Johnstown Town Council 3/04/24
by Nanci Wendland
For more information (including members in attendance) see the full notes document here.*
View the meeting agenda and packet.
From the Johnstown website: “Enhance the quality of life of our residents, businesses, and visitors through community-focused leadership.”
Key Points
Public Comments
Amy, a resident of Johnstown, questioned the $2.2M signage project to enhance the 2-block downtown area of Johnstown. Amy encouraged the council members to focus on the children of Johnstown and their safety instead of frivolous and in her words, “hideous” signage.
A 20-year resident, Leslie, asked the council members to take a hard look at the signage project and how much the town is spending. She said, “the amount of money blows my mind.” One of the first signs to go up is a 30’ sign by Sinclair. She asked why it had to be so high. Leslie said she checked budgets for signage in other small towns and most of them are $500,000 or less.
The council went into EXECUTIVE SESSION at 7:13 p.m. and concluded at 7:33 p.m.
An executive session to receive legal advice from the Town's Water Attorney pursuant to C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding Water Division No. 1 - Case Number: 20CW3011.
Consent Agenda
“The Consent Agenda is a group of routine matters to be acted on with a single motion and vote.” Ordinance 2024-241 and Resolution 2024-10 were read out loud before the vote. The Town Council unanimously approved.
- February 21, 2024, Meeting Minutes
- Ordinance 2024-241: Second Reading, Approving the Larson Annexation
- Resolution 2024-10: Setting the Public Hearing Date for the Yellow Roof Annexation
- Annexation Agreement - Larson Annexation
- Boundary Agreement Between the Town of Milliken and Town of Johnstown
- February 2024 List of Bills
Town Clerk Hannah Hill explained the process for a new audio/visual software system in the Council chambers. Town Clerk Hill said the Council is aware there have been several audio and video issues, including poor audio quality with the disk microphones. Hill’s department reached out for quotes from local providers, including their current provider, XCite. After reviewing and interviewing each vendor, the staff’s recommendation is to pursue a contract with High County Low Voltage to replace the current system. Staff believes High Country Low Voltage will be able to streamline the technology being utilized for a more efficient process. Other benefits of moving forward with High Country Low Voltage are below (detail on page 91 of the packet).
- Gooseneck microphones at the dais to improve the sound quality when someone is speaking.
- Speaker in the media room for live streaming coordination.
- A dedicated audio mixing system for an improved audio experience for remote audiences.
- The installation of an assisted listening device.
- Updated amplifier for improved volume control throughout Chambers.
The council unanimously approved using High Country for this project.
Resolution No. 2024-13 was unanimously approved for the sale and purchase of .317 acres between the Town of Johnstown and Bruce Gillam Development Corp. The acreage will be developed to enhance storm water management.
Resolution No. 2024-11: The Council unanimously approved the development design guidelines for North Ridge. The North Ridge development of approximately 60 acres was approved in 2006 as a business park. In 2023, the agreement was amended to include a little residential along with mostly commercial and retail use. This new design maintains continuity with an existing West Ridge development. The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the plan Feb. 2024.
Resolution No. 2024-12: The Council unanimously approved the development design guidelines for The Ridge, just south of North Ridge. The Ridge is an extension of the West Ridge and North Ridge developments. The Ridge is approximately 159 acres with 23 acres in the southeast corner remaining as mutli-family developed by someone else. It will be a mix-use of residential, retail, and commercial consistent in design with the other developments.
Mayor Mellon said the Johnstown YMCA has the largest membership in Northern Colorado and larger than the Lafayette YMCA and the Longmont YMCA. Mellon encourages everyone to continue supporting the Johnstown YMCA.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. The council went into Executive Session.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
An Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter Under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(f) - Town Manager Evaluation.
Next Meeting:
March 18, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. 450 S. Parish Ave., Johnstown, CO 80534, or online Town of Johnstown Facebook page.
Questions to Consider:
Have residents of Johnstown weighed in on their opinion of a signage plan and its associated costs?
Are there issues surrounding the new boundary agreement with Milliken?
*Citizen Observers further the commitment of the League of Women Voters to its principle of Citizens Right to Know, however, we are not acting as journalists. Omissions and errors are possible. It is assumed that users of this information are responsible for their own fact-checking. This could include contacting a government clerk, conversing with an elected official or staff, and/or asking us to speak to the Observer who attended.