Observer Corps - Colorado Citizen Observers

Thompson School District Board of Education Special Meeting September 9, 2025

Observer: Lisa Love Blankenship

• District Considers Policies Related to Law Enforcement and Immigration
• The passage of Colorado’s SB25-276, Protect Civil Rights Immigration Status, requires that school districts adopt policies to guide their actions if authority asks employees to share information relating to a person’s immigration status. Todd Piccone, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, presented two policies, drafted with input from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) and law firm Caplan & Earnest. One policy covers general plans, and the other adds procedural details. Legal counsel advised approving these policies on a temporary emergency basis in order to meet state deadlines, but the board will have a second reading and final decision during the Sept. 17 regular meeting. Superintendent Bret Heller agreed with board comments about the importance of communicating with the public once the final policies are in place. The board unanimously approved both policies on a temporary basis. Editor’s Note: The board approved these policies at their September 17, 2025, meeting.

Timnath Town Council Meeting | September 9, 2025

Observer: Linda Burrous

• Transportation Plan Begins for Old Town Timnath
• Kim Koivuniemi, Senior Civil Engineer for the Town, presented the parameters of the Old Town Transportation Plan. Based on traffic density “triggers,” the project should provide different scenarios as growth continues. The goal is to improve safety for all modes of transportation, including pedestrian and bicycle traffic. It will also enhance intersection functionality and help plan future infrastructure. The $149,720 cost of the project is covered in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) budget. Work is expected to conclude in February 2026. Minor corrections such as signage and striping are expected to be completed this year.

Wellington Board of Trustees | September 9, 2025

Observer: Nanci Wendland

• Wellington Moves Forward to Comply with Affordable Housing
• Planning Director Cody Bird recommended the town commit to Proposition 123 to increase affordable housing in Wellington and pursue the Fast-Track option. Bird said he believes all of this is feasible and his team is ready to begin applying for grants and updating Land Use codes and policies. Final approval is needed by the town Board of Trustees.
• 2025 Finances for Wellington Align with the Town’s Budget
• Town Treasurer and Finance Director Redavid presented the 2025 financial report for the second quarter and said the town finances are on track with the budget.
• Wellington Advances Transportation Study
• The board unanimously approved a consultant agreement with Felsbur Holt Ullevig (FHU) to conduct a Transportation and Mobility Master Plan, Impact Fee Nexus Study, and Street Design Guidelines and Standards. The town’s cost will be $99,910.

Thompson School District Board of Education Regular Meeting September 17, 2025

Observer: Lisa Love Blankenship

• TSD Board President Receives State Award
• Board President Barb Kruse received the McGuffee Award for outstanding service at the recent Colorado Association of School Board’s regional meeting.
• Homecoming Dresses Giveaway
• The Thompson Education Foundation gave away 63 dresses to students at a recent event. More dress giveaways are planned.
• Public Comments Covered Wide Variety of Topics
• Two parents spoke in support of LGBTQ inclusivity policies. One noted the importance of having unified policies for all schools in the district.
• A TSD counselor spoke in support of simplifying the process that senior students must complete to demonstrate that they have met competencies for graduation.
• A TSD staff member speaking as a member of the public voiced appreciation for the time the board took to review the CASB resolutions.
• A community member and grandparent of TSD students called in to bring attention to the dangers of releasing test scores and making assumptions about students before data analysis.

Windsor Town Board Regular Meeting | September 22, 2025

Observer: Shannon Murphy

• Windsor Advances on Psilocybin Regulations
• The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously voted 4-2 to approve an ordinance that would allow Natural Healing Medicine Centers and Businesses to operate in Windsor. The Town Board unanimously approved the first reading of the regulations that will allow Natural Medicine Healing Centers and Businesses. The second reading is planned for October 13, 2025.
• Sex Offenders Living in Windsor Must Limit Distance to Certain Facilities
• Kurt Clow, Police Commander, presented the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2025-1726. The ordinance prohibits registered sex offenders from residing within 1,000 feet of parks, playgrounds, or schools, or within 500 feet of daycare centers, recreation centers, and other child-focused facilities. Board Member Ken Symsack opposed the measure, citing research showing such ordinances lack evidence of reducing recidivism. He also had a concern that the restrictions could harm children of sex offenders (e.g., by preventing families from living in places like apartments with playgrounds). In a 6-1 vote, the Board approved the Ordinance Adding Article XIII to Chapter 10 of the Windsor Municipal Code Regarding Residential Setbacks For Registered Sex Offenders.
• Ordinance Limits Endless Garage Sales
• The board heard the second reading of an ordinance to regulate “continuous garage sales,” which have been the source of complaints that they create parking issues and neighborhood disruption. The ordinance limits each residence to three garage sales per year, lasting no more than three consecutive days each. Items must be stored in enclosed structures by sunset each day, and signs must be removed within two hours after sales end. The board unanimously approved the ordinance.
• Police Commended for Response to Gun Shots
• Board Member Jason Hallett commended the Police Department on quickly securing Severance Schools after gunshots were heard nearby the school on September 18, 2025.

Timnath Town Council Meeting | September 23, 2025

Observer: Linda Burrous

• $5 Million Deficit Noted for Timnath Landing GID
• An audit for the Timnath Landing General Improvement District (GID) showed that the net position of the GID for 2024 was negative $5 million. The audit showed the deficit is reportedly due to a combination of factors, including liability of the developer, advances from the Town of Timnath, and post-employment benefits for workers.
• Timnath Receives Certificate for Audit
• The council unanimously approved the 2024 Audit of the Town of Timnath. Along with receiving a “clean rating,” it was noted that the Finance Department was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. That award comes from the Government Finance Officers Association.
• Video/Radar Equipment To Be Installed at Timnath Intersections
• Kim Koivuniemi, Senior Engineer for Timnath, explained that Timnath currently has ten traffic signals that are becoming unreliable and are no longer serviceable, as parts are no longer available. Using advanced radar-video sensor fusion technology, Vantage Next equipment is already successfully deployed at Larimer County Road 5 (CR5) and Kechter Roads and is used by CDOT Region 4 (includes Larimer and Weld Counties), enhancing the communication and fluidity of systems along our shared corridors. She said this system will also advance the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) initiative. The council unanimously approved a resolution to purchase and install the Vantage Next signal detection equipment.
• Preliminary Ladera South and Swets Development Plan Receives Approval
• Despite conflicting visions for a small park, the council gave approval to a preliminary plat for the Ladera South Subdivision. How much land will be for parks and how much for development remain to be decided. Representatives from Connell Resources, owner of the property, say they want less development because the area is prone to floods. They want the focus to remain on the site’s natural beauty and habitat, which includes migratory birds. They say the land is more conducive to passive recreation and would be more resilient to flooding if it remains in its natural state. The council encouraged the planning department staff and Ladera Development to work together towards resolution of the issues.

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