By Dan Karpiel

The Surveyor

At the regular meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees, once again held virtually via Zoom conference, the lion’s share of the discussion centered around the proposed Harvest Ridge development located on the southern side of town.

Curt Freese, Berthoud Community Development Director and Alex Hoime, agent for HT Land Partners, explained in detail the plan with modifications approved unanimously in February by the Planning Commission to construct 66 plots of R1 (single-family residential) units in the development which is located on the east side of Berthoud Parkway just north County Road 4E and directly south of Ludlow Farms.

The 66-unit development is situated on a 26.12-acre plot features what are dubbed “estate lots,” or lots slightly larger than other newer developments in town. The plan is consistent with preservation of open space stipulations.

After a lengthy discussion, the board voted unanimously to move forward with the plan with a few modifications; one, recommend the developer work on a trail connection moving northwards to the Rose Farm area; two, work with Mr. Johnson, whose family farm is adjacent to the developments on a water pipeline; three, install a four-way stop at the Berthoud Parkway/CR 4E intersection; and four, include landscaping enhancements on the eastern border of the development for aesthetic purposes.

The Board heard a presentation from James Hinkle, CPA, the Managing Partner from Hinkle & Company that recently completed an audit of the Town’s finances for the year ending Dec. 31, 2019. The Town received a clean report from the auditing firm with Hinkle saying the Town’s “Financial statements were all presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles,” saying they found no misuse of funds or any indications of fraud.

“All in all, it was a good audit, we did not have any material weaknesses in internal controls, nor did we have any significant deficiencies,” Hinkle said and was complimentary of Town staff who assisted with the audit. “We had full transparency with management, everything we asked for we received.” The board voted unanimously to approve the firm’s audit for 2019.

Sergeant Jim Anderson of the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office discussed the provisions in the Colorado Model Traffic Code (MTC) and brought forth a few additions and subtractions recommended for Berthoud prior to scheduling a public hearing. The board unanimously decided to schedule public hearing July 14. 2020. The MTC was originally adopted in 1952 and subsequently revised 11 times including most recently in 2018.

Finally, the board heard presentations from Town Engineer Stephanie Brothers and Deputy Town Administrator and Parks & Recreation Director Jeremy Olinger regarding various capital construction projects around town. Brothers outlined the next steps in the street repairs plan, detailing asphalt replacement and mill overlay in the area around Roberts Lake in north downtown on Bruce Drive, Franklin Avenue, Ninth and 10th Streets. The plan also calls for needed repairs for sidewalks, drainage pans and stormwater infrastructure. Brothers said the plan is progressing as designed in the master streets plan and on budget.

Olinger outlined several small-scale improvements and repairs currently planned or underway around town. These included trail improvements at Bein Park, replacement of the dirt infields at the Town Park ballfields, which Olinger said are “important for safety of play and provide a better user experience.” There are also efforts on-going to provide a shade structure at the newly completed dog park and an operation that will begin soon to connect a trail from Blue Bell Drive in Rose Farm development tracking north alongside Berthoud Parkway to Welch Drive. This sidewalk will eventually connect to trails at Waggener Farm Park.

The Board voted unanimously to approve appointments of Berthoud residents Ryan Berry and Dale Freund to the Tree Committee and Earl Fashbaugh to the Historic Preservation Committee.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be June 23.