The Loveland City Council is set to revisit important topics in its upcoming study session on March 5, 2024. The agenda includes a discussion on the city’s ethics policy for elected and appointed officials and an update on the development plan for the Colo. 402 corridor, a key east-west route in the city. This session marks the first since June and continues conversations that began last year.
Revising the Ethics Policy
City Attorney Vince Junglas will lead the discussion on updates to the ethics policy. This follows a previous session where the council expressed support for several of Junglas’s proposals. These included expanding conflict of interest regulations, requiring disclosures of ex parte communications, and imposing a blanket ban on accepting gifts.
However, there was significant opposition to Junglas’s earlier suggestion to establish an independent ethics board dedicated to investigating alleged violations. In light of this feedback, Junglas has revised his approach. Under the new proposal, his office would handle the investigations. He and his team would compile confidential reports for the City Council, detailing findings and recommendations.
If the council opts to advance an ethics complaint, it would then proceed to a public hearing overseen by an independent hearing officer. The proposal stipulates that only sworn complaints will be accepted, dismissing anonymous submissions, and establishes a “clear and convincing” evidence standard. Accused officials would have the option to secure legal counsel, with the city covering legal fees up to $10,000 for elected leaders. If violations are confirmed, the City Council would determine appropriate sanctions, which could include reprimands, fines, suspension, or even removal from office.
Colo. 402 Development Update
The second major topic on the agenda is the update on the development plan for Colo. 402, first adopted by the City Council six years ago. Since then, only three properties have been successfully developed due to challenges such as inadequate utilities and building restrictions in the Big Thompson River floodplain.
City staff from various departments, including Public Works, Utilities, and Economic Development, will present their strategies to overcome these obstacles. This session aims to build on discussions from March regarding financial mechanisms to stimulate redevelopment, such as special taxing districts and public-private partnerships.
The vision for Colo. 402 is to transform it into a vibrant gateway to Loveland, accommodating a mix of residential, commercial, light industrial, and recreational spaces. Planned improvements include roadway enhancements with two travel lanes in either direction, medians, bike lanes, and sidewalks. Additionally, Loveland Utilities is nearing completion of designs for essential services, including water, wastewater, electric, and Pulse fiber service along the corridor.
The city has also secured land for a wastewater lift station and is in the process of acquiring easements necessary for future development. On the recreational front, city staff are prioritizing the acquisition of open lands along the Big Thompson River and the development of trails to connect the area to downtown Loveland.
A significant component of the revitalization plan involves the replacement of the U.S. 287 bridge and improvements to the Big Thompson River channel between Roosevelt and St. Louis avenues.
Residents interested in participating can attend the City Council meeting at 6 p.m. on March 5, 2024, in the council chambers at the Municipal Building, located at 500 E. Third St. Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom. For those wishing to join online, the meeting ID is 975 3779 6504, with a passcode of 829866. The meeting will also be broadcast on Comcast Channel 16/880, Pulse TV channel 16, and streamed via the city’s website at lovgov.org/tv.
For more information, the agenda packet for Tuesday’s meeting is available on the Loveland City Council’s website at lovgov.org/CityCouncil or at cilovelandco.civicweb.net.
