Wellington Board of Trustees 6/25/24

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

View the meeting agenda and packet.

A video recording of the meeting is available here.

From the Town of Wellington website: “The purpose of this board is to provide outstanding municipal services for the community of Wellington both today and tomorrow.” 

Public Comments

A Fort Collins resident requested permission to open a Vape & Unique Retail store at 3738 Cleveland Ave. Attorney Sapienza told the owner that he must use proper channels first by filing an application with the town. Sapienza said the Planning Commission will review the application and zoning and move the application forward if appropriate.  

The U.S. House of Representatives proclaimed July as Parks & Recreation month. Mayor Chaussee followed up proclaiming July as Wellington’s Parks & Recreation month.   

A special event liquor permit was unanimously approved for Spargetoberfest. This will be the 4^th year Sparge Brewery has sponsored this event on their property. 

Three items on the Consent Agenda were unanimously approved.

1. June 11, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes. 
2. Resolution No. 29-2024: A Resolution adjusting appropriations of the Town of Wellington, Colorado for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2024, and ending December 21, 2024.
3. Resolution No. 31-2024: A Resolution of the Town of Wellington, Colorado considering a contract for senior services. The Wellington Senior Resources Center (WSRC) owns a senior van that is used to transport seniors for medical appointments, pick up prescriptions and groceries, and other basic senior needs. This is a one-year contract for which the town agrees to provide fuel, maintenance, insurance and registration for the van. The estimated cost is $4,286 covering June 25, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

Attorney Sapienza mentioned 3 items he deems important for the board members. 

1. Sapienza said he thinks everyone on the board should read a book called Bob’s Rules of Order. Then the board should consider adopting the book’s recommendation of ordinances for Wellington. Sapienza said they can schedule a work session to discuss.  
2. The Home Rule Handbook. This handbook gives the history and best practices for considering Home Rule in Colorado. Sapienza said town staff from Severance, who recently adopted Home Rule, are scheduled to be at Wellington’s July 23 board meeting to share their experience with the change. Sapienza said reading this handbook beforehand would be good preparation.
3. Sapienza wants to schedule training with all members of Wellington’s boards and commissions to discuss Quasi-judicial rules and the effects these rules may have on town decision-making. 

Trustee Weigand clarified with Attorney Sapienza that effective July 1, 2024, no concealed carry or open carry weapons will be allowed in any Colorado government buildings. Violations of the new state law will result in a misdemeanor charge. 

Trustee Cannon reported on his attendance at the Colorado Municipal League (CML) Conference held in Loveland June 18 – June 21. Cannon said it’s a great place to learn about government and issues. He said, “Communities have so much in common. It’s nice to hear from others and what they’ve done to take care of issues.” Cannon had 3 main points:

1. He believes there are several November ballot initiatives that are not in Wellington’s best interests. Home Rule could protect the town from some of these initiatives and regulations. 
2. Commercial growth is important to Wellington. Cannon said he learned at CML about the roles of officials in economic development, and what kinds of policies the board could put in place to support future growth. 
3. Cannon recommended that at least one board member have an annual membership with the National League of Cities. Cannon said this is another resource from national municipalities sharing issues and potential resolutions. He said the annual membership fee is $1,500 per year.

Next Meeting: July 9, 2024, 6:30 p.m. online Zoom, or in-person at The Leeper Center, 3800 Wilson Avenue, Wellington, CO

Questions To Consider

Which ballot initiatives does Trustee Cannon think are bad for Wellington and will home rule be able to mitigate the result of these?

*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.