Chandra Swanson

The meeting included a work session with updates from the Chaffee County Fire Protection District on code requirements and wildfire resiliency, and a presentation by the Chaffee Housing Authority on housing needs and AMI metrics. Business items addressed the 2026 Community Grant cycle, a public hearing on the Project Valley annexation and rezone for an Amazon distribution facility, and the adoption of Unified Development Code amendments. The Board also discussed emergency nuisance abatement and shoring for the Pearl Theater, authorized a grazing lease template for Town-owned land, and covered various trustee and staff administrative updates.

The meeting covered several operational and planning topics. Discussions included identifying user groups for town facilities and scheduling future reviews of their MOUs, as well as project updates for the River Park, including staircase replacements, safety improvements, and bathroom renovations. The board discussed staff reports regarding a recent award, concerns over non-street legal e-bikes on trails, and progress on design plans for the Walton Loop. Furthermore, the board addressed the status of a master plan survey, community events, and ongoing regional collaborations regarding housing and camping plans. Preparations for the upcoming budget season were also initiated.

The agenda focuses on operational updates from the town and Public Works, including a review of beautification funding and fundraised balances. Old business items cover the planning of winter planters, the installation of umbrella stakes, and the scheduling of graduation decor and tree removal. New business topics include the rescheduling of a future meeting, the resignation of a board member, discussion on curb appeal guidelines, landscaping projects at the Splash Park, and seasonal decor planning for the upcoming year.

The commission reviewed public hearing processes and deliberated on the landmark eligibility of properties at 111 Baylor and 438 Crossman Avenue, issuing nonbinding recommendations regarding their construction and demolition. Additionally, the commission provided design recommendations for a door replacement at the Orpheum Theater, approved a catering vendor for the upcoming CPI On the Road event, and initiated a process to gather suggestions for the History Colorado historical marker project.

The meeting included an overview of airport operations, noting the upcoming RFQ for fuel tank inspections, the completion of lease documents, and recent staffing updates. Financial reports for January were reviewed, alongside safety updates regarding the creation of an online hazard reporting system. The board discussed the development of an Airport Safety Plan, the refinement of the 2026 function and focus document, and the establishment of a design review sub-committee. Capital project updates addressed the FBO building HVAC system replacement, the siting and design of the new AWOS, and strategies to bridge project funding gaps. Additionally, the board addressed the need to recruit new members to fill open positions and discussed implementing a more transparent review process for significant airport updates.