Wellington Board of Trustees 3/25/25

Main Topics

• JGibbs Construction LLC was awarded a contract for $85,000 to install an ADA lift at the Municipal Building.
• Black Hills Energy was granted a continuing natural gas franchise for 20 years with a 3% monthly increase to residents.
• Now that the water/wastewater plant is completed, Raftelis Consulting will perform a water, wastewater, and stormwater utility and fee rate study at a cost of $24,560.
• The name, purpose, and function of the Wellington Finance Advisory Board was approved, and the board will continue to meet on an as-needed basis.
• Town Attorney Sapienza recommended the Board of Trustees set the 2025 watering restrictions as guidelines only. He said depending on the weather over the next couple of months, watering guidelines should be voluntary.

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Public Comment

A resident said it is insane to raise rates for anything in this town. He said he questioned why the town was going after a fee increase on power usage (referring to an ordinance on tonight’s agenda for Black Hills Gas). He said all the high rates are chasing people out of this town.

All items on the Consent Agenda were unanimously approved. Details are in the packet.

1. March 11, 2025, meeting minutes
2. Resolution No. 09-2025 approving a contract for installation of an ADA lift at the Municipal Services building.
   1. JGibbs Construction LLC was awarded the contract for $85,000

Ordinance No. 02-2025 was unanimously approved granting Black Hills Colorado Gas Inc. dba Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise and authority to construct, operate, and maintain a natural gas distribution plant and right of access to the streets, alleys, and other public places within the corporate limits of the town of Wellington, Colo. The franchise agreement is a 20-year term at the cost of a 3% franchise fee to town residents based on usage. The average increase is estimated at $2.04 per month. Black Hills Energy will pay the town $105,000 for the agreement. Wellington plans to use the funds for a School Resource Officer (SRO). All Trustees supported the franchise agreement and agreed that school safety is in the best interest of the town.

Resolution No. 10-2025 was unanimously approved, granting a consulting services contract to the Public Works department. Public Works Deputy Director Smith requested an updated utility rate and fee study now that the water, wastewater, and stormwater project is complete and in use. The estimated cost is $24,560 and will be granted to Raftelis. Raftelis performed a comprehensive water and wastewater study in 2022.

Ordinance No. 03-2025 was unanimously approved, amending the Wellington Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article 16 updating the name, purpose, and function of the Wellington Finance Advisory Board. The original Wellington Finance Committee Advisory Board was established in 2022, and its intent was to provide transparency to residents about the financial reports and internal processes. Approved changes are below:

1. Change the name to Wellington Finance Advisory Board in alignment with other Town entities.
2. Update the purpose:
   1. Continue to include the Advisory Board in reviews of the budget, financial reports, and internal controls.
   2. Incorporate an advisory capacity for Town staff.
3. Update member eligibility:
   1. Include requirements to be residents of the Town.
   2. Remove restriction on members serving other Town boards/commissions
4. Update membership and terms:
   1. Simplify board composition to allow any number of members up to seven, serving two years.
   2. Name the Town Treasurer, appointed by the Board of Trustees, as a member and chair of the Advisory Board.
5. Update meetings:
   1. The Town Treasurer will call meetings and create the agenda.
   2. Bylaws and records of business are still required.
   3. Removal of requirement to establish a quorum to do business.

Town Attorney Sapienza recommended the board set the 2025 watering restrictions as guidelines only and depending on the weather over the next couple of months, watering guidelines should be voluntary. He said the town can now meet its water consumption with the new water/wastewater plant completed and running. Sapienza also recommended that if there are restrictions in the future, policy should be changed to say that Homeowner Associations cannot fine owners when they are complying with town restrictions (i.e. brown lawns).

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. and the board went into Executive Session for the purpose of determining strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e), and for the purpose of receiving legal advice pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding matters with the North Poudre Irrigation Company. As required by C.R.S. 24-6-402(2)(d.5)(II)(A) and (II) (E) the Executive Session proceedings will be electronically recorded and the record will be preserved for 90 days through June 23, 2025.

Next Meeting: Apr. 8, 2025, 6:30 p.m. online Zoom, or in-person at The Leeper Center, 3800 Wilson Avenue, Wellington, CO

Members’ Present

Mayor Calar Chaussee, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Mason and Trustees: Rebekka Daily, David Wiegand, Shirrell Tietz, Ed Cannon and Lowrey Moyer.

Others Present to Note: Town Attorney Dan Sapienza; Town Administrator Patti Garcia; Town Clerk Hannah Hill; Deputy Town Administrator Kelly Houghteling; Planning Director Cody Bird; Deputy Director of Public Works Meagan Smith.

Links:

Meeting agenda and packet

Recorded Meeting

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