Headlines August 11, 2021
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Boulder Council Approves CU South Annexation
Yesterday, the Boulder City Council approved a draft agreement over the annexation of the CU South property. The measure passed its first reading at a special meeting.
Councilmembers Mark Wallach, Sam Weaver, Mary Young, Aaron Brockett, Rachel Friend and Adam Swetlik voted in favor. Councilmembers Bob Yates and Junie Joseph recused themselves on the annexation question.
The Daily Camera reports that councilmember Mirabai Nagel moved to take the issue off the consent agenda saying it needed to go before voters, and the council should not be voting on something that is only in draft form.
However, she was the only council person to vote for that proposal.
If the agreement is approved, the city would annex more than 300 acres near U.S. 36 and Table Mesa Drive. The university would develop the property in exchange for open space and flood mitigation from South Boulder Creek.
On September 14 the council will hold a public hearing on the matter with a decision likely to occur a week later.
Boulder Valley School District Hears More about Masking
The Boulder Valley School Board held their bi-monthly meeting last night, a day after the County Board of Health updated its mask mandate for schools.
Monday’s Boulder Valley County Board of Health meeting implemented its mask mandate requiring everyone 2 years or older in school buildings and child care facilities to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status.
The Daily Camera reports that at last night’s meeting, Boulder Valley school board members heard more details about how schools will implement a mask mandate and other coronavirus mitigation requirements in the fall.
With masks in place, quarantine rules will be loosened, reducing school disruptions. Students and teachers will not need to quarantine after a “routine” classroom exposure, as long as they were masked. Students and staff members who are vaccinated and aren’t symptomatic also are exempt from quarantines.
If students stay home because of a COVID-19 diagnosis or quarantine, classroom monitors will be in place for online support.
Families whose students “cannot medically tolerate a face covering” can request an exemption through an existing school district waiver process. Boulder County’s mask order provides exceptions for students who can’t play instruments while wearing masks, for hearing-impaired students and for those who are alone in a closed room.
Families can choose to enroll in the district’s online schools, Link or Boulder Universal, through Aug. 31.
There will be a Back to School Vaccination Event in Lafayette on Saturday, August 21 at the Lamont Does Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The clinic is open to everyone age 12 and above, the clinic will provide the Pfizer vaccine.
CU Boulder, Naropa and Front Range Community College Implement Mask Mandate
Masks will be required at various higher education institutions in Boulder county. CU Boulder, Naropa University and the Front Range Community College announced yesterday that masks are necessary at indoor public places. Naropa and the community college began their masking mandates yesterday and CU’s starts Friday.
The Daily Camera reports the mandates came after the county decision to require masks for at schools and child care facilities regardless of vaccination status.
Boulder County Asks Court to Dismiss Denver Water Suit
Attorneys representing Boulder County asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the Denver Water Department that claims the expansion of Gross Reservoir is being delayed.
Denver Water filed the case in federal court about a month ago saying that the Boulder County commissioners are taking too long to consider a permit needed for a huge addition to the dam southwest of the city of Boulder.
A release from the county explains that the state’s largest water provider wants the judge to rule that the authority of the county is preempted by federal approval.
But the lawyers for Boulder County say the court already ruled about 2 years ago that the commissioners have the authority to issue or deny a permit for the dam expansion.
Colorado Wins Approval of Hemp Growing Plan
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that the state’s plan to manage hemp growing has been approved.
Colorado’s Hemp Management Plan includes details on practices and procedures for hemp producers to operate in compliance with federal law.
In a release, the governor said the state is the undisputed leader in the cannabis industry adding that hemp is a versatile crop. He said they are looking forward to seeing how it can be developed for fuel and food among other uses.
Kate Greenberg, the state’s Commissioner of Agriculture said that the program for hemp growing is an important tool in keeping family farmers alive.
The approval comes more than 18 months after the state provided comprehensive comments to the federal government about Colorado’s plan.
Boulder Police Ask for Information about Drive-By Shootings
Boulder police are looking for more information about a drive-by shooting on early Monday morning.
At around 12:40 a.m. at least seven rounds were fired into four houses in the 1800 block of Yarmouth Avenue.
According to a release from the police department, no one was injured, but two bullets entered a child’s room in one of the houses.
Authorities are asking any witnesses, victims or anyone who may have information to call the police.
