Daniel Buendia

The board approved a resolution regarding an annexation petition, a services contract for the mosquito control program, a change of condition request for Caring Pathways, and an ordinance setting compensation for elected officials. Additionally, discussions were held on a military recognition banner program concept, a beautification partnership with America in Bloom, a proposed merger of two local transportation entities, and an update on the Richardson Park proposal process. The board also reviewed a proposed onboarding plan for trustees and received reports from various elected officials and town staff regarding committee activities, infrastructure projects, and community engagements.

The meeting provided an update on the Town's water supply and demand outlook, as directed by the Board during the 2023 Water Dedication Policy Work Sessions. The update incorporated new water supply data from recent acquisitions, including Handy shares for non-potable irrigation. Three supply scenarios were evaluated: zero, average, and firm yield from the Windy Gap Units. Water demand analysis utilized a 2023 tool to distinguish between 'Actual Demand' and 'Committed Demand,' classifying the difference as 'Unrealized Water Demand.' Projections indicate that under conservative assumptions (Scenario 1), current water supply supports Actual Demand until 2029, extending to approximately 2032 under Scenario 2. Scenario 3, incorporating firm yield from Windy Gap Units, significantly increases firm water supply. Town Staff concluded that sufficient water exists for multiple years of demand growth under conservative conditions and therefore did not recommend changes to the water dedication policy at this time.

The meeting included several informational presentations and staff reports. Key discussions focused on the Comprehensive Plan Update, specifically the inclusion of a Water Conservation Element required by state statute (SB-24-174). Other agenda items involved a review of action items from the 2021 Comprehensive Plan Update and an informational update on implementing the Action Plan found in the 2025 Housing Diversity Plan. Staff provided updates on the Public Art Master Plan and the Historic Preservation Plan. It was also reported that the Town Board of Trustees approved the Fickel Farms 5th Filing Preliminary Plat and heard updates on the Master Plan for Intersection Management and Tree Strips during their February 10 meeting.

The Town Board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered several items such as the January 27, 2026, agenda, the previous meeting's minutes, the January 2026 Board Report, the Larimer County Law Enforcement Services Agreement, an appointment for the Local Licensing Authority Member, and a Verizon Cell Tower Lease. The Board subsequently authorized the Town Administrator to execute the Letter of Engagement with Hoffman, Parker, Wilson & Carberry, P.C. for municipal legal services. Discussions included a reenactment of portions of Chapter 14 regarding licensing, with the Board supporting bringing the item back for a Public Hearing on February 10, 2026. The Board also voted to proceed with soliciting bids for the 2026 Road and Sidewalk Improvement Projects and provided feedback on design concepts for the Newell Farm Park. Elected Official Reports covered updates on Berthoud Main Street, board compensation, increased meetings for the Youth Advisory Commission, and recognition for Berthoud deputies at a Sheriff's Office award ceremony.

The public hearing primarily concerned the Fickel Farm 5th Filing Preliminary Plat application submitted by TruMark Homes for a 14.5-acre area located south of Mountain Avenue (Hwy 56). The proposal seeks approval to create 104 townhome lots and 50 paired home (duplex) lots. The discussion reviewed the Land Use Planning Process, the Development Tool Kit outlining the Public Hearing Process, and the Quasi-Judicial Roles and Decision-Making criteria. Background information indicated that the project is consistent with the previously approved Neighborhood Master Plan (NMP) from November 2024, with minor modifications related to stormwater detention area size and a reduction in overall density. The presentation included reviews of the zoning map, future land use designation, trails master plan, and open space plan, as well as confirmation that referral agency comments were addressed. The Planning Commission found that the request meets the required Development Expectations.