI to facilitate sustainability, attract new creative entrepreneurs, and achieve the next level of economic and cultural vibrancy in our creative community. An enhanced Art District on Santa Fe will be a benefit not only to our creative district but also to all of metro Denver and the state of Colorado.<i> </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Salida Mayor Don Stephens said “Salida is a creative, vibrant community and we are honored by the recognition we are receiving from CCI. We understand Salida was awarded this grant in a very competitive grant process. The assistance that will be provided as part of the Creative District program will have a significant impact in our planning and marketing efforts as we further develop our creative industries. We anticipate this will allow Salida to leverage its creative resources for a stronger economic future.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">In 2011, Gov. Hickenlooper signed legislation that encourages the formation of Creative Districts in communities for the purposes of attracting creative entrepreneurs and artists to a community, infusing new energy and innovation which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community; creating hubs of economic activity, thereby enhancing the area as an appealing place to live, visit and conduct business, as well as create new economic activity; attracting visitors; revitalizing and beautifying communities; providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community’s unique identity; and showcasing cultural and artistic organizations, events, and amenities. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Nine other states have recently developed this economic development strategy of developing programs to certify such districts (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Texas).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Applications were reviewed by a panel of professionals with experience in arts and creative industries, city planning, economic development, and business development. Panelists assessed applications based primarily on district characteristics, management and planning, and community support.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-weight: normal;">For more information, visit</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #4d4d4d; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.coloradocreativeindustries.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.coloradocreativeindustries.org</span></a>. </span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">###</span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-89801730855002895562012-03-06T05:30:00.000-07:002012-03-06T05:30:27.558-07:00Official White House Press Release from March 2, 2012 Conference on Conservation and the Economy<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="mso-cellspacing: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 612px;"><tbody>
<tr style="height: 7.5pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 7.5pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 7.5pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">White House Conference Sets Stage for New Era of Conservation</span></b></div></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 3.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 3.75pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"></td></tr>
<tr style="height: 9pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; height: 9pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.0pt; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Community-driven conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives powering economy, protecting healthy lands, water and wildlife</span></i></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><strong><span style="color: purple;">(Lynn's Note: I attended this conference and will write more about it soon. Meanwhile, the video and transcript of President Obama's speech can be found here: </span></strong><a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/03/02/president-obama-speaks-conference-conservation"><strong><span style="color: purple;">http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2012/03/02/president-obama-speaks-conference-conservation</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: purple;">)</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">WASHINGTON, March 2, 2012 – Today, President Obama and members of his Cabinet convened the White House Conference on Conservation to engage directly with conservation leaders from all 50 states to strengthen partnerships and identify next steps in advancing community-driven conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives that are building strong local economies and healthy lands, waters and wildlife across America. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Today's conference – titled <i>Growing America's Outdoor Heritage and Economy</i> – is part of the President's America's Great Outdoors initiative to establish a community-based, 21st century agenda for conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the outdoors. The event brought together hundreds of boaters, hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, land conservationists, historic preservationists, outdoor recreationists, small business owners, local governments, tribal leaders and other key stakeholders from around the nation to meet with Obama administration officials to discuss issues surrounding conservation in urban cities and rural communities. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The conference capped a week of conservation announcements, including: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Outdoor Education</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: On Monday, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan <a href="http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Salazar-Duncan-Partner-to-Boost-Use-of-Parks-and-Public-Lands-as-21st-Century-Education-Centers.cfm" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">announced</span></a> a new agreement to build programs that use national parks, national wildlife refuges and other public lands as 21st century classrooms – designed to benefit teachers, students and parents in rural America and urban classrooms alike. These programs will connect young Americans to the outdoors, improve environmental literacy, support experiential learning outside the classroom, and encourage conservation partnerships at the local level. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Driving Tourism & Recreation</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: On Tuesday, Secretary Salazar and National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis <a href="http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/AMERICAS-GREAT-OUTDOORS-Study-Shows-Spending-at-National-Parks-Pumps-31-Billion-Dollars-into-Local-Economies-Supporting-258000-Jobs.cfm" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">released</span></a> the 2010 <i>Economic Benefits to Local Communities from National Park Visitation and Payroll Report</i>. According to the report, visitors to the National Park System contributed more than $31 billion to local economies and supported 258,000 jobs in 2010, an increase of $689 million and 11,500 jobs over 2009. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Creating a New Water Trail System</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: On Wednesday, Secretary Salazar and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy announced the creation of a new <a href="http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/New-National-Water-Trails-System-to-Promote-Healthy-Accessible-Rivers.cfm" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">National Water Trails System</span></a>, a network that will increase access to water-based outdoor recreation, encourage community stewardship of local waterways, and promote tourism that fuels local economies across America. The Chattahoochee River Water Trail in Georgia was selected as the first to join the new system. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Conserving 1 Million Acres of Grasslands and Wetlands</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack <a href="http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2012/03/0076.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">announced</span></a> additional opportunities for producers to enroll land in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), including a total of 1 million acres in CRP initiatives to preserve grasslands and wetlands. USDA's CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States. Under the Obama Administration, USDA has enrolled more than 8 million acres in CRP. The goal of the new CRP grasslands and wetlands initiative is to increase enrollment of environmentally sensitive land through targeted signups. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that they are recommending a conservation investment of approximately $30 million, or seventy percent of the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, in the nation's prairie pothole region. Long recognized as America's "duck factory," the significant investment will help protect habitat for the waterfowl and grassland species of the prairies. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Community Engagement</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: Today, EPA Administrator Jackson joined with federal and community partners to <a href="http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/00199716f07b713e852579b500665d93!OpenDocument" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">announce</span></a> the first Urban Waters Ambassador of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership. The Partnership, an innovative federal union comprised of 11 agencies is an effort to help cities, particularly those that are underserved or economically distressed, connect with their waterways and work to improve them. The ambassador, serving the Los Angeles River location of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, is the first of seven to be sponsored by EPA, USDA and DOI for each of the Urban Waters locations across the country. Urban Waters Ambassadors will accelerate and coordinate on-the-ground projects that are critical to improving water quality and public health, and fostering community stewardship in urban watersheds. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Protecting and Restoring our Waterways and Fisheries</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">: Through the National Fish Habitat Partnership, Federal agencies are helping state and local governments, landowners, and community groups to protect and restore our waterways and fisheries. This national effort has spawned regional and local partnerships. Today the Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture and Commerce committed to signing an agreement to promote collaborative, science-based conservation of our waterways and fisheries. The agreement ensures that Federal resources are effectively focused on locally supported conservation strategies developed by fish habitat partnerships. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to create a 21st century conservation agenda with American people," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. From investing billions of dollars to restoring places like the Everglades and the Great Lakes, to partnering with private landowners to conserve tens of millions of acres across the country, the Administration is making it a priority to protect and restore the places communities depend on." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"People across the country are coming together to protect and preserve the places that nurture our souls, provide opportunities for recreation, and power our economies," said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, who hosted the conference at the Interior Department. "We know that an investment in conservation now is a direct investment into our nation's economy – and one that will benefit generations to come. Today we heard from the people who are making a real difference in their communities and discussed how we can be better partners in fulfilling a shared vision for conservation in the 21st century." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"President Obama launched the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to foster a 21st century approach to conservation that is designed by and accomplished in partnership with the American people," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Protecting our natural resources creates jobs in rural communities, preserves habitat for fish and wildlife, and ensures that our nation's outdoor heritage will continue to be enjoyed by future generations." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Expanding access to outdoor recreation and green spaces can benefit the health and economies of people and communities across the nation. That's especially true in our nation's cities where parks and waterfront areas can inject new life into urban communities," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "We're glad that agencies throughout the administration are bringing their expertise to this important initiative, and we're excited that the 21st century conservation strategy we're building continues to be shaped by meeting people where they live, and finding out how we serve their needs." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"The Corps of Engineers is proud to have been a part of this important White House conference on conservation,"said Jo-Ellen Darcy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "We look forward to continuing restoration efforts throughout the country. Our role in restoration and expanding opportunities for communities to participate in it is why we are here today. We look forward to strengthening our local partnerships and advancing job and volunteer opportunities related to conservation and outdoor recreation." </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The conference featured panels and breakout sessions panels led by conservation leaders such as Kirk Bauer from Maryland, a disabled Vietnam Veteran who has been serving as Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA for more than thirty years, and Dave Koehler from California, who oversees conservation land transactions, river restoration, and environmental education as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A full conference agenda is available <a href="http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=281188" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">here</span></a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Locally-led conservation, preservation and outdoor recreation initiatives have been an important part of the Obama administration's work. Through <a href="http://americasgreatoutdoors.gov/" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative</span></a> (AGO), the administration is opening up access to millions of acres for recreation, designating thousands of miles of new land and water trails, increasing youth employment in conservation jobs, helping parks and green space become more accessible and clean in urban areas, and making historic investments in large landscapes such as the Everglades. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The initiative is empowering locally-led conservation and outdoor recreation efforts, from supporting the working landscapes of the Dakota Grasslands and the Flint Hills in Kansas, to designating the Fort Monroe National Monument in Virginia, to countless other success stories across the country. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 11.25pt; text-indent: 18.75pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.doi.gov/news/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=281744" target="extWindow" title="Link opens in new window"><span style="color: #000099; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Click here</span></a> to read a fact sheet on the Obama administration's conservation record. </span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"># </span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-9143384190391192032012-02-15T06:04:00.000-07:002012-02-15T06:04:28.819-07:00Support Good Samaritan PolicySenator Udall gave a floor speech on the Senate floor on Valentines Day just a before the Ouray County BOCC adopted Ouray County Resolution 2012-006.<br />
<br />
Here is Senator Udall's Summary and Remarks:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">February 14, 2012</span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Udall Seeks Ways for Good Samaritans to Clean Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines in the West</span></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Speech Comes After Letter to EPA Asking for Policy to Help Protect Good Samaritans</span></i></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><em><b><span style="color: red; font-size: 14pt;">**</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/502194f8dbcabad816cccd7f63d22aa0/2768694743/realurl=http:/www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=video&id=1985"><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a> is a link to video of the speech</span></b></em></div>Today, Mark Udall spoke on the Senate floor about the ongoing pollution occuring at abandoned hardrock mines across the West, raising the issue to gain support from his colleagues to find ways for Good Samaritans to clean up those contaminated sites without assuming full legal liability for contamination they did not create. Last week, Udall <a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/502194f8dbcabad816cccd7f63d22aa0/2768694743/realurl=http:/www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1986"><span style="color: blue;">sent a letter specifically asking the Environmental Protection Agency for a policy</span></a> that gives Good Samaritans some legal certainty for abandoned mine cleanups. Senators Michael Bennet of Colorado and Barbara Boxer of California also signed the letter.<br />
<br />
"Hardrock mine pollution is a terrible reminder of irresponsible mining in the West. Where Good Samaritans are willing and able to responsibly clean up pollution, leaving our treasured landscapes and watersheds better than they were before, we should do everything we can to support them," <strong>Udall said. </strong><br />
<br />
"Good Samaritans are too valuable of a resource to keep on the sidelines. Congress should do what is necessary to bring their efforts to bear on the cleanup of abandoned mine pollution," <strong>Udall concluded in the speech.</strong> "Good Samaritans can't solve all of our abandoned mine pollution problems, but we can't afford to turn away those willing to help any longer."<br />
<br />
The mines pollute watersheds and endanger the health of communities and wildlife that depend on the clean water downstream. Udall has advocated for a fix to this problem since his days in the House. In 2009, Udall <a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/502194f8dbcabad816cccd7f63d22aa0/2768694743/realurl=http:/ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/57c29d2a249810ea53607ba253a6c5bb/125939487/realurl=http:/markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=280"><span style="color: blue;">introduced the Good Samaritan Cleanup of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act</span></a> in the Senate (S.1777), which would free Good Samaritan volunteers to help clean up abandoned mines without taking on the liability. Since then, Udall has <a href="http://ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/502194f8dbcabad816cccd7f63d22aa0/2768694743/realurl=http:/ct.symplicity.com/t/muv/57c29d2a249810ea53607ba253a6c5bb/125939487/realurl=http:/markudall.senate.gov/?p=video&id=1260"><span style="color: blue;">met with Good Samaritan groups</span></a> to discuss their efforts, and he continues to work with the EPA to find a way to legally protect these groups that are willing and able to responsibly clean up polluted sites around the state.<br />
<br />
Please contact Tara Trujillo or Jennifer Talhelm at 202-224-4334.<br />
<br />
<strong><i>Below is text of the speech as prepared for delivery:</i></strong><br />
Mr./Madam President, I have come to the Floor today to talk about an environmental problem that affects many parts of Colorado as well as other Western states: abandoned hardrock mines. These mines pollute thousands of miles of streams and rivers in America with a toxic soup of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and mercury. This pollution impairs drinking water and kills aquatic and plant life for miles downstream.<br />
This is a problem that does not get enough attention in Congress. It is my hope that by speaking today I can spur this body and the administration to take greater steps to help solve the problem. I invite my colleagues to join me in this effort.<br />
<br />
First, a little background: Starting in the 1800s, miners flocked to the West in search of fortune following the discovery of precious minerals like gold, lead, copper and silver. They settled in places with names like Leadville and Silverton and Gypsum. Mining became an important part of our history, settlement and development in Colorado. But it also left a deadly and dirty legacy.<br />
<br />
When a claim was mined for all it was worth, the miner frequently packed up and left without a thought about the lasting problems the mine would cause. This was an era before modern mining laws that hold miners accountable for their impacts on the land. In many cases, it is impossible to identify today the persons responsible for the vast majority of these abandoned mines.<br />
<br />
The Government Accountability Office estimates there are over 160,000 such abandoned hardrock mines in the West: 73 hundred are in Colorado, 47 thousand are in California, and another 50 thousand are in Arizona.<br />
<br />
Today, highly acidic water still drains from these mines, polluting entire watersheds.<br />
Following the logic that a picture is worth a thousand words, I want to show my colleagues what acid mine drainage looks like. This is the Red and Bonita mine in San Juan County, Colorado, near Silverton. For scale, note the pickup truck on the left hand side. Over 300 gallons of water drain from this mine every minute. The water is contaminated with all kinds of heavy metals that produce the orange and red streaks you see here.<br />
<br />
Highly acidic water flows into Cement Creek and eventually into the Animas River, impairing water quality and aquatic life. For a region of Colorado that thrives on tourism, including angling, this situation is extremely harmful.<br />
<br />
From EPA data we can conservatively estimate that over 10 thousand miles of streams and rivers and nearly 350 thousand acres of lakes are impaired in this country as a result of acid mine drainage.<br />
So, what is being done?<br />
<br />
For one, at those sites where a responsible party can be identified, the federal government has tools at its disposable to hold them accountable.<br />
<br />
Also, the federal land management agencies have a variety of programs that mitigate abandoned hardrock mine pollution.<br />
<br />
However, the efforts I want to focus on today are those undertaken by a third category of people - entities that had no role in creating the pollution at an abandoned mine yet want to make the site better. Appropriately enough, we refer to these entities as Good Samaritans.<br />
<br />
One such Good Samaritan is the Animas River Stakeholders Group in southwestern Colorado. They are working to find solutions to clean up the Red and Bonita Mine.<br />
<br />
Often these Good Samaritans are non-profits whose mission is to restore the natural environment. Sometimes they are community groups who want to improve their cities and towns. Sometimes they are mining companies looking to be good stewards in the communities they operate. And sometimes they are state and local governments.<br />
<br />
Take, for example, the Tiger Mine near Leadville, Colorado. This picture was taken before any remediation actions were taken. You can see the piles of mine waste and drainage coming from the mine flowing beside it. At peak flows, as much as 150 gallons per minute of water contaminated with cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and iron flows out of the Tiger Mine.<br />
<br />
Some remediation work has already been completed, as you can see in this second picture. The mine waste was moved out of the way, capped and revegetated. And ditches were put in above the mine to divert surface water runoff and further reduce contamination.<br />
<br />
You can also see in this picture that four pits have been dug below the mine. This represents the next phase of the cleanup being led by Trout Unlimited - another Good Samaritan. Eventually, these pits will become what is known as a sulfate-reducing bioreactor.<br />
<br />
As the presiding officer knows, I was not a chemistry major. I won't attempt to describe how this thing works. But the end result is a good thing: acid mine drainage flows in and cleaner water flows out.<br />
However, Trout Unlimited has run into a problem that has frustrated many Good Samaritans. The bioreactor counts as a point source of pollution. Therefore, before Trout Unlimited can turn the bioreactor "on," they must obtain a Clean Water Act permit. Trout Unlimited cannot meet the stringent permit requirements without investing in far more expensive water treatment options. Nor can they afford to assume the liability that comes with a permit.<br />
<br />
As a result, the bioreactor sits unused. Federal law is, in effect, sidelining some of our best hopes for remediation.<br />
<br />
I have tried for several years to give Good Samaritans some relief. I have introduced legislation every congress since 2002 that creates a unique permit specifically for this kind of work. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to convince enough of my colleagues just how good an idea this is. But I will keep trying.<br />
In addition, I have been working with Senator Boxer to encourage EPA to better use the administrative tools they have at their disposal. Good Samaritans report to me that administrative tools have been cumbersome to use so far and don't offer the full Clean Water Act protection they need.<br />
<br />
So Senator Boxer and I, along with Senator Bennet, have asked EPA to make this tool more accessible to Good Samaritans. And last week we asked the agency to provide Good Samaritans with assurances they will not be subject to enforcement for appropriate actions taken to clean up acid mine pollution.<br />
I am grateful for the work EPA has done to focus on these issues and for Senator Boxer's leadership.<br />
Good Samaritans are too valuable of a resource to keep on the sidelines. Congress should do what is necessary to bring their efforts to bear on the cleanup of abandoned mine pollution.<br />
<br />
Good Samaritans can't solve all of our abandoned mine pollution problems. But we can't afford to turn away those willing to help any longer.<br />
<br />
Mr./Madam President, I yield the floor.Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-6031813295788390282011-12-29T12:14:00.000-07:002011-12-29T12:14:46.769-07:00Get Precertified NOW to capture Ouray County Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone Tax Credits for 2012<h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">Action Needed by all Ouray County Businesses, including Agriculture and Mining Companies!</span></b></div></h2><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">All incorporated and unincorporated areas in Ouray County have been designated as an "Enterprise Zone".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Businesses may claim certain types of credits on their Colorado income taxes for activities that occur within an Enterprise Zone. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The Enterprise Zone program provides business incentives, contribution tax credits (for Colorado income taxes only) and marketing grants to businesses in the Enterprise Zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In addition, the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Ouray County have been designated as an "Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone (EREZ)" which allows for greater financial incentives to businesses that create new jobs in designated economically distressed rural areas. Credits are available for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2003. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosing" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The incentive programs are administered on behalf of Ouray County by Region10 which is the designated coordinator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Region10 staff member Rhona Keckler is the primary Region10 contact for the Enterprise Zone and EREZ programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more information about any of the business incentives, contact Rhona Keckler at 970-249-2436 x 10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Region10's web site is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.region10.net/">http://www.region10.net/</a></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has up to date information about these programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Beginning in 2012, the application procedures and rules for participating in the incentives and tax credit programs available to Ouray County businesses are changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">New legislation changed the Certification process for activities performed on or after January 1, 2012 that will earn an Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your business will perform an activity that will earn an EZ Tax Credit on or after January 1, 2012, Colorado Revised Statute 39-30-103(7)(a) requires that you receive Pre-certification prior to commencing the activity that will earn the credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your business performed all activities that earned an EZ Tax Credit prior to January 1, 2012 only Certification is required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Example:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If an Ouray County business plans to create a new position that will be at least 20 hours a week in 2012, in order to qualify for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the available tax credits and other incentive programs, you will need to be pre-certified for the Enterprise Zone program prior to creating the new position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filling out the precertification form takes about 5 minutes online.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="style6" style="margin: 0in 0in auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: red;">Most importantly:</span></span></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Applications for tax credits for tax year 2011 and prior years must now be done on line at the State portal <a href="https://www.colorado.gov/apps/oedit/enterpriseCert/home.jsf" target="blank">(https://www.colorado.gov/apps/oedit/enterpriseCert/home.jsf)</a>. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Businesses seeking a tax credit for tax year 2012 must first be pre-certified online before the expenditure or action that qualifies for the tax credit is made.</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Then, certification for the tax credit must also be applied for online. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #cc0000; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Should a business or tax advisor have any difficulties with on-line submission of pre-certification or certifications, contact Region10 staff right away so that they can assist you. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If you are conducting business in Ouray County then you <u>might</u> apply for any of the following EZ tax credits in tax year 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone conducting business in Ouray County is encouraged get pre-certified through the Online Pre-certification and certification system RIGHT AWAY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To get pre-certified, use the <a href="https://www.colorado.gov/apps/oedit/enterpriseCert/home.jsf" target="blank">Online Pre-certification and certification system</a> at the State Office of Economic Development and International Trade web portal (https://www.colorado.gov/apps/oedit/enterpriseCert/home.jsf)</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Some of the significant incentives that Ouray County businesses may take advantage due to the Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone include:</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">NEW JOB CREDIT FOR EREZ: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">$2,500 total state tax credit per each new job over 20 hours/week;</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">NEW AG PROCESSING JOB FOR EREZ: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">$3,500 total state tax credit per each new agricultural product processing job.</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Other incentives available to Ouray County businesses because Ouray County is in the 6-county (Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Gunnison and Hinsdale) Enterprise Zone include: </span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">3% INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">3% of equipment purchases;</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">10% JOB TRAINING TAX CREDIT: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">10% of qualified training expenses;</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">25% VACANT BUILDING REHABILITATION TAX CREDIT:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">25% of rehab expenditures (hard costs) for buildings 20+ years old and that have been vacant at least 2 years;</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">3% RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (R&D) TAX CREDIT:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">3% of increased R&D expenditures;</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">MANUFACTURING AND MINING SALES AND USE TAX: </span></b><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">Purchases of manufacturing machinery, machine tools and machine parts are exempt from the 3 percent state sales and use tax statewide. Form </span><span style="color: #f7b615; font-family: Tw Cen MT;">DR1191</span><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"> (can be completed on your computer and is linked from the <a href="http://www.region10.net/">Region10</a> web site.) Note: Application for this tax credit is not included in the new online pre-certification/certification program.<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">HEALTH INSURANCE CREDIT (for employers paying a portion of an employee's health insurance premiums):</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">Businesses qualifying as a "new business facility" or as an "Expansion Facility" are allowed a $200 tax credit for two years for each employee who becomes insured under a qualifying employer-sponsored health insurance program.<span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">CONTRIBUTION TAX CREDIT PROGRAM</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> -- A huge Enterprise Zone benefit to citizens of Ouray County is that additional tax incentives to those who give charitable donations are available if the donations are given to qualified organizations and projects that successfully apply to become an Enterprise Zone Contribution Project. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Examples of groups and project that are already qualified through Region10 and the State of Colorado are Wright Opera House Foundation (Ouray), Museum of the Mountain West (Montrose), (Habitat for Humanity Re-Store) and 17 others in the 6-county Enterprise Zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To qualify projects are subject to review and approval by the Economic Development Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Colorado taxpayer who contributes to a Enterprise Zone Contribution Project can receive a 25% state tax credit for cash donations and 12.5% state tax credit for in-kind contributions, in addition to any federal tax deductions they qualify for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This encourages greater contributions to these projects and significantly greater tax incentives for those making donations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first step for an organization or project to get this designation is to contact the Enterprise Zone Coordinator, Rhona Keckler at Region10.</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">SMALL BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> -- Region10 also coordinates small business loans available to Ouray County businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funds used by Region10 for the loan program come from both federal and state programs including Colorado Development Block Grants, Small Business Administration Microloan Program, "Revolved" Loans, and participation loans with financial institutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Applications and eligibility requirements vary between<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>funding sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loan interest rates vary between very low to low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the various options, Ouray County Businesses desiring a loan for working capital, equipment, inventory, real estate, or other supportable expenditures should contact Paul Gray at Region10, 970-249-2436 for a custom-fit loan. </span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">All of these programs are designed to promote economic development of the Region10 Enterprise Zone and Ouray County as an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If any of these programs sound like something a Ouray County business could have utilized in the past, please still contact Region10, as many incentives can be still captured if the qualifying activities are five or less years ago.</span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Please share this information freely since it is time sensitive for 2012, and since some past activities can still be captured retroactively for tax credits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoClosingCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-add-space: auto;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ouray Commissioner <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lynn Padgett can be reached at 970-258-0836 (cell) or lpadgett@ouraycountyco.gov</span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-77336127910246384522011-12-22T15:34:00.000-07:002011-12-22T15:34:26.204-07:00LATN Update from Senators Udall & Bennet<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: auto auto auto -4.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;"><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 239.75pt;" valign="top" width="320"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday, December 21, 2011<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></span></span></div></td><td style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: #f0f0f0; border-left: #f0f0f0; border-right: #f0f0f0; border-top: #f0f0f0; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0in; width: 243.55pt;" valign="top" width="325"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bennet, Udall Urge Air Force to Address Concerns of Southern and Western Colorado in Flyover Plan </span></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Relay Concerns From Local Officials and Residents</span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Washington, DC – </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall are urging the Air Force to address concerns raised by Southern and Western Coloradans following a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) of newly proposed low-altitude flights over Colorado. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a letter to Terry A. Yonkers, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, Bennet and Udall requested a full and more comprehensive analysis before any plan moves forward. The draft EA, which underwent a public comment process earlier this year, states that the proposed plan would not result in significant impacts to local communities or the environment. If the draft EA is made final, a full Environmental Impact Statement would not be required.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“As you continue to analyze the comments received during the recent draft EA public comment period, we strongly encourage you to undertake a full and more comprehensive analysis that addresses these concerns and those submitted by all stakeholders in Colorado,” <b>the Senators wrote in the letter.</b> “Based on comments from a number of counties, private citizens, and other parties, we believe that substantive improvements to the EA must be made before a decision on this proposal is rendered.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because some counties affected by this proposal did not learn of the Low-Altitude Tactical Navigation (LATN) plan until after the comment period closed, Bennet and Udall are urging that these comments and others receive full consideration by the USAF and that they are taken into account before any decisions are made about moving forward.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last year, Udall and Bennet sent a </span><a href="http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=791"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">letter to the Air Force's Special Operations Command</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> expressing their concerns about the potential impact that proposed Low-Altitude Tactical Navigation flights could have on civilian and military aviation operations and other interests in Southern Colorado and urging additional coordination to ensure that the training missions don't interfere with other military, medical, or agricultural operations.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Full text of the letter is included below.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Assistant Secretary Yonkers:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you for your continued assistance regarding the 27th Special Operations Wing’s proposed Low-Altitude Tactical Navigation (LATN) area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. We wish to express our concern with the current draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and to request that the USAF continue to work to address the concerns of officials and residents in southern and western Colorado.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you will remember, last year we wrote to Lieutenant General Donald Wurster, Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, expressing our concern over the proposed LATN training area for MC-130 and CV-22 aircraft and ongoing efforts to ensure that USAF planning takes into account civilian comments and military aviation operations in Colorado. We remain steadfastly committed to our Armed Forces and to ensuring the readiness of our nation’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen. Therefore, we also want to ensure that any proposed training area has been carefully coordinated with Army and Air Force commanders in Colorado to protect current and future aviation missions. To this point, leaders from the 27SOW have participated in coordination meetings with the 140th Fighter Wing at Buckley AFB, the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson AFB, and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, but the outcome of those meetings remains unclear. The letter also asked USAF to take into account wilderness areas, agriculture operations, ski areas, and the concerns of rural communities.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In August, USAF’s draft EA proposed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), essentially stating that the proposed plan would not result in significant impacts to local communities or the environment. If the draft EA is made final, a full Environmental Impact Statement would not be required. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We understand USAF has held at least 16 information sessions in both New Mexico and Colorado to discuss the draft EA and the new proposed training area. Thank you for proactively engaging the local communities of southwestern Colorado and for organizing an additional session in Aspen. Unfortunately, some counties affected by this proposal did not hear about the LATN plan until after the comment period closed and have now contacted us with their concerns. In light of their and other southwest Colorado concerns about the draft EA, we believe USAF must take a number of issues into account before moving forward.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We understand that there are inherent environmental effects associated with any low altitude training area used by our nation’s Special Operations forces. At the same time, we believe that several issues raised during discussions with officials and constituents have not been sufficiently addressed in the draft EA. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, rural communities should have an understanding of what specific measures USAF will take to avoid populated areas. The draft EA merely states that populated areas will be avoided, but gives no definition for populated areas or procedures for how the USAF will do so. It would be helpful if the Air Force would release updated maps that show which populated areas will be avoided.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Second, we are concerned that the draft EA lacks clarity on whether all Special Use Land Management Areas (SULMAs), wilderness areas, and other protected areas will be sufficiently avoided. Table 3-11 in the draft EA does list several identified SULMAs; however, the EA does not specifically state that each will be avoided by at least 2,000 feet as required by the Department of Defense’s Area Planning Guide for North America (AP-1). </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Third, we strongly encourage USAF to work with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to improve mapping analysis of several wildlife species important to Colorado, including at-risk species and game species so crucial to southwest Colorado. For example, the draft EA makes no mention of the Gunnison Basin sage-grouse, which is a Federal candidate species under the Endangered Species Act.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, we have heard continued concerns from communities that feel general noise impacts, livestock impacts, and public safety concerns have not been adequately addressed. Attached please find additional correspondence on these important issues and others. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you continue to analyze the comments received during the recent draft EA public comment period, we strongly encourage you to undertake a full and more comprehensive analysis that addresses these concerns and those submitted by all stakeholders in Colorado. Based on comments from a number of counties, private citizens, and other parties, we believe that substantive improvements to the EA must be made before a decision on this proposal is rendered.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We thank you for your continued engagement on this issue and for your efforts to train our Special Operations Forces with tough, realistic low altitude training for worldwide deployment. We look forward to continuing to work with you on this important issue.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"># # #</span></span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-65568779895578798932011-09-28T13:24:00.002-06:002011-09-29T08:49:23.405-06:00San Juan Wilderness bill proosal Listening Session/Town Hall Meeting with Representative Scott TiptonAs some people have heard and others may not have, I just got a call from Mike Hess at Represenative Tipton's office:<br />
<br />
A Listening Session/Town Hall Meeting is scheduled with Representative Scott Tipton on the proposed San Juan Wilderness bill, for Sept. 30, 5:30 pm at OURAY COMMUNITY CENTER (new location). Arriving early is suggested. Just got this press release this morning from a newspaper reporter -- I'm modifying the location to reflect the phone call I just got.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Repeat: The meeting will be at 5:30pm at Ouray Community Center on Friday, September 30. Arrive early to sign in. Those wishing to speak should know that (according to Tipton's staff) speakers will be chosen in the order they sign in.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Text and maps of the bill reintroduced this week by Senator Udall and co-sponsor Senator Bennet can be found here:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<script charset="utf-8" src="http://s6.scribdassets.com/javascripts/doc_widget/v1.1.js" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<script charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript">
ScribdX.DocWidget.BASE_URL = "http://www.scribd.com";
ScribdX.DocWidget.ASSETS_BASE_URL = "http://s6.scribdassets.com";
(new ScribdX.DocWidget({
type:"public_document_collections",
resource_id: 3263154,
show_resource_owner: true,
show_doc_thumbnail: true,
show_doc_owner: true,
show_doc_reads: true,
colors: {primary: "#1982AB", secondary: "#302523", label:"#888888", background: "#FFFFFF"},
height: "400px",
width: "300px",
document_order: "ascending"
})).asyncGET();
</script><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Or at this link:</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/collections/3263154/San-Juan-Mountains-Wilderness-Act-Bill-and-Maps">http://www.scribd.com/collections/3263154/San-Juan-Mountains-Wilderness-Act-Bill-and-Maps</a><br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
**PRESS RELEASE by Joshua Green, Press Secretary for Represenative Tipton*** 9/27<br />
<h1 align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congressman Tipton to Hold Public Meetings on San Juan Wilderness Proposal </span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO) will hold public meetings to gather feedback on the San Juan Wilderness proposal beginning this week.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“My office has been meeting with various stakeholders in the district around Hidden Gems, Chimney Rock, San Juan and Thompson Divide. Preserving our environment, protecting our state’s treasures, and ensuring that people have the ability to enjoy Colorado’s beauty is important to me. I appreciate all of the work that Senator Udall and his staff have done on San Juan and I am anxious to gather feedback from my constituents on this issue. My office will be holding a series of public meetings to gather feedback on the San Juan Wilderness proposal and I encourage all sides to continue their dialogue.”—Rep. Scott Tipton</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If unable to attend the public meetings, Rep. Tipton encourages constituents to provide feedback by emailing or mailing his office.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Email:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="mailto:Scott.Tipton@mail.house.gov"><span style="color: blue;">Scott.Tipton@mail.house.gov</span></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Mailing address:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Office of Congressman Scott Tipton</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">218 Cannon House Office Building</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Washington, DC 20515</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><u>Tentative Meeting Schedule</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><strong><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">September 30, Friday, from 5:30-7:00 pm, OURAY Community Center</span></strong></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">October 18, Tuesday, from 5:30-7:00 pm, location TBA</span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-49353919073505386072011-09-07T10:00:00.001-06:002011-10-10T23:54:48.210-06:00Proposed LATN update: New maps to come out of proposed flyovers<h1>Here are the links:</h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Sept 7 2011 press release </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cannon.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123271436"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cannon.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123271436</span></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">LATN web page with most documents released by Air Force:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/environment.asp"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cannon.af.mil/library/environment.asp</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">report (large file) released 9/8/11:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cannon.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110909-039.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cannon.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110909-039.pdf</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">figures:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="http://www.cannon.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110908-041.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cannon.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110908-041.pdf</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">_______________________________________________________</div><br />
<h1>New maps to come out of proposed flyovers</h1><div style="float: right;"><br />
<center></center></div><h4>Southwest Colo. to see Air Force traffic</h4><h5>By Matthew Beaudin<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 2.25pt; mso-outline-level: 6;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Editor, Telluride Daily Planet (www.telluridenews.com)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">September 5, 2011 6:11 AM CDT</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div></h5><div id="storytext">The U.S. Air Force has agreed to leave the Eastern Plains of Colorado off its proposed low-altitude training flights, but plans to use the airspace over southwestern Colorado are still intact.<br />
<br />
Congressman Scott Tipton said the Air Force has redrawn its maps for proposed low-altitude training flights over Colorado and that those new routes will be published sometime this week.<br />
<br />
Tipton said the maps confirm what the military told him earlier this summer — that the flights would occur over western Colorado, not the Eastern Plains, where ranchers had voiced concerns over the Army’s proposed expansion of its Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado.<br />
<br />
The Air Force has proposed low-flying training flights from Grand Junction and Aspen in western Colorado to Albuquerque. It says the terrain is similar to what pilots encounter in Afghanistan. The concern, though, has come from far — Washington — and near, in Telluride.<br />
<div id="instory"><script type="text/javascript">
<!--
aCampaigns = new Array();
aCampaigns[1724] = 100;
aAds = new Array();
nAdsysTime = new Date().getTime()/1000;
document.usePlayer = 1;
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1274763600) && (nAdsysTime <= 1590469199)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '228447-1274808389', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.tdsmith.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 0;
aAd[11] = 0;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1301893200) && (nAdsysTime <= 1617598799) && !adsys_hasReachedFreqCap(248824, 20)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '248824-1301957258', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.telluridebroker.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 20;
aAd[11] = 30;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1302670800) && (nAdsysTime <= 1618376399)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '249286-1302716282', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.luxurytelluriderental.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 0;
aAd[11] = 0;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1307941200) && (nAdsysTime <= 1623646799)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '252146-1314915439', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.telluridegravityworks.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 0;
aAd[11] = 0;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1309496400) && (nAdsysTime <= 1625201999)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '252934-1309559329', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.luxwest.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 0;
aAd[11] = 0;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
if ((nAdsysTime >= 1313384400) && (nAdsysTime <= 1629089999)) {
aAd = new Array('+instory', '254542-1313601429', 'jpg');
aAd[3] = 'http://www.telluridemortgageco.com';
aAd[4] = '1';
aAd[6] = '1';
aAd[7] = 10;
aAd[8] = 0;
aAd[9] = 1724;
aAd[10] = 0;
aAd[11] = 0;
aAds[aAds.length] = aAd;
}
adsys_displayAd('http://adsys.townnews.com', 'telluridenews.com', aAds, aCampaigns);
//-->
</script></div>Tipton’s office did not return a call for comment late last week. The flights have spawned concerns across the region, with opponents claiming the flights would be upsetting to the natural environment. In one case, the Town of Telluride sent a letter that said the operations “in our mountain setting may be potentially unsettling to our visitors and residents who come here to enjoy our tranquil mountain environment.”<br />
<br />
Former Colorado Congressman John Salazar and others sent letters to the USAF asking for more meetings.<br />
<br />
The idea is that the Low Altitude Tactical Navigation training could better prepare Air Force pilots for combat. It isn’t clear how close the planes would fly to Telluride, though the plan was enough to draw the concern of environmental groups in the Southwest, notably Sheep Mountain Alliance and Durango’s San Juan Citizen Alliance.<br />
<br />
The Air Force has said the terrain was selected due to the varied topography and weather, proximity to Cannon [Air Force Base] and lack of large civilian populations.”<br />
<br />
The planes the Air Force would fly in the area are large aircraft. The CV-22 Osprey (a vertical takeoff plane designed for exfiltration and special-forces supply) and the C-130 Hercules (an enormous aircraft used to air-drop troops and equipment into hostile areas) were named in the press release from the Air Force as those the service would fly.<br />
<br />
FAA and Air Force regulations require aircraft utilizing the LATN area to avoid airfields, towns, noise-sensitive areas and wilderness areas by prescribed vertical and/or horizontal distances.<br />
<br />
— The Associated Press contributed to this report.</div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-43075854273809707282011-08-24T14:47:00.000-06:002011-08-24T14:47:52.256-06:00County Road 17 Repairs are Completed; Now for County Road 1I want to commend the Ouray County Road and Bridge Department, our County Engineers from Russel Engineering, and our contractor Earth Tech, -- County Road 17 repairs were completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The County was also able to work with John Ferguson and the incredible team of volunteers that put on the Mt. Sneffels Marathon & Half Marathon. Due to the team work, dilligence, and flexibility of all involved hundreds of runners were able to utilize County Road 17 for the August 12th running event. Congrats to Larry Macon who made this his 772nd marathon and to Elyssa Barron who made this her 31st marathon (during her quest to run 51 marathons in 52 weeks).<br />
<br />
Now for County Road 1. About 1/3 of our County lives off of County Road 1, yet this road sees my orders of many magnitudes more daily traffic than any other county road. Also, approximately 1/2 of our entire county road and bridge annual maintenance effort goes to this one road (which is approximately 13.5 miles of our 220-mile county road system).<br />
<br />
When the County voters voted in a new 1% sales tax dedicate to the County Road and Bridge Department, it was estimated to bring in about $450,000/year in revenues. The county began collecting this in 2009. Now, with the some revenues saved up, the county has purchased badly needed equipment, road materials, been able to continue to plow the high country jeep roads that are so connected to our economy, and is accomplishing some badly needed deferred maintenance projects on our roads. <br />
<br />
As much of the county knows, County Road 1 near Colona is plagued by drainage problems that caused the road to sink in. Ashphalt and chip seal plugs simply fell through the bottom. A road can only be as good as its foundation, and County Road 1 was simply never engineered for the volume, speed, and weight of traffic it receives. And there was a lot more heavy construction traffic in the mid-2000s.<br />
<br />
A new engineered drainage system has been installed in Colona. The BOCC has awarded contracts for two phases of work on the worst sections of the northern portion of County Road 1, which is beginning this week. When it was realized how much mobilization was going to cost to get the contractor's talent and equipment to County Road 1, I realized it would be far better to get more work for the same mobilization costs. So I and the Board requested our County Road and Bridge Department to go back and look at the worst sections of County Road 1 and develop a Phase II that could be performed back to back with Phase I. The source of potential funds I identified were NOT reserves, as reported in the Plaindealer, but was instead money that was BUDGETED to be spent on employee wages and equipment in 2010, but was not spent. The BOCC has a long standing policy that is not commonly used, to allow up to 1/2 of the unspent "fund balance" from the previous fiscal year to be used on one-time capital expenses. Phase II of County Road 1 does indeed meet the criteria of this BOCC policy.<br />
<br />
Below is the County Press Release regarding County Road 1 work. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me at 970-258-0836.<br />
<br />
We do not anticipate needing to close the road during construction, but there will be only one lane in places and there may be 5 to 10 minute delays. <br />
<br />
Here is the press release:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-align: center;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">Ouray County</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">County Road 1 Reconstruction Project</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">Proposed road improvements to County Road 1 (CR-1) just outside of Colona were bid in two separate bid packages by the Ouray County Commissioners (Phase I and II). The low bidder for both phases was Skip Huston Construction, Inc. of Montrose and contracts have been awarded to them for both phases.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">Ouray County had budgeted in its 2011 Road and Bridge Capital budget $125,000 to improve a deteriorated portion of CR-1. Upon opening the Phase I bids and discussing the much needed improvements on CR-1, the Board of County Commissioners elected to bid out an additional phase this year entitled CR-1, Phase II. Funding for the additional work for CR-1, Phase II will be derived principally from 2011 operating revenue, and if necessary, a portion of fund balance may be used in accordance with the Ouray County Budget Policy; which authorizes the use of 50% of prior year’s ending fund balance for capital projects. The cost of Phase I will be $115,243 and the cost of Phase II will be $62,111 for a total CR-1 improvement cost of $177,354. Reserve funds will not be utilized for this project.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">Phase I involves recycling the existing chip seal surface and resurfacing approximately 1,100 feet<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of CR-1 with 3-inches of asphalt about ½ mile west of Colona. Previous damage to the road surface was attributed to saturation of the subgrade by subsurface water seepage from an existing irrigation pond and irrigation ditch uphill of the road section, so a subsurface drainage system is also being installed as a part of this phase.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">Phase II consists of improving the curve just west of the Colona Grange. Once again, excessive damage to this section can be attributed to subgrade saturation from adjacent irrigation ditches. Three hundred and eighty (380) feet of road will be raised up to 2 feet above the existing road surface and a subsurface drainage system will be installed on the uphill side of the road. Once again, the repaired section will be surfaced with a 3-inch asphalt mat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">The contractor will begin construction on both phases on Monday August 22, 2011. Traffic on CR-1 may be limited to one-lane between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with up to 5 minute delays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and up to 20 minute delays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Construction is expected to last through September.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.8pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-arabic-font-family: Arial; mso-armenian-font-family: Arial; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-currency-font-family: Arial; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Arial; mso-default-font-family: Arial; mso-greek-font-family: Arial; mso-hebrew-font-family: Arial; mso-latin-font-family: Arial; mso-latinext-font-family: Arial;">If you have questions, please contact Bill “Frowny” Frownfelter or Chris Hardrick of Russell Planning and Engineering, Inc. 970-385-4546 or Chris Miller, Ouray Road and Bridge Supervisor at 970-626-5391.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-42361752349984772782011-06-29T11:06:00.000-06:002011-06-29T11:06:56.541-06:00OURAY COUNTY NOW HAS A NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG CARD FOR RESIDENTS TO USE, FREE!<blockquote><h4>Greetings, since first learning about this free service (free for Counties and free for Citizens) at the Winter Colorado Counties conference in Nov. 2009, and then learning more while attending National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in 2010 -- I have wanted Ouray County to offer this card to our citizens. Commissioner Albritton agreed. There are now 28 Colorado Counties that offer this free service to their Citizens.</h4></blockquote><blockquote><h5>This unique discount card will help our uninsured and underinsured Ouray County citizens obtain discount on their prescriptions filled at over 60,000 participating pharmacies nationwide -- including Ridgway Pharmacy.</h5></blockquote><blockquote><h5>Even if you have insurance, you can check prices with the card and see if you can get a lower price. <strong>Note: The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program is NOT insurance.</strong> </h5><h4>All you need to do is download a card, print it, and use it!</h4><h5>Many prescriptions are discounted more than the average 24%. You can also use the card to get discounts on subscriptions for pets that are filled at a participating pharmacy. </h5><h5>One card will cover your entire family, including pets. You can use the same card when you are travelling out of town at over 60,000 pharmacies nationwide.</h5><h4><strong> To Get Started Now: </strong></h4><h5>1. Download & print the card here: <a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/naco_card_ouray_county_colorado_june2011.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/naco_card_ouray_county_colorado_june2011.pdf</a></h5><h5>2. Check drug prices (optional) here: <a href="https://www.caremark.com/wps/myportal/CHECK_DRUG_COST" target="_blank">https://www.caremark.com/wps/myportal/CHECK_DRUG_COST</a></h5><h5>3. Search for local pharmacies (& out of town pharmacies while you a traveling) here: <a href="https://www.caremark.com/wps/myportal/LOCAL_PHARMACY" target="_blank">https://www.caremark.com/wps/myportal/LOCAL_PHARMACY</a></h5><h5>4. You can read FAQs here: <a href="http://www2.caremark.com/naco/faq.htm" target="_blank">http://www2.caremark.com/naco/faq.htm</a></h5><h5>5. You can find additional information on drug interactions and other drug information in the drug database here: <a href="http://drugtools.caremark.com/drugtools.html" target="_blank">http://drugtools.caremark.com/drugtools.html</a></h5><h5>6. Mail Order information and mail order price list can be found here: <a href="http://www2.caremark.com/naco/mod.htm" target="_blank">http://www2.caremark.com/naco/mod.htm</a> </h5><h5>7. Additional Health Resources (including comprehensive health and medical information on a wide range of topics and services for certain health conditions) can be found here: <a href="http://www2.caremark.com/naco/health.htm" target="_blank">http://www2.caremark.com/naco/health.htm</a></h5></blockquote><h5>More Details:</h5><h5>Ouray County is introducing a prescription discount card program to help consumers cope with the high price of prescriptions. The County has signed a contract to make <strong>free</strong> prescription discount cards available to Ouray County citizens under a program sponsored by the National Association of Counties (NACo). The card will provide an average savings of twenty two percent (22%) off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs.</h5><h5>The cards, which will be available at your Doctors' Offices, Public Health, Social Services and County Clerk and Recording Offices may be used by all county residents, regardless of age, income, or existing health coverage. The cards may be used locally and regionally, and may be used at many pharmacies. A network of more than 60,000 participating retail pharmacies also will honor it. Ouray County residents may also go on line to print your own card at <strong><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/naco_card_ouray_county_colorado_june2011.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/naco_card_ouray_county_colorado_june2011.pdf</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.rxprintacard.biz/naco/"></a>.</strong></h5><h5>The NACo prescription discount card will offer significant savings for the uninsured and underinsured residents of our county, and even those fortunate to have prescription coverage may use the card to save money on drugs that are not covered by their health plan. Residents are also encouraged to ask their local pharmacies for price comparisons. Residents do not have to be Medicare beneficiaries to be eligible for this program. Prescriptions for pets that are filled at participating pharmacies are also eligible for discounts through this program.</h5><h5>There will be no cost to county taxpayers for NACo and Ouray County to make these money-savings cards available to residents. </h5><h5>“Using the NACo prescription discount card is easy,” said Cheryl Roberts, R.N. Director of Ouray County Public Health. “A cardholder will simply present it at a participating pharmacy. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.” </h5><h5>For more information or to search for drug coverage and cost or view additional health resource information, go to <strong><a href="http://www2.caremark.com/naco/" target="_blank">http://www2.caremark.com/naco/</a></strong></h5>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-79437223033751719942011-03-18T10:06:00.002-06:002011-03-18T10:12:19.188-06:00Letter to Representative Tipton regarding Secure Rural Schools Funding for FY2012 and future SRS reform<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/2011_03_14--SRSBudgetCommitteeDearColleagueLtr-FY12.pdf">Dear Colleague Letter</a></span></b><br />
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/srs_all_cds.pdf"><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Colorado Secure Rural Payments (SRS) Funds map</span></strong></a><br />
<a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/Copy%20of%20SRS.xlsx"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Colorado Counties SRS Payment summary table (.xls) file</strong></span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Representative Tipton,</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you are aware from learning about Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) recently, many counties are compensated for the tax-exempt status of federal lands lying within their county. Our county is approximately 50% federal public land (159,584 acres). Another form of federal payments to counties to compensate for the tax-exempt status of these federal public lands are "Forest Payments", also known as Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A summary of SRS published by the Congressional Research Service (June 24, 2010) contains excellent background information:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Counties with federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service as National Forest lands (such as we have the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forest & San Juan National Forest) and with certain Bureau of Land Management lands have historically received a percentage of agency revenues from fees and sales of forest products generated by these lands." </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since 1908 the USFS has paid 25% of its gross receipts to the states for use on roads and rural schools in the counties where the national forests are located. This mandatory spending program was enacted to compensate local governments for the tax-exempt status of the national forests, but the compensation rate (10% of gross receipts in 1906 and 1907; 25% of gross receipts since) was not debated in 1906-1908. This program is called "USFS Payments to States" because each state allocates the funds to road and school programs. --but the USFS determines the actual amount each county receives or uses. As timber sales especially declined substantially, Congress enacted the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (SRS; P.L. 106-393) as a "temporary, optional program" based on historic revenues rather than current revenues. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SRS expired at the end of 2006. Congressional debates over reauthorization have considered several formulas. Meanwhile, legislation with mandatory spending raises policy questions about increasing the federal deficit and thus poses a procedural barrier to enabling legislation.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many valid concerns about SRS, including: 1) a decline in USFS receipts of 83% since 1989; 2) annual fluctuations of payments (up and down) by more than nearly 30% annually (making it hard for the federal and local governments and schools to budget); and 3) linkage between competing management decisions and outcomes. In the long-term the SRS system should be modified, with serious consideration of changing to more of a tax-equivalency compensation system for local governments and rural schools. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, without a short-term action, our rural schools will lose the federal funds we need to offset the tax-exempt status of nearly half of Ouray County. Over 75% of the SRS payments received by Colorado counties goes directly to local rural schools. Ouray County distributed 75% of the SRS forest payments to our Ouray County local schools in 2010 and 2011. The remainder goes to the County Road and Bridge Department, to help provide safe routes to the schools.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, 38 Colorado counties received $17.2 Million in FY2008, $12.2 Million in FY2011, dropping to $5.0 Million in FY2012. The funds received by these 38 Colorado counties affect 2,819,994 people & 480,000 Colorado school children.</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Ouray County received $96,745 in FY2008; $86,066 in FY2009, $78,763 in FY2010, and $70,877 in FY2011. </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rural schools in Representative Tipton's Third Congressional District are the most affected by the decrease in SRS Funds. 27 Third Congressional District counties, together totaling 667,373 people, received $14,231,847 in FY2008, $10,085,105 in FY2011, and this will dramatically drop to $4,159,396 in 2012; a loss of over $10 Million since 2008, with at least 75% of that money going to our rural schools (see attached map). </span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For example, in Ouray County, by Resolution 2011-006, $59,097.26 was transferred to the Public School Fund, and " distributed to each school district in the County in proportion with which its pupil enrollment during the preceding school year bears to the aggregate pupil enrollment in all districts in the County during said preceding school year".</span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By Resolution 2010-014, $64,549.62 was transferred to the Public School Fund by Ouray County and distributed to the local rural public schools in the same manner. </span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These funds covered one and a half to two teachers' salaries each year for the Ouray and Ridgway School Districts, directly contributing to our locals schools' abilities to have manageable class sizes and excellent performance ratings. Both school districts are currently ranked among the best in the State. </span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During a luncheon on March 17 (yesterday) with Reggie Bicha, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Governor Hickenlooper, and Colorado Human Services Directors Association, and Casey Family Programs, emphasizing opportunities for increased State-Local Partnerships to benefit Child Welfare in Colorado. A reoccurring theme of the speakers was that healthy kids live in healthy families and in healthy communities. It was acknowledged by the Child Welfare experts that 40% of American children are <u>not</u> fluid readers by 8th grade, with the statistics worse for those children who do not have a permanent and healthy living situation. For these reasons very few foster children ever make it to college. Ouray County schools produce excellent readers with a very high percentage of local children going on to college and higher educational opportunities. Losing Secure Rural Schools funds, or leaving them at the FY2012 level, will have an impact on our schools and communities in Ouray County and the Third Congressional District. These funds contribute to the health of our Ridgway and Ouray schools. This comes at a time when schools are struggling for appropriate state and federal funding, at a time when our local schools have just made significant cuts from the loss of State funding, and as local property tax revenues are projected to fall which will reduce another funding source. </span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, more than ever, the health of our children, families, and communities depends on full funding of SRS at the FY2008 levels to offset the tax-exempt status of federal public lands within their counties. </span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I urge you to sign the "Dear Colleague" letter by March 18th (attached)! It is essential to support full funding of the Secure Rural Schools forest payments at FY2008 levels next year and to work with your colleagues toward an appropriate long-term compensation system for rural schools and local roads.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><group coordorigin="1695,8503" coordsize="3300,1322" id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 36.6pt; margin-left: -7.15pt; margin-top: 10.4pt; position: absolute; width: 118.5pt; z-index: 251658240;"><shape coordsize="360,592" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1027" path="m135,172hdc227,141,259,138,330,67v5,-15,22,-31,15,-45c338,8,314,,300,7v-14,7,-10,30,-15,45c285,58,292,510,225,577v-11,11,-30,10,-45,15c136,577,60,563,30,517,12,491,,427,,427v75,-50,109,-32,180,15c232,520,300,532,360,592e" style="height: 592px; left: 1695px; position: absolute; top: 8708px; width: 360px;"><path arrowok="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></path></shape><shape coordsize="735,516" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1028" path="m,hdc6,40,9,163,60,195v27,17,90,30,90,30c165,220,186,223,195,210v26,-38,19,-90,30,-135c220,215,232,357,210,495v-3,21,-42,-24,-45,-45c146,317,182,256,255,165v5,-15,5,-33,15,-45c334,40,345,150,360,195v9,-14,39,-78,75,-60c449,142,443,166,450,180v8,16,20,30,30,45c495,215,518,211,525,195,565,105,509,44,570,135v5,-15,-1,-45,15,-45c603,90,608,119,615,135v29,65,17,187,120,135e" style="height: 516px; left: 2235px; position: absolute; top: 9045px; width: 735px;"><path arrowok="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></path></shape><shape coordsize="30,825" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1029" path="m,hdc8,284,30,547,30,825e" style="height: 825px; left: 3360px; position: absolute; top: 8580px; width: 30px;"><path arrowok="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></path></shape><shape coordsize="580,587" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1030" path="m90,62hdc182,,225,20,345,32v51,34,99,71,150,105c580,307,534,438,435,587,375,582,315,580,255,572,167,560,91,512,,512e" style="height: 587px; left: 3240px; position: absolute; top: 8503px; width: 580px;"><path arrowok="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></path></shape><shape coordsize="1455,1067" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1031" path="m195,347hdc180,342,166,332,150,332v-56,,-68,46,-90,90c28,486,23,563,,632v12,37,12,85,75,30c102,638,135,572,135,572v10,15,22,29,30,45c172,631,166,655,180,662v14,7,30,-10,45,-15c248,579,253,502,285,437v8,-16,16,-34,30,-45c327,382,360,361,360,377v,18,-30,20,-45,30c300,451,272,514,315,557v15,15,30,-30,45,-45c355,382,345,252,345,122v,-110,4,220,15,330c364,493,390,572,390,572v20,-15,45,-25,60,-45c520,434,442,474,510,392v22,-27,59,-35,90,-45c471,444,491,401,510,587v10,-20,21,-39,30,-60c546,512,539,482,555,482v16,,11,30,15,45c576,547,582,567,585,587v20,119,33,240,45,360c620,982,626,1026,600,1052v-15,15,-50,3,-60,-15c516,992,510,887,510,887v5,-40,,-83,15,-120c532,750,554,746,570,737v133,-76,-5,13,105,-60c718,590,725,595,705,497v-6,9,-53,71,-45,90c667,604,690,607,705,617,755,567,788,504,810,437v-5,-45,-8,-90,-15,-135c745,,787,769,810,932,890,798,897,686,945,542v3,-56,6,-498,30,-195c986,485,975,646,1020,782v-5,-35,4,-75,-15,-105c994,660,965,668,945,662v-15,-4,-29,-14,-45,-15c790,638,680,637,570,632,682,610,764,547,870,512v117,-39,251,-65,375,-90c1365,342,1220,447,1320,347v13,-13,32,-17,45,-30c1383,299,1391,273,1410,257v12,-10,45,-15,45,-15e" style="height: 1067px; left: 3540px; position: absolute; top: 8758px; width: 1455px;"><path arrowok="t"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></path></shape></group><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sincerely,</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lynn Padgett, </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 110%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ouray County Commissioner, District 1</span></span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-46607021988237793872011-03-11T06:51:00.003-07:002011-03-11T06:52:38.093-07:00Press Release for NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 110%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Commissioner Padgett Addresses Federal Funding for County Programs at NACo Legislative Conference</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="line-height: 110%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Works to Help Carry Rural County Government Message to Washington D.C.</span></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";">Washington, D.C. -- </span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";">By some federal accounts the recession may have officially ended months ago, but not as far as Ouray County and other Colorado Counties local governments and schools are concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the message delivered to Capitol Hill by Ouray County Commissioner Lynn Padgett (District 1) and more than 1,500 fellow county officials from across the country during the National Association of Counties' (NACo) 2011 Legislative Conference, March 5-9, in Washington, D.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colorado Counties had a pre-conference caucus on March 4 and ended their conference after a full day on Capitol Hill meeting with Colorado Senators and 6 Colorado Representatives on March 10.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">The San Juan Mountains were well represented by Commissioner Padgett (Ouray County), Commissioner Art Goodtimes (San Miguel County), and Commissioners Wally White and Kellie Hotter (La Plata County).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Altogether, the Colorado Counties delegation had 42 County Commissioners and 10 County Staff or other Elected County Officials, for a total of 52 NACo Legislative Conference attendees.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"><span style="font-size: large;">Colorado Counties are well known at NACo for their organization and team spirit, by holding the Colorado Counties state caucus the night before the start of the conference to determine group positions on NACo resolutions and federal policies affecting county governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the Conference attendees attend leadership seminars, Steering Committee meetings, Caucus meetings such as the Colorado caucus, Western Interstate Region caucus, and Rural Action Committee caucus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commissioner Padgett attended all of these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schedules are crammed, with sessions or meetings starting as early as 7am and going until 5:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Steering Committees have members from states including Alaska and Hawaii throughout the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These committees help shape federal policies affecting County governments and send communications in the form of letters and resolutions to federal legislators, departments such as the Interior Department, and the President on matters affecting counties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commissioner Padgett was elected to a two-year term by her Colorado Commissioner peers on the Public Lands Steering Committee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her term is from January 2011 to January 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her conference fees, travel, and hotel during the conference were paid by the Public Lands Steering Committee at no cost to Ouray County tax payers.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Resolutions contemplated by the Public Lands Steering Committee during this conference included the recent discussion and a split vote on communicating opposition to Secretarial Order #3310 on Wild Lands; supporting a change in Forest Service personnel organization to place law enforcement officers under the direction of Forest Supervisors (timely based on Ouray County's recent discussion with our local USFS regarding the backcountry ranger for jeep roads); and supporting the exemption of renewable biomass combustion emissions from the EPAs "Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule".</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Presentations at the Public Lands Steering Committee included one on illegal marijuana growing operations in western National Forests and development of an "All Lands, All Hands" Natural Resource Academy to help community-based collaborative approaches to natural resource planning, project design, and implementation across jurisdictional boundaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Subcommittee meetings focused on federal land payments to counties including the Payment-In-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments, federal land management, and gateway communities.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Educational sessions offered the opportunity to learn about federal grant opportunities and gain greater understanding of emerging federal issues, and key NACo initiatives including the County Works, Veterans and Military services, and Restoring the Partnership campaigns.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Commissioner Padgett met with the NACO Prescription Drug Card Program administrators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouray County will be rolling out this free program around April 1st.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will allow residents to use a free card to obtain many of their prescriptions at a discount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arapahoe County stated it has saved their citizens hundreds of thousands of dollars.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Educational sessions were recorded this year, so that Commissioners could listen to recordings of sessions they missed while attending other concurrent sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sessions attended by Commissioner Padgett included presentations and discussion on foreclosure; changes to the Clean Water Act; issues on siting of Renewable Energy components; and cutting-costs of County Government with technology.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Other highlights of this conference were speakers that included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Admiral Mike Mullen, MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Joe Scarborough, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), House Natural Resources Committee Chair Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), Representative Greg Walden (R-Ore.), and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair John Mica.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many of the speakers publically concurred with NACo President Judge Glen Whitley's recent letter to President Obama and NACo Resolution on the federal deficit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Key points made by President Whitley and NACo were that Congress and the President cannot solve budget deficit by only cutting domestic, non-military discretionary spending that makes up 12% of the annual federal budget "on the backs of the American people and local governments".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One speaker said that in the 1970s non-miliatary, discretionary spending was 55% of the annual federal budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several speakers acknowledged that the war in Iraq & Afghanistan is costing over $2 billion per <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">week</i>, and is using borrowed money to be financed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said that it was impossible to balance a budget if "entitlements are off the table, revenues are off the table, and defense is off the table".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The repeated theme from both the Republican and Democrat speakers was that <u>not</u> investing in education, infrastructure, and innovative research and development is foolish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">The Conference concluded with a long day on Capitol Hill for the Colorado county officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leaving at 6:45 am they first had "the most expensive bagel you will ever buy" with Senators Bennet and Udall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>County attendees had to pay $31 in cash each to cover shared transportation to the Hill ($9), and shared orange juice, coffee, and bagels ($22) for themselves and the Senators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the opportunity to have an intimate discussion with the Senators and their staff's for a half-hour each, is productive at making county priorities known and strengthening relationships and partnerships with our federal legislators and their staffs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, while steep, it is the price of doing business in Washington, D.C.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Colorado Commissioners discussed 6 topics that had been voted on by the Colorado counties as being important, and presented each Senator and Representative with talking points on each topic, an executive summary on PILT with maps of how Colorado's funds are allocated, and a map of SRS fund allocations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 6 topics discussed were: </span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">the importance of not imposing unfunded mandates on counties; the importance of PILT and SRS funding for counties at 2008 levels to counties and rural schools for at least 10 years; </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">supporting a multi-year transportation bill that would identify a new, sustainable funding source to support highway and transit projects;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">adequate funding for the USFS for campground and trail maintenance, forest health, and wildfire protection needs as bark beetles continue to destroy at least 100,000 trees a week in Colorado;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">support for Child Welfare funding flexibility, especially supporting IV-E waivers that would allow counties to use preventative services to prevent more expensive foster care arrangements;</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;">support of Clean Colorado Coal technologies.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">Commissioner Padgett worked with Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI) staff to develop colorful maps to highlight the importance of PILT and SRS funds for counties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The SRS map, which highlights a loss of $10 million dollars of funds for FY2012 compared to FY2008, was impressive to both of the Senators and especially Representative DeGette, whose district receives no PILT or SRS funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In speaking on the SRS issue, Commissioner Padgett said, "The fact that Colorado will lose $12.2 million dollars in FY2012, and that 75% of more of that money is distributed by the counties directly to local rural school districts affecting 480,000 Colorado school children, is an issue for all of Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you will all [all Colorado legislators] discuss this at your joint breakfast next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To turn this around it will require immediate action with the ongoing House Resolution. Summit County and Eagle County are each reporting declines in property valuations by 30-35%.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Half of the property tax revenues go to the schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is dire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The remainder of the SRS funds go to rural county Road and Bridge Departments to provide safe routes to schools."</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT;"><span style="font-size: large;">Commissioner Padgett highlighted to Representative Tipton that his congressional district, the 3rd Congressional District, is going to lose $10 of that $12.2 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-hansi-font-family: "Tw Cen MT";"><span style="font-family: Tw Cen MT; font-size: large;">"Representative Tipton was very gracious and sincere about strengthening local-federal partnerships," Commissioner Padgett shared after a dinner at America's Restaurant in Union Station with Representative Tipton and his staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rep. Tipton invited the Colorado county officials to dinner on March 9th, and it was attended by over 25 county officials, primarily from the 3rd Congressional District.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Tw Cen MT", "sans-serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 110%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Tw Cen MT"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Commissioner Padgett can be reached about this conference or any other county matter at lpadgett@ouraycountyco.gov or 970-258-0836.</span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-62240958818968187932011-02-20T11:50:00.001-07:002011-02-20T12:01:25.688-07:00PILT Amendment Results<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greetings,<br />
<br />
Official results on the passage of the PILT amendment #333 to H.R.1 proposed by the Gentle Congresswoman Kaptur from Ohio were not close:<br />
<br />
The amendment was defeated by a margin of 394 to 32. Since there was no exact time set for this amendment to be heard we had CSPAN on via laptop all day yesterday. They got to it in the late afternoon/early evening.<br />
<br />
Please thank our Colorado Congressional Members who showed their support for county governments by voting no on amendment #333. </span><a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll117.xml"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll117.xml</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we should all be pleased that this was not a close vote, PILT was only first fully funded by Congress in 2008—and that full funding which was part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is going to be a big topic for the 2012 budget. This proposed amendment offered an opportunity to have a strong response to start educating many new Representatives and those Representatives from the east that simply do not understand western rural counties, that full funding of PILT is essential now and for the future. Full funding of PILT is not just to benefit local governments, it is a matter of national interest. These lands are federally owned for reasons that have been deemed to be important for all Americans – lands with unique mineral or water resources, wildlands, critical habitats, cultural resources, most of which are open for all the public to experience and enjoy.<br />
<br />
Thank you for mobilizing on this issue. I heard from NACo staff that the materials supplied by Ouray County were the best they had ever received from a county – because they were very clear as to what PILT was used for, and what loss of PILT would cut. We were clear about the services our local governments provide (road maintenance, emergency response, search and rescue, sanitation cost-share, back country ranger cost-share, etc.) because of these public lands. NACo staff shared the materials you received widely with staffers and lobbyists across Capitol Hill, and I am sure they made a difference in this vote. We still need to be watchful and participatory on this issue in the near future.<br />
<br />
I will be travelling to Washington D.C. in March for the NACo legislative conference as part of the Colorado Counties Public Lands Steering Committee. We are developing a brochure that will be handed out to explain to each Representative what PILT means to their state and local governments.<br />
<br />
I appreciate the opportunity to serve such a dedicated group of citizens.<br />
<br />
Warmest Regards,<br />
<br />
Lynn Padgett<br />
<br />
970-258-0836<br />
<br />
p.s.<br />
<br />
For more information on resources for economic development and sustainability of Gateway Communities – portals like Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, Durango, Telluride, Montrose, Gunnison, Crested Butte – to popular public lands, check out these links:</span><a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_gateway_communities.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_gateway_communities.html</span></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/8/7/8/3/pages87835/p87835-1.php"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.allacademic.com//meta/p_mla_apa_research_citation/0/8/7/8/3/pages87835/p87835-1.php</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If this topic interests you, I would like to know. I think it would be a great “happy hour” round-table discussion topic.</span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-12088008416536974262011-02-16T23:08:00.003-07:002011-02-20T12:00:52.643-07:00Action Needed -- PILT in jeopardy!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Greetings,<br />
<br />
As an active member of the Public Lands steering committees at National Association of Counties (NACo) and Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), I have just been made aware this afternoon by staff of both NACo and CCI, that Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) will be offering an amendment to the Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1) which would cut PILT funding for FY2011 by 75% in the current fiscal year! <br />
<br />
I and other active Colorado County Commissioners were advised this afternoon to contact all the members of Colorado's Congressional Delegation to:<br />
<br />
• Request that our Colorado Congressional Delegation representatives vote NO to any amendment which would cut the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.<br />
<br />
First, some compelling background information that I compiled in July 2010 in a letter to the Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar:<br />
<br />
Ouray County, Colorado is roughly 50% federal public land (159,584 acres). In 2008, PILT funding was "fully appropriated" for the first time in several decades. PILT is federal funds to compensate counties since counties must provide services to its citizens and those who use these non-taxable public lands. Services provided by the county include emergency services and mountain rescue, maintenance/plowing of forest access roads, sanitation, and other services. The federal government should offer counties compensation because federal lands will never be part of the local tax base.<br />
<br />
We have been very grateful for the PILT funds we received during this period of full funding due to passage of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. In 2008 Ouray County received approximately $334,000 in PILT funds. In 2009 Ouray County received approximately $344,000 in PILT funds. Much of these funds have been utilized by our Road and Bridge Department. <br />
<br />
Since PILT has been fully funded the County has increased the amount of other federal public lands payments, namely Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payments, that has gone to our local school districts (Ouray School District, Ridgway School District, and Montrose School District). In fact Ouray County worked with our local school districts) to adopt Ouray County Resolutions 2010-014 (attached) which allocated 75% of our FY2009 SRS payments to our local schools this March. Thus of the $86,000 Ouray County recently received for SRS payments, $64,500 was immediately passed through to our local schools.<br />
<br />
The PILT funds we receive are extremely important for not just our schools but also our Road and Bridge Department. Without these funds we would have to forgo crushing rock to use on our County roads, which alone cost $110,000 in 2010. The rock is applied to our soft surface county roads to keep them passable. Ouray County has over 200 miles of soft surface county roads and less than 20 miles of paved or chipsealed County Roads. Without the crushed rock being applied each year, the roads would be natural clay material and would be impassable when wet. We crush rock in the later winter/early spring so that our County roads can be mended, graded, compacted and finally, have a dust control agent applied in time for the summer tourist season. Most of our County roads are the primary access for popular public land areas such as the Alpine Triangle, Sneffels Wilderness, Owl Creek Pass, etc. <br />
<br />
The PILT funds also allow us to plow through 12 to 20 feet of snow to have the high country jeep roads in the Alpine Triangle and Yankee Boy Basin open before July 4 for the outdoor recreation enthusiasts that come from all over the country. If these roads are not open to allow access into the Uncompahgre National Forest for 4-wheel drives, OHV’s, and hikers, then people won’t come. Our regional economy has evolved over the last 50 years from primarily ranching and mining to recreational tourism. If visitors do not come to enjoy the unparalleled beauty, pristine wild areas, and heritage tourism opportunities that Ouray, San Miguel, San Juan, and Hinsdale Counties are gateways for, the whole San Juan Mountain region suffers.<br />
<br />
Receiving reduced PILT funds will cause Ouray County to reduce or stop funding the following programs which are a matter of federal interest with respect to maintenance and access of public lands. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Examples:</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br />
<span id="goog_1261083048"></span><span id="goog_1261083046"></span>* Applying road base and crushed rock to County roads that are the primary access roads to public lands in our county ($150,000/year);<br />
* Grading, compacting, and applying magnesium-chloride for dust control on County roads that are public lands access roads ($60,000/year); <br />
* Spring snowplowing to open the 4-wheel drive roads in the Alpine Triangle, Yankee Boy basin, and other popular public lands areas ($70,000/year);<br />
* Providing funds and in-kind work for weed control along USFS and BLM roads ($20,000/year);<br />
* Providing funds for portapotties and the backcountry ranger in Yankee Boy Basin area ($6,000/year);<br />
* Providing funds and in-kind administration and legal research into historic trails and rights-of-way crossing public and private lands--in partnership with the BLM and USFS, as part of the Public Access Group, $25,000/year);<br />
* Providing funds, staff, and emergency coordination services for backcountry rescues ($10,000/year).<span id="goog_1261083049"></span><span id="goog_1261083047"></span><br />
<br />
PILT payments help gateway communities provide important resources that are critical to the operation and maintenance of our federal public lands. Without the County providing volunteers and county services these public lands would certainly be negatively impacted. County Road 361, a rugged dirt road for high clearance traffic only, leading to Yankee Boy Basin, has experienced over 20,000 4-wheel drive vehicles in a 10-day period spanning the 4th of July. Summer monsoons can and have washed this road out in a matter of minutes. It is the County Road and Bridge Department that responds to washouts and makes emergency repairs to reopen the road for stranded backcountry enthusiasts. <br />
<br />
In summary, the 56 counties that receive PILT payments in Colorado believe it is in the best interest of the U.S. Department of Interior to make full and timely PILT payments to counties. We are the gateway communities for these public lands. Our citizens work very closely in cooperative and collaborative partnerships with our public lands management agencies, including the BLM and U.S. Forest Service building and maintaining trails, providing portapotties, facilitating alpine hosts for backcountry campgrounds, providing signage and barriers to keep closed areas closed, providing weed management services along U.S. Forest Service and BLM roads, and finally we and adjacent counties provide funding to the Forest Service to employ a backcountry ranger in a Jeep, to patrol the 4-wheel drive roads in the summer.<br />
<br />
Some of our Colorado counties are over 90% federal public lands, and reduced funds would cause an immediate local recession by causing local governments to immediately lay off critical staff. Please fully fund the PILT payments to Colorado's counties. In 2010 Colorado Counties received a collective total of $24,267,593 out of a total of $367 million PILT payments made nationwide. In 2009 Colorado Counties received $28,660,622. <br />
<br />
In anticipation that reducing PILT payments would be a topic taken up by the House of Representatives and the Senate, I have been working with CCI and the CCI Public Lands Steering Committee, to compile information about how PILT funding is used by the 56 Colorado Counties that receive it and deliver the information on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. in March. <br />
<br />
In 2010, the 3rd Congressional District represented by Congressman Tipton, 29 counties received $14,151,801 in PILT funds for the 17.7 million acres of federal public lands and 706,000 people within this district. <br />
<br />
I am attaching a </span><a href="http://www.ccionline.org/repository//Documents/PILT/PILT101%20expanded%207-6-07.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">PILT fact sheet, although prepared by CCI in 2007</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">, it is still a good primer on the subject. I am also attaching a </span><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/OC_BOCC_PILT_Letter_Dec2010.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">letter sent from the Ouray County BOCC to former Congressman Salazar and then Congressman-elect Tipton in December 2010</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">. <br />
<br />
Here is a link to the contact information, web sites, and phone numbers for Colorado's Congressional Delegation: </span><a href="http://www.contactingthecongress.org/cgi-bin/newseek.cgi?site=ctc&state=co"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.contactingthecongress.org/cgi-bin/newseek.cgi?site=ctc&state=co</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Click here for State by State PILT figures: </span><a href="http://www.nbc.gov/pilt/pilt/search.cfm"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">http://www.nbc.gov/pilt/pilt/search.cfm</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you call our Colorado Congressional Delegation, ask to speak to the staff member most knowledgeable about PILT and public lands issues.<br />
<br />
Key talking points:<br />
<br />
1. It is in the best interest of the federal government to make full and timely PILT payments to counties. For local governments to continue to provide these essential services, we need a public commitment from members of Congress to support long term funding at full authorized levels. <br />
<br />
2. It would be far more expensive for the federal government to provide the essential services that the local governments and volunteers in gateway communities provide. <br />
<br />
3. To make up for a severe reduction in PILT, counties would be forced to consider raising the property taxes of residences and businesses in the gateway communities or reduce county services like maintaining roads and providing public safety. Either way this will certainly cause local jobs to be lost, and ultimately result in driving away those that care most for our important public lands and national treasures. <br />
<br />
4. PILT payments at levels authorized under P.L.103-379 are critical for local governments.<br />
<br />
5. Ask your Congressman/Senator's office to contact the Kaptur office immediately and request that the amendment be withdrawn.<br />
<br />
6. Request that our Colorado Congressional Delegation representatives vote NO to any amendment which would cut the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.<br />
<br />
Last, please know it is very important for you to contact our Colorado Congressional Delegation. Eagle County Commissioner Peter Runyon had this comment tonight via email: <br />
<br />
"You may all not see eye to eye with Eagle County (and me) as much as we all would like. But I would ask you to do your very best to make your representatives aware of this issue. Jared Polis’ office has promised that he would speak to the poor misguided Representative from Ohio. <br />
<br />
PILT payments is very important to our budget and after laying off 77 people over the past 2 years it is positively squeaking it is so tight.<br />
<br />
So anything you can do for the Forest communities by making your representatives aware will be most appreciated. Polis’s office said that they were not aware since there have been over 500 amendments to the continuing resolution. So I guess the message is don’t assume that your representative knows about this. Please give them a call."<br />
<br />
Thank you for your consideration and diligence in these matters. Please do not hesitate to contact me about this or any other County matter.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Lynn Padgett, <br />
Ouray County Commissioner, District 1</span><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/Lynn%20M%20Padgett%20PILT%20action%20feb%2016%202010.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Click Here for a printable pdf verion of this post</span></a>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-53904159245913181112011-01-18T16:40:00.000-07:002011-01-18T16:40:08.876-07:00Bottom-up Economic Development Meeting with Governor Hickenlooper--Jan 14th<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On January 14, 2011 Governor Hickenlooper and staff held the second event in a series of 8 economic development meetings following Executive Orders he signed on his first day in office that are directed at promoting economic development and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of state government.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Ouray County Commissioners, Town Council Members and City Council Members were invited along with representatives of the Ouray Area Chamber of Commerce, Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Development Committee, Region 10, Ouray County Multijurisdictional Housing Authority, and Town/City Managers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Included in those attending the meeting from Ouray County were Gary Hansen, Ouray City Council Member; Jennifer Smith, President of the Ouray Community Development Committee, Jennifer Mandeville, Development Coordinator of the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce (RACC), Brian Scranton, RACC Vice President, who also serves on the Ridgway Planning Commission. Lynn Padgett, Ouray County Commissioner, was present at the table of county representatives with Governor Hickenlooper, Lt. Governor Joe Garcia, Head of the Colorado Department of Tourism, Al White; Head of the Department of Local Affairs, Reeves Brown; Region 10 Director Paul Gray; and Beth Taylor, who is the Western Colorado Business Development Representative for Ouray County and other western Colorado counties out of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. San Miguel County Commissioner Elaine Fischer, Hinsdale County Commissioner Allen Brown, and Gunnison County Commissioner Paula Swenson were also present at the table.<span style="color: #0f243e; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 110%;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Governor spoke about cross-promoting Colorado’s businesses, landscapes and small-business innovation as a key to driving economic development during hard times. He also spoke about the need for creating and retaining jobs in our counties and the need for a regional economic development plan and state economic development plan that includes county economic development plans by May 15. The Governor views this as a "bottom-up" "county driven" process. He said that the State could be more business friendly but not at the expense of natural landmarks and land use regulations. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Around the table, Commissioners and other representatives took turns highlighting the challenges and some successes of economic development in the 11 counties that comprise Region 10 and Region 11.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Commissioner Padgett discussed with the Governor how important tourism, including heritage tourism, adventure tourism, recreational tourism, and family tourism was to our county. Commissioner Padgett discussed how hard it is for a county as small Ouray to have “shelf-ready” projects to go after grants which pop up with tight timelines, and that Ouray County needs assistance and resources to do strategic planning and economic planning, and to accomplish the projects local business owners and leaders know will be beneficial to our economy by enhancing and diversifying it. Commissioner Padgett gave the examples that enhancing trails systems, bike paths, and having the resources to follow through with Ridgway’s Streetscape Plan will be beneficial for economic development. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Others at the table vocalized concerns that Ouray County has brought up to this Governor (as Governor-elect in December) and continues to share—the importance of sustaining the Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone incentives, the need for broadband bandwidth and redundancy to attract more entrepreneurs and businesses that depend on the internet, the importance of having our popular State Parks (such as Ridgway State Park) be open year-round, and the importance of looking at state regulations to see if they can be streamlined or simplified for local governments and businesses, and the need for working capital for small businesses. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Former State Senator Al White was introduced as the new head of the Colorado Department of Tourism. He explained that when Colorado quit promoting tourism as a state in 1992, Colorado lost </span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">⅓</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> of its market share. "Tourism is the number 2 industry in Colorado." White stated that for every $1 the State spends on promoting tourism, $6.75 is returned to the State in the form of revenue and $193 goes to Colorado businesses. The floor was opened up to comments from the 100 or so people in attendance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 9pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For next steps Commissioner Padgett thinks, “A state-wide economic development plan that supports what locals know they need is very exciting. To have the State Tourism office appropriately funded and marketing Colorado beyond our state borders again is going to be very helpful. We need to form a core group of countywide stakeholders’ representatives, including the two Chambers, governments, businesses, and schools, to look at the existing strategic plans within the county, look at recent plans of similar counties, and synthesize the key ideas into a strategic plan outline to present to our citizens and businesses for input. The Governor wants to get strategic plans, in any form, from counties in May.” Padgett goes on to explain, “If we have an outline in early April, we could have a plan to present for incorporation into the statewide plan in early May.“</span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-41175870924808452892011-01-13T14:12:00.001-07:002011-01-13T14:14:40.799-07:00Ouray County's Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone Status is Good For AllOuray County is part of 6-county <b>Enterprise Zone</b> that includes Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, San Miguel and Hinsdale Counties. Ouray County has also been designated by the State of Colorado as an <b>Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone (EREZ)</b> since 2003. Being designated as an Enterprise Zone allows businesses access to lucrative tax benefits designed to encourage business growth. Being located within an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone provides even greater financial incentives to businesses of all sizes to promote and encourage new job creation in designated economically lagging rural Enterprise Zone counties. Many of these credits can be back-claimed up to 5 years, but in January 2012 businesses will need to be precertified BEFORE claiming credits. Download the linked brochures for moe info. <br />
<br />
Some significant incentives that Ouray County businesses may take advantage of include:<br />
<br />
* New job credit for EREZ: $2,500 total state tax credit per each new job over 20 hours/week;<br />
<br />
* New Ag job credit for EREZ: $3,500 total state tax credit per each new agricultural product processing job;<br />
<br />
* Investment tax credit: 3% of qualified equipment purchases (can include computers and vehicles);<br />
<br />
* Job Training tax credit: 10% of qualified training expenses (can include travel, tuition, meals);<br />
<br />
* Vacant Building Rehabilitation tax credit: 25% of rehab expenses (hard costs) for buildings 20+ years old and that have been vacant at least 2 years prior to the rehabilitation;<br />
<br />
* Research & Development tax credit: 3% of increased R&D expenditures; <br />
<br />
* Manufacturing and Mining Sales and Use tax credit: Expanded State sales and use tax exemption; <br />
<br />
* Health insurance credit: for employers paying a portion of employees' health insurance premiums -- $400 for each additional new job<br />
<br />
A huge Enterprise Zone benefit to citizens of Ouray County is that additional tax incentives to those who give charitable donations are available if the donations are given to qualified organizations and projects that successfully apply to become an <b>Enterprise Zone Contribution Project</b>. Examples of groups and project that are already qualified through Region10 and the State of Colorado are Wright Opera House Foundation (Ouray), Museum of the Mountain West (Montrose), (Habitat for Humanity Re-Store) and 17 others in the 6-county Enterprise Zone. To qualify projects are subject to review and approval by the Economic Development Commission. Those present at the happy hour thought local museums and even the Ridgway Streetscape Plan could be good fits. A Colorado taxpayer who contributes to a Enterprise Zone Contribution Project can receive a 25% state tax credit for cash donations and 12.5% state tax credit for in-king contributions, in addition to any federal tax deductions they qualify for. This encourages greater contributions to these projects and significantly greater tax incentives for those making donations. The first step for an organization or project to get this designation is to contact the Enterprise Zone Coordinator, Rhona Keckler at Region 10.<br />
<br />
Besides business tax incentives and contribution project incentives there also is an <b>Enterprise Zone Marketing Grant</b> program administered by Region 10. In the past the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce has applied and received funds to help pay for advertorials and advertising among other marketing tools. Grant funds can be used for preparation, production, and distribution of market research, printed materials, advertizing, web promotions, and other items. The Ouray Resort Chamber Association used these funds to bring in prominent national newspaper travel writers to highlight the area to potential visitors. The grant program typically accepts grant proposals between November 1 and November 30. Rhona Keckler of Region 10 is the contact person for those interested.<br />
<br />
Region 10 also coordinates <b>small business loans</b> available to Ouray County businesses. The funds used by Region 10 for the loan program come from both federal and state programs including Colorado Development Block Grants, Small Business Administration Microloan Program, "Revolved" Loans, and participation loans with financial institutions. Applications and eligibility requirements vary between funding sources. Loan interest rates vary between very low to low. Due to the various options, Ouray County Businesses desiring a loan for working capital, equipment, inventory, real estate, or other supportable expenditures should contact Paul Gray at Region 10, 970-249-2436 for a custom-fit loan. <br />
<br />
All of these programs are designed to promote economic development of the Region 10 Enterprise Zone and Ouray County as an Enhanced Rural Enterprise Zone. If any of these programs sound like something a Ouray County business could have utilized in the past, please still contact Region 10, as many incentives can be still captured if the qualifying activities are five or less years ago.<br />
<br />
Region 10 reported that over 4.6 million dollars in tax credits had been realized by businesses just in the 6-county Enterprise Zone during a portion of 2009. These incentive programs really help our businesses and circulate dollars in our region.<br />
<br />
For full information about your specific situation please call Rhona Keckler at 970-249-2436x10 and visit Region 10's EREZ page. Brochures are linked to this post.Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-3512457442178223302011-01-06T17:38:00.002-07:002011-01-06T17:50:40.054-07:00Small Business Happy Hour at Colorado Boy on January 8th @ High Noon<span style="font-family: Consolas;">PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND FORWARD TO ANY SMALL/MICRO BIZ IN OURAY COUNTY:</span> <br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, COLORADO BOY BREWERY, AT HIGH NOON!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Consolas;"><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/lp4bocc/Region_10_Poster.pdf">>>Poster</a></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">I am hosting a experimental small/micro business happy hour at the Colorado Boy this Saturday, Jan 8, from noon to 2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul Gray, Executive Director of Region 10 will be there.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">The purpose of the happy hour is to reach out to our Ouray County, Ridgway & Ouray small and micro businesses and highlight the opportunities such as tax credits, job training reimbursements, and other incentives to doing business in Ouray County that are currently available right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire County is an enhanced rural enterprise zone, and this does not seem to be commonly known. Also, Region 10 has enhanced its Small Business Loan program recently, so those who may have had trouble in the past, should come and learn what's new and if they could benefit.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">In addition Beth Taylor, Western Colorado Business Development Representative of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, will either be present or will have info for us to give out about free business development and enhancement programs that are available to small businesses such as help with marketing plans, business plans and more.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">We also hope to hear from our small and micro businesses what barriers and challenges we have, and what local government's role should be in encouraging economic development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be carrying the take-home messages and action items from those present to the Governor's economic development team later this month, and to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. in March.</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">I apologize that this event conflicts with the Ice Festival this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my hope that the happy hour concept can be repeated in the future at various small businesses and venues around Ridgway and Ouray, to really reach out to those who might not be able to attend a forum, may not be Chamber members, and may not be using a CPA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">This happy hour is free, and open to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I hope to see you there, and that you will forward this info to your friends and colleagues, even if they are working as a consultant out of a home office. These are opportunities for us all.</span></span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Sincerely,</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Lynn Padgett</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Lynn Padgett | 970-417-9901</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Ouray County Commissioner, District 1</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Bin C, Ouray, CO 81427</span></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><a href="mailto:lpadgett@ouraycountyco.gov"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">lpadgett@ouraycountyco.gov</span></a></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">alt email: </span><a href="mailto:d1bocc@mtngeogeek.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">d1bocc@mtngeogeek.com</span></a></div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Consolas;">Official County web site:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.ouraycountyco.gov/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">http://www.ouraycountyco.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: Consolas;"> Lynn's web site:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Consolas;">http://www.lynnpadgettforouraycounty.org</span></a></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-83414119230017727622010-12-08T15:00:00.000-07:002010-12-08T15:00:56.791-07:00BOCC Meetings will be on Tuesdays in 2011!The BOCC started discussing the merits of moving regular meetings from Mondays to Tuesdays back in March 2010. I attended a leadership seminar as part of the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. I learned there are a lot of really good reasons to allow for at least a business day in between receiving an agenda and meeting materials and actually having the meeting. <br />
<br />
It turns out that a minority of Colorado counties hold meetings on Mondays. Citizens can use that business day to call on Commissioners or staff to query an agenda item and decide if they want to attend the meeting. Commissioners can request staff be ready with additional information. The majority of County holidays are on Mondays, so regular business items, such as warrants, must wait another week or two to be approved, meaning that payments to contractors in some cases might have been processed a little bit faster. When partners from the State, such as CDOT or CDPHE or DOLA are coming to a BOCC meeting, they won't have to travel on the weekends. <br />
<br />
So if regular Board of County Commissioner meetings are going to be on Tuesdays in 2011, what about the work sessions? Wednesday afternoons will now be reserved for work sessions. Moving to an afternoon work session schedule will allow staff to still proces public notices Wednesday mornings (that may result from actions taken during the Tuesday meetings) in time to make the Wednesday noon publication deadline with the County Newspaper of Record: The Plaindealer.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Whereas, </span></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">it is the consensus of the Board to meet on the first, second, and fourth Tuesdays of each month for calendar year 2011, except for the month of June when the Board will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday; and</span> </span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whereas, </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">it is the consensus of the Board to reserve each Wednesday afternoon following a Board meeting for work sessions as needed to discuss county business; and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whereas, </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">it is the consensus of the Board to meet on the first and second Tuesdays of each month at the Ouray County Courthouse located at 541 4</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 6.5pt;">th</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Street, Ouray, Colorado; and </span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whereas, </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">it is the consensus of the Board to meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Ouray County 4-H Event Center located at 22739 Highway 550, Ridgway, Colorado.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="color: black;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">by the Board of County Commissioners of Ouray County, Colorado that Resolution 2010-047 is adopted setting forth the meeting schedule and work session schedule for calendar year 2011 as indicated in the paragraphs above.</span> </span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="Default" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Approved and adopted this <u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6th<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day of <u>December</u>, 2010. (Resolution 2010-047)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"></div></span><span style="color: red;"></span>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150509062689750082.post-38811932868377748082010-10-25T22:21:00.001-06:002010-10-25T22:21:28.499-06:00FACTS about the Visual Impact Process<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would like to clarify some misunderstandings and myths in a recent Letter to the Editor signed by Dave Calhoon that was published in the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>local newspapers last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Calhoon's letter contains misrepresentations about Section 9 of the Ouray County Land Use Code, AKA Visual Impact Regulations, and the ongoing review process that may lead to revisions of Section 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The letter also contains misrepresentations about the county Land Use Department, the County Attorney, and the 2009 South Alpine Proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these misrepresentations have been repeated for quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having this misinformation spread is unfortunate because it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>causes citizens to be misinformed and leads to conclusions that may be different than if they had factual information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8bt2z6qt6XsD0fodKN0RiZyg9Dk-hT4Uo6O4RHdPqplravgfXQ5lUFkodFl_hCNhQtSsjylw3tb5xn3pwubyBnOI8Es3P7iFLMsRUbYE3xSViNat-Xx3pLPrPknbB6dWhvxENI6WOrdG/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK8bt2z6qt6XsD0fodKN0RiZyg9Dk-hT4Uo6O4RHdPqplravgfXQ5lUFkodFl_hCNhQtSsjylw3tb5xn3pwubyBnOI8Es3P7iFLMsRUbYE3xSViNat-Xx3pLPrPknbB6dWhvxENI6WOrdG/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Section 9 has been in the Ouray County Land Use Code for 24 years and has never been amended.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The process to amend Section 9 began 7 years after it was first passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OCPC worked with a paid consultant for 4 years in the 1990s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Section 9 was amended in 1997, 11 years after it was first adopted in 1986.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mr. Calhoon's letter stated that Section 9 of our Land Use Code, titled Visual Impact Regulations were adopted on March 4, 1986.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He notes that Section 9 was "readopted" 11 years later on December 29, 1997. He states that Section 9 has not had any amendments or additions in the 24 years since 1986.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Land Use Code is not "readopted" without changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, in 1993, just 7 years after the adoption of Section 9 in 1986, the Ouray County Planning Commission (OCPC) began holding work sessions to rewrite Section 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Board of County Commissioners paid an Aspen-based consultant some $8,000 to craft the wording, point system, and other elements that are indeed in the current Section 9 (but were not in the 1986 code).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The OCPC worked on the current Section 9 for over 4 years, with a paid consultant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were significant changes from the 1980s version, which basically required new subdivisions (planned unit developments) to comply but did not have a point system, to the 1990s version which required all new houses within the visual impact corridors to comply utilizing the point system.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXfq8FxiXFYJ5TvCcGGNvbDGrQGNfHD0grgn6Of9WwrDqBQz6VTQPlefc7cCT9_FLusdvp_8yMutsxZ4wFmbNR0a9RdaWQ3cPMATeJKiXJn3xUXqDf0-iiC_V9M9M-69XRsrfg05MqSrC/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXfq8FxiXFYJ5TvCcGGNvbDGrQGNfHD0grgn6Of9WwrDqBQz6VTQPlefc7cCT9_FLusdvp_8yMutsxZ4wFmbNR0a9RdaWQ3cPMATeJKiXJn3xUXqDf0-iiC_V9M9M-69XRsrfg05MqSrC/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION :.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was never brought up that changes to Section 9 needed to be made.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revisions to Section 9 have been requested by citizens, the last 4 County Planners, and the County Building Inspector, for almost 10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Section 9 has been an official BOCC priority for over 4 years.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout the last decade, Section 9 has continued to generate controversy and complaints by public and County staff because of certain outcomes, what has been called an onerous process, a subjective point system, and confusing language and diagrams referring to "viewing windows" and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been requested to be a priority for revision by the last 4 County Planners.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2005 a citizen proposed to delete a certain portion of County Road 1 from the current Section 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The OCPC and BOCC considered the requested revisions and the BOCC reached a decision with Resolution 2005-042.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Board of County Commissioners has by Resolution, formally adopted "Priorities for Land Use Code Amendments".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Section 9 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has been listed as a priority for the last 4 years, in Resolution 2007-041 and 2009-002 (back when Don Batchelder was a Commissioner), Resolution 2009-030, and Resolution 2010-007.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Setting Land Use Code priorities by Resolution occurs as a formally noticed agenda item, during a regular public meeting of the BOCC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Public who want to hear the rationale for the priorities set by the BOCC, or who even wish to disagree with the priorities set by the BOCC are welcome to come and give input during these public meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3jLFZTA72oDYCTkTLgm_XnMiqINqzAGKp49dZp638zthHKXXlJunbows07ljg4qQJhvk4scgyw1HX1AqZhivFTTb5CabCpQsX2jinWolJdx26fXMdM3TxDtcC9hnDEQkxTUfa0wXyfAn/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3jLFZTA72oDYCTkTLgm_XnMiqINqzAGKp49dZp638zthHKXXlJunbows07ljg4qQJhvk4scgyw1HX1AqZhivFTTb5CabCpQsX2jinWolJdx26fXMdM3TxDtcC9hnDEQkxTUfa0wXyfAn/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION: The majority of public input on the May 27 proposal for Section 9 was negative. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The majority of public input received agreed that visual impact regulations are needed in Ouray County.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people expressed they are happy with the current regulations and many expressed desire for strong visual impact regulations that achieve natural blending and screening, have a flexible and objective process, are fair and equitable, protect significant view corridors, and are true to the Master Plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To say that the majority of public response was negative is untrue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The noisiest response is primarily from certain well-funded special interest groups and is largely negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these groups spent thousands of dollars this summer to send every County landowner a postcard claiming the county wanted to diminish property values, mandate house color, mandate building materials, and reduce building height.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the postcard's content, relatively few postcards were returned to the originators as a show of anti-Section 9 sentiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The County has received numerous favorable responses from citizens who attended the May 27 presentation and individually filled out surveys that evening, as well as through emails, letters, and comments while participating in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The purpose of the May 27 draft was to interest the public in an evolving topic PRIOR to work sessions being held by the Planning Commission (OCPC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also to frame the purpose and need, and suite of possible options for the OCPC, to help them concentrate their efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No process is perfect, but the main objectives of the BOCC have been accomplished--to have a transparent process with considerable and timely public input.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Planning Commission will soon be taking up Section 9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the public input received, the BOCC will direct the OCPC to make recommendations to the BOCC on tweaking the current point system, rather than further contemplating a tier system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The BOCC believes our deliberation on Section 9 to date has been exemplary of democracy in action. The process is still in its early stages. As the BOCC turns its deliberations over to the OCPC the continued input from all citizens is needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citizens should not be dissuaded by those who wish to undermine the process to their own ends. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xPnxMtssW7kvB38gYPQ5Gs5dyUPF6-n5x8lFYEpYohDpx-D26O_K7bX5hhgyVc35_Sywy9RQk-8QtBUYvsMsfp5TjfQzdEWbUtHvZ0-KWutNOmYD3BFrc0M9lO_RwmveqQzIuoxcTMd-/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xPnxMtssW7kvB38gYPQ5Gs5dyUPF6-n5x8lFYEpYohDpx-D26O_K7bX5hhgyVc35_Sywy9RQk-8QtBUYvsMsfp5TjfQzdEWbUtHvZ0-KWutNOmYD3BFrc0M9lO_RwmveqQzIuoxcTMd-/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BOCC work sessions on Section 9, which began in fall 2009 and continued through summer 2010 were held without public input and without OCPC involvement.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considerable public input was collected during approximately three-dozen work sessions, several members of the OCPC participated regularly in the development of the draft presented on May 27.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Based on the comments received on the Planning Commission's South Alpine Zone proposal, and recognizing that Section 9 has been controversial for two decades, the BOCC chose to hold public work sessions on the topic <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>prior</u></b> to sending it to Planning Commission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was to allow the public to become aware of the discussion early on and to participate before, during, and after the subject was worked on by the OCPC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 36 BOCC work sessions were noticed in two newspapers, on the county web site, emailed to the entire county email distribution list, and posted on bulletin boards outside of the Land Use office and County Courthouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3 to 4 members of the OCPC regularly participated in the work sessions, along with 10 to 20 members of the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The work sessions were shaped<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by public and staff input, and the proposal presented at the May 27 Town Hall style meeting was the result of majority consensus among all those who participated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUnV6U1ON1HySwx63pYtIp7JSpW-l-833b74_9S01PVE7wlH38EZdzzQyt6wiBr3ZKleYPcHHDOppvEb89UyBPEe3aY4S2nG-l5-Em6AkGIpY9mJLVwcjVYoVXD3DgyP6M8-j1r2qmojq/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="6" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUnV6U1ON1HySwx63pYtIp7JSpW-l-833b74_9S01PVE7wlH38EZdzzQyt6wiBr3ZKleYPcHHDOppvEb89UyBPEe3aY4S2nG-l5-Em6AkGIpY9mJLVwcjVYoVXD3DgyP6M8-j1r2qmojq/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Land Use Department has a large deficit, from using the County Attorney as a "land use planner".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Land Use Department is not an enterprise fund .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Land Use is a department within the General Fund that generates some revenue from building permits, septic permits and land use fees. Revenue is dependent upon building/development activity and may change from year to year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Processing applications and permits is not the full scope of the Land Use Department and fees are not intended to fully support it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>As a direct result of the current economic recession, the 2009 and 2010 revenues budgeted for the Land Use Department were down due to a reduction in the amount of building permits and PUD applications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus in the interim Land Use staff focused on a backlog of administrative tasks with reduced staffing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The County Attorney is on salary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prior to 2006, the duties of the County Attorney were contracted out to other law firms or individuals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since 2006, the County has had a dedicated full-time Attorney for less than the cost of part-time contract legal representation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">As one of her duties she </span>has worked with the OCPC and BOCC on recent Land Use Code matters, as well as performing <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">numerous other day-to-day services for the county regarding a variety of legal matters</span>, without incurring overtime or additional costs to the taxpayers.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having the County Attorney on salary has saved the County thousands of dollars and has absolutely resulted in "Doing More with Less".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This arrangement allows the County to have dedicated legal services without inherent conflicts of interest that arise when a law firm is representing both the County and other interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the reasons the BOCC sets priorities for Land Use Code revisions by Resolution is to allow for strategic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and timely revision of the Code, while also allowing for other staff duties to be accomplished in a timely manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The County Attorney has worked with the OCPC and BOCC on recent Land Use Code matters, along with various other projects, without overtime or additional costs to the taxpayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, t<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he County Attorney provides legal service and advice to the Board of County Commissioners and their divisions and departments, and, when appropriate, initiates and represents the county in litigation. If directed by the BOCC, the County Attorney also represents the various County departments, appointed advisory boards, and other elected or appointed officials, when those interests are compatible with those of the County. The BOCC has indeed directed the County Attorney to work with the Planning Commission, the Public Access Group, and other county boards/commissions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the County Attorney is working with the OCPC or BOCC on Land Use Code matters, she works to help the boards to understand State Statutes and to put concepts into the appropriate code language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is different than the County Planner's duties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Planner advises the OCPC or BOCC on implementation, best practices, and technical details.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to the above duties, the County Attorney coordinates with our insurance carrier in all public liability and tort actions. The County Attorney handles all general civil litigation matters for Ouray County, including land use, zoning and building code violations; employment issues; property tax issues; election issues; and provides legal services and review on all contracts. The County Attorney is licensed and authorized to appear in all Colorado State Courts and also before the U.S. District Court of Colorado and the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">State law mandates the County Attorney's Office to represent the People of the State of Colorado in certain social services/human services and mental health proceedings, thus the County Attorney prosecutes Dependency and Neglect actions.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7LpXBZtR6yYrJq5EAfPupx5V2eJJhyphenhyphenWqB35KAbazqkdiiECjkVvBATzNDQFdKb-NRg_6A-Uuys8roIvNm4IuNZaoBDKrcOqIeBhyS_l3kXh7nCKl8kCDpyzF5mmSDAjwbN9zLCaDIKdG/s1600/divider.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="5" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu7LpXBZtR6yYrJq5EAfPupx5V2eJJhyphenhyphenWqB35KAbazqkdiiECjkVvBATzNDQFdKb-NRg_6A-Uuys8roIvNm4IuNZaoBDKrcOqIeBhyS_l3kXh7nCKl8kCDpyzF5mmSDAjwbN9zLCaDIKdG/s320/divider.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">MISREPRESENTATION: The BOCC in the last 2 years prepared its own version of the South Alpine Zone without involvement of the entire OCPC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FACT:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2008 BOCC members Batchelder, Albritton, and Meinert asked the OCPC if regulations specific to residential development on mining claims should be considered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Based on the "yes" answer, those BOCC members passed Resolution 2009-002 listing development of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>" A new section to address residential development of mining claims" as a priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proper process was followed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Following a joint meeting between the BOCC and OCPC in March 2009, the OCPC held<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>work sessions and did develop a new section of code named the "South Alpine Zone."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The OCPC is assisted by County Planning Department staff, the County Building Inspector, and the County Attorney in the process of developing modifications, amendments and additions to the Ouray County Land Use Code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as development of what became the South Alpine Zone proposal, the history is as follows:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>January 15, 2008 -- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BOCC had a work session discussing possible new regulatory structure for mining claims;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>July 15, 2008 – Planning Commission held a work session on whether new regulations were necessary – consensus was “yes".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Planning Commissioners “agreed that regulation of mining claim development needs to be addressed in balance with the protection of private property rights . . . .”; October 14, 2008 -- BOCC held a work session on residential development of mining claims and directs Staff to begin preparing a draft based on Board’s guidelines; January 2009 -- BOCC passes Resolution 2009-002 and passes a 6-month moratorium on residential development of mining claims; March 17, 2009 -- joint work session with BOCC and Planning Commission to review proposed regulations; April - June 2009 -- OCPC has 5 work sessions and a public hearing on the proposed South Alpine Zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire OCPC that showed up for their regularly scheduled meetings did participate in this process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In July of 2009 the BOCC and OCPC jointly hosted a Town Hall Style presentation on the South Alpine proposal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Public comment received at the presentation included comments that some public was unaware of the OCPC work until after they concluded it with the public hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Lynn Padgett, Commissioner, District 1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02641153349919448924noreply@blogger.com0