Board of Trustees Action Items
Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Barefoot Lakes Filing 7 Preliminary Plat Approved

After a Public Hearing, the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 23-111, approving a preliminary subdivision plat for the Barefoot Lakes Filing 7 development. Filing 7 of Barefoot Lakes is located at the northeast corner of Birch Street and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. The preliminary plat includes 658 total lots composed of single-family detached, single-family attached, and duplex units. It also includes a lot for the future Frederick-Firestone Fire Station and a mixed-use amenity area.

The preliminary plat also includes parks and open spaces located throughout the site.  A trail network is proposed that will eventually provide access from all areas of the site to the park areas as well as access to the pedestrian underpass to cross under Ronald Reagan Blvd. into Barefoot Lakes Filing 6 and ultimately to the trail system around the lakes.

With the approval of the preliminary plat, the developer can move on to the final plat process for the property.

New Water Rates Approved

During the November 8, 2023, Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved Resolution 23-119, adopting a new water rate structure that includes a residential class with 5 threshold tiers and 4 non-residential classes based on the 2023 Water Rate and Fee Study. This study evaluated water tap fees, water infrastructure and storage fees, water customer demand analysis, 10-year financial plans, cost of service analysis, and a water rate design. The primary purpose of this study was to ensure the financial sustainability of the water utility and to ensure the rates and fees recovered can adequately cover the costs of providing water service to Firestone customers.

Additionally, earlier this fall, the Town of Firestone received notification from Central Weld County Water District (CWCWD) that their fees would increase between 20-50% effective November 1, 2023.  During the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, December 13, the Board approved Resolution 23-126, which includes an additional 5.7% increase, which is directly related to the CWCWD increase and was determined to be the actual impact on the Town based on calculations and data analysis performed by staff. 

The approved rates will be implemented starting in January 2024 and will be updated online here.

Central Park Feasibility Study Approved

During the November 8, 2023 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 23-120, a MOU and Advisory Services Agreement, with P3 Advisors LLC to perform due diligence and feasibility analysis for possible development on a Town-owned parcel commonly known as Central Park.  

For almost twenty years, the Town has engaged in multiple efforts aimed at preparing and initiating a Central Park development program. To date, none of those previous plans/efforts have come to fruition. In 2021, the Town initiated a comprehensive, public, and transparent effort to prepare a conceptual master plan. While that plan remains the basis for current efforts, it is necessary for the Town to take additional, targeted steps to determine the feasibility of incorporating private development/investment within a more detailed Central Park development plan. Working with P3 Advisors is the next logical step toward developing an actionable, financially sound plan to initiate the development of a first-class resident amenity that could also generate needed private investment. Without a dedicated funding source, the Town has no way to execute any development plan(s). 

At the end of the November 8, 2023, meeting, the Mayor advised the Board of Trustees that he was not signing Resolution 23-120 but was taking it under consideration. The Mayor later decided to veto the Resolution, and his objections were read into the record at the Board's November 22, 2023 meeting. At its December 13, 2023 meeting, the Board, by a vote of 5-1, overrode the Mayor's veto. 

Beginning in January, P3 Advisors will meet monthly with the Board of Trustees during Work Sessions to provide updates and receive direction on the feasibility study. More information about those meetings and online outreach, including the ability to provide direct feedback to the Board of Trustees on this project, will be shared with the public soon. 

Additional Information

View the complete December 13, 2023 Board of Trustees Meeting Packet here.
 
Board of Trustees Action Items are brief summaries of some, but not all, agenda items and do not serve as the official meeting minutes. To request approved meeting minutes of Board of Trustees meetings, please contact the Town Clerk's Office at townclerk@firestoneco.gov.