Residents and foundation trade concerns over Kachera Mountain Park plans; county says no contracts signed

Residents raised concerns at the Feb. 25 Huerfano County commissioners meeting about possible commercial development and long-term leases at Kachera Mountain Park, asking for clarity about contracts, lease terms and community impacts.

Jessica Loveless of 130 Baker Creek Court told commissioners she and other neighbors oppose a reported long-term lease described in public messages as ‘‘75 years’’ (a later reference in the meeting described a prior 50-year term with renewal options). Loveless asked whether any county contracts or lease agreements committing the county to a long-term transfer exist; she said community members worried development could privatize park space and leave tiny homes or other infrastructure in the event a project failed.

T.R. Beasley, identifying himself as treasurer of the Kujira Foundation, told commissioners the foundation had several discussions over the prior two months and that board members approved a letter to the board. He said he could provide meeting minutes and would coordinate with the foundation’s Amanda Holliman to share records.

County staff and commissioners repeatedly said no signed transfer or long-term lease is in place. County staff described an earlier draft lease that had been sent to PSC (an operator/partner referenced in meeting remarks) in May of the prior year; that draft lease described a 30-year term, staff said, but the draft was not signed. Commissioners and staff said they had asked PSC and others to meet and explore a potential partnership, and they said they were waiting on follow-up discussions.

Several residents, including Jackie Christian and Ron Jamieson, spoke in favor of restoring the mountain and said they support private investment and volunteer efforts that would bring jobs and visitors back to the area. Others expressed alarm about social-media postings that circulated versions of a letter they said did not represent the majority of local homeowners.

County staff described previously directed work to develop conditions and deed restrictions for a potential transfer and emphasized that a transfer would require a formal resolution and further public process. Staff also said a DOLA (Department of Local Affairs) grant has been obtained to address maintenance work — specifically a new roof and garage door for a maintenance building PSC uses and deck repairs to the day lodge — and that Garland and Company, under an Omnia Partners contract, conducted a walkthrough and is coordinating bids for the maintenance-building work. Staff said bids will be reviewed and a proposal will be presented to commissioners for approval.

The board and staff urged that any formal proposal, leases or deed transfers would be brought to the commissioners with opportunities for public review and comment before any final action. Commissioners also said an earlier proposal discussed publicly had been rejected by a previous negotiating party and that the county had asked local entities to explore cooperative options before bringing a finalized plan to the board.

Residents asked the county to publicly share meeting records and to make clear when any final contract or transfer is scheduled for board consideration. T.R. Beasley said the foundation would provide minutes and further documentation of its internal meetings upon request.

The commissioners did not take any contractual actions during the meeting; they moved to an executive session later in the day for unrelated legal matters and said no public action would follow immediately after that session.