Wellington Board of Trustees 8/26/25

A recording of this meeting is available here:

Main Topics

Year-to-date accomplishments from the 2025 Strategic Plan were reviewed.

Wellington must update the building codes in compliance with the 2024 International Building Codes required by the State of Colorado. The updates include electrical changes, solar readiness, and electric vehicle charging stations on all new residential and commercial construction.

The 2026 fireworks display by Bee Lakes Productions LLC was approved. Additional video displays honoring the 250^th anniversary of America will be discussed later.

The Community Services Center at Grace Village received a $7,500 grant to update bathrooms at their new facility. Construction begins in spring of 2026.

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Deputy Town Administrator Houghteling updated the board on the year-to-date accomplishments from the Strategic Plan.

1. Completion of the water treatment plant and the water reclamation facility.
2. Completion of the housing needs assessment allowing the planning department to proceed with affordable housing options.
3. The town completed a fishing dock at the Wellville Ponds that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
4. The town completed several mini-grant projects:
   1. 2 murals
   2. Materials for the “shop local” campaign
   3. Addition of an outdoor xylophone at Centennial Park
   4. Launched a new podcast called Around the Well to potentially improve communications with residents.

Building Official Dykstra reviewed the 2024 International Building Codes for consideration and adoption. Dykstra said Wellington is currently using the 2018 building codes, and state law requires adoption of the new building codes at least every 6 years. The new regulations, described below, will be effective as of Dec. 31, 2025.

The Model Electric Ready codes require all new construction to switch any non-electric system to an electric system, including:

1. Heating, hot water, cooking, and clothes dryers
2. Provide a path for future installation of solar panels
3. Provide installation of electric vehicle chargers or electric vehicle charging equipment.

Solar Ready requirements are for new residential and commercial buildings to have provisions for future installation of solar systems.

1. 1 and 2 family dwellings and townhouses must have a roof plane capable of supporting a minimum 300 sq. ft. area for solar panels.
2. Space will be labeled in the electrical panel for a solar breaker and potential conduit pathway for a solar-ready zone.
3. Commercial buildings must have a roof plane capable of supporting 40% of the roof area for solar.

Electric Vehicle Ready requires all new commercial and residential projects to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

1. Residential: Garages and designated parking for dwelling units must have EV-ready space, including a branch circuit, receptacle, and capacity for a 40-amp breaker.
2. Commercial: All new buildings with parking must have charging stations relative to number of parking spaces.

Dykstra said the town should expect to see updated Fire Mitigation codes in April of 2026.

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

1. Aug. 12, 2025, meeting minutes
2. Resolution No. 29-2025: Opioid settlements were approved.
3. Resolution No. 30-2025: Wellington will file a Proposition 123 Commitment with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to increase affordable housing in Wellington.
4. Resolution No. 31-2025: The town will establish an expedited review policy for eligible affordable housing projects.
5. Resolution No. 32-2025: Grant applications through DOLA were authorized to address affordable housing and state-required housing plans.
6. Resolution No. 33-2025: Park equipment will be purchased to replace damaged equipment at Wellington Community Park.

Deputy Town Administrator Houghteling presented a contract with Bee Lake Productions LLC for the 2026 fireworks display. Bee Lake has been Wellington’s vendor for several years. In honor of the 250^th anniversary, Bee Lake included an anniversary video and large screen for outdoor viewing. The total cost is not to exceed $56,509. Several trustees said they are concerned with the quality of the video and extra cost for a large screen. The board agreed to approve the fireworks show for $50,009 and said they will discuss the addition of a 250^th anniversary show at a later meeting.

Director of Public Relations and Funding at Grace Village Donna Visocky requested a $10,000 grant for Wellington's food bank project. Grace Village purchased a building earlier in the year to be used as the Community Services Center to serve Wellington residents. The Food Bank of Wellington will operate out of this location after renovations are completed. Renovation is planned to begin in spring of 2026. Visocky said the grant would be used to construct ADA-compliant bathrooms. The trustees approved $7,500 at this time. They all agreed to keep some additional money in the town’s special fund for other potential grant requests in 2025. They encouraged Visocky to apply for the balance later in the year, or in early 2026.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The board went into Executive Session to receive legal advice regarding negotiations for acquisition of water resources by the town.

Next Meeting

Sept. 9, 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: David Wiegand, Shirrell Tietz, Rebekka Daily and Lowrey Moyer. Trustee Ed Cannon was absent.

Others Present to Note: Town Attorney Dan Sapienza, Town Administrator Patti Garcia, Town Clerk Hannah Hill, Planning Director Cody Bird, Finance Director/Treasurer Nic Redavid, Deputy Town Administrator Kelly Houghteling, Building Official Kelly Dykstra, Parks & Recreation Manager Billy Cooksey, Director of Public Relations at Grace Village Donna Visocky, and Library Director Ross LaGenese.

Documents

Meeting Agenda

Meeting Packet

Recording

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