[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6216430,"mediaKeyId","3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1","parentId",3651341,"title","Longmont council refers amended Distal–Toll land-exchange plan to parks advisory board, authorizes purchase of adjacent 17-acre Bigelow parcel","audioSeconds",6734,"startMs",1367000,"endMs",8101000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1&start=1367&end=8101","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1/thumbnail_1367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6216430/Longmont/Boulder-County/Colorado/Longmont-council-refers-amended-DistalToll-land-exchange-plan-to-parks-advisory-board-authorizes-purchase-of-adjacent-17-acre-Bigelow-parcel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216430-724b62b879e3424e81ae378a49631135/orig.mp4?Expires=1770970571&Signature=bUAvxva-pA8IlRhB2MyKiGcMvG2UUSTpN8P0FMqImw5U25fslaFcQCoMLFuiSw3NdIYQjwF7pnPf1Cr3TcFs8HBkca57bfyPBRg7cydYhtM6E0W4qC3qXo1DqANyltWRuAVmzpnV5JBdZR5GZa31JCdDGeYlNmAxS8dyVVRTvyjFGwX-3DkFLJV6M~mptBYlbJlsn8O~EqA479YH108LkDOClSzXEGcXfa2tob9HQPmDRGby9G6qDivHURR0CLZUsqAiPsd~Y6Us-IYRzDmDS9swhYclwWUgZ8HR246GfOiFX8CWRX9drh6eKu-WXI88eyj1zd9mGMOD5KzQuzULTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Longmont CO\n","date","2025-06-04T06:11:32Z","article","The Longmont City Council voted on June 3 to refer an amended land‑exchange proposal affecting the Distal and Toll open‑space properties to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) for further review and public comment, and separately authorized the purchase agreement for the 17‑acre Bigelow parcel for $595,000.

The referral passed unanimously (6–0, Councilor Rodriguez absent). The council also approved Resolution R2025‑31 authorizing the mayor to sign the purchase agreement for the Bigelow property; that vote passed 6–0 (Rodriguez absent). City staff said both actions are procedural steps to keep multiple options open while more technical studies and partner decisions proceed.

Why it matters: The exchange would move some already‑disturbed, industrially mined acreage into active municipal use while returning other acreage to permanent open‑space management and creating room for wetlands and potential water storage. Councilors and staff said the amended plan (scenario 3) aims to concentrate industrial activity on land already impacted by mining and to expand contiguous open space along the St. Vrain/Left Hand Creek corridor. Members of the public urged caution, asking the council to wait for Boulder County’s compost‑facility feasibility study and for additional environmental surveys before any final action.

Staff overview and council choices
City planning and public‑works staff presented a revised map labeled “scenario 3” that would (a) accelerate reclamation work on about 50 acres currently leased to a gravel/mining operator, (b) transfer roughly 65 acres of already‑mined utility property into an arrangement where the utility fund would retain operations while open‑space acreage expands along the creek, and (c) create a buffer and ecological restoration plan around the Toll property. Staff described the approach as an effort to “keep industrial uses on already disturbed land” while producing a net benefit to Longmont’s open‑space portfolio.

Staff said the Distal property was purchased using open‑space funds and the Toll property with utility funds. They told the council that because multiple municipal funds own land in the area, any property transfers must provide compensating benefits to the owning funds. Staff cited prior budget and legal work and asked council whether to (1) continue the earlier referral to PRAB, (2) refer the updated scenario 3 to PRAB (recommended by staff), (3) not refer the proposal and stop work, or (4) table the matter for later discussion. Council chose to refer scenario 3 to PRAB and instructed staff to supply PRAB with supplemental materials before the advisory board’s meeting.

Public concerns: contamination, wildlife, timing
Dozens of residents and conservation organizations attended and urged the council to defer decisions until additional information arrives. Recurring concerns were: (1) the need for a Phase‑2 environmental site assessment to test soils and groundwater (a 2019 Phase‑I flagged potential contamination and recommended follow‑up); (2) potential impacts on bald‑eagle roosts and nest sites near the St. Vrain/Left Hand confluence; (3) the wisdom of finalizing any land swap tied to a Boulder County‑led composting facility before the county’s feasibility study is complete; and (4) the precedent of converting open‑space land for municipal infrastructure.

Resident Jamie Simo asked council to “table this item and not refer it back to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board … until the … chosen consultant has completed its Boulder County compost facility feasibility study, which is due to be released later this month.” Neighbors also reminded council the Distal parcel’s 2019 Phase‑I environmental assessment recommended a Phase‑II investigation; one speaker said a Phase‑II had not been done.

Staff and council response
Staff said they will supply PRAB with the questions PRAB asked earlier (at the February PRAB hearing) along with the amended scenario 3 materials. City staff said they expect to present the referral to PRAB on June 23 and then return to council with PRAB’s recommendation; council requested the packet to include the county’s feasibility work when it becomes available. Staff also said they had discussed with Holcim (the mining operator) ways to accelerate reclamation so portions of the disturbed site could be restored sooner than the operator’s current schedule (staff said reclamation had been scheduled to begin in 2033 under existing mine permits and bonding and that the city would seek to expedite that work through negotiation).

Bigelow purchase approved as buffer
Separately, council authorized a purchase agreement for the Bigelow parcel (17 acres) at $35,000 per acre for a total of $595,000. Staff reported a proposed funding split of 50 percent sanitation fund and 50 percent general fund one‑time money; staff said the city would designate the parcel as open space on acquisition. Staff framed the purchase as an opportunity to secure an adjacent parcel that would provide additional buffer and ecological benefit if the larger exchange proceeds.

What’s next
The amended referral goes to PRAB for public hearing and recommendation; staff said PRAB’s review is expected to continue this summer (PRAB dates discussed: June 23, July 8, July 22, or August, depending on council direction and when the county’s feasibility material is available). Council members emphasized that referral is not the same as final approval — council retains the authority to accept or reject any land‑exchange after PRAB and public review. Councilors also discussed contingencies staff could include: for example, making any land swap contingent on Boulder County choosing to locate a regional composting facility at the site or on the county committing to specific cost or operating terms.

Community and technical details raised at the meeting
- The city’s 2019 Phase‑I environmental assessment for Distal identified recognized environmental conditions and recommended a Phase‑II (subsurface) investigation; speakers asked that Phase‑II be completed and shared.
- Boulder County is working on a multi‑step compost feasibility process (the county has completed initial options work and public input and was working on funding/financing and site selection elements; staff said the county’s next materials were expected soon). Council asked staff to invite Boulder County staff or the county’s consultant to speak to PRAB or the council when their study is ready.
- Staff said the Toll parcel had sold earlier at about $25,651 per acre and the Distal parcel at about $15,987 per acre (figures provided to council to illustrate relative values of parcels). The Bigelow price was $35,000/acre.

Ending
Councilors emphasized the number of interlocking policy goals — open‑space protection, water storage and stormwater management, reclamation costs, and potential regional composting — and said staff should return to PRAB with clear technical materials, maps showing roosts and municipal interests, and the county’s feasibility findings when available. PRAB will hold additional public hearings before council takes any final land‑use or disposition action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Regular Session 06/03/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Longmont City Council voted on June 3 to refer an amended Distal–Toll land‑exchange plan (scenario 3) to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and to authorize purchase of the 17‑acre Bigelow parcel to create a buffer and preserve open‑space options.","taxTitle","Longmont, Boulder County, Colorado","taxId",3876,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216415,"Council deadlocks on marijuana hospitality ordinance after vote on indoor‑smoking amendment; amendment removing indoor smoking passed earlier",1140,8835000,9975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1&start=8835&end=9975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1/thumbnail_8835000.jpg","/articles/6216415/Longmont/Boulder-County/Colorado/Council-deadlocks-on-marijuana-hospitality-ordinance-after-vote-on-indoorsmoking-amendment-amendment-removing-indoor-smoking-passed-earlier","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216415-fcbd0ab5250eab9c2faf3b70fdf37ba2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770970571&Signature=PR6OLDwKMv4rkYAUgTBeM9VQ1gG2tziC4kD~Cyo6HMasQFy-7b6FajX62~3PYA1Uj-0HIA9sWOdJLUElzp1EL1qtWADruCevIig-izZ-bijc5gsGerbhzfXF~4h7-aQ8PsWDrb5K7MgIzGeYEo~69DvwiYlY01xyS5Qz7WoFW74iZpGUApfwrS4XNQNYyyqabe9Uj90R5akMEHS7oP-e7rjJ5KZDU4mccO7JIDe-252-iPwFLnNT3xNj1Sxz9jW-896eEYif38wyXTqFUq4PV7JNq39uH27x8KnkfJA2f2Pr32L-Qmx-4d9xWXXSt78YmSYUZRjS41m2TSGO9VcQ6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Longmont City Council considered Ordinance 2025‑37 (amending Titles 6, 9, 10 and 15 to allow marijuana hospitality licenses and related regulation) on second reading June 3. Public health officials, county health staff and community groups testified against allowing indoor smoking and urged stricter local protections for employees, zoning buffers and ventilation requirements.

Council amendment and votes
Councilor Mary Pack moved to delete the portion of the ordinance that would allow indoor smoking (the amendment would delete Section 3 of the draft ordinance that amends Title 9). After discussion the council adopted that amendment 4–2 (Councilors Yarbrough and Mayor Pro Tem Hidalgo Ferring voted against the amendment; Rodriguez absent). Later, when council voted on the ordinance as amended, the final vote was tied 3–3 and the ordinance failed to pass.

Public‑health concerns
Representatives from the American Lung Association and Boulder County Public Health urged the city to prohibit indoor smoking in hospitality venues, to strengthen zoning buffers (several speakers pointed to Denver’s 1,000‑foot buffer from schools and sensitive uses), to require strong ventilation standards and to add employee protections (air quality monitoring, limits on time spent in smoking rooms, PPE and overconsumption prevention plans). The public‑health witnesses argued the state’s minimum regulatory standards should be the floor, not the ceiling, and asked Longmont to add stronger local safeguards.

Council discussion
Council members debated whether the city should adopt the state’s approach as a baseline or add stronger local protections. Some councilors said the state law is a minimal baseline and that local safeguards could be strengthened; others worried about enforcement practicality and about local businesses losing the ability to operate under the state license if the city added inconsistent rules. Legal staff said deleting the indoor‑smoking language would remove a local exemption from the city’s existing smoke‑free air provisions and that the council could revisit other elements (impairment prevention, ventilation standards) later.

Outcome and next steps
Because the final ordinance failed on a 3–3 tie, the draft did not become law at this meeting. Council members who supported stronger local safeguards said they would take additional time to consider employee protections, buffer distances and ventilation requirements before bringing any new draft back to council. Public‑health groups asked the council to keep employee safety and air quality central to future proposals.","Council debated Ordinance 2025‑37 to implement marijuana hospitality (on‑site consumption). Council adopted an amendment to remove the portion that would allow indoor smoking (the amendment passed 4–2), but when the full ordinance as amended was put to a final vote the tally was 3–3 and the measure failed.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216420,"Council approves amended ADU ordinance after debate over short‑term rental language",2141,2998000,5139000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1&start=2998&end=5139","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1/thumbnail_2998000.jpg","/articles/6216420/Longmont/Boulder-County/Colorado/Council-approves-amended-ADU-ordinance-after-debate-over-shortterm-rental-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216420-c332075eabdcb4e709225069c6f73642/orig.mp4?Expires=1770970571&Signature=fyeuETe-y-9XHhKCRSBGPxAEvcwGMYHgo~RzMILQQULY8rvIsf9XFu1JK54HEo5t1ft5Dei4o0H4QZ0MtVdFnJIY~K2L7d6CWhJqhxqB-MScVq5w9OSZd-SekVrKLpdqohrg3SU5177nElAm5Y36Ar2a4Yzwm~dB4ZWt1ms-~4J4ewVZLszaPOAY07VLSgM1FVB1TtCxIUOsUDCwoOBq3aBPlgzXc2U63zcNj6xVMgxOy3PgfBRbla4bBWUMPy26rRP1AHl8Ik5fwgPjQt~S1OFPJ9-RkpbuO2LZriLAUkyuxzM9v4uyuDURKVRixrQRhhUkuSZWsELgxu9h1dKsyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On second reading June 3 the Longmont City Council approved Ordinance 2025‑35, an amendment to Title 15 concerning administrative approval of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The council first removed duplicative text that repeated existing short‑term rental (STR) restrictions and then approved the ordinance as amended. The final vote was unanimous (6–0, Councilor Rodriguez absent).

What changed and why
City staff told the council the ordinance had been revised to reflect council direction from the prior meeting. Councilor Popkin successfully moved to strike two lines on page 10 that duplicated an existing municipal code section (LMC §15.02080(d)(2)(c)) which already prohibits ADUs from being used as short‑term rentals. City attorney staff confirmed the language was redundant.

Policy debate on short‑term rentals in ADUs
Several members of the public urged a policy change: Huckwalk, who identified himself as supportive of ADU flexibility, asked council to allow ADUs to be used as STRs provided the property owner resides on site and can manage guests. Huckwalk said permitting owner‑occupied ADU STRs would support residents who use ADU space to host paying guests when it is not otherwise occupied. Sharon O’Leary, speaking against loosening ADU eligibility, said expanding ADU rights could encourage investors to buy multiple homes and remove units from the long‑term housing market.

Council process and outcome
Councilor Popkin proposed a separate amendment to create an exception allowing owner‑occupied ADUs to be used as STRs (with annual proof of residency). After discussion — including legal counsel’s advice that the city already regulates STRs in a separate code section — Popkin withdrew that second motion and instead moved to approve Ordinance 2025‑35 as amended (the duplicative lines removed). The ordinance passed 6–0 with Councilor Rodriguez absent.

What’s next
Councilors indicated a desire for a broader, more comprehensive STR policy discussion later rather than resolving all STR questions within the ADU ordinance. Staff will proceed under the amended ADU rules adopted June 3 and may return with an STR policy framework for council consideration when council is ready for a wider policy review.","Councilors adopted an amendment to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to remove duplicate short‑term rental language and approved the ordinance as amended. A proposed policy change to allow ADUs to be used as short‑term rentals only when the property owner lives on site was discussed and then withdrawn for later consideration.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6216425,"Longmont council asks staff to study landing‑fee options, preserves plans for unleaded fuel and lease changes at Vance Brand Airport",6269,1201000,7470000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1&start=1201&end=7470","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3651341-4ae0c96064e7eea36096498eaceae6f1/thumbnail_1201000.jpg","/articles/6216425/Longmont/Boulder-County/Colorado/Longmont-council-asks-staff-to-study-landingfee-options-preserves-plans-for-unleaded-fuel-and-lease-changes-at-Vance-Brand-Airport","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6216425-84c474edcd742d3c6334024885218f3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770970571&Signature=Fpo5v5H~Y7R9wVuKfjsvGAhoXhTyZKy7z8wpEM7xqtwqrXraMmuRNjOaHiAh6FAD3dNrRT3Y6RZagI9RUTAsEbZE8IjoLQDEZpC5OiwDv-B8OQSZwdJpUlJgRlxpKCltua35-~upVssunxIHrG6PtLbLiOE4gWaSYcjRNNrsrhm5JhbdnBMCET0zxJbhPciKC4M24Uhf6vitVogt3G2o9frd~ofi-zUH77gG5k2TO5eC4BtyfFHKvpnrKWDamfgNs4KP9BUzTzCKvF7vnoCXybWW7NzqUXe0vsEfvbvK6l1jlnsYwyLbqiLVpHpjfYV5Igti6wpFlEFTq9zoSSOOIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After extensive public comment about noise and airport operations, the Longmont City Council on June 3 directed staff to study landing‑fee options, examine other vendor choices for fee collection, and return with recommendations that could include exemptions (emergency operations, military, potentially based aircraft). Staff also said the city will pursue state and other funding opportunities to support installation of unleaded fuel infrastructure and begin a review of airport lease terms and reversionary language.

What council heard from the public
Dozens of residents, pilots, airport customers and business owners spoke during public comment. Supporters urged the council not to adopt landing fees that would discourage pilot training and transient traffic, citing the airport’s role in training pilots and hosting large events such as the annual air show. Speakers also said the airport contributes to local STEM programs and emergency response capability and urged the city to invest in better FBO services and affordable fuel.

Opponents of the current airport subsidy model argued the airport enterprise fund has not covered all expenses in recent years and suggested landing fees as 1 mechanism to better allocate operating costs. Speakers who favor fees cited comparative examples of other small airports that charge weight‑based fees and emphasized that landing fees can be structured to exempt or discount small aircraft.

Staff presentation and legal constraints
Airport manager Levi Brown explained federal law limits local authority over aircraft flight operations and flight paths; the FAA controls standardized flight patterns and would need to approve any changes to arrival/departure corridors. Brown said flight‑path and time‑of‑day restrictions are unlikely to be permissible under FAA rules for a non‑towered general aviation airport.

On finances, staff reported roughly 58,991 operations recorded in the most recent year (city data presented in the meeting) and an operating shortfall on the order of the tens of thousands of dollars; staff said the figure discussed at the meeting (operating shortfall after revenues less expenditures) was about $60,650 for the next two years if current rates continue. Staff noted this figure excludes larger capital needs (pavement, electrical infrastructure, fueling infrastructure). Council discussed the airport’s limited ability to fund capital projects without increasing revenues.

Unleaded fuel and electrification
Brown and staff recommended the city preserve options to pursue state funding for unleaded aviation fuel infrastructure (Colorado House Bill 1235 and federal programs were cited as sources of potential funding). Councilors expressed interest in aggressively pursuing funding to install unleaded fuel and electric‑charging infrastructure and asked staff to include electric aviation and distributed solar/battery options in planning for future hangar and apron development.

Leases, reversionary language, and hangars
City attorneys and airport staff recommended revising the city’s standard ground‑lease template to reflect market practice and to include clauses (possible reversionary language) that allow the city to reclaim improvements at lease end in some situations. Council directed staff to work with the Airport Advisory Board and outside aviation lease consultants to develop recommended changes to lease length, reversion language, and ground‑lease rates. Staff said lease length may be set by negotiation and could reflect the level of private investment in improvements.

Landing fees: direction to study models
Council gave staff direction — not a final ordinance — to evaluate landing‑fee options, seek alternative vendors (the vendor the city had been using is shifting its business model away from small aircraft tracking), and to prepare a community engagement plan including outreach to based operators and FBOs. Council asked staff to examine exemptions for emergency flights, military, and potentially based aircraft, and to include proposals for event‑based fees (for large air shows or events such as Sundance‑related charters) and charging models (weight‑based, time‑of‑day, or transient vs. based exemptions). Staff noted FAA review would be required before any fee program is implemented.

Community concerns about ADS‑B and safety
Multiple speakers raised a separate technical concern: some pilots have chosen to mark their ADS‑B registrations private under a federal program (CARES). Staff told council that private ADS‑B registrations complicate automated tail‑number‑based fee collection systems because those vendors rely on ADS‑B feeds to identify aircraft. Speakers warned that if pilots turn ADS‑B off to avoid fees it could create safety consequences; the council asked staff to factor safety and the CARES registry into vendor evaluations and to explore alternative detection/collection methods that do not undermine safety.

Next steps
Staff will prepare a more detailed options memo and public engagement plan and bring proposals back to the Airport Advisory Board and the council. The staff work plan requested by council includes: (1) a summary of landing‑fee vendor alternatives and cost estimates; (2) analysis of fee structures and exemption rules; (3) review of lease‑term and reversionary options; and (4) a plan to pursue state grants and utility partnerships for unleaded and electric infrastructure. Council asked staff to return with precise financial modeling showing potential revenue under each landing‑fee scenario and the projected effect on airport operating and capital budgets.","Councilors heard hours of public input on Vance Brand Airport operations. Staff outlined legal limits on flight‑path regulation, presented airport finances, recommended pursuing state funding for unleaded fuel, and said lease‑term and fee structures will be reviewed. Council directed staff to explore landing‑fee models, exemptions and vendors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Longmont council refers amended Distal–Toll land-exchange plan to parks advisory board, authorizes purchase of adjacent 17-acre Bigelow parcel

Council deadlocks on marijuana hospitality ordinance after vote on indoor‑smoking amendment; amendment removing indoor smoking passed earlier

Council approves amended ADU ordinance after debate over short‑term rental language

Longmont council asks staff to study landing‑fee options, preserves plans for unleaded fuel and lease changes at Vance Brand Airport