By Jamie Folsom
Berthoud Recorder

Expect to see new faces at Town meetings very soon. That’s what organizers of the newly formed Citizens First action committee are hoping happens next after their first public meeting Tuesday.

CF founding member Judy Lehn notes their mission is “to bring together Berthoud residents for a better understanding of what the issues are in Berthoud and what our members are doing in the community to make Berthoud a better place.” For too long, says Lehn, people haven’t worked together. CF is a unique group made up of people from all sectors of Berthoud – from boards and commissions to community arts and good neighbors.

“It’s getting people from different community groups so they can tell what’s going on,” Lehn said.

They plan to publicize information and findings on the Berthoud Town Forum Citizens First thread and in the local newspapers to keep in touch with the community.
 
The group’s areas of interest, gathered from posts on the Berthoud Town Forum and noted at Town meetings, focus in six areas, says BTF moderator Dorian Ryan: clean water, healthy trees, charitable organizations, opposing the Xcel franchise fee, looking for return on investment for economic development incentives, and supporting the Town staff in their work.

Most of those items will be on Tuesday’s meeting agenda, which will include members of the Utility Advisory Board and the Tree Board to take people’s questions. Those who attend will be asked to “sign in and sign up” and indicate whether they would like to speak. The gathering is scheduled for one hour, and Ryan says this will be a highly focused meeting where people “will get immediate responses to concerns.”

“That doesn’t happen at Town meetings,” she notes. “We want to show citizen input in big numbers as a grassroots citizens’ group.”
 
Lehn also hopes to see the group open up new opportunities to get involved. “Participate in your town — this is your town.”

What: Citizens First public meeting
When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Berthoud Library Conference Room, 236 Welch Ave.
Contact: www.BerthoudTownForum.com or call 970-214-8840
Space is limited — Berthoud residents only please.