Wellington trustees hear progress report on strategic plan and major infrastructure projects

WELLINGTON, Colo. ' Town staff told the Board of Trustees on Aug. 26 that a year of work on Wellington's adopted strategic plan has produced completed infrastructure projects, new community amenities and a set of planning studies that will guide near-term spending and grant applications. The update, presented by Deputy Town Administrator Kelly Huddling, said the town completed its water treatment plant and water reclamation facility this year, doubling the town's wastewater treatment capacity and clearing a key constraint to future commercial growth. Huddling said the project was a "massive lift" for staff and consultants and that the increased treatment capacity will help secure the town's long-term water needs. The presentation said the planning department completed a housing needs assessment this year to identify supply gaps and guide grant seeking. Huddling said the town will pursue additional state and federal grants based on the assessment's findings. The town also completed an accessible fishing dock at Wellville Ponds with a Colorado state grant and installed two downtown murals under the Main Street mini-grant program. Huddling said three planning projects are under way: a transportation and mobility master plan; a parks, recreation, open space and trails (PROS) master plan; and a community center feasibility study. She asked trustees to encourage resident participation in surveys that will shape those plans. She also reminded the board that construction on the Cleveland Avenue project is expected to begin in 2026 and described it as one of the most impactful downtown projects, aimed at improving accessibility, drainage and downtown appearance. Trustees asked no substantive changes to the report and offered praise. Trustee Tricia Daley called the update 'very exciting,' and Trustee Moyer said the strategic plan dashboards made the progress easy to see. The town plans to return to the board with discrete funding requests and project updates as grants and detailed designs are ready.