VOLUME: 01
03 NOVEMBER 2023
ISSUE: 11
COURIER AN EL PASO COUNTY PUBLICATION
EL PASO COUNTY
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COURIER EDITORIAL BOARD Vernon Stewart
Communications Department Executive Director
Natalie Sosa
Communications Department Deputy Director
Amy Jo Fields
Marketing Communications Manager
Scott Anderson
Communications & Public Relations Manager
Mike Madsen Open Records Manager
Deborah Contreras Digital & Social Media Specialist
Samantha Radomski Webmaster
Mary Pope
Open Records & Communications Specialist
Communications Department 200 South Cascade Avenue | 80903 EPCPIO@ELPASOCO.COM
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Communications Department Audio/Visual Team
COURIER VOLUME: 01
03 NOVEMBER 2023
Contents 04 County Administrator Message 06 Winter Weather 12 Nine to Five 16 In the Region 18 Viewpoint 19 County Calendar
EL PASO COUNTY www.ElPasoCo.com
ISSUE: 11
EL PASO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
As we approach the colder months and the imminent arrival of winter, we are pleased to inform you about the steps your county is taking to support the safety and well-being of our community during this upcoming season. Winter preparedness remains a top priority, and our commitment is to assist you in staying safe and well-informed. In this latest edition of the Courier, we are excited to share valuable information, services, and practical winter preparedness tips with you. Our community has encountered winter challenges in the past, and I am confident that together, we can face this winter season with resilience and readiness.
THE COURIER | PAGE 04
BEYOND THE DAIS THE STORIES OF EL PASO COUNTY
SCAN CODE TO LISTEN
TO THE STORIES OF
EL PASO COUNTY
WWW.ELPASOCO.COM
WINTER WEATHER THE COURIER | PAGE 06
The El Paso County Department of Public Works (DPW) plays an important role in the County’s response to winter weather and dedicates much of the fall to preparing for the snow season. Part of that preparation is Public Works’ annual Snow Week. During this week, employees inspect and conduct training on snow and ice removal equipment as well as sharpen their skills by running through various ice and snow response scenarios, ensuring they are prepared and ready for winter operations. Public Works pretreats roads, bridges, and overpasses with salt brine, which is a mixture of salt and water. The reason for using salt brine ahead of every storm is to decrease the likelihood of snow and ice bonding to a pavement surface as well as to prevent frost from forming on pavement surfaces. Pretreating pavement surfaces with salt brine is a more cost-effective alternative that only requires one-quarter to one-fifth the amount of salt required for deicing after a snow or ice event has occurred. Once the salt brine is applied and dries, it creates a layer that prevents the ice and snow from freezing to (or icing onto) the pavement surface making it easier for snowplows to remove. In other words, it works like a non-stick cooking spray by preventing the ice from sticking to the pavement. For those concerned about how salt brine might affect their vehicles, DPW adds a rust inhibitor to their salt brine to protect vehicles.
WHEN A SNOWSTORM HITS, WHICH ROADS GET PLOWED? El Paso County's diverse terrain and proximity to the mountains can cause a wide range of storms and road conditions in any given area. When a snow or ice storm occurs, El Paso County has limited resources and uses the following priority system for plowing 1,100 miles of paved roads. Priority 1 Roads: Major arterial roads that service a lot of traffic, and more importantly, emergency vehicles, public transit, school buses, etc. Priority 2 Roads: Collector roads that provide access to major arterials from residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and residential roads located at higher elevations that have significant grades and/or are located in forested areas with reduced exposure to the sun. Priority 3 Roads: All other paved roads (residential/cul-de-sacs) not included in Priority 1 or Priority 2 classifications. Plow operations will commence when Priority 1 and 2 roads are passable for winter driving conditions. For a full list of County roads and their priority level, visit the following County website: https://publicworks.elpasoco.com/road-bridge/snow-plowing El Paso County does not have a “bare pavement” ice and snow removal policy. This means, bare pavement is not required for a road to be safe for winter driving conditions. Snow covering a road does not necessarily mean the road must be plowed. For any given road condition, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle is equipped with proper tires (or chains/cables) and is driven at a speed that is safe for the road condition.
THE COURIER | PAGE 07
DPW will continue to monitor County roads and intersections even after a storm has passed and address any issues that might arise from snow being blown onto roadways or from melting snow and ice that refreezes due to decreases in temperatures. Residents and business owners are reminded of the following: It is your responsibility to clear all sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of an ice or snow event It is your responsibility, after plows have cleared the snow from your roadways, to remove any snow that might get deposited on your sidewalk or at the end of your driveways. Please see this link for techniques on how to reduce the amount of snow that might get deposited at the end of your driveway: https://www.codot.gov/travel/assets/driveway-snowremoval-flyer_statewide_2020.pdf Colorado law (Statute 43-5-301) prohibits plowing, blowing, shoveling, or otherwise placing snow onto public roadways and right-of-way (ROW) areas along the roadside El Paso County is committed to keeping roads as safe as possible using all available resources. Due to the diversity of terrain in El Paso County, weather impacts may vary widely even in localized areas. Snow covered and/or slick roads are not unusual in El Paso County or Colorado. Significant snow events of four to six inches are passable for drivers who are prepared and have prepared their vehicle for the winter.
THE COURIER | PAGE 08
EL PASO COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES EVENT November 16, 2023 2:30 - 4:00 pm East Library Community / Annex Room 5550 N. Union Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
REGISTER HERE + FIND OUT MORE INFO
e r o l p x E
EL PASO COUNTY CAREERS Visit us online or scan code to see available positions
GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM/CAREERS/ELPASOCOUNTYCO
WILL YOU BE NOTIFIED OF A DISASTER? Scan the QR code to sign up for Peak Alerts. Receive notifications of emergency situations that are a threat to life or property.
SCAN CODE FOR MORE INFO
Join our coroner, Dr. Leon Kelly, as he recounts stories of individuals whose lives ended in tragedy and discusses what you can do to stay safe.
SCAN CODE TO START WATCHING
As winter quickly approaches, everyone is preparing for the extreme weather we experience in the region, including El Paso County. Each department is doing their part to help the county get ready for the cold weather to come. In this month’s Nine to Five, we want to highlight what the county is doing to lay the groundwork for responding to winter weather. Enjoy relevant content from the Department of Digital, Strategy, and Technology, Department of Human Services, Public Health, and Economic Development.
NINE T FIVE Economic Development | Business Resources As winter approaches, the Economic Development department is committed to providing economic assistance to members of our community. Through partnerships, we provide emergency homeowner rehabilitation to our most at-risk residents. Income-eligible families may now access affordable housing at the newly opened Academy Heights in southern Colorado Springs. Additionally, local business owners may now pre-certify for 2024 tax credits through the Pikes Peak Enterprise Zone program. Visit our website to learn more about our work in action. El Paso County Economic Development will host the Small Business Resources Event on Thursday, November 16, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the East Library in the Annex Room, located at 5550 N. Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. Event Registration link https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg? oeidk=a07ek00nriy13a3cda2&oseq=&c=&ch= THE COURIER | PAGE 12
Human Services | Keeping Residents Warm
Winter weather brings cooler temperatures and more time spent indoors. A federally funded program helps eligible families and individuals with their heating bills to help make sure they have warmth and safety. The El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) distributes and accepts applications for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). DHS partners with Goodwill, whose staff determine eligibility. The program covers a portion of heating costs for eligible households, which may free up funds for other expenses. Last year, 137,341 applications were submitted across Colorado, and 88,938 people received some level of benefit. In El Paso County, 18,290 applications were submitted last year and 11,414 approved for some level of assistance. DHS works closely with dozens of community partners to distribute applications across our region. LEAP is available from November 1st through April 30th each year. People can apply any time through April, but new applications must be submitted each period. New application packets were mailed in October to those who used the program in the past season. The amount of the energy assistance benefit varies depending on several factors, including the primary heating costs of the home and total household income. Individuals, single-parent families, seniors, and families with children who fall within the low-income guidelines may qualify for this assistance program. For more information about eligibility, visit the LEAP website at www.colorado.gov/CDHS/LEAP. Applications may be completed online with Colorado.gov/PEAK. THE COURIER | PAGE 13
DIGITAL STRATEGY & TECHNOLOGY Software Upgrades
In August, El Paso County launched a substantial software systems upgrade for the Assessor's and Treasurer's offices. This upgrade replaced legacy systems that existed longer than their initially projected life cycles and improved the County's ability to provide efficient and accessible services. Adopting this modern software ensures El Paso County will have the latest features and tools, expanding the software system's capabilities. Some upgrade benefits include: Allowing the Assessor and Treasurer to share a single data source, significantly improving the accuracy and timeliness of the information Connecting with external platforms, such as: Online websites for residents to look up their property value and pay taxes Platforms for Sub-tax investors to manage their holdings and bid on new ones Improved web applications for title companies to obtain tax information on properties Allowing residents to register to receive their tax statements via email instead of paper statements All current and historic records were transferred to the new system. This software update introduces a more efficient infrastructure, reducing taxpayer costs and aligning with the County's core values. To experience the updates in action, visit the El Paso County Assessor's website at: https://assessor.elpasoco.com/ and the El Paso County Treasurer's website at: https://treasurer.elpasoco.com/. THE COURIER | PAGE 14
THE COURIER | PAGE 15
As the saying goes, if you don’t like the weather here in Colorado, just wait 15 minutes. Anyone who has been through a winter here knows you can be driving on dry roads one minute and blizzard conditions the next.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
CONSIDER HAVING THESE ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY Sturdy Scraper/Snow Brush Blanket or Sleeping Bag Gallon Jug of Water
Thankfully, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s webpage has all the information you need to make sure you and your family stay safe out there this winter season. So, take a moment before your next trip to read through these critical tips because an ounce of prevention will always beat a pound of cure.
THE COURIER | PAGE 16
First Aid Kit & Essential Medications Tire Chain & Tow Strap Jumper Cables Flares/Reflectors Battery or Crank-Powered Radio for Emergency Info VIEW CDOT WINTER DRIVING PREPAREDNESS
In the Region Committed to serving our community
Don’t go out in bad weather unless absolutely necessary SLOW DOWN If you are stranded in your vehicle, keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow Always wear your seatbelt Never drive impaired Follow Colorado’s Left Lane Law
El Paso County's diverse terrain and proximity to the mountains can cause a wide range of storm and road conditions in any given area. Follow these helpful tips to protect yourself this winter. For more information scan the code or visit CDOT’s website.
SCAN CODE FOR MORE INFO https://www.codot.gov/travel/winterdriving/winter-preparedness THE COURIER | PAGE 17
Viewpoint
A collection of photos from the region
THE COURIER | PAGE 18
NOVEMBER
04 07 08 16 16 17
BEAR CREEK BEAR RUN 5K/3K 10:00 a.m. | 2002 Creek Crossing 80905 Join the 9th Annual Bear Creek Bear Run; a silly, charity fun run and walk for a cause. Choice of 3k or 5k course along the trail! All new runners receive a bear suit to wear during the run and to keep! Online Registration
CHILDREN’S MINDFULNESS 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Bear Creek Nature Center Introduce your child to what it means to be mindful, how to use their senses to be present and how to use meditation to handle big emotions. Will include interactive activities and a fun craft suitable for children ages 5-10. A parent must accompany each party and are free. Online Registration
FOX RUN NATURE CENTER OPEN HOUSE 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Pikes Peak Brewing, Monument 80132 El Paso County invites you to attend an open house to learn about the new Nature Center including concept plans, the canopy walk, and programs/camps. Hosted by Pikes Peak Brewing Co. and free food available thanks to Bird Dog BBQ. Project Website
2'S AND 3'S OUTDOORS 9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | Fountain Creek Nature Center Children ages 2-3, with an adult, will enjoy a puppet show or story, engaging activities, and discovery time on the trail. Prepaid registration online required. $3 per person, including accompanying siblings 2 and over and adults. Online Registration
SMALL BUSINESS EVENT 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | East Library - Annex Room Please join us for this FREE event to learn more about business resources and incentive programs available to small businesses in El Paso County. Online Registration
CPR, AED, FIRST AID TRAINING 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Bear Creek Nature Center This American Red Cross course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants. Online Registration THE COURIER | PAGE 19
EL PASO COUNTY www.ElPasoCo.com
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