By Rudy Hemmann
The Surveyor

Following an executive session that lasted nearly two hours, the trustees took up an issue that had been tabled during the meeting held on April 27. The owners of a property located at 548 Mountain Ave., (Chalmon Wray house) requested the “Local Historic Landmark” designation which had been placed on the property be revoked. The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) had considered the issue and recommended against revocation.

The property owner has requested revocation on their home as they were not aware that they were on the Historic Landmark list and feel that they would have an easier time selling the property if there was no designation. The property owner explained to staff that their friend was a previous HPAC chairperson, and convinced them to designate their property without explaining the regulations that came along with the status. The property owner has also made it known that since their designation the house has gone through numerous changes including a replacement of the roof, installation of new windows, the removal of stained glass and repainting.

Following a brief discussion, which centered on the rights of the property owners to do as they wished with their property, the trustees voted unanimously in favor of a resolution to revoke the designation.

The trustees voted unanimously to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the town of Berthoud and the City of Loveland to establish a Teen Court connection between Berthoud and Loveland. The arrangement between the entities would have Loveland continue to operate as normal, and Berthoud teenagers to fall under the jurisdiction of the Loveland court.

Sergeant Jim Anderson introduced the first reading of a Low-Speed Vehicles Ordinance. Anderson stated the ordinance currently in place is outdated and the state has added some requirements (such as insurance, top speed of 25 miles per hour, slow-moving vehicle signs) and the new ordinance will bring the town into compliance. The trustees directed staff to proceed with the development of the ordinance and bring it back at a future meeting for a vote.

Two new individuals were approved to take seats on the Planning Commission. Karl Ayers and Chris Kurtz are new to the commission. In addition, Jan Dowker and Jeff Butler, who were also approved, are already serving on the commission. Dowker and Ayers are approved for two-year terms ending the end of August 2013 while Butler and Kurtz are to serve three-year terms ending August 2014.