Green Mountain Falls trustees approve wildfire resiliency code, set fees and assign dark‑sky study

Mayor Todd Dixon called the Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees to order at 7:01 p.m. on May 5, 2026. The board heard routine reports, took public comment, and approved several ordinances, resolutions and motions affecting parks, planning and town fees.

Public Works Supervisor Kelley Hakes reported the town's white Ford has been repaired and the grader is fully functional. Marshal Sean Goings said calls for service dropped from 53 last month to 48, and that he and Deputy Marshal Starks completed training. Town Manager Caleb Patterson said he is working with PPACG to update the town's three‑mile plan from 1997. During public comment, resident Rocco Blasi announced a public meeting on the comprehensive plan set for May 19 at 6:00 p.m. and noted two open positions on the Planning Committee.

The board moved quickly through a slate of business items. Mark Laurin presented a dark‑sky overview; Mayor Dixon moved to assign a feasibility study to the Planning Commission, a motion seconded by Trustee John Bell and approved unanimously. Paul Yingling with FMAC introduced Resolution 2026‑09 to designate May as "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" month; the board adopted the resolution after Dixon moved to correct the date to May 5, 2026.

On recreation, trustees debated whether to open the Green Mountain Falls swimming pool or keep it closed for updates. Mayor Dixon moved for a limited, "slow start" opening and said the season should be shortened to end after Bronc Days on Aug. 1, 2026 if operations allow. Trustee Brandy Moralez seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

The board directed staff to return with more information on land‑sales and annexation questions after discussing legal definitions of "open space" and "park." Nancy Dixon with PRTAC described a Growing Gardens summer camp proposal in which campers would help maintain town gardens; Trustee Moralez moved to accept the camp work, Trustee Bell seconded, and the motion carried.

A proposal to use excess sales tax revenue, if voters approve a sales‑tax measure, to fund a new town sign passed with a split vote: three in favor, one opposed and one abstention. Trustee Moralez moved to accept Ballot Item #2 for TABOR/ballot resolutions; Trustee Bell seconded and the motion carried 4–1.

Trustee John Bell moved to approve Ordinance 2026‑05, the Wildfire Resiliency Code, with a corrected Section 5 setting the effective date to July 1, 2026. Trustee Brandy Moralez seconded; the ordinance passed with four in favor and one abstention. Bell also moved to adopt Resolution 2026‑07 to change gazebo rental fees to $200 per two‑hour block; Moralez seconded and the resolution passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Votes at a glance: • Dark‑sky feasibility study — motion by Mayor Todd Dixon; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: approved unanimously. • Resolution 2026‑09 (Neighbor Helping Neighbor Month) — motion by Mayor Todd Dixon; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: approved unanimously; date corrected to May 5, 2026. • Pool opening decision — motion by Mayor Todd Dixon; seconded by Trustee Brandy Moralez; outcome: approved unanimously; season may be shortened to end Aug. 1, 2026. • PC memo on land sales/annexation — motion by Mayor Todd Dixon; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: staff directed to return with more information (unanimous). • Growing Gardens summer camp acceptance — motion by Trustee Brandy Moralez; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: approved unanimously. • Town sign funding (conditional on sales tax approval) — motion by Mayor Todd Dixon; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: approved, tally 3 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain. • Ballot Item #2 (TABOR/ballot resolution) — motion by Trustee Brandy Moralez; seconded by Trustee John Bell; outcome: approved, tally 4 yes, 1 no. • Ordinance 2026‑05 (Wildfire Resiliency Code) — motion by Trustee John Bell; seconded by Trustee Brandy Moralez; outcome: adopted, tally 4 yes, 1 abstain; effective date corrected to July 1, 2026. • Resolution 2026‑07 (fee schedule — gazebo rentals) — motion by Trustee John Bell; seconded by Trustee Brandy Moralez; outcome: approved unanimously; gazebo rentals set to $200 per two‑hour block.

What happens next: staff will return with follow‑up information on land sales and annexation questions; the Planning Commission will undertake the dark‑sky feasibility study; the town will implement fee changes and the wildfire code as directed.