At the regular meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees on Tuesday evening, the board voted unanimously to approve the open space master plan, voted to hold a public hearing on the town’s property maintenance code on Oct. 12 and approved a plaque that will displayed at the Waggener Farm Park recreation center.

The board spent some time discussing a plaque that will be placed near the entrance to the Waggener Farm Park recreation center, commemorating the buildings’ dedication and making mention of trustees, town staff, contractors, designers and, most importantly according to the trustees, the Waggener family.

After some discussion, the board voted to approve the plaque listing the names of the seven current trustees as well as former trustees Brian Laak, Paul Alaback and Pete Tomassi, who were on the board when the vote was made to fund the park development with use of Certificates of Participation, as well as Town Administrator Chris Kirk, Deputy Town Administrator Jeremy Olinger, the architects, engineer and companies involved in the design and build process.

The board then head a presentation from town attorney Erin Smith who outlined the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and fielded questions from the board. Smith explained the IPMC is of similar statutory standing as the Model Traffic Code, approved by the town earlier this year.

According to information provided, “the IPMC is a model code that regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing buildings. The IPMC is a set of regulations that establishes minimum maintenance standards for basic equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation, and fire safety. Responsibility is fixed among owners, operators, and occupants for code compliance. The IPMC provides for the regulation and safe use of existing structures in the interest of the public health, safety and economic welfare of the community.

While the Town of Berthoud does have building codes, the existing codes apply to any building that is newly constructed, erected, enlarged, altered, or moved into the Town. Adoption

of the IPMC will allow the Town to establish minimum maintenance standards on all buildings,

new and old, regardless of construction status.”

Kirk explained to the board that the IPMC is primarily used to address safety issues and “enforcement actions are designed for compliance.” Responding to an inquiry from Trustee Lonnie Stevens, Kirk explained the code can be amended by the board at their discretion, stating, “it’s an ever-evolving document.” The board voted 7-0 to hold a public hearing on the IPMC at the meeting on Oct. 12.

Finally, the board was given a detailed review of the town’s Open Space Master Plan. The board was largely complimentary of the work put forth by town staff, the Parks, Open Space, Recreation and Trails (PORT) Committee as well as Logan Simpson Consulting, the firm hired to develop the plan.

While the details are far to extensive to be outlined in this space, the presentation provided stated, “This Open Space Plan will serve as the Town’s policy foundation to expand support for open space priorities and clarify the Town’s role and strategic actions. This Open Space Plan is closely aligned with the Comprehensive Plan to shape the physical form, health, and quality of life of the Town. The open space master plan can be found on the town’s website. The trustees voted unanimously to approve the plan but town and Long Simpson Consulting will continue to solicit feedback from residents, primarily through online venues.

The next meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees will be held on Sept. 28.