At the regular meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees on Tuesday night, the board approved the next phase of the Vantage development, with some alterations and approved a contract for improvements at the water treatment plant and approved the 2022 trails master plan.

On the recommendation of staff, the board approved by a 6-0 vote, with Trustee May Soricelli absent, a contract with Berthoud-based Aslan Construction for $1,271,030 to complete repairs and upgrades at the town’s water treatment plant. Project plans were presented by Berthoud Public Works Director, Ken Matthews, who endorsed Aslan’s work with utility infrastructure projects and said the company is “anxious to take on the project.”

According to the information provided, “the primary focus of the work is to improve the ability of the plant to blend and treat water from the Berthoud Reservoir next door. A blending facility will be constructed north of the existing pretreatment building. This will provide operators the ability to measure and adjust the flow of raw water from the various sources. In addition, a powdered activated carbon (PAC) feed system will be installed. This PAC system will help control taste and odor of the finished treated water. Lastly, the plant’s filter system will be improved with a new system for supplying backwash water.”

Town staff solicited bids and received four offers ranging from $1,743,600 to the low bid submitted by Aslan. The town had initially projected $1,650,000 for the project and staff was pleased to receive a bid from a reputable, local business for under the estimated value.

The board also approved, also by a unanimous 6-0 vote, to approve the 2022 trails master plan, as presented.

The plan adheres to the vision set forth by the comprehensive plan and centers around five goals set forth therein – Create an active, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing trail system; Maximize accessibility for all families, including strollers, wheelchairs, and adult trikes; Provide regional recreation opportunities that attract area businesses and residents; Provide a variety of experiences from short neighborhood loops to a larger regional trail system, including the Colorado Front Range Trail and adjacent trail systems; Neighborhood trails connecting the community to parks, recreation, schools, and downtown core.

Finally, also by a unanimous 6-0 vote, the board approved the preliminary plat request for the Vantage R3 and Tract O. TB Group, the applicant, was requesting the creation of 130 new single family detached and attached lots, master plan for the neighborhood’s central park, and creation of open space on 34.9 acres of land. The applicant also proposed a preliminary plat request to create a buildable lot for the proposed park clubhouse out of the existing tract. The board was largely complementary of the design plans and suggested some minor alterations such as constructing a bridge over the adjacent ditch near County Road 10E and some adjustments to the trail connections that run through the neighborhood.

After the regular business of the board had been completed, the trustees and town staff shared in excitement when Town Administrator Chris Kirk revealed news that Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) is planning to visit on Berthoud on March 25 where he will be delivering a speech on entrepreneurship at TPC Colorado. In sharing the news of the incumbent governor’s visit, Kirk called Polis “a really awesome speaker” who will be sharing some “really neat, progressive stuff.” Polis is seeking a second term in the Colorado governor’s mansion this November.

The next meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees will take place on March 8.