Greetings,
We are reaching out to let you know that Folkestad Fazekas Barrick & Patoile, P.C. is open for business and doing well. During these difficult times, our dedication and commitment to our clients and friends remains strong and unwavering. Many of the FFBP lawyers and staff have transitioned to working remotely so that we can take care of our clients’ continuing needs while recognizing our responsibility to our community where we work and live. We have limited our office visits momentarily, but we are still available for consultation by telephone, email, or online for new cases or existing cases. We are available, responsive and ready to serve. if you do have a need to be in the office, we remain open, but please contact your responsible attorney directly to work out those details before your visit.
For both new and existing clients, we are working hard to decrease the risk of exposure, yet continue with business as usual. We are taking the following steps:
- We have the ability to meet with clients remotely both by telephone and video conferencing.
- Our office, our building, and our cleaning crew staffs are taking extra daily precautions to keep our office clean and sanitized.
- We are continuing in our court appearances and ongoing matters, with modifications as directed by the courts.
- Our attorneys and staff are continuing their community involvement and commitment through virtual methods
- We are offering expedited services that may impact patients and their families who are impacted by COVID-19, such as creating wills and powers of attorney.
We know some of you are working from home, some businesses have closed, and these times create uncertainty in your normal way of life. We hope you are well and adjusting to the challenge. If there is anything we can do to support you, please contact us. Please feel free to reach out to us even to just hear a friendly, reassuring voice on the other end of the line. We care. We will get through this together. And we will be stronger for it.
Contact us any time at 303.688.3045 or contact us electronically Thank you.
CLIENT RESOURCE CENTER FOR COLORADO COVID LEGAL QUESTIONS
PARTIAL LIST OF NOTICES AND UPDATES, CONTACT ONE OF ATTORNEYS DIRECTLY ABOUT YOUR MATTER, IF YOU ARE AN EXISTING CLIENT OR WISH TO RETAIN US FOR YOUR MATTER, BEFORE RELYING ON THIS INFORMATION, AS EVERYTHING IS CHANGING RAPIDLY…
Full text: Colorado stay-at-home order
https://www.9news.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/colorado-stay-at-home-order-text/73-54b6a01e-8465-4ef2-be16-92ddbe8be3c8
https://higherlogicdownload.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/COBAR/20200326UpdatedPHO%2020-24_Authorized%20Business2.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAVRDO7IEREB57R7MT&Expires=1587400979&Signature=mlgHSAGMqMOMMl%2FzoLLWB3FaEbo%3D
https://higherlogicdownload.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/COBAR/D%202020%20039%20Masks2.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAVRDO7IEREB57R7MT&Expires=1587401911&Signature=csw3NX9Q%2B39EPcFkkBVDaJFtkZc%3D
FEDERAL COURTS IN COLORADO (U.S. DISTRICT COURT) ISSUED A GENERAL ORDER, BUT THIS IS NOT FOR COLORADO STATE LEVEL (DISTRICT AND COUNTY) COURTS. The Chief Judge of the District of Colorado has issued General Order 2020-3. This General Order supersedes General Order 2020-2 and guides Court operations in the District of Colorado through May 1, 2020. Effective immediately and until May 1, 2020, only those persons with official court business shall enter the courthouses and U.S. Probation Offices of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. All civil and criminal trials scheduled to commence now through May 1, 2020 before any district or magistrate judge in any courthouse in the District of Colorado are continued subject to further order of the presiding judicial officer. The Order also closes the Clerk’s Office and Probation Offices to the public. The full order and revised Clerk’s Office procedures are available on the Court’s website: http://www.cod.uscourts.gov/
STATE COURTS IN COLORADO. https://www.courts.state.co.us
ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATIONS IN COLORADO ARE BEING TRAINED. WE ARE RESEARCHING THIS OPTION. We don’t know all the details yet, but we do have electronic notarization in Colorado. Page 36: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/notary/files/notary_handbook.pdf
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/notary/FAQ/eNotary.html
FEDERAL EMERGENCY LEGISLATION IS PENDING FOR NATIONWIDE ELECTRONIC NOTARIZATION. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3533
SBA LOANS/401K WITHDRAWALS/DEFERRED DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXES AND STUDENT LOAN RELIEF are subjects of the new federal relief plan. Ronald F. Koch, CPA/ABV/CFF
rkoch@vlacpa.com Direct: (303) 796-1129. www.vlacpa.com The stimulus money is technically a tax credit for 2020 that will be paid out, in advance, as soon as possible. “For the vast majority of Americans, no action on their part will be required in order to receive a rebate check as IRS will use a taxpayer’s 2019 tax return if filed, or in the alternative their 2018 return,” a summary of the legislation says.
That means even though many taxpayers haven’t even filed their 2019 taxes yet, qualifying recipients will still receive their checks in the coming weeks ― that is, if they’re set up for direct deposit. According to Senate aides, you will receive your stimulus payment quickly (the president is pushing for a deadline of April 6) as long as you have bank account information on file with the IRS. If not, it could take up to four months to receive a physical check in the mail.
Notice 2020-18 was issued under authority of section 7508A(a), following the Presidential Emergency Declaration regarding COVID-19. The notice postpones the filing date of specific federal income tax returns and the due date of specific federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020 for any person with a federal income tax return filing requirement or payment due April 15, 2020. Affected taxpayers, meaning those entitled to relief under the notice, do not have to file extension Forms 4868 or 7004 to qualify for the automatic three-month postponement relief described in Notice 2020-18. Federal income tax return for a fiscal year ending during 2019 is due on April 15, 2020
Colorado Secretary of State’s Office To Implement Remote Notarization
After working closely with the Governor’s office, stakeholders, and the legal community, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office will implement a remote notarization process. Remote notarization will assist Coloradans and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are committed to maintaining important services for Coloradans during this national health crisis,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “Remote notarization will enable Coloradans and businesses continued access to notary services while observing the social distancing guidelines that keep us all safe.”
Governor Polis issued an Executive Order today, which states in part: “Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado and, in particular, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 of the Colorado Constitution and the relevant portions of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act, C.R.S. § 24-33.5-701 et seq. (Act), I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order ordering the temporary suspension of the personal appearance requirement before notarial officers to perform notarizations due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colorado.”
Secretary Griswold will issue emergency rules on Monday, setting forth the procedures and requirements for remote notarization in Colorado during this state of emergency. These rules will address implementation of the remote notarization process while including protections against identity theft and fraud.
For more information, please visit www.sos.state.co.us.
To address the issue of notarizing and executing legal documents during this time of social distancing, on Friday, Governor Polis issued Executive Order D 2020 019, suspending the personal appearance requirement for notarizations. On Monday, the Secretary of State issued emergency, temporary rule 8 CCR 1505-11. Both were effective upon execution.
Remote Notarization (March 30, 2020)
Pursuant to Governor Polis’ Executive Order D 2020 019 and Colorado Secretary of State Regulation 8 CCR 1505-11, our office may now notarize documents remotely. We are excited for this development, which allows us to continue to serve our clients from a distance. Please note that we must be able to see you via videoconference to remotely notarize documents. We are rapidly implementing videoconferencing technology to take advantage of this development.
Attached is a good summary of the new Paycheck Protection portion of the CARES Act. CARES Act Summary 2020 03 27
Economic Injury Disaster Loans/CARES Act (March 30, 2020)
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”) have been available through the Small Business Association for many years. However, this is the first time that a pandemic event has been defined as a disaster. As a result of that declaration, small businesses in Colorado are eligible to apply for EIDLs. EIDLs offer favorable terms for small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus. These already favorable terms have been expanded by passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on March 27, 2020. Under the CARES Act, loan approval has been fast tracked and qualification standards have been greatly relaxed. $10,000 emergency cash grants are available to most applicants, even if they do not qualify for additional funds. Portions of the grant and/or loan may be forgiven if the proceeds are spent on certain operating expenses. The EIDL application can be found at <a href=”https://www.sba.gov/disaster”> </a>
The CARES Act also includes the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Guarantee, which provides additional avenues for small business loans, with favorable interest rates and deferred payments. Loan forgiveness is available when the proceeds are utilized for payment of certain employee-related expenses. These loans are processed through SBA local lenders.
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| 18th JD Chief Judge Orders Issued by Judge Amico on COVID-19 |
| Chief Judge Amico sends her sincere thanks for the support, patience, understanding and flexibility as our system of justice faces this unprecedented crisis! The 18th Judicial District is doing all it can to continue to serve the public. If you have any questions, please reach out to one of your DEBA board members.
Below, please find all of the 18th JD Chief Judge Orders issued by Judge Amico on COVID-19.
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Emergency child care extended to all essential workers in Colorado
Governor Polis has extended emergency child care to ALL essential workers in CO. This 100% tuition credit will provide child care to essential workers – including health care workers, public safety, sanitation, grocery workers, child care providers, educators and more until May 17.
Learn more about who qualifies and should apply or fill out an interest form.
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Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The new Families First Coronavirus Response Act takes effect April 2, 2020 and with it comes temporary requirements that impacts employers with less than 500 employees.
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Attached are executive orders recently signed by the governor.
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Castle Rock EDC Investors, Downtown Alliance Board Members, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce Members and ALL CASTLE ROCK BASED BUSINESSES!
Town Council in collaboration with the Castle Rock EDC, Downtown Alliance, Town staff and Colorado Lending Source have approved $800,000 in economic recovery programs to help Castle Rock based businesses through the COVID-19 economic crisis.
Castle Rock EDC, Castle Rock Downtown Alliance, Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ZOOM Conference FRIDAY April 10th at 9:00 AM to present these programs in more detail and bring you the latest Castle Rock COVID-19 Community Updates and Resources. Zoom LINK https://zoom.us/j/457266357?
- KIVA Loan Program: ($200,000) will support up to fifty 0% interest loans up to 15K. Castle Rock Economic Development fund will fund the campaign up to $4000.00 per Castle Rock based business.
- Town of Castle Rock Grant Program: ($200,000) Up to $5000 granted to qualifying Castle Rock based businesses Apply NOW at http://crgov.com/FormCenter/FINANCE-13/COVID19-Small-Business-Support-Grant-App-356
- NEW 0% Bridge Loan Fund: ($400,000) will be used to leverage a $1.5M to $2.0M loan fund to supporting loan up to $25,000 to qualifying Castle Rock based businesses. (See attached) This program was approved but relies heavily on having a private sector banking partner to participate. This loan will take a few weeks to engage and is intended to be more of a mid-term bridge loan option once the economic recovery timelines of COVID-19 become more clear. Notice will be sent out when applications are ready to be accepted.
*All funding is on a first come first serve basis and applicants will be required to have applied for, received or have been denied SBA PPP or EIDL Loans.
Castle Rock Business Development COVID Response Programs
Castle Rock EDC STRONGLY RECCOMENDS that all Castle Rock Businesses apply for the PPP or EIDL loan programs and then look to the Town resources to compliment those more robust resources.
Federal Programs:
EIDL Program
PPP Program
State Colorado Programs:
State of CO Dept. of Labor and Employment (CDLE)
Work-share alternative to laying off employees, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/layoffassistance
Other COVID 19 Recovery Resources___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund (Grants)
About the Program
Nonprofit organization, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, received a $2.5 million investment from Verizon that will be used to offer grants of up to $10,000 to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until more permanent financing becomes available. The first round of grant applications were collected from March 25th – April 4th, with a second round to be released mid-April. Applications will be reviewed and then entered into a lottery.
Eligibility
LISC will use the Verizon funding to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure from COVID-19, especially:
- Entrepreneurs of color
- Women-owned businesses
- Other enterprises in historically underserved communities who do not have access to flexible, affordable capital
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for paying rent and utilities, meeting payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors and other immediate operational costs.
Other information
- Eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission of requested documents
- Each awardee is limited to one grant per tax ID (business must provide a tax ID)
- For businesses owners with multiple businesses, please answer the survey based on the largest business owned
- Email verizongrantinfo@lisc.org for questions and troubleshooting
- Program information page: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/verizon-small-business-recovery-fund/
Verizon Grant Application
The first round of grant applications has closed. Interested applicants can register at the following link to be notified of the second round beginning mid-April: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/6FF3E206B37FBDE42540EF23F30FEDED. The grant application consists of 30 questions, primarily multiple choice requiring a single answer or short responses. A sample copy of the application is not available at this time.
Castle Rock Business Water Cares
Castle Rock Water has a great program to assist small businesses and you can find out all about it at http://crgov.com/2954/Castle-Rock-Water-Cares
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Today Governor Polis shared an approach for the month of May, after the statewide stay at home order expires Monday, April 27. In the next phase, Coloradans will have to continue to move to a sustainable way of social distancing, and still keeping social interactions at a minimum. Non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen under some restrictions to limit person to person contact. Official guidance on the restrictions is yet to come – we will send as soon as released. Here is a Denver Post article on the press conference.
The Next Phase—Safer at Home
Once the Stay at Home order is lifted at the end of the month, businesses will be allowed to reopen and people should still limit going out of their homes. At risk populations including older Coloradans, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions are encouraged to treat May as they did April and stay at home, with no outside contact. Nursing homes will remain under strict orders. Coloradans will need to keep social interactions down 65% for several months. During the stay at home order, social interactions have been down around 75-80%.
- Retailers will be able to open May 1 as long as they follow strict social distancing policies, and safety measures
- Offices can open May 4 at 50% capacity with strict safety precautions and checking temperatures
- Telecommuting is highly encouraged and expected to be maximized.
- Companies that need to have employees physically present will need to consider multiple shifts and other ways to limit contact among employees.
- K-12, and higher education institutions will remain closed in the next phase.
- Personal services like hair cutting salons will be able to open as long as they follow social distancing guidelines and wear masks.
- There will be a process for local governments to modify standards based on local conditions.
- Goal of May 15 for phased in opening of restaurants
- No parameters have been developed for how restaurants will open and follow social distancing.
Douglas County Releases 5-point COVID-19 Economic Recovery Framework
https://yourhub.denverpost.com/blog/2020/04/douglas-county-releases-5-point-covid-19-economic-recovery-framework/262671/
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Good Morning Castle Rock EDC Investors, Alliance Board and Town Council,
Please see the following updated Executive Orders (Attached) from DCBA.
Frank Gray
PLEASE NOTE – This is the Statewide standard, cities and counties can have stricter standards. Please see below for more in lower standards and guidelines.
Changes happening during Safer at Home will be phased in, with different changes going into effect April 27, May 1, and May 4.
- Safer at Home Order
- Elective Surgery and Procedures
- Governor’s New Normal Advisory Board
The Safer at Home Executive Order D 2020 044 outlines a new level in Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a more sustainable way of living for Coloradans while slowing the spread of the virus and allowing more Coloradans to return to work. The Executive Order is tentatively set to expire 30 days from April 27, 2020, but can be amended or extended at any time.
Coloradans should continue staying home as much as possible, and the Executive Order directs vulnerable populations, including seniors, to continue staying home, only leaving when absolutely necessary.
Changes happening during Safer at Home will be phased in, with different changes going into effect April 27, May 1, and May 4.
Monday, April 27
Retail businesses can open for curbside delivery. Real estate home showings can resume. Voluntary or elective medical, dental, and veterinary surgeries and procedures may resume if facilities are following required safety protocols.
Friday, May 1
Retail businesses can phase-in a public opening if they are implementing best practices.
Personal services can open if they are implementing best practices.
Monday, May 4
Offices can reopen at 50% reduced in-person staffing capacity, if best practices are being implemented to protect the health and safety of employees. Businesses are encouraged to allow employees to continue telecommuting at higher levels if possible. Child care facilities can also expand or reopen if they are following Safer at Home requirements.
Colorado is a diverse state and the Governor knows each community will have different needs. The Safer at Home order outlines the options local governments will have when it comes to slowing the spread of the virus and protecting their communities.
- Local governments can implement the guidelines of Safer at Home to match the State.
- Local governments can go further than the State, including but not limited to stay-at-home orders
- or additional protective measures.
- Local governments can relax guidelines more than the State. To do so, local governments will need
- to demonstrate proof of 14 consecutive days of decline of infection of COVID-19 in the county. They also must submit an application to CDPHE that includes a written COVID-19 suppression plan approved by the appropriate local public health authority, all hospitals
- within the jurisdiction, and elected leadership.
Read the Safer at Home Executive Order here.
The Governor also signed Executive Order D 2020 045, which will allow medical, dental, and veterinary voluntary or elective surgeries and procedures to resume as long as the health care facility or other setting is following the required safety protocols as set out in the Executive Order. This goes into effect Monday, April 27, 2020. Under this Executive Order, facilities performing these procedures must establish a plan to reduce or stop voluntary or elective surgeries and procedures if there is a surge of COVID-19 infections in the county or municipality in which they are located. CDPHE will determine the conditions that constitute a surge. Read the Executive Order here.
Earlier this week, Gov. Polis announced the New Normal Advisory Board. The Board will advise the Governor and CDPHE on coordinating and harmonizing policies and rules designed to maximize social distancing during the Safer at Home phase. The Board shall focus particularly on how local jurisdictions and local public health agencies can coordinate with the State on public education efforts that aim to maximize compliance and enforcement efforts for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Executive Order B 2020 002 here.
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| 18th JD Chief Judge Orders on COVID-19 |
| Below, please find 18th JD Chief Judge Orders issued by Judge Amico on COVID-19.
Arapahoe County CJO 20-08 Courthouse Operations Arapahoe County Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln Counties All 18th Judicial Districts ______________________________ |
Our attorneys are available to advise you in relation to these court issues, loan programs and other COVID-19 related matters impacting your current and future personal and business matters.