Chad Meinert

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and the board meeting minutes from November 11, 2025. Staff updates covered recreation activities, such as a 'grateful project' initiative recognizing staff and a youth art show, as well as the 100% reenrollment rate for the early childhood education program for returning families. Marketing updates highlighted efforts to tell the district's story via social media and the launch of a dedicated Instagram account. The Parks department provided a detailed operational overview of snow removal responsibilities and procedures following the first snowfall. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the continuation of the budget discussion for 2026, which involved reviewing updates to revenue and expenditures across the General Fund, Conservation Trust Fund, and Capital Reserve Fund. Updates to the fee schedule were also presented, including the introduction of a gym punch pass and slight adjustments to summer camp and preschool rates, with resident priority maintained for registration.

The meeting focused on engaging residents regarding the Ken-Carol Ranch Metropolitan District's ongoing discussions about long-term capital funding, particularly in relation to the expiration of the 2014 Bond Mill Levy in December 2024. Key topics included a review of District revenues (60% property tax, 30% user fees) and operating costs, noting that increased property tax revenues are being offset by rising operating expenses, leading to reinvestment into the capital reserve fund. The Board highlighted achievements in continuous improvement, such as the first 5-year strategic plan, securing grant funding, and completing recommendations from the 2021 Community Survey, including park improvements and new programming. The primary concern presented was the sustainability of revenues for long-term capital needs, estimated at $1 million annually, which may not be covered if the bond Mill Levy expires. The Board is contemplating options such as using existing capacity without raising the tax rate, placing a ballot initiative on the November 2024 ballot to continue the Mill Levy as a general operating levy (not debt-incurring), potentially with a sunset provision, and reviewing financial impacts of various continuation scenarios.

The meeting included discussions on staff updates, recreation, parks, capital projects, and the proposed budget. A staff member's upcoming retirement was announced, followed by updates on recreation activities such as the Veterans Day celebration, Boo Bash, and the holiday bazaar. Parks updates included fall cleanup, holiday light installation, and open positions. Capital projects were reviewed, including the pipelining project and pickle ball court project. The proposed budget public hearing included objectives, the development process, and highlights from 2025 and 2026, focusing on general fund revenue and expenditures.

The meeting included election results where JJ was announced as the new board member. The meeting was required to have a 50% quorum to vote in the motion for the annual minutes to be approved, but it didn't hit that quorum number, so it was decided to reconvene on March 18th. Gratitude was expressed to Scotty Martin for his years of service as a board member. Budget highlights for 2024 and going into 2025, included a $10 per month dues increase in an effort to start looking at the aging infrastructure. Projects planned for 2025 include playground and shade structure at Brandon Gart Park, asphalt path replacement Brandon Gart, events such as the recycling and cleanup event in barn brewha, continued open space Wildfire mitigation, median enhancement perimeter fence improvements, Community signage and new street signs in the office Park, irrigation system replacement, remodeling the bathrooms of Bradford pool and updating accessibility of the pool, the roof painting and preservation of the historic Schaefer Barn, a new roof at the open space office, and an additional shade structure to be installed at the ranch house pool. It was mentioned that there were 1,992 covenant violations in 2024 and the top three violation categories were Landscaping Maintenance and rubbish and debris architectural projects.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. A proclamation from Tree City USA was read, followed by an update on forestry activities, including Arbor Day plans and tree maintenance. Capital updates covered the acquisition of a new minibus, a dump truck, and a tennis scrubber. Restroom renovations at the community center are nearing completion, and bids for a roof project are being solicited. There was also a discussion on the South Hogback open space land management plan, and an update on the Bradford Park pickleball project, including potential noise mitigation measures. The launch of the Kaisen software was delayed, and the Easter event was reviewed. Additionally, there were staffing updates, including interviews for a finance director and a guest services specialist.