By High Country Advocate Staff
Leadville — September 16, 2025 — The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met Tuesday morning in a session that ranged from youth hockey advocacy to affordable housing measures and courthouse renovations.
Public Comments
The meeting opened with youth voices. Levi Harding and Shanice Fleming, both local students, asked the board to consider building a covered or domed hockey rink in Leadville. Harding said players often have to travel to Breckenridge to join teams. Fleming added that a year-round rink would prevent conflicts between skaters and hockey players and could even support solar panels on the roof.
Commissioners thanked them for speaking up. One noted, “It’s not easy to get up in front of a room full of people and say what you want to say. Without youth steering us, sometimes we forget that other voices aren’t being heard.”
Later, Mike Matheson, representing Follow the Footsteps Epic Adventures, updated the board on his group’s expansion at Ski Cooper. Beginning this season, all Lake County fourth and fifth graders will ski free, including lift tickets, rentals, transportation, and lessons. About 130 students are expected to participate. Matheson emphasized that the program is fully funded in advance, with adaptive skiing continuing as the group’s core mission
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Attorney Transition and Communication Reminder
Commissioners formally acknowledged the resignation of County Attorney Chris Floyd, thanking him for his service. They emphasized the importance of open communication with the public, encouraging residents to reach out directly rather than rely on assumptions
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Housing Initiatives
Housing Program Manager Jackie Wheelie presented an operating agreement creating a single-purpose LLC with the Leadville–Lake County Regional Housing Authority. The move secures tax-exempt status for construction on Sixth Street and could save the county significant costs. Commissioners approved the agreement unanimously
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Courthouse Renovation
The board reviewed an agreement with Reynolds, Ash and Associates, PLLC, to serve as architect of record for the Lake County Courthouse renovation project. Because of federal funding requirements tied to congressional spending, additional contract provisions were needed. Commissioners opted to table the vote until a special meeting, preferring to see the revised contract before final approval
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Appointments and Authority Board
- Commissioners appointed County Manager Candice Bryant as the interim representative to the Lake County E911 Authority Board, filling a vacancy until a new OEM director is hired
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- Resolution 2025-28 was adopted, updating board and position appointments for the year, including reaffirming attorney and tourism panel positions
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Legislative Advocacy Contract
The board renewed its annual lobbying contract with Political Advocacy Inc., noting a reduced fee for the upcoming legislative session. Commissioners requested a more formal review of lobbying outcomes during future sessions to ensure value for the county
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Closing
The meeting wrapped up with reminders of upcoming Board of Equalization hearings, wildfire mitigation discussions, budget work sessions, and community events.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted from the official meeting transcript. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, some details may contain errors due to transcription limits.
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