Redstone March/April 2026

Easter Service

LYONS – The annual Easter Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, at the Wildflower Pavilion. Music will be provided by local musicians. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt provided by the Lyons Fire District. Donations and a love offering will be accepted for Higher Ground Ministries. You can drop off donations of filled plastic eggs at Moxie Coffee shop on the corner of High St and 5th Ave. on Fri. April 3 and Sat. April 4. No chocolate please. For more information, you can contact Mindy Tallent at mstallent@gmail.com.

Earth Day

LYONS – Lyons will celebrate Earth Day throughout the week of April 19 to 25. Town commissions, community organizations, the Lyons Regional Library, and Town staff have partnered to host a variety of timely events.

While the schedule is still being finalized, here is a current lineup of planned events (times and locations to be finalized):

The Saturday Earth Expo at Bohn Park will include:

Simply Bee – Supporting Bees and Pollinators Discover simple, impactful ways to protect pollinators and boost the health of our local ecosystem.

Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Reduce environmental impact with clear guidance on what to recycle and how to dispose of hazardous materials responsibly.

The Watershed Center: Explore how watershed protection strengthens community resilience, improves water quality, and protects wildlife habitat. GO Electric Colorado Understand the benefits of electric vehicles and home electrification—from cleaner air to long term cost savings.

Lyons Fire Protection and Wildfire Partners Information on home assessments, community mitigation, and proactive planning for wildfires

Refreshments at the Earth Expo will be available from the Lyons Community Foundation, with tea provided by Honorable Harvest Tea & Apothecary.

Please look for further details in upcoming Town eBlasts, Continue Briefs on Page 9

Lyons Town Board address building codes and wildfire plan; CDOT recommends speed reduction

By Kay Sparks Redstone Review Editor

LYONS – The March 2, 2026, Board of Trustees meeting was preceded by two workshops on the International Code Council and State Electric and Solar Ready Code updates, and on the Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Lyons Fire District staff and Fire Chief Rob Stumpf provided input on proposed code elements, noting that buildings with an occupancy of more than 50 people may require two exits, which could present design challenges.

During a review of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, trustees questioned whether the identified 842 homes may undercount structures by excluding accessory dwelling units and other buildings.

During audience participation, Jocelyn Farrell, Executive Director of the Lyons Elevating All Fund (LEAF), reported that the organization is engaged in strategic planning and has expanded its mental health services. LEAF recently hired Grace Simonsen as Operations Manager and is recruiting a Community Programs Manager to focus on wraparound, follow-up, and follow-through services.

From the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office in Lyons, Officer Sharon Kim reported increased park attendance with the recent warm weather.

Town Administrator Victoria Simonsen reported that following a Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) study, speed reductions are being recommended between the Highway 36 and 66 junction and 2nd Avenue. Final approval from CDOT headquarters is pending, after which a work order will be issued to change signage. Details, including mile markers, are available in the administrator’s report online.

The process for adopting updated building codes includes a contractor open house sched-

uled for March 5 at noon at the library, with lunch provided. Second reading and a public hearing are set for March 16.

Town staff requested board direction regarding the 2026 Wildfire Rebate Program, including total funding and applicant eligibility. The Board allocated $5,000 for rebates, capped at $500 per application, and made the program available to both new and previous applicants.

Earth Day activities are planned for Saturday, April 25, with an expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sustainable Futures Commission, Ecology Advisory Board, and town staff are organizing an Earth Day Expo at Bohn Park. LEAF will host a river cleanup, and the Lyons Community Orchard will hold its orchard festival and tree planting. Staff are also working with Abundant Spaces to launch a Sunday Farmers Market in Sandstone Park in 2026.

Lyons town staff were notified by state senators that Congressionally Directed Spending Requests for fiscal year 2027 are due March 27. Staff requested board input on potential submissions, identifying wastewater treatment improvements as a priority that could be framed as supporting economic development.

The regular meeting included two ordinances. On second reading and following a public hearing, the board unanimously adopted the State of Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. On first reading, the board unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Lyons Municipal Code concerning natural medicine healing centers. The ordinance does not permit manufacturing in those codes.

Organizers of Big Tent Boulder County asked the Board to support placing a measure on the November ballot to expand the Boulder County Board of Commissioners from three to five members. They cited population growth, workload, and the need for broader geographic representation. The proposal

would involve a two-year process, with the first election in 2028. The Board supported placing the question on the ballot but did not take a position on the measure itself.

Mayor Hollie Rogin appointed Peter Cowdery-Corvan to the Ecology Advisory Board and Jason Gaines to the Utilities and Engineering Board.

Developers of 402 Main requested a revised letter of support and documentation of an in-kind fee contribution. Feedback from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade on a denied application indicated the need for a more diverse funding base, including stronger community and local government engagement.

Developers asked that the revised letter reflect current project status, including permits issued, foundation work underway, a committed Tax Incentive Fund, and documented community support. The Board directed staff to draft a revised letter stating that the town’s portion of the use tax would be waived, without specifying an exact amount.

Regarding the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the board directed staff to clarify the number of structures included and will revisit the item at the April 6 meeting.

In discussion of a potential demolition moratorium and historic preservation ordinance, trustees reviewed possible definitions of demolition, the length of a potential stay, and available incentives. The Historic Preservation Commission can provide optional consultation prior to project advancement. The board directed staff to develop ordinance recommendations and to seek review from the Planning and Community Development Commission (PCDC) before returning to the Board.

R I E F S

Kay Sparks is the chair of the Housing and Human Services Commission

Two sandhill cranes glide in unison above a golden cornfield, their long wings cutting smoothly through the open sky. The migration of the Sandhill Cranes runs from mid-February through April as the birds make their way north, many continuing on toward Canada for the breeding season GNAGEL

By Kay Sparks Redstone Review

LYONS – There are housing units available at Lyons Valley Townhomes. As of March 1, Lyons Valley Townhomes has five available two-bedroom townhomes, one of which is built accessible for those with disabilities. Water, sewer, and trash costs are included; utilities are not. Rent is $1,903 a month.

There is a $500 security deposit. Incentives include $500 off the first month’s rent plus $1,000 for the tenant to allocate as they wish. For more information, contact Highland Property Management at 720-6004278. Highland Property Management is hiring experienced maintenance staff. For more information, call the office at 720600-4278.

Two one-bedroom apartments are available in Lyons on Evans Street. They are available on April 1, May 15, or anytime in between. The rent is $1,675 plus electricity. Water, trash, snow, and parking are included along with a washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, and A/C. There is a 6- to 18-month lease. A $500 deposit is required. There is a simple, no-fee application, pet-friendly, with no pet deposit or fee. Contact Leigh at 202-207-8744. In other news, there is therapy and support group help available. Medi-

cine Horse is a non-profit organization in Longmont that provides equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning sessions either free of charge or by donation. Free programs include Cancer Support Group (for those impacted by breast cancer), Veterans Support Group (for veterans and active-duty service members), Teen Support Group, LGBTQ+ Teen Support Group, and Men’s Support Group. Participants engage in hands-on activities with horses under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals, focusing on building trust, therapeutic insights, and skill transfer. For more information, visit their website at www. medicinehorse.org or email them at info@ medicinehorse.org.

Here are some ways to help our first responders. Create a File of Life. A reminder: should you ever need the services of first responders, make their job easier and more efficient by having your File of Life completed. The File of Life is a compact, one-page form in which you list your medical conditions, allergies, medical information (medication, pharmacy, etc.), and emergency contacts. You place the form in the plastic sleeve and place it on the outside face of your refrigerator. You place a File of Life sticker on your door so that first responders know you have your medical information available.

File of Life is available free from the Lyons Fire District Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; outside of business hours, you may call ahead, and they will set one aside.

There is a single opening on this fun, cookie-driven commission; apply at the Town of Lyons website at www.townoflyons.com.

Kay Sparks, Chair of Housing and Human Services Commission.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

BELLS ringing in Lyons

Some have wondered why the bell at Lyons Community Church, Fourth and Main, have been ringing every Saturday from noon to 12:10 p.m. since February 14.

Bells across the United States are invited to join Minnesota in bell ringing—bronze bells in towers, hand bells, electronic bells starting at noon, ringing for10 minutes every Saturday through April 4.

“Bells signal our oneness as a people. They remind us of our capacity to be united. They stir our hearts to redouble our commitment to American ideals of freedom and justice for all. We believe that the bells sound messages of hope that one day our community (state and country) will be whole.

Bells perform important civic functions and historically have been used to spread messages to people in times of need and distress.

Bells can be a force for good in our communities in this turbulent time. They signal our oneness as a people, reminding us of our capacity to be united.

The sound of bells stirs our hearts to redouble our commitment to the American ideals of freedom and justice for all.

Our bells signal a sign of our strength and unity as a people, a sign of our faith in democracy, and a sign of our commitment to work for liberty and justice for all.

When there are no words, listen to the bells.”

Rebecca Jorgenson Sundquist, Founder of City of Bells, Minneapolis

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Endorsing Paula Williams for Mayor of Lyons

We are lucky to have such a great field of candidates for the Lyons government this year. My choice for mayor is Paula Williams, and there are a few reasons why. Paula has what Lyons needs in a mayor—proven success leading a large non-profit organization, along with the ability to collaborate and connect deeply with people. When Paula had to step in as acting mayor this summer, she demonstrated her leadership and helped ensure that the town operated without disruption. Paula has the skills to lead the board of trustees in making decisions about what needs to happen, and then the ability to partner with and motivate staff to make those things happen through relationships built on trust. She is well-connected at the county, state, and federal levels, which is more important than ever in these times when resources are scarce, and everyone is competing for the same limited funds. Paula is the right person at the right time for Lyons.

Sean Dunn

Endorsing Paula Williams for Mayor

I am writing to endorse Paula Williams for Mayor of Lyons. As a representative of Lyons at official functions and acting as the spokesperson for the town, our mayor also sets the tone of our community. The tone must be one of civility and respect in order to work for the health and well-being of residents.

Paula is intelligent, thoughtful, fair, respectful, kind, and unafraid to make tough decisions. She’s been on the board since 2022 and was Mayor Pro Tem in 2024 when our current Mayor unexpectedly had to take a leave of absence that summer. Paula stepped in as acting Mayor with competence and grace, attending functions, reinforcing relationships, and expertly leading board meetings.

Her background as a CEO for a large organization, coupled with her emotional intelligence, makes her the clear choice to lead Lyons for at least the next two years. With Paula, you always know where you stand, and you always know what she stands for. During the Stone Canyon fire, when other trustees were in Longmont drinking beer, Paula was evacuating her neighborhood, talking to the folks who live at the Lyons Valley Townhomes, and acting as the Town Administrator’s deputy, helping out overnight at emergency management operations.

I would like to reinforce the fact that Paula has strong connections with regional and statewide leaders and organizations, from whom she can gather help and resources in solving the pressing issues needing attention. Particularly, the pressing need to update and fix our aging infrastructure.

She understands and acknowledges the immense amount of money that will be needed to correct these issues. She works steadily and realistically to solve issues, not with scare tactics eliciting fear in her constituents. Paula is a natural, kind, and effective leader, and we’re very lucky to have her.

Sandra Haber, Lyons, CO

CANDIDATES Q & A

Trustee Candidate Leigh Williams

1. Find funding for projects?

I agree that the outlook is grave for federal, state and county assistance in the short-term. Fortunately, our infrastructure needs are medium to long-term. So, I suggest we pursue grant funding right through these political and fiscal ups and downs. Even so, since these awards are unreliable in any environment, we should never bet our Town on them. Instead, we should be more and more careful with discretionary spending, safeguard our earmarked funds, use fees to tie capacity building to capacity utilization, gradually broaden our tax base, and be prepared to issue bonds only if necessary.

2. What project/program do you want to implement? Since our Town government is only responsible for a fraction of what happens here, I think the BOT should take a hard look at our role and others’ roles. For example, the Arts and Humanities Commission and the Creative District are rationalizing their overlapping roles. And the Economic Vitality Commission’s role should be open to discussion while business leaders consider rebuilding or replacing the Chamber. Let’s think carefully about what our community truly needs from the Town government, and what should be led by the special districts, by non-profits like LEAF, by business coalitions, by HOA’s, and by individual businesses and residents. Let’s point our limited BOT authority and Town expenditures at our core functions (like infrastructure), and support others’ leadership where they’re better positioned (like fire safety and business promotion).

Trustee Candidate Mariah McCreary

1. Find funding for projects?

We cannot rely solely on outside funding. We will need diversified strategies such as regional partnerships, phased capital plans, and careful prioritization. For a really out-of-the-box solution, we could position the Town of Lyons as a ‘demonstration site’ for climate-resilient infrastructure, etc. By transforming vulnerabilities into showcase projects, we could attract, rather than reach for, investment and partnership with research institutions and state/federal agencies.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

I’d love to accomplish more integrated solutions. Our town’s issues are not isolated. For example, rather than tackling the wastewater treatment plant, then affordable housing, then the development initiatives on Main St, we should look towards an integrated infrastructure & economic resilience plan that ties infrastructure investment to business vitality and environmental protection. Projects are increasingly being designed to meet both economic AND sustainability goals. Lyons is in a unique position right now to jump onboard and help lead the municipal transition to sustainability and deliver long-term well-being to our residents.

Trustee Candidate Julie Jacobs

1. Find funding for projects?

Now that the federal government has severely cut infrastructure funding to Colorado and that State, County, and Lyons’ budgets will likely be drastically cut as well, how would you recommend obtaining the financial resources necessary to fund critical infrastructure projects?

In this time of (hopefully temporary) cuts to federal funding, Lyons will be competing with other municipalities for very limited funds. Prioritizing our infrastructure needs will be a necessary initial step; we must identify the urgent issues and focus on those first, then chip away at other important needs over time. First priority - the wastewater treatment plant, which is not only a vital infrastructure project but also an essential component of our economic vitality as a community.

Lyons has historically been able to rely on grant funding at both the state and federal levels, and now we need to be creative and find additional sources of funding. Applications are open now for Congressionally Directed Spending opportunities – federal funding for economic development, infrastructure, and other community investments – and we need strong support from Rep. Neguse and Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper to apply for this funding. We benefit greatly from town leaders like Paula Stone Williams who have existing robust connections that they can leverage to move this forward. Finally, we must continue to seek low-interest loans and consider municipal bonds to fund this major project.

2. What project/program do you want to implement? What is the one biggest either project, or program, or change you would like to implement while in office and how would you go about accomplishing that?

Wastewater treatment plant aside, when it comes to my

Where I Stand on Major Town Issues

Communication/Transparency – The Town needs to do better at communicating with residents and businesses before even initial Board discussions of things that impact them – for ex., events in neighborhoods, contractor rules, property restrictions. Once citizen and business input (like survey responses) is received, it should get great weight in decisions.

Infrastructure – We must fix the wastewater treatment plant and do it right this time. We need to shore up the collapsing culvert through North Lyons. And we need to fix failed streets. We should try to pay for those things without raising taxes by using grants and low-interest state loans, plus carefully prioritizing what's really essential.

Fire Risk Mitigation – Just adopting a new State code applying only to new buildings won't do much for Lyons fire safety, with less than 10 vacant lots left. We need to add some limited retroactive steps (like cutting junipers within 5 feet of houses) based on citizen input. The Town should share costs with residents. It should also mitigate its own properties.

Economic Vitality – The Town should work with, not against, business and property owners. No unnecessary property restrictions. Offer incentives (reduced fees & taxes) to fill vacant spaces. Shorten development review time. Promote business sectors (music/wedding venues, restaurants, shops). Engage with Boulder County to boost outdoor recreation.

Housing – With the 224 Seward property, Lyons has met its 10% local affordable housing goal. We're #1 in Boulder County! Citizens have said more AH at big cost to local taxpayers shouldn't be a Town budget priority. Future efforts (including any “middle housing” in the Eastern Corridor) must make economic sense to be successful.

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personal goals, I believe that we must do a better job of listening to all of the voices in our community and basing decisions on what provides the most benefit to the most people. Over the last 9 years in my work with HHSC, the IGA Task Force, and the PCDC, I have repeatedly watched a relatively small, well-organized group of community members mobilize quickly to participate in processes related to issues that concern them.

However, I have not often heard from an economically and ideologically diverse group of community members, and I worry that relying on emailed surveys and in-person comments at evening meetings may exclude the voices of people directly impacted by the decisions we make. I will work to increase the town’s engagement with a wide range of community members, including business owners and our middle and working-class neighbors. Quarterly meetings with business owners, listening forums in different parts of the community, or identifying community ambassadors who will volunteer to engage with their neighbors and provide input to the Board are all ideas to consider. We need sustainable processes for communication and listening that will outlive any one Board and create space for collaborative, inclusive conversations and decisions for a long time to come. Otherwise, we may not be truly representing the interests of the town residents in our decision-making.

1. Find funding for projects?

While there are a variety of options for funding large infrastructure projects, such as grants, low-interest state loans, and even bonds, the most important action for Lyons will be to focus on our “needs” over our “wants” when facing constricted resources. Prioritization of expenditures of funds, staff time, and energy will help to meet our obligations as a community.

2. What project/program do you want to implement?

In my view, in addition to the critical Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades, the most urgent action is the repair of the stormwater culverts on the north side and under the town. The Lyons 2016 Stormwater Master Plan illustrated the high (and perhaps unappreciated) risk of severe stormwater runoff events from Steamboat valley, which flow into the area between Fourth and Fifth Avenue of Old North Town. This risk seems to grow with each passing year due to the increased frequency of severe weather events, such as seen by the recent mountain flooding in North Carolina.

Let’s welcome and appreciate, our neighbors and colleagues.

At the March 4th candidates’ forum, one speaker noted that her very identity is a subject of debate in today’s national discourse. I echoed her call for all of us to treat one another with decency, but I want to make a stronger and broader statement here. I fundamentally believe in her right to be who she is—as a matter of self-determination, self-expression and basic civil rights.

Extending this principle to less personal questions, I also think we’ll be best served if we elect a board with varied backgrounds and areas of expertise—choosing broadly from among the lawyers, therapists, businessowners, environmentalists, and teachers. Someone I deeply respect said once that I bring my whole self to being a trustee. I don’t know if she meant I focus on what I know (housing and fire), or that I’m okay looking undecided until my mind’s made up, or something else. Whatever she meant, it is easy for me (as an unremarkable middle-aged white guy) to be myself in Lyons, and I want the same acceptance for others. I vote that we unequivocally welcome and appreciate our candidates’, colleagues’, and neighbors’ whole selves.

Leigh

Williams, Lyons, CO

Continued from Page 1

utility bills, and the Redstone Review. We hope to see you there.

No Kings National Call to Action Day

LYONS – The National Call to Action demonstration will be held on Sat. March 28 at the Third and Third and Main (Freedom Triangle), from noon to 2 p.m. Sponsored by LN4D, Lyons Neighbors 4 Democracy, locally supporting and defending American Democracy with weekly Saturday rallies since Feb. 2025. All peaceful participants welcome. Register: www.nokings.org Note: LN4D Saturday rallies will be moving to start at 11a.m. beginning April 11.

Snow Fencing installed Third and Main LYONS – After several conversations with the Town, Sheriff, and Lyons Neighbors 4 Democracy members regarding safety concerns, it was agreed recently that installing

a snow fence along the eastern tip of the triangle would help keep ralliers at a safe distance from the curb and traffic, while allowing for ease of movement for participants, as long as needed.

Senior Bus Trip

LYONS – The next bus trip is coming up quickly and there are a few seats left. While the date of the event is April 22, tickets must be purchased in advance. The Last Day to Purchase Tickets is March 20. Here are the details: Sr Bus Trip to the Musical “Come from Away”

Please join us for what’s sure to be a moving trip to the Arvada Center. The musical “Come from Away” is based on an extraordinary true story and, as described by the Arvada Center, “chronicles how the isolated town of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an

Trustee Candidate Douglas Matthews