Breckenridge Town Council at its March 24 work session and regular meeting directed staff to implement Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions beginning May 1, reducing automated lawn irrigation from three days per week to two in response to drought conditions, while also approving a path forward for seven new public electric vehicle fast chargers at no cost to the town through an $800,000-plus state grant, launching a comprehensive plan update with consulting firm Logan Simpson, and appointing three members to the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission. Council also directed negotiators to proceed on two potential property acquisitions — an open space parcel in the upper Blue Basin and a property within town limits — and gave direction on a new e-delivery fee structure aimed at reducing large commercial trucks from the historic downtown core.
Water Restrictions
Public Works Director James Phelps told council the town will move to Stage 2 outdoor watering restrictions on May 1, the same day Denver Water implemented its own restrictions. The change reduces automated zone irrigation for lawns from three days per week to two; hand-watering of flowers and gardens through hose bibs is unaffected. Staff will work with landscape and property management companies — among the town’s largest water users — and launch a public communications campaign before restrictions take effect.
The town’s golf course uses non-potable water from the Swan River and has its own staged reduction plan that will protect the greens while eliminating irrigation from rough and fairways first.
Council also reviewed a $5 million capital project to upsize a water main on the south side of town from 8 and 12 inches to 16 inches, addressing fire flow and water pressure deficiencies. Most work is planned for 2027 with a small portion in fall 2026. The estimate is preliminary and has not yet been bid.
EV Fast Chargers
Staff presented a proposal to add seven new DC fast chargers at no cost to the town. Denver-based Helios Charging received more than $800,000 from the Colorado Energy Office’s DCFC Plazas grant program for a project totaling $1.1 to $1.2 million. Helios would privately finance the remaining costs and own, operate, and maintain the chargers. The town’s only contribution is a site through a revocable license agreement, with the grant requiring a minimum five-year operational term. Two potential locations were identified, including the Wellington parking lot. Revenue sharing is possible and still to be negotiated. Council directed staff to move forward.
Comprehensive Plan Kickoff
Community Development Director Mark Truckey introduced Logan Simpson, the consulting firm leading Breckenridge’s comprehensive plan update. The advisory committee held its inaugural meeting the morning of March 24. The process runs through late 2027 in three phases: existing conditions analysis and early public outreach through early summer; vision development and future land use planning through summer; and plan refinement and public hearings through fall and winter.
Colorado law now requires comprehensive plans to include a tiered housing action plan, recreation and tourism growth management, water supply planning, and area growth guidance. Public engagement will include individual community listening sessions, a dedicated advisory committee, an immersive summer event using a 180-degree screen to visualize potential redevelopment sites, and ongoing online participation tools.
BOSAC Appointments
Council appointed three members to four-year terms on the Breckenridge Open Space Advisory Commission in a 6-0 vote, with Council Member Todd Rankin absent. The seats drew 17 applicants. Incumbents Krysten Joyce and Bobbie Zanca were reappointed; Matt Powers was also appointed. New terms begin with the April 13 BOSAC meeting. Council discussed shifting the commission from two four-year terms to two three-year terms to allow broader community participation, though no vote was taken.
E-Delivery Fee Structure
Sustainability and Parking Manager Jessie Burley presented a proposed tiered fee structure for the town’s e-delivery program, which uses electric cargo bikes operated by 106 West to handle commercial deliveries in the town core, reducing large truck traffic in the historic district. The highest fee tier reaches approximately $173 per day and would achieve 19% cost recovery. Staff proposed opening permit applications this summer with permits in place by October 1, requiring two ordinance readings. Council supported the approach while noting concerns about smaller specialty vendors and the possibility of fees being passed on to restaurants.
Proposition 123 Housing Compliance
Staff reported that Breckenridge has met most requirements to maintain eligibility for Proposition 123 affordable housing grant funding, with one remaining compliance item needed by early 2027. A pending state bill would require communities opted into Prop 123 to produce a set number of affordable units over three years, calculated from average building permits multiplied by a job-growth factor. For Breckenridge, staff estimated the requirement at approximately 75 units over three years — a target staff said the town should meet. The bill’s sponsors are still refining language and the governor is expected to sign it.
Real Property Acquisitions
Following executive session, council instructed negotiators to pursue two potential acquisitions: an open space parcel in the upper Blue Basin and a property within town limits. No additional details were disclosed.
Public Comment and Other Business
During public comment, SCoMBA treasurer Wayne Haley asked council to formally support a Forest Service pilot that would open a small number of trails to Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes. Acting Dillon District Ranger Sam Massman supports the concept but wants assurance of community backing before beginning the NEPA process. Council took no formal action.
Council Member Steve Gerard raised the need to revisit dog park signage and ordinances before the summer season, including vaccination requirements and owner supervision rules. Staff was directed to review.
Town communications staff member Jacob Ojeda reported that a recent snow-related Instagram video reached 61% non-followers through organic messaging, and that a January video generated approximately 350 new followers.
Council Member Jay Beckerman reported that the Open Space Advisory Commission received a wetlands health presentation showing stable conditions at Cucumber Creek with increased beaver activity. Wildlife cameras captured a confirmed mountain lion in Lincoln Meadows. The commission also discussed a proposed policy update governing the use of motorized mobility devices on trails, with some members raising concerns about allowing any motorized devices on open space. The policy will return to BOSAC before coming to council.
Fiber broadband staff reported a goal of increasing the network take rate from 26.5% to 31.8% in 2026, with homes passed growing from 5,147 to 6,176 as service extends to the Village at Breckenridge and Main Street Station. Town Manager Shannon Haynes reminded council of a spring retreat on May 12 and a school district community meeting at Upper Blue Elementary on April 13 at 6 p.m.
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