In what was their final meeting of the calendar year, the Berthoud Board of Trustees approved the budget submitted by Town Administrator Chris Kirk and town staff. The board also heard presentations regarding updates to the development code and the results of a student survey conducted by the Berthoud Youth Advisory Commission (YAC).

Berthoud High senior Maggie Langer, president of the Berthoud YAC, shared with the board the results of a survey conducted among the middle and high school-aged population in town that was primarily focused on youth engagement in the community. “We worked hard through our meetings to get (the survey) completed,” Langer explained when presenting the results alongside her colleagues from the committee.

The goal of the survey, which garnered 94 responses, was threefold; “provide insight to the town regarding youth feelings, give a voice to all students who would like to share their opinions and help us with ideas of events and activities for the future, according to the presentation.”

Berthoud youth responded that they most frequently participated in the Berthoud Days, the homecoming parade, Oktoberfest, and the farmers market, with Berthoud Days being named as the most popular of the events with 48.9% of respondents naming that as their favorite event. A notable result of the survey was that youth, particularly those of high school age, said they would like to see more events and activities geared toward teens, rather than just adults and younger children.

Through their work, the YAC proposed that the town host a carnival-like event held at Waggener Farm Park during the summer with activities aimed at the teenage and high school-age population. Some proposals included a hamster ball track, a mobile ropes course, mobile zip line, carnival swings, a rock-climbing wall and other such attractions. The proposed cost would be $25,000 to $30,000 for the event, which would last one or two days, and the trustees were receptive the YAC’s proposals and said the funds are available given the health of the town’s finances. “I’m glad you guys are pushing this and I fully support it,” said Trustee Mike Grace.

Following an overview of the proposed budget for 2022, which Kirk explained was “effectively the same,” as what he presented to the board at the last meeting. Kirk reiterated that the town is in good financial health with strong reserves and a growing tax revenue stream. He also stated as he has multiple times in the past that the town budgets conservatively.

Following some discussion, the board passed the proposal with a 4-0 vote as Mayor Will Karspeck and Trustees May Soricelli and Lonnie Stevens were not physically present at the meeting. The five official resolutions required to pass the budget, mill levy and fee schedule resolutions and were motioned, seconded and passed unanimously with the votes of Trustees Grace, Tim Hardy, Jeff Hindman and Mayor Pro Tem Maureen Dower.

Community Development Director, Curt Freese, presented the updated development code which the board approved after staff made some of the suggested alterations. Freese thanked the board for their input, calling it,” revolutionary in terms of planning,” and highlighted aspects such as requiring pollinator gardens, increased bicycle parking, including covered bicycle parking, calling it “A Fort Collins model.” Trustees were complimentary of the code and voted 4-0 to approve.

Last week, the board held a special meeting where they were provided some details of metropolitan districts and attorney Pete Johnson outlined the town’s water portfolio which, in summary, concluded, “Berthoud is in an excellent position with its water resources and currently have significant funds for additional rights and facilities.”

The next meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees will take place on Jan. 11.