April 29, 2015 VOLU M E 5 4 | I S S UE 1 7 | 7 5 ¢
PikesPeakCourier.net T E L L E R C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Commissioners deny Sanborn request By Pat Hill
phill@coloradocommunitymedia.com In a unanimous vote, Teller County commissioners Marc Dettenrieder, Dave Paul and Norm Steen denied a request from Sanborn Western Camps to amend text in the county’s Land Use Regulations. At issue is Sanborn’s request for a minor expansion by remodeling current cabins to add 40 beds, a 1/2-acre project on the camp’s 3,200 acres in Teller County. “We would like to rebuild the 53-year-old cabins at the girls’ camp,” said Jane Sanborn, chief executive officer. While the county’s planning commission, a volunteer body, approved the request in March, the planning staff recommended denial. Under the current regulations, Sanborn must apply for a special-use permit that requires applicants to hire civil engineers, an architect and complete studies for traffic and drainage/erosion control before beginning construction.
“Those are some of the more onerous requirements when they just want to do a minor expansion on one of their buildings, to add a little extra floor space to make it more comfortable,” said Andrea Barlow, professional planner with NES, Inc. “Keep in mind that these buildings were constructed in the ‘60s and ‘70s. There was a need to just modernize.” Sanborn added that, in 2012, the board of commissioners approved a change to the land use regulations that allowed the camp to rebuild a structure in its own footprint. That change was the crux of the issue three years later, which left the door open for Sanborn to go back to the drawing board. Sanborn remained calm throughout the proceedings. “If we believed it would be simpler and cheaper to try to comply rather than want to change the land use regulations we would certainly do so,” Sanborn said. “Our board continues to consider the Teller County Land Use Regulations the biggest threat we face to our continued ex-
istence.”
Why it matters The commissioners agreed with the staff that creating a new section for existing recreation, camps and retreats without a special use permit will only create confusion and inconsistency in the regulations, as stated in a document read by Lynda Morgan, director of community development services. Commissioner Paul added, “Part of my heartburn comes from making a regulation that only affects certain people,” he said. “That’s a slippery slope.” Paul added a zinger that opened the door to a solution. “If we can create a regulation that would codify the type of repair, maintenance or minor expansion that would limit it to the bubble in which that building exists — in addition to being able to simply show there is an excess of the required setbacks — would that be helpful to what you’re trying to achieve?” he said.
There were a few silent moments before Tim Siebert, also with NES, said the final decision needs to come from the board. “We would like to take your comments and respectfully request that you ask staff to work with us to try and address those concerns in a holistic manner,” he said. Paul spoke of his role as a commissioner. “These regulations can be changed but we have to look at changes from the parameters of our oath of office and what’s going to happen when you are no longer in charge of the camp,” he said. However, County Administrator Sheryl Decker offered hope to the applicants. “We will look for changes we can make and look for solutions that work for everybody,” she said. There were several in the audience who spoke in support of the request; as well, the city of Woodland Park submitted a letter of support. However, several neighbors wrote letters in opposition.
INSIDE THE COURIER
AT ISSUE: FEEDING THE WILDLIFE
Spring fundraisers bring out community despite snowy weather. Page 3 Seger releases book to celebrate mothers. Page 4 LIFE: It’s 20 years for Ute Pass Pony Run. Page 8
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OFFICE: 1200 E. Highway 24 Woodland Park, CO 80863 PHONE: 719-687-3006 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Teller County, Colorado, the Pikes Peak Courier is published weekly on Wednesday by Colorado Community Media, 1200 E. Highway 24, Woodland Park, CO 80863. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WOODLAND PARK, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal: Thurs. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 10 a.m. GE T SOCI AL WITH US
P LE A S E R ECYC L E T H I S C O PY
Frustrated by no resolution to a local wildlife feeding ordinance, some citizens voiced concern about Green Mountain Falls board of trustees delayed decision that has been considered, off and on, for the past seven months. Photo by Rob Carrigan
‘Do something,’ says Bratton to board By Pat Hill
phill@coloradocommunitymedia.com To feed or not to feed the wildlife, that remains the question in Green Mountain Falls, as the board of trustees has delayed a decision for the past seven months. Former four-term mayor Dick Bratton chastised the board for the delay at the meeting April 21. “This has been put off long enough,” he said. The issue became hot when Ann Pinell, who regularly feeds the ducks and geese and “adopted,” the domesticated goose Roy, was issued a ticket on Sept. 14 — and
paid a $50 fine. From there, the residents got involved, some pro, some con. But nothing was decided and Pinell remains in limbo over the issue. “I am chagrined at what has happened to Ann,” said Joe Olds, who was in the audience. From the podium, Pinell highlighted the issue of people using the Gazebo Lake as a dumping ground for ducks and geese, in addition to the threat to the wildlife from being caught in yards of fishing line. The stand-off became more complicated when Mayor Lorrie Worthey changed each trustee’s responsibilities, including
switching the position of parks’ liaison from David Cook to Barbara Gardiner. Bratton was clearly frustrated. “Do something!” he said. In response, Worthey requested an update from Gardiner for the meeting May 5. Clerk Mary Duval reported that the Department of Local Affairs has approved the final reimbursement to the town of $86,426, the last piece of detail for the building of town hall. After a three-hour meeting, the board adjourned in executive session, requested by town attorney Matt Krob.