Trustees approve two easements after debate over Planning Commission role

Trustees voted to approve two easement agreements for properties at 6810 Park Avenue and 6795 Colorado Street after a lengthy discussion about whether the Planning Commission should review the easements. Staff member Julie told the board the minor subdivision that included these lots was approved by the Planning Commission on July 23, 2024, and that staff’s review found the easements would not harm the town’s use of the right-of-way and would allow the encroaching structures to be brought into conformance.

Planning commissioner Rocco Blasey urged trustees to table the item and send it to the Planning Commission, citing town code section 7-102 and arguing the commission should evaluate feasible alternatives such as purchase of the public land. “I ask you to table this item until planning commission weighs in on this land use matter,” Blasey said during public comment. Trustees debated whether the code requires Planning Commission involvement when no formal offer to purchase exists; the motion to table failed on roll call.

Applicant Robin Myers told the board a delay would “significantly harm” the owners because of an imminent property closing and reiterated that the subdivision had been approved by the Planning Commission. Staff described the proposed easement documents, said the standard compensation to the town is $10, and recommended approval to resolve encroachments without selling right-of-way. Trustee Bell moved to accept the easement agreements as presented; the motion was seconded, taken by roll call and carried. The board directed staff to finalize the legal documents for recording so the subdivision plat can be recorded and lots sold with clear title.