The Westcliffe Town Board unanimously approved $40,000 for Memorial Park tree planting and redesign during their Tuesday meeting, with the Parks Committee recommending removal of the deteriorating baseball diamond to create expanded playground areas and berms. The board also adopted a Community Wildfire Protection Plan covering all county towns and approved a three-lot commercial subdivision behind the Richland Street motel near Valley Fuel. Mayor Wenke presided over the meeting with all board members present, including Mayor Pro Tem Patterson and trustees Shy, Fulton, Nordyke, Wilhelm, and Jagow. Additional approvals included a housing needs assessment for grant closeout purposes, while two Main Street Colorado program items were deferred until February due to the presenter’s absence. The Parks Committee described the current baseball diamond condition as “bleak and disastrous” with no reported usage, while Silver Cliff maintains updated baseball facilities through recent grant funding. Staff also requested quotes for an office security exit door and discussed snow removal policy updates during the meeting.
Memorial Park Baseball Diamond Removal
The Parks Committee recommended removing Memorial Park’s deteriorating baseball diamond and redesigning the area using the approved $40,000 tree-planting budget. The committee’s redesign plan includes trees, berms, and expanded playground facilities.
The board voted to continue planning with the understanding that the baseball diamond might be removed. The flat space will remain available for community events like Family Fun Day, with volleyball play continuing in the area.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Adopted
The board unanimously approved Resolution 1-2025 adopting the Community Wildfire Protection Plan presented by Custer County Emergency Management. The plan covers all county towns since the county serves as emergency manager for municipal areas.
Plan development included 163 property owner survey responses and two public meetings. Projects include educational programs for short-term rental operators, with suggestions for fire safety magnets similar to bear-aware materials.
An insurance seminar is planned for late June to help residents understand coverage impacts. The plan coordinates federal lands treatment and includes a chipper program despite insurance concerns.
Commercial Lot Split Approved
The board approved subdividing the Howard Minor property into three commercial lots behind the motel on Richland Street. The property owner confirmed water service arrangements through Round Mountain Water during a phone call to the meeting.
The property maintains highway commercial zoning with one existing water tap. Round Mountain Water representatives agreed to provide additional taps at current cost following board discussion.
No public comments were received during the hearing. The Planning Commission had previously approved the subdivision before it reached the Town Board.
Housing Assessment and Grant Compliance
The board approved the final draft housing needs assessment required for grant closeout by month’s end. The approval was solely for grant compliance purposes and does not commit the town to specific housing policies.
The assessment spans over 100 pages with data collection and focus group results from a consulting firm. The document is available through Google Drive and email distribution.
Park Improvement Planning
The Parks Committee will return with a phased implementation plan for potential improvements through various funding sources, including a possible $75,000 T-Mobile grant. Board members requested priority development and timeline discussions for projects extending into 2027-2028.
Stone pillars around Memorial Park were discussed, with an $87,000 repair estimate mentioned for the historically significant structures. The pillars previously had wooden rails between them.
Administrative and Operational Issues
Staff requested quotes for installing an office exit door behind the window to provide escape routes during confrontational situations with visitors. The item will be added to February’s agenda for formal action.
Snow removal policy discussions focused on business owner responsibilities versus town sidewalk clearing obligations. The town operates small equipment for main block sidewalk removal.
Board members confirmed a previously approved truck purchase remains in progress. Staff continues searching for suitable vehicles after a previously identified truck was sold during the approval process.
Deferred Business Items
Two Main Street Colorado program items were postponed until February because the presenter was unavailable. The items included consideration of a support letter for the Main Street Colorado program through DOLA and attendance at a DOLA presentation.
The Custer County Tourism business directory request was withdrawn. The organization will proceed independently on an electronic directory that the town can link to from their website.
Election Information and Routine Business
Board members reminded residents about nomination petition signatures due Monday, with final two pages requiring notarization. Election terms will be determined by vote count, with top three vote-getters receiving four-year terms.
The consent agenda passed unanimously, including previous meeting minutes, treasurer’s report, and monthly bills. The meeting adjourned following completion of all agenda items and additional discussion topics.
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