Woodland Park City Council unanimously approved two street reconstruction contracts totaling over $1.1 million at its March 19 meeting, awarding both to Pyramid Construction with an August 7 completion deadline. Council also received a presentation from Palmer Land Trust seeking city support for a 685-acre conservation acquisition south of town, heard the school district report on student achievements and a newly selected superintendent, reviewed a police department annual report showing a 22% overall crime reduction, and appointed two residents to city committees. The regular meeting followed a City Council executive session; no details of that session were disclosed in available meeting materials.
Street Reconstruction Projects
Council approved contracts for two street projects funded through the city’s 410 Fund, with no financing required. The South Fairview Street/Woodland Avenue contract totals $380,243, including a 10% contingency on a base bid of $345,676. The project covers 0.55 miles from Highway 24 south to the city limit, with work including mill and overlay, curb and gutter replacement, ADA-compliant sidewalk improvements, Cavalier Park parking lot resurfacing, and drainage repairs.
The Thunder Ridge/Regal Way/Spacious Skies Drive contract totals $808,939, including a 10% contingency on a base bid of $735,399, covering 0.78 miles. Director of Utilities and Public Works Kip Wiley explained the project will remove the area’s failing brick pavers — laid three inches thick over sand and existing asphalt — and replace them with four inches of asphalt. Pyramid Construction submitted the lowest bid for both projects, drawing five and six competitive bids respectively. Wiley said notice to proceed would be issued the following day.
Palmer Land Trust Conservation Effort
Palmer Land Trust presented plans to acquire Pinestone Ranch, a 685-acre property located behind the Walmart off U.S. Highway 24 that borders U.S. Forest Service land and connects to the North Slope Recreation Area. The organization, which has protected more than 13,000 acres in Teller County, is currently under contract to purchase the property and is seeking a combination grant and loan from Great Outdoors Colorado to fund the acquisition, with hopes to close this summer.
Representatives asked council for a letter of support to accompany the GOCO application, noting the funding body prioritizes projects with demonstrated community backing. Council will take up a resolution and letter of support at the April 2 meeting.
School District Update
School Board President Keegan Barkley reported that since January, the board has held three regular meetings, nine special meetings, three work sessions, six listening tour visits, and a full board retreat. The board completed a draft strategic plan on an accelerated timeline and posted it online for public comment through the end of March.
Superintendent Ginger Slocum, recently selected for the permanent position after serving as interim, highlighted several student achievements: 24 high school track athletes with state-qualifying times, a 7-0 varsity baseball record, two forensics students headed to nationals after winning first place at state, and destination imagination teams from Summit Elementary and the middle school placing first at regionals. A high school senior earned National Merit Scholar finalist status.
The district completed forensic and annual audits and is forming a community finance committee to add oversight. A public work session on the district’s charter school relationship with Merit Academy, facilitated by the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers, is scheduled for March 31 at 5 p.m.
Police Department Annual Report
Chief Chris Deisler presented the department’s 2025 annual report. Overall crime dropped 22% from 2024, drug offenses fell 45%, assaults decreased 30%, and traffic crashes of all types declined 24% to 170 — the lowest total in recent memory.
The department handled 34,546 calls for service, made 133 arrests, conducted 3,506 traffic stops, and issued 2,466 warnings. Average emergency response time was three minutes 30 seconds, measured from call receipt to officer arrival. The dispatch center, one of 372 worldwide accredited by the International Academy of Emergency Dispatchers, handled 65,524 administrative calls and 2,538 emergency 911 calls.
Committee Appointments and Recognition
Council appointed Kelli Bryant to the Keep Woodland Park Beautiful Committee in a 5-0-1 vote, with Councilmember Seth Bryant abstaining. Bryant, a five-year resident, helped inventory and organize the committee’s storage shed the previous weekend. Council also appointed Lynn Jones to the Main Street Committee in a 5-0-1 vote, with Councilmember George Jones abstaining. Jones previously served on the Main Street board from 2018 to 2021 and led the Shop Small Saturday initiative recognized by the National Main Street organization.
Chief Deisler presented appreciation plaques to Boy Scouts Brody Lambert and Colt Bodine of Troop 230 for their support during retired Chief Larson’s memorial service.
Council and Staff Reports
Mayor Case reported on the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments meeting held the previous week. The Highway 67 North widening project, originally scheduled for completion in October 2025, is now mobilizing with a target completion before July 4. The 2027-2032 Transportation Improvement Plan draft is posted on the PPACG website for 30-day public comment, with final action expected at the May PPACG meeting.
Councilmember Bryant announced the city’s first Youth Council meeting is scheduled for March 26 at 5 p.m., an initiative aimed at giving young residents experience in local government and a voice in city planning. The Keep Woodland Park Beautiful Committee also announced a new Litterbug Art Camp program targeting sixth graders at area schools as part of the committee’s education mission.
Councilmember Smith noted a new state law regulating semi-automatic firearms takes effect August 1, 2026, and offered to forward information to residents who contact him at his city email address.
Other Business
City Manager Aaron Vassalotti reminded residents the Downtown Development Authority microgrant program is accepting applications through May 1, with assistance available through the Chamber and Main Street. A golf course management services contract is expected at the April 2 meeting. The Utility Advisory Committee postponed its discussion of 2026 water tap fees to its April 8 meeting.
City Clerk Monica Mendoza reported election ballots were mailed March 16, ballot drop boxes are in place, and election judge training was completed March 19.
Upcoming community events include the Underwater Egg Dive at the Woodland Aquatic Center on March 28 from noon to 3 p.m., and the State of the City breakfast at Ute Pass Cultural Center on April 2 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
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