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| 970-221-6700 | TDD 970-224-6003
 If you’re a City electric customer, your electric rates will be higher this summer (June, July and August) because of the 6% increase over 2011 rates and seasonal tiered-rates. The three-tiered rate structure means electricity costs more per kilowatt hour (kWh) in each tier as electric use increases. Summer tiers carry a higher kWh rate per tier than the other nine months because summer’s when it’s most expensive for Fort Collins to purchase power from our electric provider, Platte River Power Authority (PRPA). 
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Check out low-cost, no-cost ways to manage summer electric use. Saving energy this summer can be as simple as turning off a light when you leave a room or opening your windows on a cool night. You’ll save even more when you invest in weatherizing your home or choosing energy-efficient appliances.
Here are just a few tips to keep electric use down and savings up.
- Close shades or drapes to help your home retain cool air.
- Install a programmable thermostat to manage your AC use.
- Use fans to circulate and cool indoor air.
- Run washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers with full loads.
- Dry clothes on a clothesline.
- Install compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs where you can.
- Sign up for an affordable home efficiency audit.
Give your air conditioner (AC) a break. As much as half of the energy a home uses goes to AC cooling and heating. On cool days and nights, turn off your air conditioner and open your windows. Remember, though; don’t open windows when the outside temperature is warmer than inside your house.
For more energy-saving tips, programs and services to help you save energy around your home every day, visit fcgov.com/conserves.
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Claire Thomas | Communications |
 The MAX Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system begins construction this summer! The BRT’s guideway, or dedicated travel lane, runs just east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, from Cherry Street to south of Harmony Road. There are many moving parts to this 18-month construction project. Read more about the construction timeline, sign up for construction alerts and learn more about the broader Mason Corridor project, including the exciting public kick-off event, the Taste of Mason, June 7, at fcgov.com/mason.
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Ginny Sawyer | Neighborhoods |
 The last deadline for grant applications is June 1, 2012! Neighborhood grants are great for social events including picnics, potlucks, and ice cream socials (like Neighborhood Night Out!) They are also very helpful for project-based events including neighborhood clean-ups, yard waste clean-ups, and community gardens.
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Neighborhoods can get $25-$500 in grant money. Applications are judged on well the project fosters positive relationships, builds a sense of community and pride, the number of neighbors participating and benefiting, and the amount of matching donations and neighbor effort involved. Your project or event must be scheduled at least three weeks after the deadline (this allows time for grant review, notification, and fund dispersal.) Get an application and a sample budget form by visitng fcgov.com/neighborhoodgrants. Tip: Be thorough on your application, this increases your chances of getting a grant!
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Ginny Sawyer | Neighborhoods |
 Although we're in May, it’s not too soon to start talking about the 4th of July and fireworks. Currently, Larimer County bans all fireworks due to the dry spring conditions. As always, fireworks remain illegal within Fort Collins city limits. This includes possession and storing of fireworks.
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Not only are fireworks illegal, they are also very disruptive to pets, families, and emergency responders. On an average 4th of July, Fort Collins dispatchers can receive up to 50 calls an hour, and Animal Control dispatchers can pick up 10-20 escaped dogs. When it comes to using fireworks for your celebrations consider the impacts to your neighbors or animals. If you want to see a great fireworks display go to City Park for the 4th of July Celebration starting at 9:20 PM. This is an extra special year for fireworks! We are celebrating the 100-year anniversary of City Park with a bigger, longer show! When you attend, keep in mind pets, alcohol, and especially fireworks are not allowed at City Park.
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Molly Ward | Larimer Humane Society | larimerhumane.org
 Oooh… Awww… Ohhh… Independence Day is not far away. While we look forward to the festive holiday, to many of our canine friends, the Fourth of July can bring sheer terror. Frightened by the booms, bangs and bright lights of the fireworks, many terrified dogs break free of their outdoor leash or jump a high fence looking for a safe haven. Many travel in the dark of night, later to be found miles from their homes, exhausted and disoriented.
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Fortunately, Independence Day doesn’t have to bring panic to your pet. If you take the necessary precautions and plan accordingly, your dog can have a calmer, more relaxing holiday. Consider the following tips:
Turn the Radio On
If heading off to a July 4th celebration, leave your pets at home, inside, shielded from loud noises. It’s often helpful to leave a television or radio on, at a normal volume, to help drown out the noise of the explosive fireworks and keep your pet company.
Dog Proof The Room
Consider crating or kenneling your dog to create a special den-like area where your pet feels safe and secure. If you don’t use a crate, be sure to remove any of the room's contents your dog could destroy or could be hazzardous if chewed. Dogs have a tendency to become destructive when frightened.
Outside? Not a Good Idea
Do not leave your pet outside unattended, even if on a leash or in a high-fenced yard. With their acute hearing, loud noises have a tendency to upset dogs, causing many to act erratically out of fear. Even dogs who are normally happy and accustomed to being in their yards may try to escape by jumping over or digging under the fence; or worse, become entangled in their chain risking serious injury or even death.
Harder If Home Alone
If you know you’ll be gone for an extended period of time – either at a morning parade, afternoon barbeque, evening fireworks celebration or combination of the three – consider hiring a petsitter or invite a friend or a family member to stay with your pet. Dogs have a tendency to react less severely to loud noises and bright flashes of light when with trustful humans.
Fido Freakout? Try Doggy Downers
Visit with your veterinarian prior to July 4th if your pet experiences severe anxiety or fear of loud noises and discuss possible medications and other options.
No Pets In the Car
Do not leave your pet in the car. Cars heat very quickly in hot weather with temperatures reaching 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even in shaded areas. With the ability to dispel heat only through panting and the paws of their feet, dogs can overheat very quickly inside a car, causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion or even death. Partially-opened windows are not sufficient enough to keep your dog cool during the hot summer months.
Licenses Mean We'll Call You
License your pet! A license is your pet’s ticket home. At a cost of only $10 if your pet is spayed or neutered, or $27 if your pet is intact, licenses are the most inexpensive way to ensure your pet is reunited with you quickly and safely should they escape during the Fourth of July holiday (or anytime throughout the year.) Be sure and purchase and/or renew your pet’s license today. If your pet is micro-chipped, include your pet’s chip information. Licenses are still required on micro-chipped animals. Licenses are available for purchase online or via phone at 970-226-3647 or in person at the Larimer Humane Society.
Where's Spot?
Looking for your pet? Check larimerhumane.org. Our website syncs with our animal shelter database. Once a lost animal is processed into our system, you’ll see information on the animal here. Owners hoping be reunited with their lost pets are encouraged to visit the shelter and bring in a photo of their pet to help with the identification process.
Thank you for helping us make this Independence Day a safe and secure one for all our furry four-legged friends.
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City Engineering | 970-221-6605
 Generally, a right-of-way is an area for public access (usually along roads) to host lightpoles, road signs, utility boxes and more. Wrong items commonly found in a right-of-way are signs, basketball hoops, fences and general debris.
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Did you know putting signs anywhere in a right-of-way (including on street sign posts, light poles, and utility boxes) is not allowed? Still, many people like to advertise their yard sale or see if anyone has found their lost dog. What really causes an eyesore is when people forget to take the signs down. This can turn your neighborhood's lightpoles into a never-ending yard sale bulletin. And, think of all the traffic you could prevent if drivers aren't trolling your street looking for last month's yard sale! Please, take down your signs.
A good (and legal) way to advertise a yard sale is to make or buy a reusable yard sign and put it in your yard. A sign can legally be placed on private property – just make sure you get permission if you put it on someone else’s property. You can also advertise your sale online, there are many free listing services.
Do you need to temporarily use a right-of-way for something like a roll-off trash containers, building materials or landscape materials? City Engineering does offer permits for short term use of a right-of-way. Permit approval is strongly influenced by public safety – obstructing a right-of-way (the wrong way) can cause injury to people and property.
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Ginny Sawyer | Neighborhoods |
 As wonderful as those summertime s’more-making fires may be, it is important fires are done correctly and with minimal impact to neighbors. Fort Collins does not ban wood burning but we do ask residents burn only clean, dry wood and only use wood-burning appliances. It is illegal to burn yard waste, agricultural material, or trash. Backyard recreational burning and “campfires” cannot be greater than three feet in diameter. These fires do contribute to air pollution and the “brown cloud.”
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If a homeowner is experiencing significant smoke at their home or if they have a safety concern about a fire or the use of an outdoor wood-burning appliance, the Poudre Fire Authority will respond.
Below are guidelines to ensure the safe operation of outdoor burning devices:
• Portable outdoor fireplaces must be operated not less than 15 feet from any combustible construction or overhangs.
• The fire must be constantly attended by an adult who can intervene in case of emergency.
• A garden hose or a fire extinguisher (with a minimum rating of 4-A) must be immediately available to the user of the appliance.
• If in the opinion of City fire personnel, the fire or its’ byproducts are causing a hazardous condition, they are authorized to order the fire be extinguished.
Reducing wood smoke in our neighborhoods is a major goal of the City’s Air Quality Plan. Wood smoke is potentially harmful to all of us, but especially affects infants, young children, and those with respiratory problems. Please be mindful of those neighbors who have difficulty breathing and of those who would like to leave windows open when the weather permits. For more information, visit fcgov.com/woodsmoke.
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| 970-221-6700 | TDD 970-224-6003
 City Utilities offers free assessments of sprinkler systems to help residents water their yards more efficiently—and save water and money. Audits take approximately two hours and are scheduled from June through August. To qualify, you must live in a single-family home or represent a homeowner association. Audits are offered to our customers, including those served water by Fort Collins-Loveland and ELCO Water Districts.
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Audits include:
- visual inspection of each zone to identify problems
- tests that measure how water is being applied
- custom watering schedules
- information about the lawn’s seasonal water needs
Sign up today:
- visit fcgov.com/sprinkler-audit
- e-mail
- leave a message at 970-416-2666 (include name, address, and daytime and home phone numbers)
- visit fcgov.com/conserves for more info
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| 970-221-6700 | TDD 970-224-6003
 To help the community properly dispose of household hazardous wastes, City Utilities will host a free household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, June 2 from 9 AM to 3 PM on the northwest corner of Lake Street and College Avenue (on the Colorado State University campus).
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The event provides residents the opportunity to go through their garages, kitchens, bathrooms and storage sheds and dispose of old or extra chemicals and other hazardous materials in a safe and environmentally-responsible manner.
Acceptable items include pesticides, paint, cleaning and automotive products, household batteries, CFL bulbs, used oil and mercury-containing items (e.g., thermostat and appliance switches, thermometers, button-shaped batteries).
Unacceptable items include explosives, asbestos, bio-waste (e.g. needles, bandages), pharmaceuticals and electronics. Commercial and industrial wastes are not accepted.
Learn more about additional disposal options at fcgov.com/recyclingcenters and other City sustainability efforts at fcgov.com/green.
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Amy Resseguie | Communications |
 Wondering who to ask about that project in your neighborhood? Access Fort Collins connects you with the City information you’re looking for and the staff best equipped to address your concerns. With Access Fort Collins you can even track the progress of your request. Visit fcgov.com/accessfortcollins any time you want to contact the City. On the go? Report graffiti, potholes or nuisance concerns using the Access Fort Collins mobile app, for iPhone and iPad. Now you can reach the City any time, any place. Available for free in the App Store. (Droid version coming soon.)
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