Red Feather Lakes Planning Advisory Committee Meeting 3/28/24

For more information (including members in attendance) see the full notes document here.*

View the meeting agenda.

Videos are not posted.

From the Larimer County Boards & Commissions website: “The Red Feather Lakes Planning Advisory Committee (RFLPAC) is a committee of citizens who live, work/volunteer or own property within the Red Feather Lakes Plan Area, appointed by the Larimer County Board of Commissioners. Its purpose is to provide an organized forum to facilitate communication with the County and within the community on issues that impact Red Feather Lakes (RFL).”

Key Points

Chris Manley from the Larimer County Waste Management department updated the committee about a water/wastewater feasibility study that was done in RFL in 2022. Manley said the preliminary report, based on the 2022 study, is finished and the project is now on the county’s list of future projects. If RFL wants to apply for state funds to complete the project, Manley said they will need to submit the preliminary report along with evidence that the town has the resources to manage and financially support this facility after completion.

Manley presented the following concerns and ideas for this project:

1. Annual maintenance costs are estimated at $200K - $250K.
2. Who will operate the facility, and what will those costs be?
3. The biggest challenge, according to Manley, is the terrain, which is spread out and rocky, and would be costly to expand a network of pipes from the facility to all residents.
4. Manley suggested setting up an HOA with an attached Metro District which could help cover ongoing costs, and a Sanitation District could be set up to manage the funds and the facility.
5. This water/wastewater facility would not include Glacier View or Crystal Lake areas. They currently have their own HOA’s and water facilities.

Committee member Svendsen said a study was done many years ago, and at that time, no one in RFL wanted an HOA and/or rules. They have septic systems and wells that if working, do not justify paying additional costs for a service they don’t feel they need. Svendsen believes it would probably take a catastrophic event to get residents to change their minds and want a water/wastewater plant.

Committee member Johnson said the demographics in RFL are changing with younger people buying into the community and they want better services. Johnson says the committee and town residents should take advantage of any available funds right now. “Marketing is the key,” Johnson said. “Show the residents how this would add value to the community.”

Committee member Cates doesn’t want the committee and/or County to just throw money at this project. He said there needs to be a design first.

1. Where will RFL put the facility?
2. How will the lines be connected? What about easements on residents’ property?
3. What if residents don’t agree to an easement?

Larimer County Engineers Lafferty and Peterson both said the design is already done and is part of the preliminary report. The County and Metro Districts have easement powers and will pay property owners for right-of-way easements based on negotiated and appraised values.

Chair Weixelman wondered where to go from here. She asked, “What are we selling? Are there any current hazards, such as septic leach fields contaminating lakes? Or is this just a pet project that some people want, but many others don’t?”

The committee agreed a survey is needed to find out how residents feel about adding a water/wastewater facility, the costs to build the facility, annual maintenance and operation of the facility, and the cost for residents to hook up their homes to water and sewer lines. Committee member Johnson offered to work with Lafferty and Peterson on a survey format and wording.

Committee members agreed that Chapter 5 of the Red Feather Lakes Area Plan addressing land use and zoning doesn’t need to be revised. It still holds to the original vision for the town. Rezoning can be considered when initiating specific projects within town boundaries.

An Assessor from the Larimer County Assessor’s office will be at the April 25 meeting to answer resident’s questions about increased property taxes throughout RFL. The committee expects a large crowd.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Next meeting – April 25, 2024, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in-person at the Firehouse meeting room, 44 Firehouse Lane, Red Feather Lakes, CO., or online via Zoom.

Questions To Consider

Will residents of Red Feather see value in pursuing federal funds centralized water and wastewater treatment?

*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.