October 2024 Citizen Observer Corps Report Highlights

Nov 17, 2024

New Golf Course Approved
The council approved the filing for the Bella Ridge Golf Course, which is being developed by the Podtburg family, owners of the property. Stephanie Podtburg represented the family at the meeting. The first filing is for the playable course design and layout only. Podtburg said structures and amenities such as a driving range will be designed and brought for council approval later. Johnstown doesn’t currently have its own golf course. Residents at the meeting said this is an amazing addition to Johnstown, and that the town could consider hosting golf tournaments with potential to bring more business and revenue to Johnstown. Observer: Nanci Wendland

Wellington Business Center Plans Approved
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a site development plan and preliminary plat for Lots 7 and 8, part of the Wellington Business Center, located along the west I-25 Frontage Road. This phase of the property is zoned C-3 mixed-use commercial, allowing a wide range of business, office, retail, restaurant and service-related uses. Observer: Nanci Wendland

360-Degree Performance Review for Town Administrator
The board voted unanimously to use the Employers Council to conduct a 360-degree performance review for Town Administrator Patti Garcia. The town of Wellington is a current member of the Employers Council. A 360-degree performance review includes feedback from the employee along with the administrators’ direct reports, customers, and others who have interacted with the administrator. Observer: Nanci Wendland

Cost of Consultant Revealed
The AQ Board hired TD Enviro, based in Petaluma, CA, to offer advice on how the city should navigate the future of its commitments to air quality. Cost of this contract was $7,500. Among other recommendations, the consultant suggested the city should improve air monitoring in the city, improve communications, and redesign the air quality website.

2025 Utility Rates and Fees
2025 utility rates and fees were proposed to the board along with the potential impact to residents and the town budget. The town’s water rates are the highest in the area and are likely to grow.

The 2025 Budget Draft
The 2025 budget draft is now available. Expenditure delays are discussed. The marijuana tax in Wellington was increased to 5%. Observer: Nanci Wendland

Letter of Intent with UC Health
UCHealth voted to approve a letter of intent (LOI) for Estes Park Health to join UCHealth in 2025. If the proposal is adopted, local health clients will be able to use all of the hospitals and clinics of UC Health, the State’s largest Medicaid provider. The Estes Valley Voice, a local online newspaper, claims the failure to release the copy of the LOI is a violation of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Observer: Rebecca Urquhart

Rezoning Ordinance Discussed
A rezoning ordinance to allow taller and dense mixed use projects in every zone except residential was discussed and postponed for further public input. Staff asserted that the new Comprehensive Plan approved it, but discussions revealed that the code change would allow such uses in all areas, not just those targeted on the development map. Public comments asserted that the code change would significantly change the character of the Town and emphasized the detrimental effect of the increase in building heights. Observer: Rebecca Urquhart

County Asks Committee to Reconsider the Purpose of RFLPAC
The Larimer County Planning Department previously suggested the RFLPAC meet quarterly (instead of monthly), and only discuss land use and development issues. Chair of the RFLPAC Janice Weixelman and several other committee members expressed concern that residents’ questions and town issues, such as service for a public restroom, will not be addressed or answered without the RFLPAC. Weixelman asked who members of the community will go to with questions and problems if the RFLPAC is only for land use and land codes. By the end of the discussion, several RFLPAC members said they have a better understanding of the need to create another avenue with the county to solve problems, including the public restroom issue. Larimer County Community Development Director Rebecca Everette said she will seek the advice of Larimer County Manager Lorenda Volker or Assistant Manager Laurie Kadrich for developing a consistent process to meet the needs of all of Larimer County’s rural communities. Observer: Nanci Wendland

Properties Given Historic Landmark Designation
The board approved two properties for designation as local historic landmarks. One of the buildings is the Yancey Block located at 513 Main Street. This building was designed by architect Alice Felmlee and completed in 1905. The other building is located at 411 Main Street.

King Soopers Approved
A major incentive package worth up to $6 million was approved for a new King Soopers Marketplace expansion project, expected to create 375 new jobs and provide a $22 million net fiscal benefit to the town over 10 years. Observer: Shannon Murphy

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