COLUMBINEVALLEYVOICE
FROM THE MAYOR
My tenure as Mayor of Columbine Valley will conclude in April. I have had the privilege of serving our community as Mayor for the past year, as a Town Trustee for seven years, and on the Planning and Zoning Commission for eight years. During this time, many changes have improved our Town and strengthened our community.
One of the most significant developments has been the addition of three major residential projects
Willowcroft, Wilder Lane, and Wild Plum. Together, these projects resulted in more than 160 new homes being built over the last decade, all of which have been wonderful additions to Columbine Valley. During this same period, our population has grown from approximately 1,300 residents to nearly 1,700. Another notable milestone was Columbine Country Club’s decision to replace its original 1950s-era facility with a new clubhouse. This
investment has enhanced the value of homes throughout the Town while positioning the club as one of Colorado’s premier private clubs. Although very little open land remains available for development, the thoughtful growth and improvements during this period have helped shape Columbine Valley into a highly desirable and sought-after place to live. We are often described as living in a “bubble” something I take as a genuine compliment.
MAYOR & BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Bill Dotson, Mayor
(Term Expires April 2026)
Dave Huelskamp, Mayor Pro Tem Trustee
(Term Expires April 2028)
Mike Giesen Trustee
(Term Expires April 2028)
Ed Icenogle Trustee
(Term Expires April 2026)
Betsy McCain Trustee
(Term Expires April 2028)
Jeff Sahr Trustee
(Term Expires April 2026)
Al Timothy Trustee
(Term Expires April 2026)
Mailing Address 2 Middlefield Road Columbine Valley, CO 80123
Email boardoftrustees@columbinevalley.org
MAYOR (continued)
Equally important to our quality of life are the community events sponsored by the Town. Programs such as the Summer Concert Series, Shred Events, Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, and Flu Shot Clinic contribute greatly to our sense of community spirit. Staff continues to review logistics and costs of other requested programs. This summer, residents can look forward to enhancements to the 4th of July Parade & Festival to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th anniversary. (Columbine Valley, founded in 1959, looks forward to celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2029!)
Throughout this period of growth, the Town has maintained a strong and disciplined financial position. This has allowed us to fund major infrastructure improvements, including significant street projects over the past three years, while also establishing capital reserves totaling $5,947,514. In the 2025 fiscal year, the Town met its revenue budget, completed the year at 88% of budgeted expenses, and added nearly $700,000 to reserves all while holding the Town’s mill levy rate steady for the past three years. Columbine Valley is well positioned financially for the future.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication and service of many individuals. I have had the privilege of serving alongside several Mayors during my tenure, including Gale Christy, Richard Champion, Roy Palmer, and a special remembrance of Bruce Menk, who preceded me and whose service ended with his untimely passing. I have also been honored to work with many dedicated Trustees over the years, including Al Timothy, Betsy McCain, Dave Cope, Dave Huelskamp, Ed Icenogle, Gary Miles, Jeff Sahr, Jim Tarpey, Kathy Boyle, Mike Giesen, and Mimi Kuchman.
In addition, we are extremely fortunate to have an outstanding professional staff who manage and lead Town operations each day J.D. McCrumb, Town Administrator; Bret Cottrell, Chief of Police; and Lee Schiller, Town Attorney. Their commitment keeps our “bubble” functioning smoothly and effectively.
In closing, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor over the past year. It has truly been a privilege to follow in the tradition of those who have served before me. I am confident in the Town’s future with a strong slate of candidates coming on board Cinamon Watson and Willi Taylor joining Mike Giesen, Ed Icenogle, Betsy McCain, and Jeff Sahr along with Dave Huelskamp, who will be stepping in as your new Mayor.
Bill Dotson, Mayor
2026 Directory Available! Copies of the new Columbine Valley Directory are available for pickup at Town Hall, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you are new to Town or have updates to any information in the directory, email kanton@columbinevalley.org or call Town Hall at 303-795-1434.
Protect the Platte!
Water that runs down the street is headed for the South Platte River. This water is called stormwater (because it includes rain and snowmelt), but it includes anything that enters the Town’s storm drains at the ends of most streets.
Colorado’s stormwater heads into a watershed not a water treatment plant where it would be cleaned of pollutants, byproducts, and nutrients in the water. Columbine Valley’s watershed heads straight into the South Platte River, where it can impact water quality and aquatic life.
To protect the river in our own backyard, be sure to pick up dog waste and avoid draining chemicals into the street. Pet waste bags are available on the northeast corner of the Town Hall parking lot and at the entrance of Wild Plum.
“If dog owners don’t clean up after their pooches, that 390 million pounds of poop can wash into your waterways every year!”
–SplashCo.org on the amount of dog waste that accumulates in Colorado each year.
Understanding the Town Right-of-Way
A right-of-way is property interest held by the Town. In Columbine Valley, the area between a resident’s property and the street which may blend seamlessly into the front yard is the Town’s right-of-way. Essentially, the right-of-way is cared for by residents but reserved for public use when needed. This area plays an important role in maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure.
• The Town’s right-of-way generally extends about 3 feet beyond the edge of the gutter pan although it varies street by street.
• While residents often landscape and maintain this area, it is reserved for access to streets, drainage, and underground utilities.
• Plantings, trees, and features should not block visibility or interfere with utilities or street maintenance. Trees in the right-of-way may be trimmed or removed if they create safety concerns or impact infrastructure.
• Private features (such as mailboxes or irrigation lines, and invisible dog fences) may be affected during maintenance, emergency repairs, or utility work. The Town is not responsible for damage to private improvements in the right-of-way.
If you’re planning changes near the street, Town staff are always happy to help answer questions in advance.
Columbine Valley E-Bike Rules
Start Planning for the 4th!
With Colorado and the United States celebrating major anniversaries 150 and 250 years we’re expecting the biggest and best 4th of July Parade & Festival ever this year! Start planning those bike, scooter, and golf cart decorations while getting in shape for the fun run. The Town is busy planning the festivities, starting bright and early on the morning of Saturday, July 4. Preview the parade route at left and find details at ColumbineValley.org/ 4th-of-July.