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Brighton council continues due diligence on Silver Fork Lodge right of first refusal
Summary
Residents pressed the council for transparency about the town's right of first refusal on Silver Fork Lodge; council members say the right was signed May 29 and that inspections and an appraisal are under way with a due-diligence deadline of Sept. 25.
Mayor Jeff Bossard said the town has signed a right of first refusal for Silver Fork Lodge and is in a due-diligence period that runs through Sept. 25. During public comment, multiple residents urged transparency and broader public engagement on the potential purchase.
The council has completed property inspections and is pursuing an appraisal and other evaluations, council members said. "On May 29," Mayor Bossard said when asked about the timing of the right of first refusal. Council staff and MSD building officials have conducted on-site inspections, and the council expects an appraisal update at the next meeting.
Several residents expressed frustration that a decision appeared predetermined. Jan Slott asked directly, "have you actually moved forward with the right of first refusal?" and later suggested a townwide survey; council members said a survey prior to a purchase is not the chosen course but invited written input and public meetings if the town moves to acquire the property.
Resident Kurt Slaughter criticized council members he said were not representing local neighbors, telling the council: "you don't really represent the people that live up here; you're representing your own ideas." Council members and other public speakers disputed that characterization and emphasized the limits of alternatives if a private buyer purchases the lodge.
Councilors acknowledged strong public interest in maintaining the lodge's restaurant and event functions. Council member comments during the meeting said many participants at a prior workshop "said we want this to remain a restaurant," and stressed that if the town did not use its right, a private buyer could alter or redevelop the property.
No formal purchase vote occurred at the meeting. Council members said they will continue inspections and financial analysis through the September deadline and would share further updates at future meetings and in the minutes.
