Blue River Monthly News & Updates
Upcoming Meetings/Announcements
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Planning & Zoning Commission
Tuesday, October 1, 6:00 p.m.

Town Board of Trustees
Monday, October 7th
5:00 p.m. Committee/Commissions Rules & Bylaws
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Citizen Advisory Committee
October 23rd, 6:00 p.m.

Trails Committee
October 17th, 6:00 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, Twitter and Instagram for the latest and greatest in Blue River.

Upcoming Trustee Talks

Coffee Talk
Friday, October 18th, 7:00 a.m.
Coffee Depot

2019 Passed Ordinances
To read and learn about all new Town Ordinances, visit our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver/2019-ordinances



Change to Building Codes
At the August 20th Board of Trustees Meeting, the Trustees approved the adoption of the 2018 International Residential Code for building in the Town of Blue River. The Code was updated from the 2012 IRC adopted in 2014. Moving forward, all construction will need to meet the 2018 IRC regulations. A copy of the ordinance is available on the Town website.

In addition, the Town has adopted the 2018 Fire Code which is also available on the website. It should be noted that the Town has not adopted or changed the energy codes. The Town of Blue River is remaining on the 2012 Energy Code regulations.
Winter Preparation

Seems like summer has barely arrived but it's time to start prepping for winter. As leaves change, take time to prepare your property for the upcoming snows.
  • Mark driveways and any landscaping close to the road. This will aid the snow plow drivers to know where the edges of the road are located and mitigate any damage.
  • If you leave for the winter, conduct proper weatherization on your home to ensure pipes don't freeze.
  • Ensure you have proper insulation and working heaters, fire places.
  • Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood.
  • Seal masonry & hard surfaces.
  • Check your drainage.
  • Clean gutters.
  • Test your smoke alarms and Carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Drain outside faucets.
  • Check trees.
  • Conduct an energy audit.
  • Check attics and crawl spaces to ensure there are no critters.
  • Prep for snow removal putting away summer activities and having shovels, snow blowers and machines ready to go.

Winter Plowing
Highland Galloway Investments is the contract company hired by the Town to plow all Town roads. The plow contract begins November 1st. Roads in Blue River are plowed when four or more inches of snow have fallen. Early season there is modified plowing until the roads have frozen to prevent damage to the roads. Plows concentrate first on the core, populated areas and then work their way to other sections of town. On average it takes up to 10 hours to plow all areas of Town. A reminder there is no parking on Town roads.

If you hire a private plow company to plow your driveway, a note they must have a Town of Blue River Business License. In addition you must store all snow on your property and snow may not be plowed across the road.
Board Briefs
On September 9th, the Board of Trustees held their annual retreat. At this year's retreat they discussed a long term vision for the Town. Discussions involved short-term rentals and finding a balance to ensure Blue River remains a place welcoming families and residents. Additional discussions revolved around Highway 9, road maintenance, committee structure and a brief look at the 2020 budget. From the retreat, the Board has set out a series of work sessions to address items discussed. Below is a list of upcoming work sessions. Work sessions are scheduled at 5:00 p.m. before the regularly scheduled Trustees Meeting.

  • 2020 Budget
  • Committee/Commissions Rule & Bylaws
  • Land acquisition
  • Town Code updates
  • Long term financial review

2019 Passed Ordinances
  • Title Change for Town Marshal and Town Administrator to Chief of Police and Town Manager.
  • Adoption of the 2018 International Fire Code
  • Adoption of the 2018 International Building Code

Upcoming ordinance review
  • Berm regulations
  • Chapter 17-subdivisions
The Trails Committee held their first annual Trails Day Event in August. The Committee is reviewing the Town maps and working to determine connections through Town. Plans are being made to host an open house and discussion about trails within Blue River sometime in 2020.
The Cistizen Advisory Committee is busy planning the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat event. The event will be held Tuesday, October 29th at Blue River Town Hall. The event will include a cake walk, games, cookie decorating, Trunk Treating and a costume contest. Look for more details to come in the next couple of weeks.

Volunteers are needed. Sign up your car to decorate for the trunk treating; and cake donations for the cake walk. For more information contact Town Manager, Michelle Eddy at michelle@townofblueriver.org.
Ride the Stage
New Flag Stops for 5:15 and 6:15 pm Departures from Breckenridge
 
You may now request stops to exit the bus at the following locations:
1.     West side of Hwy 9 near Blue River Road
2.     West side of Hwy 9 opposite Calle De Plata
3.West side of Hwy 9 opposite Town Hall

These flag stops are subject to the following conditions:
·     Drop-offs only at these flag stops
·    You may not board the bus at these locations
·    You must request the driver to stop
·    These stops can only be used on the 5:15 and 6:15 pm trips departing Breckenridge for Park County

See a Code Violation? Have a non-emergency issue?
The Blue River Police Department provides 24/7 coverage of the Town of Blue River. Our Officers work to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors to our Town. As with any Town, there are, at times challenges. If you are in need of Police assistance, please follow these steps to having your issue resolved. Please do not contact the Police Officers directly to ensure your issue is receiving the proper attention.

  • 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. The Police Officers will then be dispatched to you.
  • In an emergency, please call 911.
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.
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. 

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.

In addition to trash, please do not leave out bird feeders as thei si a bear's delight.
Photo courtsey of Dave Britton, Blue River Resident.
Moose and Blue River go hand in hand. Moose are the top dog on the food chain and will roam wherever the willows and hand habitat allow. Blue River is prime moose habitat and they have an abundant population in the area. Moose cn be agressive if felt threatened. They will attack to protect their young and they will attack a dog if threatened.

If you see a moose, give it distance and put something between you and the moose. DO NOT approach for a selfie and do not let your pets loose around the moose. There is no parking along Hwy 9 and officers will be enforcing this as moose gather in the wetlands by the Tarn. The wetlands are a protected area. Please do not wonder or walk in the wetlands .
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.

As bears prepare for their winter rest, they are very active and looking for food. Help keep bears and and your family safe by not putting your trash out before trash pick up day. Violations will be issued. 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.

Coming to soon to Blue River Town Hall...GLASS Recycling! Look for more information coming soon.
Lodging/Short-term Rental Owners
Blog-Occupancy Limits
Occupancy Limits!
The question has come up lately about occupancy limits. This comes from both those that short term rent wondering what they can and can't do, as well as neighbors who wonder how many people are allowed in the home. In Blue River, the R1 (single family) zoning allows for "no more than one person per 400 square feet or two people per bedroom." This is true for all septic permits as well as for sewer connections. What this means, if you have a four bedroom home, you may have a maximum number of eight staying for a short term rental. Additionally, the Town Code allows for only five vehicles to be parked in the driveway and/or designated parking space.

While the Police will not be going home to home counting people, if you are found to be advertising or if a code complaint is filed you may receive a notice of violation and/or ticket and possibly revocation of your short term rental license.

Please keep this and your neighbors in mind when renting your home.

Registration/Taxes
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.
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.
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. 
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! 
Census 2020
Work has begun in preparation for the 2020 Census Count. The count is important as it not only accurately counts for all living in an area but grants, and federal/state funding is dependant on population. The Town of Blue River will be working with Summit County and other municipalities to ensure all are counted in the 2020 Census. More information will be coming in the near future.

In the meantime, are you looking to earn some extra income? The Census is now hiring. 2020 Census jobs provide great pay, flexible hours, weekly pay and paid training. For more infomation and to apply online go to 2020census.gov/jobs .
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