RED FEATHER LAKES PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FIRE HOUSE MEETING ROOM

44 Fire House Lane, Red Feather Lake

November 12, 2009

 

MEETING NOTES

 

The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Chairperson Ted Carter.

 

Members in Attendance :  Gene Allen, Gene Barker, Susan Bradley, Ted Carter, Terry Ferebee, Bill Gilbert, Lucille Schmitt, Michael Sledge, Bud Thomas

 

Members Excused Absences :  All other members had excused absences

 

Adoption of Agenda :  All RFLPAC members approved the adoption of the agenda. 

 

Approval of Minutes :  All RFLPAC members approved the October 15, 2009, minutes.

 

Communications from Committee Members :  Bill G. expressed thanks to Jill Bennett for all her work and help over the past 1 ˝ years, and wished her good luck in her retirement.

 

Larimer County Representation :  Jill Bennett and Rob Helmick, LARCO Planning; Kathay Rennells, County Commissioner;

 

Guests Present :  Stephen Johnson, Pat Bradley, Tom Viola, Judy Viola, Charlie Fitch

 

Communications from County Representatives:  Rob Helmick shared cupcakes in honor of Jill Bennett’s retirement.

 

Comments from the Audience :  Judy and Tom Viola were asked to give an update on the possible closure of the RFL Elementary School:

• the meeting with Dr. Wilson, PSD Superintendent was well attended, with over 140 community and school members.  The information from them was vague.
• the Feasibility Community Input Session will be December 10, 2009, from 6-8 pm at the school.
• Patrick Albright, the new School Board Member, has expressed a desire to hold a Town Hall Meeting in RFL, date to be determined.
• there has been no response to the petition that was presented to the School Board requesting a community impact study.
• PAC and individuals are encouraged to send letters to the media, the Superintendent, the Feasibility Committee, and the School Board.
• possible options being researched include:

-setting up our own school district

-setting up a charter school

-taking advantage of the unique natural resources in the area to create an eco-learning center (tied to the current school) which could be used by the entire school district

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS :

 

Possible School Closure:

• Further resolutions and/or letters from PAC were discussed.
• Kathay Rennels pointed out that PAC cannot represent the county or the entire community of Red Feather Lakes.  Still, PAC developed the Red Feather Community Plan; that plan is based on the assumption of having a school in the community.  Highlighting the importance of the school in the Red Feather Community Plan will have a powerful impact on the Commissioners.
• Bud T. pointed out that due to the school issue the community is now working together in a way that no other issue has united.
• Residents of Crystal Lakes and Glacier View are involved in the supporting the RFL school.
• Tom Viola asked for PAC’s support on the concept of the Environmental Learning Center.  The consensus was that PAC is supportive of the concept as a possible way to keep the school in operation.

 

A motion was made by Susan B., seconded by Gene G., to ask the Board of Commissioners, at the earliest opportunity, to communicate their support of the continued operation of the Red Feather Lakes Elementary School, based on the goals in the Red Feather Community Plan and the long term community impact.

 

Roll Call Vote:

Gene Allen-------       yes

Gene Barker-----       yes

Susan Bradley---      yes

Ted Carter -------        yes

Terry Ferebee-----     yes

Dennis Frydendall   absent

Bill Gilbert--------        yes

Eunice Michalka-     absent

Ross Reid----------     absent

Lucille Schmitt----    yes

Michael Sledge---    yes

Roger Svendsen-    absent

Bud Thomas-------    yes

 

It was agreed that Michael S. would prepare a letter to the Board of County Commissioners and getting feedback from other PAC members by email before sending it to the Commissioners.

 

A motion was made by Gene B., seconded by Bill G., authorizing Michael S. to prepare a letter, on behalf of PAC, supporting the continued operation of the school, to be distributed to the media, school officials, and appropriate committees.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

It was agreed that these communications would be most effective in a bullet format.

 

 

Plan for 2010:

 

Ted C. asked that by the next meeting, PAC members to be prepared to identify specific goals for PAC to work on next year. Possible ideas are incorporation, issues related to designation of public roads, water/sewer/infrastructure, additional area pubic roads, other issues derived from RFL Community Plan.

 

PAC decided to meet December 10^th, since PAC meeting would be the same day as the School Board Feasibility Committee meets to hear community impact.  It could be important for PAC to prepare for the Feasibility meeting.

 

RFLPAC meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

 

Submitted

 

Michael Sledge