Dan Avery

The compilation of meeting actions covers several significant decisions made between January and March 2026. Key discussions involved directing staff to enter formal negotiations for the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex; reappointing members to numerous Boards and Commissions, including the Cemetery District Board and Planning Commission; and establishing legislative positions, such as supporting a bill on human trafficking offenses while opposing several others related to data center representation and firearms. The Board also addressed organizational structures by directing the redirection of County sponsorship efforts from the Douglas County Community Foundation to establish a new 501(c)(3) entity. Administrative actions included appointments to the Library Board and Noxious Weed Advisory Commission, clarification on Water Commission term standards, and research into housing development bills. Furthermore, the Board approved reimbursement for water alternatives analysis, reviewed grant support for supportive housing services, funded Year 1 implementation of wildfire mitigation software (Ladris), approved implementation plans for a biochar/HHW/e-waste facility, decided to discontinue courtesy HOA notifications for building permits, expanded the Fair & Rodeo Royalty scholarship, directed concert headliner bookings, and approved plans for aerial displays. An employee engagement program, "Coffee with the Commissioners," was also supported.

The business meeting commenced following initial proceedings, including an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. A key discussion point was the presentation and adoption of a resolution recognizing school resource officers (SROs) and Caroline Friselle for their service. The resolution highlighted the county having the largest SRO team in the state, their specialized training, and their critical role in student safety and mentorship, referencing past incidents like the STEM school shooting as impetus for investment. The board unanimously adopted this resolution. Following ceremonies, the consent agenda was addressed, with item O removed for separate discussion. The regular agenda proceeded with the discussion and approval of a public contract for services with Trans Aero Ltd for exclusive use helicopter services for the Office of Emergency Management, involving a maximum expenditure purchase order of $1,530,000 to address continual dry conditions and fire danger.

The meeting focused on the development and status update of the Douglas County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Key discussion points included a review of the project schedule, confirming the plan is on track for state and FEMA review by May and July, respectively, with final deliverables expected by November. The presentation detailed the plan's framework, including updates to the county profile, physical setting, demographic trends, and building stock. It also covered the updated risk assessment methodology, hazard profiles (Chapters 6 through 14), the capability assessment (Chapter 16), the blueprint for the mitigation strategy (Chapter 17), and the plan maintenance procedures (Chapter 18). The session also outlined the public review process for the draft plan, which would be posted on the county website, and specified the types of feedback sought from the public and stakeholders regarding relevance, strengths, and areas for improvement.

The work session agenda focused on updates and decisions for the 2026 Fair and Rodeo events and 2026 community celebrations. Key discussion points included directing the preferred 2026 Saturday Night Rock Concert lineup and budget range, proposing a $10,000 annual County-funded scholarship structure for the Royalty Program, and seeking direction on pursuing the addition of Breakaway Roping to the Rodeo, considering livestock capacity constraints and an estimated annual cost of $35,000. Separately, the Commission reviewed partnership funding requests for 2026 community celebrations, including fireworks displays in Highlands Ranch, Perry Park, and Sterling Ranch, and discussed proposals for two Douglas County Drone Shows, with an anticipated total expenditure of $183,615 if all requests are approved.

The Land Use Meeting and Public Hearing addressed two primary agenda items. The first involved granting a one-year extension for the approval of the Sterling Ranch filing 6A, First Amendment, until March 12, 2027, subject to the original four conditions of approval. The second item was the request for approval of the Pinery Meadows final plat (project file SB2025-045), which proposes 136 residential lots, 11 tracks, and associated roads on approximately 39.5 acres. The board approved the final plat contingent upon eight specified conditions, including various dedication payments to Douglas County for park and trail improvements and school district contributions, alongside environmental and cultural resource protection stipulations.