Town of Palmer Lake

The discussion centered on the town's odor ordinance, specifically concerning marijuana establishments. Key topics included the ineffectiveness of the nasal ranger device for odor measurement and concerns regarding the subjective nature of 'reasonable sense of smell.' The board reviewed that despite numerous odor complaints, no official citations had been issued, as complaints were often resolved within 24 hours or later found to be unrelated to marijuana. Participants discussed potential revisions to the ordinance, including moving odor enforcement from the marijuana code to a general nuisance ordinance to apply to all businesses, and the need for provisions regarding system failures or part ordering delays that might temporarily cause odor issues. Business representatives emphasized that they were compliant with state requirements and had invested significantly in odor control systems.

The meeting included presentations and discussions focused on regional cooperation. The first presentation was from the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, detailing plans for an evacuation exercise scheduled for October 2nd in the Tri-Lakes area, involving multiple local fire, police, and sheriff departments, and the American Red Cross. The second presentation was from the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG), discussing their regional planning initiatives, including coordinating aging services, environmental planning (with a focus on air quality and ozone levels), military planning coordination, and transportation planning and funding allocation. The PPACG also updated attendees on their 2018 strategic plan themes, legislative advocacy efforts, and upcoming workshops on federal infrastructure funding opportunities and transportation matters like electric vehicle build-out and front range passenger rail.

The meeting focused primarily on the discussion and potential regulation of short-term rentals (STRs). The board reviewed recommendations from staff and input from a prior Planning Commission meeting. Key discussion points included defining STRs as 30 days or less, limiting rentals to owner-occupied principal residences for at least nine months of the year, and requiring insurance and safety requirements, as well as a permanent parking space. Concerns were raised regarding the financial impact on current STR operators who rely on this income and the potential for large corporations to purchase properties. There was also a discussion about current town code prohibiting the living in RVs, yurts, or teepees, which require sanitation and water hookups for new builds.

The meeting included a Local Licensing Authority hearing to consider a Modification of Premises for Alpine Essentials (Storefront). Key agenda items involved a proclamation for Creek Week, the presentation of the 2020 financial audit by Green & Associates, and introducing White Peak Builders LLC as new business. Business items addressed the approval of the 7th Annual 2021 Palmer Lake .5K Run event, an update on the Diacut Property Owner regarding the Elite Cranes Move, authorizing the filing of the 2020 Financial Audit, authorizing well agreements for E-Rock LLC properties at 818 and 820 Meadow Lane, authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Town of Castle Rock for Fire Department apparatus repairs, an update on the IREA Electrical Replacement Project, and authorizing a survey for required railroad fencing related to the pedestrian bridge project. Department reports were provided by Police and Fire services.

This document is a detailed water rate study for Palmer Lake, presenting the inputs and parameters for its financial model. It outlines existing financial conditions, including debt and reserves, and details a comprehensive Capital Improvements Program (CIP) with funding mechanisms and annual reserve targets for asset replacement over a timeframe extending up to 90 years. The study also analyzes current customer classifications and rate structures, proposes new customer classes, and evaluates potential rate adjustments required to cover operational costs and fund future capital improvements.