Woodland Park submitted its Colorado Main Street Program application to state officials December 17. The city expects designation approval in mid-January 2026.
Council approved Resolution 938 on December 18 authorizing the partnership agreement. Budget Director Kimberly Burleson presented to the Department of Local Affairs one day earlier alongside three competing communities: Kiowa, Fort Morgan, and Cripple Creek. DOLA raised no concerns.
Main Street designation provides access to technical assistance, strategic planning support, and statewide collaboration for downtown businesses. The board will connect businesses to development resources, collaborate with the DDA on aesthetic improvements, and lead marketing efforts attracting visitors.
The board is coordinating with Victor Main Street (already designated) and Cripple Creek Main Street (also applying). Board President Andrea said featuring existing signature events in regional marketing will draw visitors to “the city above the clouds.”
Charter Amendment Removes Term Limits
Council approved Historical Preservation Committee bylaws establishing unlimited terms, implementing a November 2025 ballot measure that shifted term limit authority from the charter to individual boards.
Voters approved amending Charter Section 5.3(a) to allow boards and commissions to set their own term limits. The HPC reviewed two options December 2: unlimited terms or capped service. The committee chose unlimited terms.
Planning Director Karen Schminke justified the decision by noting HPC’s certified local government status requires members with particular expertise. “Sometimes that can be difficult and challenging to find that expertise and folks willing to serve,” she said.
The change allows Laurie Glauth to continue indefinitely. Glauth has served 25 years and secured four Colorado Historic Fund grants totaling over $200,000. Council Member Bryant suggested quarterly meetings instead of monthly sessions to improve efficiency. Schminke said the committee could discuss the proposal in January.
Business Owner Links Health Crisis to Landlord Negligence
Andrea Connolly received a medical diagnosis December 17 confirming seven months of toxic mold exposure at her business. She asked council to create protections ensuring small businesses can operate safely.
Six water intrusions went uninspected and unfixed, resulting in eight types of mold, some toxic. The contamination caused lost revenue, health issues for multiple individuals, and forced Connolly to spend unplanned funds making the space safer for vendors, employees, her family, and customers.
Connolly identified a pattern. Her husband’s barbershop relocated after repeated leaks. A friend’s nonprofit faced dangerous building conditions. She told council small businesses need protections if the city wants to preserve downtown charm.
She asked council to answer how the city can ensure small businesses have protections to operate safely. “These landlords should not be permitted to expand their operations in our community if this behavior is known,” Connolly said.
Council Fills Board Vacancies, Reappoints Veterans
Council reappointed Historical Preservation Committee members Laurie Glauth (25 years service), architect David Langley (serving since 1981), and surveyor Eric Simonson. Planning Commission reappointed Don Hoying. Board of Adjustment reappointed Nicholas Abercrombie; Louis Ramon did not seek reappointment.
Council appointed Roy Cassada to the Downtown Development Authority through June 2030.
Board of Review received three applications for two positions expiring in 2029. Council appointed Jeff Cahill and Mac McViker to 2029 terms, Jeff Smith to a 2028 term. McViker noted the board has never had a decision appealed in 12-plus years. “I think that speaks to the integrity of this board and being fair to both sides,” he said.
Smith has served 43 years on Teller County’s Board of Review and 25 years on Planning Commission.
Multiple board vacancies remain. Deputy City Manager Suzanne Leclercq encouraged citizens to apply for two to four Planning Commission openings and one Board of Adjustment position.
Police Department Awards
Chief Deisler recognized dispatcher Tammy Santee’s retirement effective December 31 and presented memorial service awards honoring former Police Chief Bob Larson.
Deisler said dispatchers’ work is often overlooked. Santee joined the department recently but made significant impact.
The department organized a memorial service for Larson following his death during summer. Director Tomsky from Mount Memorial Funeral Home donated memorial cards. Civil Air Patrol from Merritt Academy presented colors. Rob Feltz broadcast the service online so Larson’s family abroad could watch. Kristen Higginbotham designed and printed the program.
Beautification Award
Keep Woodland Park Beautiful presented the 2025 award to the owner of the building housing Miss Priss and Java House for maintaining Highway 24 flower baskets that lasted into fall.
Committee chairperson Kassidi Gilgenast retired after five years leading the committee through record turnout and community engagement while managing family responsibilities and her husband’s deployment.
Budget and Development Ordinances Advance
Council approved initial posting for two ordinances with public hearings set for January 15, 2026.
Ordinance 1517 amends the development agreement between the city and Pathway to the Rockies Council, Boy Scouts of America, regarding the Glen Aspen Reservoir Project. City Manager Aaron Vassalotti said additional information will be provided before the hearing.
Ordinance 1516 adjusts 2025 expenditure appropriations.
Ice Rink Construction Paused
Warm weather halted ice rink construction at Meadowood Sports Complex. The rink reached 30 percent completion before temperatures above 50 degrees reduced progress to zero percent with exposed concrete. The 10-day forecast shows continued warm temperatures. Skate with Santa was canceled.
Council canceled the January 1, 2026 meeting. City Hall closes December 24-25 and December 31-January 1.
Mayor Case recognized city staff for winning the judges award at the Lights Above the Clouds parade. Communications Manager Kristen Higginbotham coordinated float construction using five Snoopy characters, one seven-foot Snoopy, three generators, and more than 4,000 lights.
Council approved the December 4 meeting minutes and November 2025 expenditures.
The meeting revealed a city balancing growth aspirations through Main Street designation and charter flexibility for volunteer retention, while residents confront immediate accountability gaps in commercial building oversight that threaten the small-business character the economic development strategy depends upon.
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