By Gary Wamsley

Berthoud Town Administrator Michael Hart speaks at the Citizens First meeting.

The Citizens First Civic Group held its first meeting of the year at the Jumping Bean Coffee Shop and Restaurant on Thursday evening. The meeting was chaired by Dorian Ryan Tacy, co-founder of Berthoud Town Forum and founding member of Citizens First. This was scheduled to be an organizational meeting.

The first order of business was an explanation of the difference between Berthoud Town Forum and Citizens First. Jen Rotar, co-founder of the Berthoud Town Forum explained that the forum Web site is an open forum for residents who wish to express their opinion on all aspects of life. She described Citizens First as a grassroots, non-profit, non-partisan association of concerned citizens working to protect and enhance the quality of life in the town of Berthoud. It exists to promote participation in local government.

A standing-room-only crowd listened as P.J. DiPentino, Citizens First member, outlined what the group had accomplished in its short time in existence. Those accomplishments included the forum on the Aims Community College levy, Christmas in Berthoud and participation in the Jingle Mingle fundraiser among others. DiPentino stressed that Citizens First is not against economic development in Berthoud but that Citizens First believes there should be a measurable return on the investment of funds expended.

Judy Lehn invited all citizens to come to and participate in town meetings as well as boards and commissions.  She advised of the vacancies in the various boards as follows:

Berthoud Economic Resource Team (BERT) One resident vacancy

Historic Preservation Commission Three resident vacancies

Parks and Open Space Committee No vacancies at present

Planning and Zoning Committee Two resident vacancies

Transportation Committee Three resident vacancies

Tree Board Two resident vacancies

Utility Advisory Board One resident vacancy

Next, the group outlined their goals for the next year, including forming teams to work on these goals for 2010:

Membership committee — Build membership database, set dues.

Meeting Scheduler — Make sure that all town meetings are covered by Citizens First members.

Ballot Initiatives — Possible BERT residency requirement and Excel franchise tax to be voted on by citizens. Identify the process create petition and ballot language.

Audit — Monitor Town budget and checks written to businesses-Mark.

Fund raising — Create and implement fund raising-Dorian.

Berthoud Days — Create Citizens First float.

Public Forums — Identify forum topics; pick speakers, set meeting agendas.

Publicity — Publicize CF meetings and forums create a newsletter, determine delivery method and frequency.

Finances — Set a 2010 budget for mailings, Town Packets ($300) and possible chamber membership ($250), newsletter distribution, Berthoud Days Booth.

Web — Possibly have a CF member’s only board, based on those that pay dues.

Charitable cause coordinator.

Mayor Patterson had to leave for another meeting and was given the floor to speak. He pointed out the he and the trustees are just like everyone else until they are sitting in session. The business of running the town is the job of the town administrator. In response to comments by the moderator about calling the trustees, he affirmed that he would answer the phone but wanted people to understand:

1. Berthoud has a weak mayor form of government.

2. He was elected on April Fool’s Day.

3. No one ran against him.

Ryan-Tacy then introduced Town Administrator Hart who outlined some of the challenges facing him and the town in the coming year.

Following the business portion of the meeting, the floor was opened for public comment.

The issue of the price of water/wastewater service was the first issue to come up. Administrator Hart and Trustee Buckingham explained how the Town had been required to build a new wastewater treatment and planed for growth that has not materialized. The construction of the plant was financed by a bond issue, which has to be repaid. That cost is figured into the utility bill.

The answers did not satisfy everyone present and will likely be the topic of one of the Citizens First’s early forums.

Ron Zuedtke asked Administrator Hart if he lived in Berthoud or planned to move to Berthoud where he would be more involved in local issues. Hart responded that he lived nearby in Loveland and he might eventually consider moving, but that there is some advantage to be “outside looking in.”

Zuedtke expressed the opinion that all Town employees should reside in Berthoud and a lively discussion followed.

Jerry Morlan, a member of the Utility Advisory Board, spoke about the board’s work and pointed out that no one attended their meeting, not even the press. The Utility Advisory Board advises the trustees on the Excel Franchise Agreement issue.

The meeting was adjourned on time, but the ongoing discussions show a need for public meetings on those issues.

Citizens First is seeking members and volunteers. You can sign up on the Citizens First portion of the Berthoud Town Forum and leave a message or request more information.

Citizens First media contacts:

Judy Lehn 303-378-6325; Jen Rotar 970-532-4320, Dorian Ryan Tacy 970-214-8840