March 2025 Citizen Observer Highlights
By
Jorie Kramer
Posted: 2025-04-13T04:32:18Z
- Storm Drainage Project to Cost an extra $241,000
- The council approved the funds to redesign drainage by eliminating a retention pond for the Sandra Drive storm drainage.
- Johnstown YMCA Reports $467,000 Loss
- Town Manager Matt LeCerf asked the council how to handle a reported $467K loss by the Johnstown YMCA in 2024. Council member Dee Anne Menzies said Johnstown agreed to contribute $30 million to the YMCA, and in return the YMCA agreed to report financials to the Council. The town makes monthly payments to the organization. Menzies said she’s been in the YMCA recently and said it’s rodent infested, the staff is not properly trained, and last year they spent $250K on pool maintenance and repair. Menzies recommends a 3-year audit covering 2022, 2023, and 2024, along with hiring new management. Several council members agreed that the first step should be to confront the YMCA management team during a special council work session. No vote was taken on this resolution, and the special work session is scheduled for March 24.
- McWhinney Donates $5,000 to Senior Center
- McWhinney Real Estate developers announced a $5,000 donation to the Johnstown Senior Center. Mayor Michael Duncan asked the council to approve a dollar-for-dollar match to show good faith support to the senior community. This would give the senior center a total of $10K to apply wherever needed. The council unanimously approved and will take the funds from the Legislative fund.
Observer: Nanci Wendland
- Traffic Regulations Updated
- The council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-269. It adopts the 2024 edition of the Model Traffic Code updated by the State Legislature every four years. Town Attorney Avi Rocklin said this updated version addresses roundabouts and reinforces previous regulations regarding traffic yielding to emergency vehicles.
Observer: Nanci Wendland
- Catering Donation Approved
- Carlene Irion from the American Legion requested $2,000 for catering a celebration honoring 250 years of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. Mayor Julie Cline confirmed funding was available in the budget and the Board unanimously approved the Outside Funding Request for the American Legion.
- Land Use Designation Change Denied
- Sandra Mezzetti, Senior Planner, presented a Land Use Map Amendment (LUMA) proposal for the Windsor Comprehensive Plan. The proposal sought to change the land use designation of a 5-acre portion of the Trautman Subdivision 4th Filing at 29918 Weld County Road 17 from "Commercial Mixed-Use" to "Medium Density Residential." Timberline Church owns the land and intends to develop a church campus on the majority of their property, but not on the southernmost 5 acres. They approached Journey Homes LLC in 2023 about selling this parcel and developing approximately 28 residential units that would connect with the existing Trautman subdivision. Board Members LainiePeltz, Rick Klimek, and Jason Hallett supported the amendment, arguing that the site was not well-suited for commercial development and should be rezoned for residential use. However, Board Members Ron Steinbach, Brian Jones, Ken Symsack, and Mayor Cline opposed the request, expressing concerns that approving it would create a precedent for future land redesignations. The motion failed in a 3-4 vote.
- Guns in Public Places Ordinance Approved
- Stephen Garrison of the Windsor Police Department proposed an ordinance amending the Municipal Code regarding the carrying of firearms in government buildings. A recent change in Colorado state law prohibits carrying firearms in government buildings, but this local ordinance would allow open carry in government buildings unless a sign is posted. It also allows concealed carry with a valid permit even when a sign is posted. Firearms would be prohibited in the Town Recreation Center and Town Hall during Municipal Court, but the Town Board Members, for example, would be able to decide to post a sign prohibiting open carry during Town Board meetings. The proposal sparked debate among Board Members. Board Member Symsack opposed, stating, “I feel less safe the more guns that are in this room.” Board Member Jones supported the ordinance, arguing that failure to approve it would infringe on constitutional rights. Cline acknowledged the value of allowing local control, but Symsack reminded her that they often ask for the state to make laws so local municipalities do not have to. The Ordinance Opting Out Of The Requirements Set Forth In Senate Bill 24-131 Concerning Firearms In Sensitive Spaces, And Amending The Town Of Windsor Municipal Code By The Adoption Of A New Section 10-4-230 To Permit The Carrying Of Firearms In The Town Of Windsor Town Hall passed 5-2, with Town Board Members Steinbach and Symsack opposing.
Observer: Shannon Murphy
- ADA Lift Contract Approved
- JGibbs Construction LLC was awarded a contract for $85,000 to install an ADA lift at the Municipal Building.
- Natural Gas 20 Year Franchise Approved, Residents to See Monthly Increase
- Black Hills Energy was granted a continuing natural gas franchise for 20 years with a 3% monthly increase to residents.
- Water, Wastwater, and Stormwater Study OK’d
- Now that the water/wastewater plant is completed, Raftelis Consulting will perform a water, wastewater, and stormwater utility and fee rate study at a cost of $24,560.
- Residential Watering Restrictions Set As Guidelines Only
- Town Attorney Dan Sapienza recommended the Board of Trustees set the 2025 watering restrictions as guidelines only. He said depending on the weather over the next couple of months, watering guidelines should be voluntary. He said the town can now meet its water consumption with the new water/wastewater plant completed and running. Sapienza also recommended that if there are restrictions in the future, policy should be changed to say that Homeowner Associations cannot fine owners when they are complying with town restrictions (i.e. brown lawns.)
Observer: Nanci Wendlend
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