By Brendan Henry
The Surveyor

Berthoud’s Board of Trustees convened for their regular meeting on Tuesday, where they reviewed an annual report from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and approved a contract for fireworks on July 3.

During the public comment session, two Berthoud residents living on East Nebraska Avenue expressed concerns about speeding along their road. Both residents advocated for the installation of stop signs on the intersections of Second and Third streets. They claimed to have gathered signatures from approximately 50% of the street’s residents who shared similar concerns and recommendations.

Town Administrator Chris Kirk says that his team is examining the corridor from Berthoud Parkway to County Line Road. He says that speed bumps could go in that stretch to slow traffic down along with other speed-limiting measures. The town currently plans to widen the road in the future.

Another resident urged the removal of the town’s current restrictions on short-term rentals in non-residential areas. The resident says that current talks have mostly been about overcrowding residential neighborhoods and the removal of restrictions could potentially bring more visitors into town. The board plans to address the short-term rental policy in March.

A resident followed up on an email sent to the town regarding the Heron Lakes open space and trails, emphasizing the need for improved accessibility, signage, a clear timeline for the area and acknowledgment of the multiple stakeholders in the project. He wants everyone to know that the area is open to the public.

Following public comment and the unanimous passing of the consent agenda, the board shifted its focus to a presentation from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, delivered by Chief Justin Williamson. The report revealed that Berthoud made 9,392 calls to 911 in 2023, with 3,414 being dispatched calls and 5,978 officer-initiated actions.

Some percentages spiked, but this is a result of the number previously being low and the implementation of automatic license plate readers that notify officers of stolen vehicles. DUI arrests increased from 16 in 2022 to 40 in 2023. Bike contact increased from two in 2022 to eight in 2023, Williamson attributes that to the opening of the bike park.

The busiest months for officers and dispatchers were June, July and October. The Love’s Travel Stop at 3800 E. Highway 56 had the highest call volume with 95 and Williamson attributes this to multiple traffic accidents. The Heron Point apartment area generated over 100 dispatched calls.

Berthoud Parkway and Highway 87 witnessed the highest number of accidents in town. Williamson says that it is normal for intersections with high traffic volume to see higher accident volume.

Berthoud has been utilizing 10 Flock Safety LPR cameras for about a year, contributing to a 9.1% increase in the crime clearance rate. The cameras, located at key intersections, have aided in solving various criminal cases, including multiple homicides, a drive-by shooting, burglary and locating missing persons. The top performing cameras are at the intersection of Berthoud Parkway and Highway 287 northbound, Berthoud Parkway and County Road 14 southbound and First Street and Highway 287 southbound with a collective 6,940 alerts.

The board moved on to the final agenda item regarding the fireworks show planned for July 3. The board unanimously voted to enter a contract with Zambelli Fireworks, costing $42,500 with an estimated $22,000 in additional costs for operations and programming. Waggener Farm Park is slated to serve as the launch site for the fireworks display.

The next town board meeting will be held on Feb. 27.

Editors note: A candidate forum will be held on March 6 at 7 p.m. at the TPC Clubhouse. The seven candidates for town board and mayor will answer questions and meet with the members of the public who attend.