Thomas Hawkinson

The regular meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and a letter of support for safe, agile, fast, and efficient rail tract. Key discussions involved the treasurer's report, reflecting December 2025 numbers, noting that general fund reserves were utilized and expressing anticipation for bond funds to replenish the general fund for upcoming public works projects. The report highlighted lower than expected November sales tax revenue, noting a 3.93% decrease from 2024, though short-term rental revenue increased by 17.7%. Expenditures were significantly higher than budgeted due to Kosan's Ranch open space/bike park costs, which are being addressed through immediate grant reimbursement pursuit. A major agenda item focused on the Safeway Bend of the Fraser River, involving a presentation on a bio-engineered approach to stabilize the eroding outside bend, protect fish habitat (specifically mature willows and an undercut pool), and enhance the river's natural flood relief mechanism via the point bar and its cut-off channel. This approach is recommended as a lighter-touch, lower-cost first step compared to more heavily engineered solutions.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which involved the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. The board approved Resolution No. 2026-01-01 designating the posting place for DDA meeting notices. Action was taken to increase the maximum spend for the "Ride, Ski, Save" promotion video advertisement by an additional $1,500 for February, based on strong initial engagement metrics. The board discussed the upcoming "Come Up Conference" series, deciding to hold one session in February in place of the regular DDA meeting. The Business Enhancement Grant application priority deadline of February 1st was noted, and two members volunteered for the review committee. A review of the work plan addressed completed items, core strategies, and future possibilities such as a multimodal transit hub at the recently purchased 360 Railroad Avenue property. The board also discussed prioritizing the paving of a sidewalk connecting Fraser Avenue to Clayton Court, estimated at $20,000-$30,000. Updates included an estimate for railroad station signs, which came in significantly under budget, and a discussion on potentially changing the social media handle.

The Board of Trustees Regular Meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, such as minutes from prior meetings and a Letter of Support for the Safe, Agile, Fast, and Efficient Rail Travel Project. Key discussions and possible actions involved the Treasurer's Report, the Safeway River Bend stabilization using a 'light touch' approach which was motioned forward, and the approval of the Fraser Connectivity Study. Additionally, the Board approved Resolution 2026-01-05 for an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Winter Park regarding Building Division Services, and Resolution 2026-01-04 for a contract with Big Valley Construction for the Public Works Facility preconstruction design. The session also included presentations on the Public Works 2025 Year-End Summary and Planning 2025 Recap, updates on drainage concerns and crosswalk beacons, a discussion on wastewater treatment plant improvements for local breweries, and the Mayor's sharing of results from a speed study which will lead to reduced speed limits.

This Strategic Plan Update for East Grand School District outlines a vision for creating thriving students prepared for bright futures. It emphasizes fostering learning opportunities within a safe, healthy, and collaborative environment, guided by community values of balance, connection, focus, and commitment. The plan focuses on three key strategic priorities: supporting and accelerating student success through enhanced academics and well-being, sustaining and developing high-quality staff, and increasing and deepening authentic community partnerships with families and local businesses.

This document serves as a long-range policy guide for managing growth, development, and public investment for the Town of Fraser, building on prior planning efforts and responding to changing conditions. The plan is organized around key areas including Growth & New Beginnings (Downtown Vision, Housing, Economic Vitality), Vibrancy & Connection (Community, Parks, Recreation, Open Space, & Trails), Stewardship & Resilience (Land Use, Sustainability), and Foundations & Support (Town Services & Infrastructure, Transportation & Mobility, Intergovernmental Coordination). Its purpose is to inform decision-making, guide growth through nature's rhythm, and ensure the community's future vitality and sustainability.