Board of Trustees Action Items
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Gateway North Final Development Plan Approved

Following a Public Hearing, the Board of Trustees approved Ordinance 1072, which approves the Gateway North Apartments Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment. This amendment updates the Gateway North Multi-Family Final Development Plan Amendment #1. The property is located at 11371 Arbor Street, in the northwest corner of the Gateway North Apartments.

The approved PUD Amendment allows the addition of two new residential buildings in this area, adding 42 units and 162 new parking spaces. With this approval, the next step for the applicant will be a Minor Plat Amendment to combine the existing lots, followed by a Final Development Plan. Both steps are approved administratively.

Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures Updated

During Wednesday night’s meeting, the Board of Trustees approved Resolution 25-119, updating the Rules of Procedure for the Board of Trustees.  The update includes removing the requirements set forth in the Rules of Procedure for the Board to hold regular meetings on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month and work sessions on the third Wednesday of each month. This will allow the Board flexibility to adjust the meeting schedule as needed.

Starting in January 2026, the Board of Trustees’ new meeting schedule will be as follows:

• Work Sessions 2nd Wednesday of each month
• Regular Meetings 3rd Wednesday of each month
• 4th Wednesday will remain unscheduled, but may be used for special meetings as needed

Reminder: Due to upcoming holidays, the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting scheduled for December 24, 2025, has been cancelled. The most current meeting schedule, along with the agenda and agenda packets, can be found in the Agenda Center. 

Election Updates

At the Special Election on November 4, 2025, a majority of Firestone voters approved ballot question 2J, authorizing the Town to move its regular election from the first Tuesday in April of each even-numbered year to the Tuesday on which the statewide general election is held in November of each even-numbered year.

During Wednesday night’s meeting, the Board of Trustees approved Ordinance 1068, formally establishing the Town’s new regular election date. The Town of Firestone will now coordinate with Weld County on the administration and scheduling of future regular elections.

2026 Water Rates Approved

During the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, December 10, the Board approved Resolution 25-128, which set the Water Rates for 2026. The total increase is 8.2%. This increase is comprised of a 5% increase based on the adopted 2023 Water Rate and Fee Study and a 3.2% increase, which is directly related to the Central Weld County Water District (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 2026 and will be updated online here.

More Information

On August 1, 2025, the Town received notification of a new round of rate changes from CWCWD.  While the tier rates and base fee did not change, CWCWD elected to eliminate the water credit included for each tap equivalent, reducing the allotment from 2,000 to 0.  The Town was expecting a reduction from 2,000 to 1,000, but with this additional decrease in allotment and no rate changes, the Town will still experience an increase in the monthly cost from CWCWD effective November 1, 2025. Based on data analysis and calculations by staff, the Town anticipates an 3.2% increase is needed to cover solely the CWCWD rate increase.

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, infrastructure and storage fees, 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.

The rate structure also continues the Board of Trustees policy that growth, not residents, pays for new water capital improvements.  By utilizing revenues attributable to the Water Action Plan, the Town is also actually able to slightly subsidize water costs for current residents.

Water Line of Credit Approved

During the June 2025 Board Retreat, Town Staff and the Board of Trustees discussed creating a more efficient way to fund future water acquisitions and water storage to support ongoing development and growth. In past years, the Town has issued debt through traditional municipal bonds and has been able to repay that debt quickly. While bonds remain a viable tool, the process can be time-consuming and often results in additional fees.

At the November 12 Board of Trustees meeting, Town Staff presented an alternative: establishing a Line of Credit, including a detailed overview of the proposed terms.

During Wednesday night’s meeting, the Board of Trustees approved issuing a $40 million Line of Credit through Vectra Bank. This funding option will allow the Town to draw funds as needed and more efficiently support timely water acquisitions.

As always, any future water acquisitions and any associated funding must be approved by the Board of Trustees in accordance with the Town of Firestone’s Purchasing Policy.

Additional Information

View the complete December 10, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting packet and recording of the meeting 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.