In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the upcoming dissolution of the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council, with a focus on the procedural steps leading up to the final disbandment scheduled for early 2025. The council, which has seen a significant reduction in membership with the withdrawal of five communities—Golden, Superior, Thornton, Northglenn, and Boulder County—will hold its next meeting on September 9, 2024, to outline the next steps in this process.

The meeting highlighted the necessity of managing remaining federal funds and local dues, with officials emphasizing the importance of utilizing all federal dollars to avoid complications in returning unspent funds to the government. The council's dissolution raises questions about ongoing community engagement and oversight regarding environmental issues, particularly concerning the legacy of the Rocky Flats site.

Council member Henkel expressed concerns about the lack of public discussion surrounding the withdrawal from the council, advocating for greater transparency and community involvement in future decisions. He noted the tumultuous history of the council's meetings, which have been marred by public outbursts and conspiracy theories, and stressed the need for a structured approach to stakeholder engagement moving forward.

The Department of Energy's obligations regarding local stakeholder organizations were also discussed, with officials indicating that the responsibility for outreach and communication lies primarily with the DOE, not local governments. As the council prepares for its dissolution, there are calls for continued dialogue among remaining stakeholders, including neighboring municipalities, to ensure that community concerns, particularly about water quality, remain a priority.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to keep the community informed about the dissolution process and any future developments related to the Rocky Flats site.