I support the letter for the expansion of Gross Reservoir.

Commissioner McCasky would like to schedule and provide notice of an on-line meeting for Thursday, March 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss whether the BCC wishes to send a letter of support for the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir.  The following has been drafted for review and comment at the online meeting.

Kathryn Heider, Public  Information Officer

DRAFT

Mr. Scott Franklin, Moffat EIS Project Manager

Corp Denver Regulatory Office

9307 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Littleton, CO  80128

Subject:  Comments on the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir

Dear Mr. Franklin:

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners strongly supports the Moffat Collection System (MCS) Project and the expansion of Gross Reservoir. 

Expansion of Gross Reservoir would provide a reliable and adequate water supply for existing and future residents.  The proposed Gross Reservoir expansion was chosen from an analysis of more than 300 potential water supply sources and infrastructure components that were screened during the initial phase of the Environmental Impact Statement process.  This is the preferred water supply solution for our region.  Without expanding the reservoir, Denver Water in drought years could be unable to meet its contractual commitments to customers served by the North System, which includes many residents of Jefferson County.  Furthermore, Denver Water will begin experiencing a shortfall in supply beginning in 2016 and growing by 34,000 acre-feet by 2030. 

A reliable water supply is extremely important to Jefferson County residents’  quality of life.  Although Denver Water has had an aggressive conservation program, which has resulted in significant water savings, and has plans to conserve even more, the MCS has existing water demands that can exceed available supplies during a drought.  We understand that the Moffat system came close to running out of water during the severe drought of 2002. Future droughts of that severity could put our communities at considerable risk.

Unfortunately, the careful analysis and need to protect water supplies is being overlooked by many opponents who are ultimately interested in stopping all growth in general; and in particular, Jefferson Parkway, which is the critical remaining unconstructed portion of the beltway that encircles the Denver metropolitan area. We encourage your team to continue its focus on the provision and management of water infrastructure and not on local land use and regional transportation decisions that have been planned for over 40 years. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this critical project.

Sincerely,

Signature

Commissioner McCasky would like to schedule and provide notice of an on-line meeting for Thursday, March 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss whether the BCC wishes to send a letter of support for the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir.  The following has been drafted for review and comment at the online meeting.

Kathryn Heider, Public  Information Officer

DRAFT

Mr. Scott Franklin, Moffat EIS Project Manager

Corp Denver Regulatory Office

9307 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Littleton, CO  80128

Subject:  Comments on the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir

Dear Mr. Franklin:

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners strongly supports the Moffat Collection System (MCS) Project and the expansion of Gross Reservoir. 

Expansion of Gross Reservoir would provide a reliable and adequate water supply for existing and future residents.  The proposed Gross Reservoir expansion was chosen from an analysis of more than 300 potential water supply sources and infrastructure components that were screened during the initial phase of the Environmental Impact Statement process.  This is the preferred water supply solution for our region.  Without expanding the reservoir, Denver Water in drought years could be unable to meet its contractual commitments to customers served by the North System, which includes many residents of Jefferson County.  Furthermore, Denver Water will begin experiencing a shortfall in supply beginning in 2016 and growing by 34,000 acre-feet by 2030. 

A reliable water supply is extremely important to Jefferson County residents’  quality of life.  Although Denver Water has had an aggressive conservation program, which has resulted in significant water savings, and has plans to conserve even more, the MCS has existing water demands that can exceed available supplies during a drought.  We understand that the Moffat system came close to running out of water during the severe drought of 2002. Future droughts of that severity could put our communities at considerable risk.

Unfortunately, the careful analysis and need to protect water supplies is being overlooked by many opponents who are ultimately interested in stopping all growth in general; and in particular, Jefferson Parkway, which is the critical remaining unconstructed portion of the beltway that encircles the Denver metropolitan area. We encourage your team to continue its focus on the provision and management of water infrastructure and not on local land use and regional transportation decisions that have been planned for over 40 years. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this critical project.

Sincerely,

Signature

Commissioner McCasky would like to schedule and provide notice of an on-line meeting for Thursday, March 11, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss whether the BCC wishes to send a letter of support for the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir.  The following has been drafted for review and comment at the online meeting.

Kathryn Heider, Public  Information Officer

DRAFT

Mr. Scott Franklin, Moffat EIS Project Manager

Corp Denver Regulatory Office

9307 S. Wadsworth Blvd.

Littleton, CO  80128

Subject:  Comments on the Moffat Collection System Project and Expansion of Gross Reservoir

Dear Mr. Franklin:

The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners strongly supports the Moffat Collection System (MCS) Project and the expansion of Gross Reservoir. 

Expansion of Gross Reservoir would provide a reliable and adequate water supply for existing and future residents.  The proposed Gross Reservoir expansion was chosen from an analysis of more than 300 potential water supply sources and infrastructure components that were screened during the initial phase of the Environmental Impact Statement process.  This is the preferred water supply solution for our region.  Without expanding the reservoir, Denver Water in drought years could be unable to meet its contractual commitments to customers served by the North System, which includes many residents of Jefferson County.  Furthermore, Denver Water will begin experiencing a shortfall in supply beginning in 2016 and growing by 34,000 acre-feet by 2030. 

A reliable water supply is extremely important to Jefferson County residents’  quality of life.  Although Denver Water has had an aggressive conservation program, which has resulted in significant water savings, and has plans to conserve even more, the MCS has existing water demands that can exceed available supplies during a drought.  We understand that the Moffat system came close to running out of water during the severe drought of 2002. Future droughts of that severity could put our communities at considerable risk.

Unfortunately, the careful analysis and need to protect water supplies is being overlooked by many opponents who are ultimately interested in stopping all growth in general; and in particular, Jefferson Parkway, which is the critical remaining unconstructed portion of the beltway that encircles the Denver metropolitan area. We encourage your team to continue its focus on the provision and management of water infrastructure and not on local land use and regional transportation decisions that have been planned for over 40 years. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this critical project.

Sincerely,

Signature

Here's the letter that did not show on the web site:

We are writing in response to our February 9, 2010 letter to Mayor Frie, Mayor Quinn, and Commissioner Hartman.  We all share the challenge of managing very real regional transportation needs and we should all be collaborating to solve them.

Enthusiastically, and without hesitation, Jefferson County would join in a collaborative effort to develop transportation solutions for the northwest quadrant of Jefferson County.  Regardless of our success in completing the Jefferson Parkway, it is clear to us that the current roadway system needs to be improved, and it is equally clear that the resources to do so have not been found. 

However, we are perplexed by your implication that there are Open Space issues that require mediation.  Also perplexing is your implication that Open Space is relevant in finding transportation solutions.  The opening statement of your letter references “the long running conflict over transportation and Open Space in the Northwest Quadrant…”   We have no knowledge of any “long running conflict” regarding Open Space.  Jefferson County boasts the first county Open Space Program in the United States and we are very proud of the public process it has developed over its 37 years of existence.   Our program has acquired more than 51, 981 acres and has recently updated its Open Space Master Plan through meetings and discussions with citizens, local agencies, cities and recreation districts, advocacy groups, and our citizen Open Space Advisory Committee.  In addition, Boulder County and the City of Boulder have purchased more than 1,800 acres of property and 505 acres of conservation easements in Jefferson County as Open Space. 

Further, more than 33,000 acres of property in the northwest quadrant of Jefferson County are owned by government agencies and very little acreage of private property remains.  This private property is primarily zoned for industrial – i.e. job creating – use.  We are aware that Boulder County and the City of Boulder would like the remaining industrial land along Highway 93 to become Open Space.  However, we have an obligation to the citizens of Jefferson County to preserve the remaining commercial tax base.  As a county, we derive the majority of our tax revenues from property taxes.  In fact, we have NO general purpose sales tax with which to fund our statutory obligations including Human Services, Elections, and the County Jail.  Also, 80% of the property in Jefferson County is residential, which currently contributes less than 1/3 of the tax revenue as non-residential property on the same property valuation.  Turning some of Jefferson County’s relatively rare industrial property into Open Space because of the desire of citizens outside Jefferson County would be irresponsible and a significant disservice to Jefferson County taxpayers.

While we are heartened by your interest in collaborating on transportation solutions, we are unequivocally opposed to any mediation regarding Open Space or Jefferson County land use decisions.  Please let us know if you would be willing to meet to discuss traffic solutions for the northwest quadrant of Jefferson County.

Thank you for your attention.

Kevin, Faye,

I wish to schedule and notice an on-line meeting for Friday, March 5th, from 9 am to 4 pm, to discuss the attached letter from the City of Golden, City Boulder, and Boulder County regarding the Northwest Quadrant.  

I have drafted a response, also attached, for your review.   Please share any revisions, comments, and/or concur with the letter, so I can instruct staff to respond.  My understanding is that Arvada and Broomfield, who also received the Golden/Boulder/Bouder letter have already responded.  I would like to get our response out as quickly as possible, but since I will be out-of-state until March 11th, a physical meeting is impossible.

Thank you for accomodating this.

Kathy Hartman

Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3

303-271-8525

Commissioners, the attachments did not show on the web site. I'm attaching them now.

Ralph

Kevin, Faye,

I wish to schedule and notice an on-line meeting for Friday, March 5th, from 9 am to 4 pm, to discuss the attached letter from the City of Golden, City Boulder, and Boulder County regarding the Northwest Quadrant.  

I have drafted a response, also attached, for your review.   Please share any revisions, comments, and/or concur with the letter, so I can instruct staff to respond.  My understanding is that Arvada and Broomfield, who also received the Golden/Boulder/Bouder letter have already responded.  I would like to get our response out as quickly as possible, but since I will be out-of-state until March 11th, a physical meeting is impossible.

Thank you for accomodating this.

Kathy Hartman

Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3

303-271-8525

I also agree with the response.

Kevin, Faye,

I wish to schedule and notice an on-line meeting for Friday, March 5th, from 9 am to 4 pm, to discuss the attached letter from the City of Golden, City Boulder, and Boulder County regarding the Northwest Quadrant.  

I have drafted a response, also attached, for your review.   Please share any revisions, comments, and/or concur with the letter, so I can instruct staff to respond.  My understanding is that Arvada and Broomfield, who also received the Golden/Boulder/Bouder letter have already responded.  I would like to get our response out as quickly as possible, but since I will be out-of-state until March 11th, a physical meeting is impossible.

Thank you for accomodating this.

Kathy Hartman

Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3

303-271-8525

Kathy - I concur with this response.

Jefferson County has always been willing to work together to resolve transportation matters.

Kevin McCasky

Kevin, Faye,

I wish to schedule and notice an on-line meeting for Friday, March 5th, from 9 am to 4 pm, to discuss the attached letter from the City of Golden, City Boulder, and Boulder County regarding the Northwest Quadrant.  

I have drafted a response, also attached, for your review.   Please share any revisions, comments, and/or concur with the letter, so I can instruct staff to respond.  My understanding is that Arvada and Broomfield, who also received the Golden/Boulder/Bouder letter have already responded.  I would like to get our response out as quickly as possible, but since I will be out-of-state until March 11th, a physical meeting is impossible.

Thank you for accomodating this.

Kathy Hartman

Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3

303-271-8525

Kevin, Faye,

I wish to schedule and notice an on-line meeting for Friday, March 5th, from 9 am to 4 pm, to discuss the attached letter from the City of Golden, City Boulder, and Boulder County regarding the Northwest Quadrant.  

I have drafted a response, also attached, for your review.   Please share any revisions, comments, and/or concur with the letter, so I can instruct staff to respond.  My understanding is that Arvada and Broomfield, who also received the Golden/Boulder/Bouder letter have already responded.  I would like to get our response out as quickly as possible, but since I will be out-of-state until March 11th, a physical meeting is impossible.

Thank you for accomodating this.

Kathy Hartman

Jefferson County Commissioner, District 3

303-271-8525

The Sheriff's Office has asked for the Board of County Commissioners to approve an activity waiver and release of liability  for the SO to use a private facility for training.  I have reviewed and approved the waiver and release. The SO needs the release signed by 1:00 on Thurs.  I have scheduled an electronic meeting to approve this release at 9:30 on Thursday, February 19, 2010.   Please indicate your comments or vote on this matter between 9:30 and 12:00 on Thursday.  Thank you.

Ellen Wakeman

County Attorney