Blue River Monthly News & Updates
Upcoming Meetings/Announcements
_____________________________________________________________
Planning & Zoning Commission
Tuesday, September 3, 6:00 p.m.

Town Board of Trustees
Board Retreat, Monday, September 9th,
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lincoln West Building, Breckenridge

Tuesday, September 17th
5:00 p.m. Work Session-2020 Budget
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting

Citizen Advisory Committee
September 4th, 6:00 p.m.

Trails Committee
September 24th, 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, September 27 th , 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



Hello Neighbors,

On August 17 th 2019 the Town of Blue River, via our Trails Committee, held our first ever trails day. We had a wonderful turnout, and were able to complete improvements on a section of trail within the Town, accompanied by Town staff, trails committee members, friends of the Dillon ranger district, and several volunteers that graciously donated their time. I would like to extend a simple but very heartfelt thanks to these volunteers and organizations on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and the Town of Blue River.

Kristina Nethaway
Ani Bennett
Kristin Turner
Christine Warnquist
Stan Smith
Neva Frank
Scott Earnest
Mike Rupert
Mark Fossett
Charlie Fossett
Blake (last name not available)

As the old adage goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Though a small step, each of you has contributed to a very impactful step to begin this journey, and I am eager to see where your efforts and volunteerism take us in the future. Thanks to each of you, and I look forward to riding some of your wonderful work!

Toby Babich
Blue River Mayor


Summit County Chipping Program
You can protect your home from wildfire with help from the Summit County Chipping Program. Summit County government helps residents and property owners create  defensible space  by providing free chipping and disposal for branches, logs and small trees. If you clear woody vegetation from around your home and stack it in a slash pile, we’ll chip it and haul it away at no cost. 

When it comes to wildfire, it takes everyone to protect everyone.    

Pile Guidelines
Piles must be stacked by 8 a.m. on the Monday of your neighborhood's designated chipping week (see schedule below). Chipping and collection will take place Monday through Friday of your neighborhood's designated week. Improperly stacked piles, and any piles stacked after 8 a.m. on Monday, may not be identified or collected.
  • Stack piles neatly (no bags), with the large ends of branches facing the road.
  • Place piles within 5 feet of the roadway, but not touching the road or in drainage ditches.
  • Maximum pile size is 5' wide x 5' high x 10' long. Each household may put out a maximum of 10 piles. 
  • After crews have removed your pile, clear away any remaining branches, needles and debris.
  • Do not combine piles with neighbors' piles or place piles in other neighborhoods.
Materials Guidelines
Accepted materials include trees, logs and branches up to 12 inches in diameter, free of nails and wire. The following restrictions apply:
  • No willows or cottonwood: Willows and cottonwood have high moisture content, so they help to slow the spread of fire. They also clog chipping equipment because they are very fibrous. 
  • No construction or building materials, treated lumber, fence posts or signs.
  • No shrubs, rood wads, stumps, dirt or rocks. These items clog and damage chipping equipment.
  • No grass clippings, trash, weeds or bags of leaves.
Bad Pile
Good Pile
Schedule
Each neighborhood in Summit County has one designated week, listed below, during which households may set out piles of trees and branches for chipping and removal. Or view an  interactive map of the 2019 chipping schedule , where you can enter your address to find your neighborhood's chipping week.



Week 14: September 16-20
Town of Blue River
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-62

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFTHE
COUNTY OF SUMMIT STATE OF COLORADO

DECLARING A BAN ON OPEN FIRES AND THE USE AND SALE OF FIREWORKS IN SUMMIT COUNTY

WHEREAS, pursuant to, §30-15-40l{l)(n.5) and (n.7), C.R.S., Summit County Ordinance No. 14, and other applicable legal authority, the Board of County Commissioners of Summit County, Colorado has the authority to ban open fires and fireworks to a degree and in a manner it deems necessary to reduce the danger of wildfires within the unincorporated portions of the unincorporated areas of the County; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to§ 30-10-512, § 30-10-513, § 30-10-513.5, C.R.S., and other applicable legal authority, the Sheriff of Summit County Colorado, acting in his capacity as the fire warden, has presented competent evidence that a high to extreme fire danger exists in Summit County; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff has reported to the Board of County Commissioners on the existing dry conditions of the forest in Summit County and recommends that the Board of County Commissioners take immediate action to prevent a fire hazard emergency and ban open fires and the use of any fireworks in Summit; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff reports that wildfire and forest management personnel concur with the Sheriff's opinion that an imminent threat of destructive wildfire exists in Summit County and that the Board of County Commissioners should take immediate action to ban open fires and the use of any fireworks in Summit County; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff reports that the United States Forest Service intends to declare and implement a stage one type fire ban for all areas of the White River National Forest lying within Summit County, Colorado effective on or about 12 : 01 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2019; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds, based upon the competent evidence presented by the Sheriff and others, that a high fire danger exists in Summit County, Colorado; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds it necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare due to the high fire danger in Summit County and western region of the United States that it take immediate action to ban open fires and any use of fireworks in a manner and to the extent necessary to reduce the imminent threat of the occurrence of widespread destructive wildfires in Summit County , Colorado.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF SUMMIT, STATE OF COLORADO THAT:
 
1.      Definitions: The definitions contained in the attached Exhibit A are incorporated herein.

2.      Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: Summit County shall enter into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions as described herein as of 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 23, 2019. Any open fire is prohibited pursuant to these Stage 1 Fire Restrictions unless such open fire is expressly authorized, maintained, and extinguished as described in Section 4 below.

3.      Prohibited Activities: The following activities are prohibited during these Stage 1 Fire Restrictions unless such activities are expressly authorized in Section 4 below and conducted in accordance with the provisions of said Section 4 :

a.      The use and/or sale of recreational Fireworks;

b.      The use of Tracer Ammunition as well as the use of any projectile containing explosive material, incendiary material, or other flammable chemical substance;

c.      The use of recreational Explosives, including Explosive Targets;

d.     The disposal of any burning object outdoors, including without limitation, any cigarette, cigar or match.

4.      Permitted Activities: In order to reduce the danger of wildfires while allowing certain limited fires and otherwise prohibited activities to continue during these Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, the following open fires and activities that are otherwise prohibited by Sections 2 and 3 above are permitted so long as they are conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of this Section 4:

a.      A fires on private property will be allowed under Stage 1 Restrictions under the following conditions:

1.     The fire is contained within a commercially designed and manufactured outdoor fireplace or portable outdoor fireplace that is assembled, located, and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Any device that meets this criteria shall also be equipped with a protective screen that reduces the spread of embers;

n. The area directly underneath the fire is Barren;

iii. The fire is at least fifteen (15) feet from any Flammable Material and/or structure; AND


Stage 1 Fire Ban

1v. The size of the fire is no larger than (3) feet wide and (2) feet tall.

v. Safety measures are in place as required by subsection 4(e) below.

b.     Any fire within a USFS Designated Dispersed Camping Site or USFS designated picnic area is pennitted if contained within a permanent metal fire ring.
c.     Use of a gas, Charcoal and/or Wood Pellet Grill.

d.     Wood pile bums with the appropriate permits from the local fire protection district or department of environmental health.

e.     The occurrence of any permissible fire as described above must also be conducted with the following safety measures in place:

1. The fire must be constantly attended by a responsible adult;

11. The fire must be extinguished and cool to the touch prior to it being left unattended;and

111. The supervising adult must have available for immediate utilization a minimum of:
1.    (1) one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2A10BC rating;
OR
2.       A minimum 5 gallon water container containing water; OR
3.     A charged garden hose available for immediate utilization.

f.      Any fire contained within a Fireplace, Stove, wood burning Stove, or pellet Stove designed for and located within a fully enclosed permanent structure.

g.     Fires caused or administered by any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

h.     Smoking outdoors so long as the individual is at least (3) feet away from natural vegetation and/or flammable materials.

1.    Operation of a chainsaw as long as the operator is equipped with a minimum 2A10BC classified dry chemical fire extinguisher available for immediate use.

J.   The outdoor use of any open flame welding or torch device under the following conditions:

1. The device is at least fifteen (15) feet away from natural vegetation and/or flammable materials; AND

11. A minimum 2Al0BC classified dry chemical fire extinguisher is available for immediate use.

k. Inflation or propulsion of a hot air balloon.

I.   Use of an "Off-highway Vehicle" in compliance with C.R.S. 33-14.5-101 et seq. and Summit County Ordinance 2010-09.

5.     This Resolution shall be enforced by the Summit County Sheriff's Office and violations hereof shall be punished in accordance with the terms of Summit County Ordinance No. 14.

6.     This Resolution is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare due to the high to extreme fire danger in Summit County and western region of the United States and shall take effect at 12:01 a.m . on Friday, August 23, 2019, and shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by subsequent resolution.

ADOPTED THIS 22nd DAY OF AUGUST 2019

 
COUNTY OF SUMMIT STATE OF COLORADO BY AND THROUGH ITS
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISS

Please note Blue River Fire Permit Rules
**Please note that for any fire permits issued. If the fire danger is low or moderate under Stage 1 fire pits are allowed. Once the level goes to HIGH or VERY HIGH all fire permits are void.** Currently Blue River and Summit County are under a Red Flag warning and the fire level is VERY HIGH. Please sign up for SCAlerts, follow us on Facebook or check our website for the latest information on fire danger in Summit County.
Fire Permits & Defensible Space
Per the Blue River Town Code, fire pits within the Town require a fire permit. Regulations and permitting has been modified for 2019. Permits are still obtained through Red, White and Blue on their website at www.rwbfire.org. There is now a fee for all fire pit permits. New permits are $50 and renewals will be $25. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.rwbfire.org/forms.aspx?FID=64%C2%A0.

Is your home "Firewise?" Living in a mountain community brings about different challenges including an increase for fire danger. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your home from a wildfire. Red, White and Blue Fire District is happy to help assess your home and make recommendations on how you can best create effective defensible space. Information was presented at the May Community Education Series and can be found on our website under the Community tab or contact Red, White and Blue Fire at www.rwb.org for more information.

The Town is working with Red, White and Blue on updating the Fire Code along with the other municipalities and County. A copy is available on our website at www.colorado.gov/townofblueriver.
‌
1st Annual Blue River Trails Day
The first annual Blue River Trails Day was a great success. Thank you to Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, and the volunteers for all of the work conducted. The Trails Committee is looking forward to making this an annual event.

With the completion of their first successful event, the Trails Committee is looking to the future. As fall and winter approach, the committee will be working on creating a long term vision, mapping and establishing guidelines for the trails system within the Town.
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.
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

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.

Fill out and submit the form, then click PAY ONLINE.

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.
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.

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.

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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