The Buena Vista Board of Trustees imposed a moratorium on new short-term rental applications until September 2026, responding to community concerns while overhauling regulations trustees called fundamentally flawed. The board voted 6-0 Monday night with one abstention after three residents opposed the measure during public comment, arguing the moratorium restricts property rights and removes rental units from the local economy. Trustees swore in new police officer Anitta Wroten, who graduated from Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Academy with two leadership awards and previously worked in town code enforcement. The board appointed Ed Barkowski as town clerk through November’s election and received updates on The Crossing affordable housing project closing on loans and signing a $1.6 million Housing Development Grant contract for the 33-unit development.
Short-Term Rental Moratorium
Three residents opposed the moratorium during public comment. Jordan Euler argued government should protect property rights rather than micromanage property use, citing regulations that drive up housing costs. Another resident presented written testimony questioning whether homes should sit vacant rather than support the local economy through short-term rentals, noting 10 affordable homes under $500,000 currently on the market.
Trustee Micha Rosenoer addressed ethics questions about her HipCamp employment, clarifying the company doesn’t operate in Buena Vista or list short-term rentals and has no business interest in town regulations. She criticized weaponizing ethics complaints to intimidate officials and said her position is guided solely by community interests.
Town Administrator Brian Berger explained the moratorium provides a fresh start with all current renewals processed and no pending applications. Town Attorney Jeff Parker recommended the moratorium to address citizen concerns while fixing regulations. Trustees Devin Rowe, Andrew Rice, and Cindie Swisher volunteered for committee work, with a March 10 work session scheduled.
Trustees emphasized the moratorium isn’t intended to eliminate short-term rentals but to fix policy issues identified during recent review. The board acknowledged fundamental flaws in current regulations requiring comprehensive revision. Trustee Chris Sturm abstained from the vote approving Ordinance No. 01.
New Police Officer Sworn In
Officer Anitta Wroten took her oath after graduating from Pikes Peak Regional Law Enforcement Academy with two leadership awards. She previously worked in town code enforcement and comes from a law enforcement family. Police Chief Dean Morgan pinned her badge during the ceremony with family members present.
Wroten’s transition from code enforcement to patrol officer demonstrates internal career advancement opportunities within town government. Her academy performance and leadership recognition signal strong preparation for patrol duties.
Town Clerk Appointment
Paul Andrews spoke supporting Ed Barkowski’s town clerk appointment, praising his character as humble, hardworking and trustworthy after three years of acquaintance. The board unanimously approved Barkowski’s appointment through November’s election.
Trustees approved bank account signatory requirements and multiple board appointments through the consent agenda, including Water Advisory Board and Tree Board positions. The appointments fill vacancies and maintain board functioning for 2026 operations.
Fire District Reports Equipment Purchases
Chief Kira Jones reported approximately 650 district calls with increased volumes from the previous year. The district completed its first strategic plan in 50 years, establishing long-term goals and operational priorities for fire protection and emergency medical services.
The district is purchasing new equipment including a Type 3 wildland truck and mini-pumper for accessing steep subdivision driveways during snow conditions. The mini-pumper addresses response challenges in mountainous terrain where larger apparatus cannot navigate winter conditions effectively.
The district is revamping the Chaffee Chips program under full department ownership with homeowner mitigation assistance and created a wildland captain position to coordinate wildfire prevention efforts. For 2026 concerts, personnel will respond from Station 306 rather than stationing at events, providing law enforcement more venue space while maintaining rapid response capability.
Jones highlighted the district’s 50th anniversary planning throughout 2026, recognizing five decades of service to the Buena Vista community.
Housing Authority Exceeds Deed Restriction Goals
Executive Director Marjo Curgus reported The Crossing project closed on loans and signed a $1.6 million Housing Development Grant contract. The 33-unit development offers income diversity from 30% to 100% Area Median Income, with two units specifically designed for workers earning $10.30 per hour. Modular construction is anticipated for late 2026 occupancy.
The authority exceeded strategic plan targets with 150 deed-restricted units versus a 75-unit goal, doubling the original target through partnerships and project expansion. CHA is coordinating with Kroger on housing navigation support for potential City Market expansion, recognizing workforce housing needs for commercial development.
CHA will coordinate the January 27 Point in Time homeless count after Chaffee Hospitality limited capacity. The count focuses on families and seniors facing housing instability, providing data for federal funding applications and local service planning.
Boys and Girls Club Construction Timeline Extended
Trustees approved a 12-month construction extension, changing the ground lease deadline from 36 to 48 months. The club has raised $8.7 million for facilities including a high school-sized gymnasium, flexible programming spaces, indoor rock climbing wall, theater, and walking track.
Ground breaking is scheduled for summer 2026 with occupancy expected 18 months later. The design was reduced from two-story to one-story operations space due to inflation while maintaining key community features donors prioritized. The fundraising success demonstrates community support for youth programming expansion.
Club representatives explained the extension accommodates design modifications made to preserve donor priorities while managing construction cost increases. The facility will significantly expand youth services capacity beyond current program space limitations.
Planning Director Announces Housing Assessment
Planning Director Marika announced Root Policy as housing needs assessment consultant, bringing experience from Steamboat Springs and Summit County housing initiatives. Public engagement starts February 2026, gathering community input on housing needs and preferences.
A tent vendor survey runs through January 15 on MyBV to evaluate 2025 program effectiveness. The survey results will inform 2026 vendor program planning and potential modifications to vendor selection and location processes.
Tourism Management Restructuring
Town Administrator Brian Berger reported the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau reformed as a Destination Management Council with town representation. The restructuring shifts focus from pure tourism marketing toward managing visitor impacts and balancing tourism with community needs.
Trustee Swisher volunteered for appointment to oversee lodging tax tourism marketing allocations. The position ensures town interests are represented in regional tourism decisions affecting Buena Vista.
Administrative Reports
Town Attorney Jeff Parker anticipated a successful 2026 based on current management, noting legal matters appear well-positioned for the year ahead. The board approved routine items including advisory board minutes, department reports, and vehicle purchases for 2026 operations.
The consent agenda included standard administrative items requiring no separate discussion. Trustees received department reports documenting December activities and early 2026 preparations across town operations.
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