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Residents press for full forensic audit of Sentara project; public safety and marijuana licensing also raised
Summary
During public comment, multiple residents urged continuation of a forensic audit of the Sentara/Centerra development after an Ernst & Young report flagged irregularities; speakers also called for greater transparency and for developers to pay audit costs per the MFA, and raised concerns about a recent violent attack and marijuana-licensing rules.
Several Loveland residents used the public-comment period Dec. 16 to urge further investigation into the Sentara development and to raise community safety and licensing concerns.
Doug Van Slyenberg asked the council to "continue the forensic investigation into the Sentara development project," saying the Ernst & Young audit "made it clear that this is not the moment to look away. It's the moment to dig deeper." He told council the initial audit found inconsistent financial practices, missing documentation and potential conflicts of interest that undermine safeguards in the Master Financing Agreement (MFA).
Cindy Van Slumbergh argued the Ernst & Young findings constitute "material breaches" of the MFA and said the contract language (Section 8.5) makes the defaulting party responsible for audit costs. "The developer can afford to pay for the Ernst and Young audit and the full forensic audit," she said, and urged council to seek compensation and a fuller audit.
Carrie Erlewine urged council members to read the full MFA—a more than 200-page agreement with modifications and amendments—and said Ernst & Young examined only a slice of the contract, recommending deeper review and possible redress.
City staff and some commenters encouraged formal follow-up. Staff noted the original Ernst & Young contract scope allows E&Y to provide a cost estimate for further work; staff suggested contacting the firm for a precise estimate. Several public commenters and local residents warned failing to pursue follow-up would perpetuate public distrust and urged council and the LURA board to pursue a fuller audit.
Other public comments that evening touched on public-safety concerns after a recent hammer attack in the community and on marijuana-licensing rules. Mike Scofield described the recent assault and said the community is "scared, frustrated, and demanding that their elected leaders act." Multiple speakers also raised questions about the one-mile spacing rule for dispensary licenses and asked whether local businesses could be prioritized under the licensing code; staff replied that ballot language prevents prioritization but that administrative elements provide a transparent review process and that staff will return with a revised fee schedule.
No formal motion on the Sentara forensic audit was recorded during the meeting; speakers' requests were entered into the public record and staff indicated willingness to supply additional information and cost estimates.
