Woodland Park City Council unanimously rejected a rezoning request for 309 Willow Street at their February 5 meeting, with Mayor Kellie Case stating the city should pursue comprehensive sub-area planning rather than consider individual parcels in isolation. The 6-0 vote against Ordinance 1520 came during a 37-minute meeting that also approved a hotel and restaurant liquor license for Tava House Enterprises at 120 S. Center Street, allocated 80 single-family residential water taps for 2026, and unanimously appointed Amy Moore to the Keep Woodland Park Beautiful Committee. SSR Mining representative Shelby Mullen reported 430 employees at the Cripple Creek & Victor operation and $360,000 in community investments, while Police Chief Chris Deisler announced 22% overall crime reduction citywide. A frustrated Willow Street resident told council that city code enforcement and police had repeatedly failed to resolve months of late-night noise complaints from a downtown business.
Rezoning Rejection
Council rejected Ordinance 1520 which would have converted 309 Willow Street from Central Business District to Urban Residential zoning. Mayor Case said after the vote that council should develop a sub-area plan for the CBD zone and surrounding areas before considering individual property changes.
All six council members voted against the rezoning despite Councilmember Bryant initially making the motion to approve.
Enforcement Complaint
William McClear of Willow Street told council during public comment about his months-long battle with late-night noise from AJ’s Pizza continuing until 11:30 PM. McClear said he contacted code enforcement at least three times and police five times without resolution.
McClear told council members they had become his option of last resort after city departments failed to address the issue. Council took no immediate action on the complaint during the meeting.
SSR Mining Investment Shift
Shelby Mullen, external relations coordinator for SSR Mining’s Cripple Creek & Victor operation, presented community investment figures to council. The mine employs 430 people and contributed $360,000 to community programs in the region.
Mullen said SSR Mining is establishing Community Development Committees in Cripple Creek and Victor, with the company allocating 80% of community investments to Teller County communities. Woodland Park will receive limited consideration for future investments. The mine’s Community Investment Committee supports local scholarships and school grants in Woodland Park and Cañon City.
Crime Reduction
Police Chief Chris Deisler reported 22% overall crime reduction citywide and 24% fewer traffic crashes and injuries. Deisler said the department has shown continued improvement in public safety metrics over the past three years.
Water Tap Allocation
Council approved Resolution 940 allocating 80 single-family residential water taps for 2026, including 60 taps from the main allocation and 20 from the borrow bank. City records show only 12 single-family taps were sold in 2025.
The city maintains 985 remaining water tap capacity under its Water Tap Management Plan from 1997.
Routine Approvals
Council approved a new hotel and restaurant liquor license for Tava House Enterprises, LLC at 120 S. Center Street, the former Woodland Station site. The board also unanimously appointed Amy Moore to the Keep Woodland Park Beautiful Committee, with City Staff Liaison Kristen Higginbotham managing committee coordination.
Council approved Resolution 939 declaring the city’s public notice method for 2026 under Charter Section 15.12. The Main Street Program held an open house showing strong community interest in the downtown designation.
Administrative Actions
Council approved renewal of the legal services contract with Wilson Williams Fellman Dittman law firm. City Attorney Nina Williams represents the city through the firm. Williams noted that five years ago when the firm took over representation, council was divided and could not accomplish much.
The Downtown Development Authority, chaired by John Gemelke, increased its micro-grant program from $150,000 to $200,000 for downtown business improvements.
Upcoming Actions
Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Golf course management and food truck service contract bids close February 16, and the city continues accepting applications for various board and committee positions.
Election season brings six candidates for April’s ballot, with one mayor and five council candidates competing for four seats. March 19 offers election judge training for residents interested in supporting the democratic process.
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