The April 6, 2023 City Council meeting began with the consideration of 3 individuals to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Parks and Recreation department Director, Cindy Keating clarified that the board consists of seven members with Council liaison, and each member serving a two year term.
Don Dezellem and Jeff Webb were unanimously reappointed for a third term.
Danuta Brown was unanimously reappointed for a second term.
The Woodland Park school district attended the City Council meeting, represented by Interim Superintendent Ken Witt,School Board President David Rusterholtz, and School Board Vice President David Illingworth. Mr. Illingworth addressed the Council with updates to the Woodland Park School district.
With Councilmember David Ott’s recent resignation, Councilmembers were tasked with appointing a new liaison to the Historical Preservation Committee. Councilmembers moved to appoint Frank Connors to the position. The motion passed with a 5-1 vote.
Woodland Park Police Chief Chris Deisler recognized his dedicated telecommunications staff. Mayor LaBarre and Council initiated a celebratory Proclamation, officially recognizing April 9-15 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators’ Week in Woodland Park. When speaking of his team of dispatchers, Chief Deisler stated the goal is for their efforts to be “as seamless as possible to all citizens.” He extended his gratitude and appreciation to each of them for their continued service to the community.
Council then considered the process for the appointment of a new City Councilmember to replace David Ott. Leclercq offered clarification of the available options to Council. These options included: Appoint or select a new Councilmember, accept applications to review and interview candidates, hold a public election, or take no action. If an individual is appointed, they will serve for approximately one-year, fulfilling Council duties until the next regularly held election, in April 2024. Mayor Pro-Tem Case made a motion to consider applications. The motion passed with a 5-1 vote Applications will be accepted through noon on April 27, 2023. Applications will be considered and applicants interviewed at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on May 4, 2023. Interested individuals can apply on our City website.
Council heard from Finance Director Aaron Vassalotti on initial posting, regarding Ordinance 1445, and the adoption of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act (Colorado House Bill 21-1162,) and establishing penalties for violating the act. After consideration of staff recommendations, Council moved to approve the ordinance, and set public hearing for April 20, 2023 with a 5-1 vote.
Next on the agenda was the approval of ordinance 1443 - extending the temporary moratorium on the submission, acceptance, processing and approval of applications for all business licenses for short-term rentals to December 31, 2023. Council approved the moratorium extension with a 5-1 vote.
Ordinance 1444, the issue of granting a special use permit with a site plan review for the purpose of Verizon Wireless constructing and utilizing a concealed antenna communication facility in public/semi-public lands was heard by Council. The proposed structure would be located on the western portion of the Woodland Aquatic Center grounds, bordering Baldwin Street. The proposed structure would stand approximately 60 feet tall, house all telecommunications components enclosed in the structure, and offer architecture style consistent with the aesthetic of the existing building. The motion passed with a 4-2 vote, and the item will be heard again at the next City Council meeting.
Under matters of new business, Director of Public Works, Ben Schmitt presented Council with an approval of contract for the Woodland Park Hockey Rink repairs in the amount of $330,967.96, between Becker Arena Products and the City of Woodland Park. The bulk of the improvements would center around the addition of fiberglass boards. The Woodland Park Hockey Association donated $7,500 to the project. The motion passed unanimously.
During the Mayor’s report, Mayor LaBarre shared details of upcoming local events for citizens of all ages throughout the month of April.
April 13-15 the Woodland Park Community Church is hosting the semi-annual children’s consignment sale, the Munchkin Market.
April 14, the City of Woodland Park, Parks and Recreation Department is hosting their monthly, Friday Night Creative Chill event at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Registration is required for this event.
April 15, the Ute Pass - Woodland Park Kiwanis are hosting Kiwanis Crabby Tax Night event at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
April 16 is the deadline for registering for the City of Woodland Park, Parks and Recreation department co-ed adult softball league team sign-up.
During Council reports, Councilmembers shared a few important updates:
Councilmember Connors shared VFW meetings, taking place at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall on highway 67, meeting the first Wednesday of each month.
Concilmember Nakai shared an update after attending the Historical Preservation Committee meeting, that the group is moving forward with Depot building remodeling, as well as headstone restoration of both the Woodland Park and Templeton cemeteries. Ms. Nakai also shared the news that the Ute Pass Historical Society, along with local citizen Steve Plutte, were able to have the Crystola Bridge successfully added to the Colorado register of Historical Places, a notable distinction for the community. The Historical Society is featuring a public viewing of their new documentary, “Dude Ranches: In the Shadow of Pikes Peak,” on April 16, 2023 at Gold Hill Theatres locally. Admission is $7, with a limited number of tickets available.
Councilmember Neal shared an update from the DDA concerning the approval of three passed resolutions.
Councilmember Zuluaga asked that the community mark their calendars for the 21st annual Citywide Clean-Up event, scheduled for June 3, 2023, sponsored by the Keep Woodland Park Beautiful committee.
City Manager Michael Lawson, reminded all area residents of the Stage 2 burn ban currently in place for Woodland Park and surrounding Teller County. Residents are reminded to exercise extra caution during this time and reduce unnecessary risk of wildfires.
Finance Director, Aaron Vassalotti concluded the meeting with a brief sales tax update. Year-to-date, the City is showing a 5% increase in sales tax revenue, and a 15% increase in lodging tax revenue.
The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2023.