Blue River News May 2019

Blue River Monthly News & Updates

Greetings!

Below is the latest Blue River News. We hope you enjoy it.

Mission Statement

“The Town of Blue River endeavors to nurture our serene mountain community by conserving our natural residential environment, promoting unity with our neighbors and surroundings, channeling the voice of our residents, and enhancing the quality of life of all.”

Visit our website

Upcoming Meetings/Announcements

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Planning & Zoning Commission

Tuesday, June 4th, 6:00 p.m.

Town Board of Trustees

Tuesday, June 18th, 6:00 p.m.

Citizen Advisory Committee

July 17th

Trails Committee

June 3rd, 4:00 p.m.

A complete list of Town meetings, socials, events, news, financials and more are available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver.

Also follow us on Facebook for the latest and greatest in Blue River.

Upcoming Trustee Talks

Ride With the Mayor

Wednesday, June 26 ^th , 6:00 p.m.

Meet at the Ice Rink

Coffee Talk

Friday, September 27 ^th , 7:00 a.m.

Coffee Depot

Snowshoe with the Trustees

Saturday, December 14 ^th , 9:00 a.m.

Boreas Pass

Mayor's Notes

Hello Neighbors,

As summer approaches (hopefully soon) and we look forward to the rest of 2019 for the Town, many exciting events and possibilities could begin to unfold. The CDOT access plan open house was well attended, and we will see more details on that plan as the feedback from the first round of meetings is absorbed. Our trails committee is looking at connectivity options through Town, and the group is determined to make 2019 the year where they will be able to break some trail. The Trustees will be discussing our 1-3 year vision for capital projects, and will be looking closely at our options for a bike path and better access to public transportation. Our neighbors at the Lodge by the Blue are in the process of collecting feedback from local residents as they plan for the future of their property, and relationship with the Town, and have recently invited Town residents to an open house at their property to discuss the future.

Though we may not see much ground broken this summer, it is certainly an important summer for looking at our future, and having a solid vision of what our Town will have in store for us next year, and every year after. As our community grows, and changes, the Trustees and I recognize that the most effective way to ensure our progress is representative of the collective community desire is to always keep open and honest lines of communication open. We encourage you to take part in open houses, presentations, works sessions, meetings, and surveys to ensure that we hear from you during this most important time of planning the future of the Town.

Our door is always open, and I hope to see you soon.

Flood Preparedness

*Summit County Swift-Water Safety & Flood Preparedness Guide

Making preparations in advance of a flooding event can make a big difference if an emergency strikes. Review the tips below, and for more information on flood preparedness, visit www.ready.gov .

Prepare an evacuation plan from your home to a safe area.
Purchase flood insurance, if desired.
Make a list of personal property to help with insurance claims.
Choose a relative or close friend out of the area as a contact person for family members and friends.
Prepare an emergency kit:
Flashlight with batteries
Non-perishable foods
Bottled water
First aid kit
Determine who will be responsible for important documents, clothing, food, family pets, etc.
Once you formulate your plan, REHEARSE IT!

Spring Run Off

The snow hasn't stopped and the snow pack continues to grow. The record snow pack will eventually bring a heavy spring/summer run off. Blue River sits in a valley snuggled next to....the BLUE RIVER. Spring has arrived and warmer temperatures mean that our record snow pack will soon be filling the rivers and water ways.

Take time to plan ahead. Ensure that sump pumps are in working order. If you live next to the rivers, be prepaired with sandbags. Check out the recommendations for flood preparadeness.

While crews are working to cut the snow pack, water will reach our dirt roads and the days of muddy, bumpy roads are in our near future. While the roads remain wet, we will not be able to do major road grading. Where possible without doing more damage, we will address pot holes. As soon as the roads are dry enough, pot hole and initial road grading will take place.

In the meantime, enjoy the sun and warmer temps, know that summer is around the corner and soon you will be fishing on the Tarn.

When Will It Melt?

It's the end of May and it's still here! We want to know when do you think we will see the highway again at Town Hall?

Fire Pit Permits

Per the Blue River Town Code, fire pits within the Town require a fire permit.

Section 7-7-30. Special permit requirements .

(a) Permit required. All fires not specifically permitted by Section 7-7-20 above are prohibited unless a special permit is obtained pursuant to the procedures outlined herein. It is unlawful to start or maintain, either purposely or accidentally, any fire, other than those permitted herein, without having received a special permit for the same.

(b) Application for permit; approval or disapproval. An application or special fire permit shall be made in writing to the Red, White and Blue Fire Protection District, stating location and purpose of such fire and a description of all safety and precautionary measures planned. Within ten (10) days from receipt of the application for special permit, the District shall give its written approval or disapproval of such application. A copy shall be on hand at Blue River Town Hall.

Regulations and permitting has been modified for 2019. Permits are still obtained through Red, White and Blue at their Station in Breckenridge. There is now a fee for all fire pit permits. New permits are $50 and renewals will be $25. Applications for renewals and new fire pit permits may be submitted beginning March 15, 2019. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.rwbfire.org/forms.aspx?FID=64%C2%A0

CDOT Access Plan

The first open house hosted by CDOT was a great success with 50 residents in attendance to hear and see what is being discussed. There will be upcoming one-on-one meetings and another open house later this summer. If you missed the meeting and would like to know more about the CDOT Access Plan, visit our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver under the CDOT Access Plan tab.

Community Education Series

Our first Community Education Series was a great success. Thank you to Red, White and Blue and the Beetlekill Tree Guys for your presenation on fire mitigation.

Join us for our next session-Tarn Talks on June 6th, 6:00 p.m.

Town Cleanup Day A Success Despite the Snow!

Rain, snow, shi...snow, snow, nothing could stop volunteers from coming out for Town Cleanup Day on Saturday May 18th. Over 25 volunteers helped to clean up Hwy 9, the Tarn and Town Park. Two large dumpsters were filled with items from homes/garages in an effort to help welcome spring/summer, ok continued winter.

Thank you to all who came out to help and a special thank you to Maureen Johnson for donations of canvas bags and funds for prize giveaways.

2019 Boat Permits

The Town of Blue River is working on going GREEN! You may now obtain your Goose Pasture Tarn Boat Permits and Resident Stickers online. Permits and stickers, upon request may be mailed to you. Payment for Boat Permits may be submitted online. Boat permits are $20 for each vessal. Please submit one form and one payment for each permit requested.

www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver, click on the Goose Pasture Tarn tab.

Blue River Resident Stickers

Resident stickers will be available at the end of April. You may apply for your FREE car sticker online or stop in the office. Where requested, stickers will be mailed to you.

www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver, click on the Goose Pasture Tarn tab.

Wildlife

One of the best assets to the Town of Blue River is its abundant wildlife. Living in an area with wildlife is both facinating and challenging. While trash is usally the most discussed issue, it is important to remember to keep pets either on a leash or within 30' of voice command per the Town Code. Teach your children on what to do if they encounter wildlife. Be mindful of your speed and surroundings while driving in Blue River and NEVER feed the wildlife.

Following a few precautions will ensure your safety and that of the wildlife for years to come.

Photo courtsey of Dave Britton, Blue River Resident.

BEARS!-Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Garbage Kills Bears! Allowing bears to use trash and garbage as a food source creates serious problems for both people and bears. Because the food reward is so great, bears are willing to work hard to get at trash and garbage, and return often in hopes of finding more. These food-conditioned bears sometimes enter homes, garages or even vehicles in search of an easy meal. Bears in pursuit of such a good source of calories can do a lot of property damage, and even become aggressive.

Allowing bears to get into the garbage is one of the leading causes of humanbear conflicts. Being smart about how you handle and store your trash can protect your home and property, and help keep bears alive and wild.

The bears are w aking and are hungry! Please secure your trash cans. Per Town Code trash may not be placed outside until trash day and must be brought back by 6:00 p.m. that evening.Keep trash and recyclables safely locked inside your home or a sturdy, locked garage or outbuilding constructed of heavy wood or metal. Don’t leave any trash outside overnight; even empty bottles, cans, packages and recyclables have odors that attract bears. Don’t store trash on your deck or screened-in porch, and don’t stash your trash in your car, truck or camper. If you keep trash in your garage or an outbuilding, it should have sturdy doors and windows that lock.

Trash/Recylcing

The Town of Blue River Municipal Code states that trash may not be placed curbside except pick up day and all receptacles must be pulled back by 6:00 p.m. that evening.

With the busy tourist season, we are seeing an increase in issues of trash being left out. To avoid receiving a notice of violation or ticket, please inform your guests, and property management companies of the Town Codes.

We encourage you to contact the trash companies if your trash has not been picked up and work to ensure compliance. There are two companies that provide trash pickup in Summit County, Timberline and Waste Management.

Recycling is available through the waste companies. Additonally, there is a large recycling drop off in Breckenrige on Coyne Valley Dr.

Lodging/Short-term Rental Owners

Blog

Renting your home short-term? Thinking about renting your home short-term? The Town of Blue River requires that anyone renting their home less than 30 days to be registered and pay sales/lodging taxes. Registration is $200 for the initial registration and $75 annually. Sales and lodging taxes in the amount of 12.275% are required on all rentals. Information is available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver under the Lodging License tab.

Registrations and taxes may be remitted online. For more information, contact Michelle Eddy, Town Administrator at michelle@townofblueriver.org.

New regulations have been enacted in Summit County and surrounding municipalities. These new regulations will help all of the municipalities in Summit County and unincorporated Summit County to work together and hopefully limit confusion. The Town of Blue River has not changed how we regulate or manage our short-term rentals. Our codes address the issues we face in Blue River and enforcement is handled by the Town. If you have a code complaint or issue, please call the non-emergency dispatch number 970-668-8600 and one of the Town Marshals will respond. Emails may also be sent to info@townofblueriver.org or you may file a complaint on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver on the Home page is a CitizenServices link.

Blue River Guests Notes

Visitors to the mountains often are not aware of our unique challenges. Please take time to inform your guests of these important notes and help to be a great neighbor in the community.

Trash may not be placed (including empty cans) curbside until pick up day. Bears are not necessarily asleep and some are beginning to wake. Secure trash appropriately and make arrangements for pick up.
There is no parking on Town roads. Town Code limits the number of vehicles allowed in a driveway/parking space to five per household.
Fire permits are required for ALL fire pits. Please observe any fire restrictions.
Be courteous of neighbors. Blue River has many full-time homeowners who work in the area. Please observe quiet hours and be respectful of property boundaries. Please do not sled or ski across neighboring properties.
Renters are not allowed use of the Goose Pasture Tarn.
Speed limits on all Town Roads is 15 mph.

Submitting Code Complaints

To file a complaint, please visit our website and click on the Citizen Services link on the home page. You may also email info@townofblueriver.org. If you have a non-emergency issue requiring Police assistance, please call the non-emergency dispatch line at 970-668-8600. Please do not call the Marshals directly or Town Hall. Non-emergency issues include code violation complaints.

911 Addresses are required on all homes within the Town of Blue River. Red, White and Blue Fire District will provide FREE reflective address numbers for your home.

The house numbers are vital to assisting fire and emergency personnel in locating your home in an emergency. Per the Blue River Municipal Code, 911 addresses are REQUIRED on all homes in Blue River. To have a firefighter come install numbers at your home, please email: mitigation@rwbfire.org.

Building In Blue River

In the Town of Blue River, permits are needed for a variety of items. These include: building

permits; staining and re-staining; sheds; landscaping; roofs; interior construction; electrical; and tree removal to name a few.

As spring returns, so does construction season. A reminder that construction vehicles may not be parked in the road unless a special circumstance permit has been obtained from the Town. Additionally, construction hours are as follows:

Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday/Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Information on the Building Department is available on the Town website, www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver.

Tips For Hiring A Contractor

Building a home, addition, garage, deck or most any type of costruction project is an investment. Hiring the right constractor is key to insuring your investment is protected. In Blue River, all contractors, sub-contractors and anyone providing a service is required have a Town of Blue River Business License. In addition, all electrical contractors are required to provide their masters license and state issued contractors license. When you go to hire a contractor, check with the Town to ensure they have a current business license with the Town. Below are some additional items to require and to watch for when hiring a contractor.

Get multiple quotes
Check references
Ask for insurance and licenses
Verify insurance including workmans comp and licenses including any local licensing requirements.
Get it in writing
Scope of work
Payment details. Never pay for the work in full upfront. Most contracts are paid as the work is complete.
Include who is responsible for any necessary permits.
Include information on any sub-contractors hired including their insurance and licenses.
Timeline for start and finish of work.
If you are not comfortable with contracts, have one reviewed by an attorney before signing.
Verify all local regulations and codes to ensure the full process is followed. In the Town of Blue River, fines are assessed for any work started without a permit.
If you have building or code questions, check with your local building department. For the Town of Blue River, contact John McCormick, Building Official at publicworks@townofblueriver.org.

Trails Committee

The Trails Committee continues to work on identifying potential trails in the Town of Blue River. Work is focused on creating a dedicated trail system through Blue River. Work has been narrowed to one section of town and soon the Committee will be working to develop a plan to present to the Board of Trustees. Dedicated easements are necessary to help make this project a success. If you are interested in allowing the Town to have a dedicated trail easement on your property, please contact the Town at info@townofblueriver.org.

The Committee is also working to identify any improvements necessary. With the approval of funding from the Community Fund, Saturday, August 17th is a scheduled work day with the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District for trail improvements. There will be an open house in the near future to discuss this and plans for trails in the near future.

Committee Members

Mark Fossett, Chair

Dan Cleary

Joel Dixon

Devon O'Neil

Justin Park

Mike Rupert

Paul Semmer

Committee Members

Kelly Finley, Chair

Tori Aidala

Shanan Cox

Bruce Queen

Martie Semmer

Mandy Webster

Tim West

Citizen Advisory

The Blue River Citizen Advisory Committee will be the liaison between the Town of Blue River residents and the Town Trustees to develop; improve and elongate the quality of life and prosperity of Blue River.

With direction from the Blue River Board of Trustees, the Citizen Advisory Committee is in the process of developing a Community Fund. The Fund has been established to provide resources to organizations directly impacting and benefiting the residents and community of the Town of Blue River. Applications will be received once a year for funding in the following year. Applications are currently being accepted through June 14, 2019.

To obtain an application and for the application guidelines, please visit the Town website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver under the Community tab and Blue River Citizen Advisory Committee. You may also email Michelle Eddy, Town Administrator/Clerk at michelle@townofbluriver.org . All applications are due June 14, 2019.

We want to keep you informed of all the latest breaking news, events and information happening in the Town of Blue River! Follow us on our Facebook Pages:

Town of Blue River

Now Blue River Marshal's Office

Ride the Stage!

**Park & Ride Spaces are now available at Blue River Town Hall.**

The first five spaces on the left hand side, designated by signs are reserved for those riding the Summit Stage. Please note that there is NO overnight parking allowed .

High Country Conservation Center, local municipalities, Summit County and partners have worked over the last year on developing the Summit Community Climate Action Plan: Strategies for a Sustainable Future. The Town of Blue River will be adopting the plan at the April Board of Trustees Meeting. A copy of the plan may be found on the Town website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver .

High Country Conservation

The High Country Conservation Center’s (HC3) Energy Smart Colorado program provides Summit County homeowners with affordable energy audits that identify places in your home where a little extra air sealing or insulation could save you a lot of money on your utility bills. The price for an audit starts at $99 and increases incrementally depending on the size of your home – for a limited time, the Town of Blue River is offering BONUS GRANTS to residents that receive energy audits! If you decide to pursue an upgrade after your audit, HC3 also offers rebates of up to $400 to help cover the cost. Households at 80% AMI and under may be eligible for free audits and retrofit work. For more information, call Cody or Jess at (970) 668 – 5703 , or visit the Energy Smart Colorado webpage to sign up. Let us help you make living in your home more comfortable, more efficient, and more affordable!