November 2024 Citizen Observer Corps Highlights
By
Jorie Kramer
Posted: 2024-12-17T15:15:36Z
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Compiled by Jorie Kramer, Larimer County Snapshot News
Colorado Citizen Observers
Dec 7
- Residents expressed their concerns about a proposed mill levy that would fund Windsor’s downtown development authority. They stated they were frustrated with the DDA Board, alleging that the DDA prioritizes events over development, functions more like a Downtown Chamber, and fails to uphold development promises. Residents also voiced concerns about the tax burden and the many times small business owners are asked to participate in DDA events. Due to hearing from these citizens, the town board voted to postpone voting on the mill levy until the town board meeting on December 9.
- Dean Moyer, Windsor’s director of finance, gave a presentation proposing a yearlong grocery sales tax rebate pilot program for lower-income residents. The Board unanimously approved a resolution calling for the implementation of the grocery sales tax rebate pilot program.
- The Town admitted to a $79,000 billing error due to water meter replacements; a resolution for waiving fees was not reached before the meeting recording stopped.
Observer: Shannon Murphy
- The committee is considering doubling current campaign contribution limits, plus inflation. Current campaign limits are $100 for contributions to the campaign of a mayoral candidate and $75 to a District Council member candidate. Potential changes would be $150 for District Council member candidate and $200 for mayoral candidate, rounding up to the nearest dollar.
Observer: Election Reform Team of LWV-Larimer County
- The Johnstown municipal code was amended to allow gun owners with concealed carry permits to continue carrying guns in public spaces, except for judicial and government spaces.
Observer: Nanci Wendland
- Nathan Ewert, Deputy Director of Public Works & Engineering, showed the board a revised map of the Boxelder Creek Dam. It identifies which residents would be affected by flood. In early 2021, Larimer County released a preliminary flood insurance risk study, which showed potential to impact several new subdivisions in Wellington. The floodplain impacts now include:
- 67 properties moved into the floodplain which would require purchase of flood insurance if the owners have a federally backed mortgage.
- 10 properties moved into the floodway and are not allowed to rebuild if there is substantial damage to their property.
- All affected residents will be sent notices with instructions on how to apply for flood insurance. A map of the affected areas can be found on the Colorado Hazard & Mapping Risk MAP Portal.
- Trustee David Weigand recommended residents contact their insurance company for verification.
Observer: Nanci Wendland
The full reports by Citizen Observers for the League of Women Voters of Larimer County are available on this Substack.
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