Keystone council expands eligibility for Trails and Open Space Advisory Board

The Keystone Town Council on June 30 adopted Ordinance 2026-07 to broaden who can serve on the town’s Trails and Open Space Advisory Board, allowing the council to appoint individuals who are not Keystone residents or property owners if they possess relevant experience or expertise.

Town planner Miss Herzburg told the council the change modifies section B3 of the land-use code so appointments can be based on “experience, knowledge or expertise in trail planning and maintenance, open space planning and maintenance, outdoor recreation, conservation and natural resources or other relevant fields or experience.” Miss Herzburg said staff drafted the revision after council direction at an earlier work session.

Council members praised the change as a practical step to expand the pool of qualified applicants. Council member Carol Kerr, who moved to adopt the ordinance, said she was “very pleased that we are clarifying that you need not be a property owner, that we're looking for experience and expertise across the community.”

The council opened a public hearing but recorded no speakers. After brief discussion about the recent interest in board openings, the council approved the ordinance in a roll-call vote, with six council members recorded in favor.

The ordinance replaces references to older master-plan language in the land-use code and aligns advisory-board qualifications with the town’s recently adopted comprehensive plan. The council did not return the ordinance to staff for further amendment; it was adopted as presented.

Council and staff said the change should help fill vacancies and attract applicants with specialized skills for trail and open-space stewardship. The council will post openings and accept applications according to the town’s usual appointment process.