HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report BOCC 09.04.12I
Cattle Creek Metropolitan District Service Plans
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
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A Garfield Countv Comprehensive Plan 2030, as amended
B Staff R.eoort
c Letter dated July 24, 2012 from Balcomb & Green (without attachment)
D Staff Presentation
E Proiected River EdJ?e Property Owner Association Bud2et
F Plannina. Commission Resolution PC 2012-04
G Letter dated Aumsst 1. 2012 from Ford Frick, BBC Research & Consulting
u Clerk acceotance of Planning Commission Resolution, dated July 27, 2012
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REQUEST
PROPERTY OWNER
REPRESENTATIVE
LOCATION
EXISTING ZONING
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
h BACKGROUND
Service Plan Review -Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS
Service Plan Review
Carbondale Investments, LLC and Garfield County
Commercial Investments, LlC
Dianne Miller-Miller & Associates law Offices, LLC
South of the City of Glenwood Springs on the west side of
Highway 82 at Cattle Creek
PUD and Suburban
Residential High Density
Special districts are quasi-municipal corporations and political subdivisions that are organized to act for
a particular purpose. A metropolitan district is a special district that provides any two or more services
which may include fire protection, parks & recreation, safety protection, sanitation, solid waste, street
improvements or water, to name a few. A district has the ability to acquire bonds for the construction
of the improvements and to levy taxes to the area within their boundaries to repay those bonds. This is
a familiar concept within Garfield County, particularly related to fire protection districts and water
and/or sanitation districts. Several metropolitan districts currently exist in the County.
The formation of a special district entails a three-part process that requires obtaining review and
approval from the local governmental jurisdiction, review by district court, and a special election. The
Garfield County land Use Resolution of 2008, as amended does not contain specific provisions related to
the review of service plans therefore the process of submittal and review of the plans must be in
compliance with statutory requirements contained in Title 32 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Those
statutory requirements include submittal of the service plans to the clerk for the board of county
·commissioners, referral of the plans to the planning commission for review and recommendation to the
board within thirty (30) days of plan submittal, and a public hearing with the board not more than thirty
(30) days after setting the public hearing date.
Jh GENERAL INFORMATION
The Clerk and Recorder (Jean Alberico) received petition for review of a service plan for the cattle Creek
Metropolitan District on June 29, 2012 and a public meeting was set with the Board of County
Commissioners (the Board) on July 9, 2012. At that meeting the Board discussed the review process for
the plan and joined in the referral to the Commission for review and recommendation.
The Planning Commission held a public meeting on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 to consider the service
plan and make recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. A resolution was completed to
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Service Plan Review -Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
memorialize the Planning Commission recommendation of approval and forwarded to the Clerk on July
27, 2012 in compliance with statutory requirements.
The Board of County Commissioners held a public meeting on August 6, 2012 to schedule the public
hearing for September 4, 2012. Proper notice as required by Title 32 has been completed for this
hearing.
Ill. PLAN DESCRIPTION
The service plan is initially proposed to serve the River Edge PUD, a 366-unlt development approved on
159.15-acres, which has received Preliminary Plan approval and PUD zoning. This area Is deemed the
"Initial Boundary" of the District. Additional properties, owned by Garfield County Commercial
Investments, LLC, are described as the 'Inclusion Property", to be included in the district upon approval
of entitlements. This latter property is zoned Suburban and has no entitlements for development
except for the ability to construct one single family home on each of the parcels.
Specifically, the service plan states that the proposed district consists of approximately 159.15-acres and
that the District may include all or any part of the property described in Application Exhibit 0 (the
"Inclusion Property"), at such time as the County has approved a development permit for those sites.
Upon approval that property shall be Incorporated into the district with no further review by the
County.
The function of the district will be to construct and maintain the transportation and road infrastructure
necessary to provide service to the REC development. Statutory requirements in 32-1-103 (10) C.R.S
state that a Metropolitan District may include any of the following, but is required to provide at least
two of the following services :
a) Fire Protection;
b) Mosquito Control;
c) Parks and recreation;
d) Safety protection;
e) Sanitation;
f) Solid Waste disposal facilities or collectlon and transportation of solid waste;
g) Street improvement;
h) Television relay and translation;
i) Transportation;
j) Water.
Cattle Creek Metropolitan District functions are stated as " ... maintenance of the Access Improvements
or funding and maintenance of the Access Improvements." Those improvements are listed as
"Construction of roads and a railroad crossing, including trails, sidewalks, bridges, walls and storm
drainage along with required reinstallation or relocation of trails, water and sewer lines and other
facilities in order to provide public access across the RFTA Railroad ROW." The estimated costs are
included In provided cost estimates which total $7,154,000; the Estimated Infrastructure Capital Cost is
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Service Plan Review-cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
$4,000,900; and Debt Authorization is $5,590,000. The Service Plan proposes an Anticipated Mill Levy at
40 Mills for debt and 10 Mills for operations, for a total levy of 50 Mills.
A review of the additional taxes that will impact this development include the metropolitan district at 50
mills -as well as taxes associated with inclusion into the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District
(S.723 Mills), for a requested total of 55.723 mills. This Is all In addition to the current rate of 68.554
mills -resulting in a total levy of 124.277 mills on the site. The Applicant has stated that SO mills is the
average for Metropolitan Districts around the state.
By way of comparison, Aspen Glen PUD and lronbridge PUD, both located within the Roaring Fork Water
and Sanitation District but not within a metropolitan district, have mill levies at 74.275. River Park
Condominiums, located within the Rive r Park Metro District in the Town of New Castle has a mill levy of
93.217, Spring Ridge Reserve Is subject to a mill levy of 67.169 and Battlement Mesa has a tax rate of
35.327 Mills (this subdivision is included In the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District
with .93 mills}.
The 124.277 mill levy for the properties within the River Edge PUD may negatively Impact the affordable
housing units proposed o.n this site, as well as the other homes proposed within this development. The
additional taxes that will be applied to this development, due to inclusion in this proposed District,
appear to be burdensome. In fact the additional tax is only to construct and maintain the entry and
roads for the property -these sites will also be subject to HOA dues and user fees .
IV. ZONING AND ADJACENT USES
The Highway 82 corridor between
Glenwood Springs and Carbondale
contains several residential PUD's,
tronbridge to the west and Aspen Glen to
the south, as well as other residential
subdivisions as shown on the adjacent
map. The CR 114 I CR 154 area to the
north of the site contains commercial
zoning with retail uses such as the
Thunder River Market area and semi -
industrial commercial uses such as
Gallegos stone yard, warehouses and
fabrication activities and a mini storage
facility. The high density H Lazy F Mobile
Home Park is also located north of the
service area boundary.
V. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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Service Plan Review-Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
The property is located within an area designated as Residential High Density on the Future Land Use
Map. Other components of the Comprehensive Plan applicable to this review include:
Growth in Unincorporated Communities
The comprehensive plan acknowledges the existence of several unincorporated communities
that have a dense level of development, mix of uses and urban services provided by special
districts. New unincorporated communities are discouraged. However, new (or expanded
existing) unincorporated communities should meet the following guidelines:
i. The development is not located within the Urban Growth Area of existing municipalities
ii. The development is served with urban services by a special district
iii. A contract for police from county sheriff is established
iv. Connecting county roads are upgraded at developer's expense (or the county is
compensated through an impact fee or fee-in-lieu)
v. Fiscal costs to the public will be considered in the review of new unincorporated communities
vi. Any internal commercial is primarily for the convenience of area residents (minimize
competition with existing communities)
vii. Transit opportunities are provided
viii. Recreation and other public amenities are provided
ix. School sites may be required (these locations preferred over schools in rural areas)
New Centers
In an effort to make existing subdivisions more self-sufficient. a new center may be added to
existing major residential subdivisions or other urban areas. Additionally, the center should be
located at intersections and interchanges, has access to central water and sewer through a
special district, and is compact and designed to fully utilize the land.
Growth of New Major Residential Subdivisions
There are several major subdivisions (15 units or more) in Garfield County that provide their
own internal services (road maintenance, water, sewer) through special districts or HOA
However, these subdivisions are typically far from commercial centers and require travel for
even convenience needs which increases traffic and requires higher maintenance of county
roads. The Plan recognizes new major subdivisions may occur, but encourages them to be
more self-sufficient (having, or being near, convenience services). In order to be more self-
sufficient, new major subdivisions will require:
i. Safe, reliable access and transit opportunities
ii. Construction or upgrade existing offsite connecting county roads and intersections by the
developer
iii. Review of the fiscal costs vs. fiscal benefits to the public
iv. Internal roads to be maintained by a special district or HOA
v. Central water and sewer is provided through a special district (quasi-public, not private)
vi. Public amenities, such as trails, open areas, parks,etc., that meet the needs of residents are
included.
~ REVIEW CRITERIA
1. REQUIRED SUBMITTAL CRITERIA §32-1-202 (2), C.R.S.
The service plan shall contain the following:
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Service Plan Review -cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
{a) A description of the proposed services;
Staff Comment: The plan provides a list of potential services which may or may not be services
that the district provides. The pion states that '7he District shall specifically have street
improvement, transportation, water, sanitation and park and recreation powers."
(b) A financial plan showing how the proposed services are to be financed, including the
proposed operating revenue derived from property taxes for the first budget year of the district,
which shall not be materially exceeded except as authorized pursuant to section 32-1-207 or 29-
1-302, C.R.S. All proposed indebtedness for the district shall be displayed together with a
schedule indicating the year or years in which the debt is scheduled to be issued. The board of
directors of the district shall notify the board of county commissioners or the governing body of
the municipality of any alteration or revision of the proposed schedule of debt issuance set forth
In the financial plan;
Staff Comment: A financial plan was submitted and reviewed by BBC Research and Consulting,
EXHIBIT G. The economic review states that "the requested bonding authority {$5.59 million) is
in keeping with the anticipated Assessed Value and the associated mill levy (40 mills, plus 20
mills for operations} is consistent with similar district levies across the state."
(c) A preliminary engineering or architectural survey showing how the proposed services are to
be provided;
Staff Comment: The proposed plan does contain preliminary mops showing the location of roads
and trails.
(d) A map of the proposed special dlstrict boundaries and an estimate of the population
and valuation for assessment of the proposed special district;
Staff Comment: Mops of the proposed district boundaries {both "Initial" and "Included"
boundaries) were provided, as well as the valuation for assessment of the 366 residential lots.
No future population estimate was provided but the current population was stated as 0.
(e) A general description of the facilities to be constructed and the standards of such
construction, including a statement of how the facility and service standards of the proposed
special district are compatible with facility and service standards of any county within which all
or any portion of the proposed special district is to be located, and of municipalities and special
districts which are interested parties pursuant to section 32+204(1)
Staff Comment: Standards for the proposed facility were discussed and a statement was
included In the plan "The District will ensure that the Access Improvements are designed and
constructed in accordance with the standards and specification of the PUC, RFTA, and the
County, the Official Development Plan, the federal government, or other governmental entities
having proper jurisdiction.''
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Service Plan Review-Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
(f} A general description of the estimated cost of acquiring land, engineering services, legal
services, administrative service, initial proposed Indebtedness and estimated proposed
maximum interest rates and discounts, and other major expenses related to the organization
and initial operation of the district.
Staff Comment: The plan provided estimated costs for the construction of improvements as
shown below.
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(g) A description of any arrangement or proposed agreement with any political subdivision for
the performance of any services between the proposed special district and such other political
subdivision, and, if the form contract to be used is available, It shall be attached to the service
plan;
Staff Comment: The plan includes provision for water and sanitation however the pre-inlcusion
agreement with the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District precludes the proposed District
from providing this service. The infrastructure Improvements necessary for providing water and
sanitation service may be district responsibility, particularly as that infrastructure crosses the
RFTA corridor.
(h) Information, along with other evidence presented at the heari ng, satisfactory to establish
that each of the criteria set forth in section 32-1-203, if applicable, is met;
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Service Plan Review -Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners September 4, 2012
Staff Comment: Section 32-1-203 contains the criteria for action on the plans. See below.
(I) Such additional information as the hoard of county commissioners may require by resolution
on which to base its findings pursuant to section 32-1-203;
Staff Comment: Section 32· l-203 contains the criteria for action on the plans. See below.
2. REQUIRED REVIEW CRITERIA 32-1-203 C.R.S.
(2) The board of county commissioners shall disapprove the service plan unless evidence
satisfactory to the board of each of the following is presented:
(a) There is sufficient existing and projected need for organized service in the area
to be serviced by the proposed special district.
Staff Comment: Evidence has been provided that a quasi-governmental entity Is required to
obtain the PUC licensing required to construct, operate and maintain the sole access into the
site.
(b) The existing service in the area to be served by the proposed special district is
inadequate for present and projected needs.
Staff Comment: The service to be provided Is specific to the acquisition of permits and
construction/maintenance of the access to the site. The existing service is inadequate for
projected needs.
(c) The proposed special district is capable for providing economical and sufficient
service to the area within its boundaries.
Staff Comment: The service plan hos demonstrated that they ore capable of providing
economical and sufficient service to the development located within the district boundaries.
(d) The area to be included in the proposed special district has, or will have, the
financial ability to discharge the proposed indebtedness on a reasonable basis.
Staff Comment: Based upon on economic analysis performed by BBC, EXHIBIT G, it appears
that the district may have the ability to discharge the proposed debt.
VII. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION
1. MILLLEVV
The Planning Commission discussed the requested SO mills and the potential impact that this
would have on future owners within the district boundaries. The Applicant described the
potential impact by reviewing the projected River Edge Property Association Budget which
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Service Plan Review -cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Board of County Commissioners, September 4, 2012
indicated that the combined burden of taxes and HOA dues would be similar to that of other
projects within Garfield County.
VIII. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Commission unanimously (8-0) recommends approval of the service plan, and
Resolution Number PC 2012-04 was executed to forward to the Board for consideration in the
decision on the request.
IX. BOARD CONSIDERATION AND DECISION
8
EDWARD l>l•JLW-t.I.. . ..SA
SCOTT B;.L.Cooae
t.A'1AblC£ R ClllaN
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5C0'71" OAOSSC~I"
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BALCOMB & GREEN, P.C.
ATTORNEYS il LA.W
P. 0. ORAWSR 700
818 COLORADOAV~NU£
GLENWOOD S.t>JUN081 COLORADO 8.1602
TELEPHONE: 970.945.61>46
f~CSli'1lLf;: 970.9<fS,l\lf)02
www.balcontbgn.~n.com
July 24, 2012
V~ INTERNET .4.NDHri'\JD DELIVERY: keastley@gadield-county.com
Kathy Easttey, AICP
Senior Planner
Garfiel& County Building&:. Planning
108 8th Stl'eet, #4'01
Glenwood'Splings, CO 81601
.AE: Cattle Creek Metropolitan District -Service Plan
Dear Kath}'•
EXHfBIT
I (,
KDlllETI-< E!Al.cON!I
(I Iii 20-200=..
OP' COUtl5£L.
JOl"ll A , TH~L.90'1
t11so licensed in Okl.;homa
*i1lso llcensed hi Wvomlna
~~tached' is the Pre Inclusion Agreement between the Roaring Fork Water & Sanitatii:n
DI.stitict f'Re:WSD"), Carbondale Investments LLC ("0''), and Garfield County Commercial
lrrvestlments; U .. C (."GCO"). Under the terms of this agreement, the RFWSD will provid~ \.Vat"!r
and wao;rewaW' service to property owned by 0 and GCO upon the construction of the
facilities d'eStribed in that agreement and inclusion of the Cf and/or GCO properties within the
RFWSD's boundaries. These propel'ties are also proposed to be included within the requestc:ct
CaU!t? Creek Metropolitan District ("CCMD").
We understand that the proposed CCMD wiJJ be the mechanism to allow CI to 5e.:l'
approval from the Public Utilities Commission to cross the RFTA hial corridor and (o fund
construction of the infrastructure necessary to provide: water and wastewater service to property
owned by CI and GCO, initially that being the proposed Rivel'S EclgE:! PUD.
To the extent the ccrvro 5ei'Vlcc plan crcate.s an ambiguity with respect to which e::11lity
will provide water and sewer service to the Rivel's Edge FUD, the attached Pre Inclusion
Agreement controls and the RFWSD will be the sole water and wastewater provider to tho:.e
properties that may be included in the CCMD service area.
B .4LCO'.\!B de GREEN, P .C.
ATTOR."lo"'ETS AT L.-.\:W
July 24, 2012
Page 2
Therefore, regardless of who constructs the water and wastewater facilities within the
proposed CCMD service area, a special disbict or the deveJopeI, th-e RFvtlSD·will be tl~e Frovicler
of water and wastewater service to the CCMD service area. Thus, there is no 11.:dur.td1ancy or
service.
The RFWSD has not taken a position on the proposed CCMO service plarr recognizing
that the RFWSD will provide water and wastewater service to the prop>erties located within the
CCMD service area pursuant'terms of the Pre Inclusion agreement.
Attachment
cc: Dianne Miller, Esq.
Rocky Sheppard
Very truly yours,
B . .\LCOMII&GREEN, P.C
By g-;~7'-·7
Lawrence Green /
SE:o!~ Grosscup
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Proiect Summary
Request:
Regulation:
Applicant:
Location:
Zoning:
Service Plan Approval for
Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Colorado Revised Statutes
Carbondale Investments LLC
Between the City of Glenwood
Springs and Town of Carbondale
PUD and Suburban
! rzr-:zs=:: a
Proiect Information
-----------------------------------------------~-·--·--~-----------~ ~--
River Edge Colorado PUD was approved by the Board of County Commissioners in
December 2011 for 366 residential dwelling units on +160-acres.
Access to the site is proposed to occur from Colorado State Highway 82 directly
across from Cattle Creek Road (CR 11 3).
The development proposal stated that the Rio Grande Trail would be a separated
grade crossing with the trail under the surface entry road to the site. The Rio
Grande Trail property is owned by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority and
subject to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) permitting due to the
underlying property being a rail corridor.
The PUC prefers or requires that a 'public' entity manage the crossings of these
corridors therefore the developer of the project seeks approval for quasi-
governmental status to apply for, construct and maintain the access to the project.
Proiect Information
Proposed Improvements to be funded by the District:
Roods and a railroad crossing including trails, sidewalks, bridges, walls and storm
drainage along with required reinstallation or relocation of trails, water and sewer
lines and other facilities in order to provide public access across the RFTA Railroad
ROW
Estimated Infrastructure Capital Cost: $4,000, 900
Debt Authorization: $5,590,000
Anticipated Mill Levies: Debt: 40 Mills Operation: l 0 Mills
Current Assessed Valuation: $718,980
Anticipated Future Population: 840
Planning Commission Recommendation
The Planning commission held a public meeting on July 25, 2012 at which time they
considered the service plan request.
Questions arose regarding affordability related to the mill levy and specific services to
be provided by the Metropolitan District. All issues were discussed and considered to
be adequately addressed by the Applicant. The Commission unanimously recommends
that the Board of County Commissioners approval of the service plan.
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STATE OF COLORADO )
)ss
County of Garfield )
At a regular meeting of the Planning Commission for Garfield County, Colorado, held in the
Commissioners' Meeting Room, Garfield County Administration Building, in Glenwood Springs on
Wednesday the 2511t day of July A.D. 2012, there were present:
=Bo...,,b ..... Pull......,...,ertu:o .... n.__ ___________ _.. Commission Chairman
..... Jo .... hn~K=uerst==cn~----------~· Commissioner
~Ch~e~l)'.~l~Qi~an~~~e~r~fab~sen~t~) ________ __,.Commissioncr
.... sean=..::M=artin=· .... (,,..ab .... sen=t)~---'---------..J' Commissioner
=Greg=o;;1~M=c=K=e=on=U--__________ ___..Commissioner
""'Ado.....,.l=fo'-"G=om=------------· Commissioner
-.Mi-.·c .... be ... U __ e .... F ..... oster=--=,___-----------· Com.missioner
.... M._ic...,ba=e=l-=Sulli=·--van...._ __________ _,. Associate Commissioner
~Gre:u:eg~S~hamnei:crL---------------'' Associate Commissioner __ st ..... eo"'"'h=e=n=D=amm,___....._ __________ _.. Associate Commissioner
=Carev= ... G=a ... gn=on,__ ___________ _.. Acting County Attorney
=B=ec....,ky~Wh'-=ee=Je=rs=b=ur=.11:.._ _________ _,. Clerk to the Commission
when the following proceedings. among others were bad and done, to--wit
RESOLUTION NO. PC 2012-04
A RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE THE PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE
SERVICE PLAN FOR THE CATILE CREEK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO
PARCEL NO# 2393-073-00-032 AND
2393-073-00-033
Recitals
A. Garfield County is a legal and political subdivision of the State of Colorado, for which the
Board of County Commissioners is authorized to act
B. Pursuant to law, the Board of County · Commissioners of Garfield County (the .. Board") bas
appointed the Garfield County Planning Commission (the "Commission").
C. On Jtme 29, 2012 a service plan for the Cattle Creek Metropolitan District was submitted in
1
Garfield County, Colorado to the CJcrk andRccordcrfGarfield County, Colorado, ex-officio
Clerk to the Garfield Board of County Commissioners, for the Board's consideration in
accordance with the Colorado Revised Statutes, §32-1-201 et. seq., the Colorado Special
District Act, and the required processing fccS were paid at that time;
D. The Board discussed the review schedule for the service plans at a public meeting held on
July 9, 2012, at which time it joined in ·the Clerk's required referral to the Commission and
imposed additional fees that have been paid by the petitioner. ·
E. Pursuant to C.RS. §32 -1-204 (2)(a) the coWJty planning commission shall study such
seTVice plan and present its recommendations consistent with this part 2 to the boatd of
county commissioners within thirty days following the filing of the service plan with the
county clerk and recorder.
F. In accordance with state law, the Planning Commission has adopted a comprehensive plan,
currently the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan 2030, as amended. ·
G. The Commission conducted a public meeting on July 25, 2012 upon the question of whether
the service plan m~ the required and discretionary criteria contained in C.R.S. §32-1-203
and to make a recommendation of approval without condition, disapproval, or conditions]
approval subject to the submission of additional information relating lo or the modification
of the proposed service plans.
H. Based upon evidence presented at the public meeting by SULtt: the applicant, and other
interested parties, including Exhibit B, Staff R£port, attached 2Wd incorporated herein by this
reference, the service plan submitted for the proposed Cattle Creek Metropolitan District bas
adequately demonstrated the following:
§32-1-203(2):
(a) That there is sufficient existing and projected need for organiZed service in the area to be
serviced by the proposed special districts;
(b) The existing service in the area to be served by the proposed special district is adequate
for present and projected needs;
(c) The proposed special district is capable of providing economical and sufficient service to
the area within its boundaries;
(d) The area to be included in the proposed special district has, or will have the financial
ability to discharge the proposed indebtedness on a reasonable basis.
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RESOLUTION
NdW T8ERl.!FORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of Oatfield Connfy,_
Colorado, that: ·
A. T.he forgoing R.e9itals are incorpot1tted by this rcf.crence as part of the resolution.
B. Th! Pl~Commis!ion recomm~ds that the BQa.rd of County <;ommissioners approve
the semce plan.
C, The .PUl'pOSe of this Resolution is tO mea,orialize the action taken on Joly · 25, 2012.
Dated thiS. 2s"" <Jay of July, A.D. 2012.
GAm'.ELD cotmrY PLANNING
COMM;ISSION, GARFIELD COUNTY, co£Zn CJ~Y~rz
Bob'Fullerton, Cbainoan Secretary, t>to-"11!11.
Garfield County Pl~ Commissian
Upon motion duly made and seconded the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the
following vote:
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~eo~mW!!:!m~m~si~on~~~Ji~o~&n~k~ueme~~n11-__________ ~--------------'''Aye
~eo~m~m~iw~si~on~~~Gr:~ez~MC==·Kc=:aom.·~s ________________________ __.,Aye
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~~~mnus~~· Siil!. .. o~n~e:!:....r ~Mi~·c~he=l:J::.:e1:.11·Fuo~st=erL..------------------------· Aye
aAs.eoSOD!Cl!(!·are~· ~C~o·~H~Oj~ja!2!siolt.!n~er~Greg~~s:!!!han=cr~-----------------~· Aye
..... Assu~-~cia~-te=C~omm=·· =' .... ·w..,,·on=er;:..· S=te£!=.ibtm=-·D=am==m-------------------• Aye-
3
Service Plan Review -Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
PROJECT INFORMATION AND STAFF COMMENTS
REQUEST
PROPERTY OWNER
REPRESENTATIVE
LOCATION
EXISTING ZONING
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
BACKGROUND
Service Plan Review and Recommendation
Carbondale Investments LLC
Dianne Miller-Miller & Assocl~tes law Offices, LLC
South of the City of Glenwood Springs on the west side of
Highway 82 at Cattle Creek
PUD and Suburban
Residential High Density
1wr.,1V11.IHrl MMI M Mtw.M 1"1111
Rec.Uantt: 822731
88/14/2912 11 138190 P" Jean Alberioo 4 af 12 Rea Foe :SGl .H Doo Fee :0 .M GARFIELD COUNTY CO
Special districts are quasi-municipal corporations and political subdivisions that are organized to act for
a particular purpose. A metropolitan district is a special dfstrl~ that provides any two or more services
which may include fire protection, parks & recreation, safety protection, sanitation, solid V'itSte, street
improvements or water, to name a few. A district has the ability to acquire bonds for the construction
of the Improvements and to levy taxes to the area within their boundaries to repay those bonds. This is
a famlliar concept within Garfield County, particularly related to fire protection districts and water
and/or sanitation districts. Several metropolitan districts currentlv exist In the County.
The formation of a special district entails a three-part process that requires obtaining review and
approval from the local governmental jurisdiction, review by district court, and a special election. The
Garfield County Land Use Resolution of 2008, as amended does not contain specific provisions related to
the review of service plans therefore the process of submlttal and review of the plans must be In
compliance with statutory requirements contained In Title 32 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Those
statutory requirements Include submittal of the service plans to the clerk for the board of county
commissioners, referral of the plans to the planning commission for review and recommendation to the
board within thirty (30) days of plan submittal, and a publlc hearing with the board not more than thirty
(30) days after setti ng the public hearing date .
!b GENERAL INF~MADQN
The Clerk and Recorder (Jean Alberico) received petition for review of a service plan for the Cattle Creek
Metropolitan District on June 29, 20U and a public meeting was set with the Board of County
Commissioners (the Board) on July 9, 2012. At that meeting the Board discussed the review process for
the plan and joined in the referral to the Commission for review and recommendation . The public
hearing required for Board review Is to be scheduled at a public meeting to be held at least ten {10) days
after receipt of the Planning Commission recommendation . The public hearing must then occur within
thirty (30) days of that meeting. Should a recommendation be Issued bv the Planning Commission on
1
Service Plan Review-cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
July 25, 2012, and a resolution to memorialize that recommendation completed, a public meeting will
scheduled on August 6, 2012 with an anticipated Board of County Commissioners publrc hearing date on
September 10, 2012 .
.llh PLAN DESCRIPTION
The service plan is initially proposed to serve the River Edge PUO, a 366-unit development approved on
158.927-acres, which has received Preliminary Plan approval and PUD zoning. This area is deemed the
"Initial Boundary" of the District. Additional properties, owned by Garfield County Commercial, LLC, are
described as the 'Inclusion Property", to be Included In the district upon approval of entitlements. This
latter property is zoned Suburban and has no entitlements for development except for the abllity to
construct one single family home on each of the parcels.
SpecificaUy, the service plan states that the proposed district consists of approximately 159.15-acres and
that the District may include all or any part of the property described in Exhibit D (the "Inclusion
Property"), at such time as the County has approved a development permit for those sites. Upon
approval that property shan be Incorporated into the district with no further review by the County.
The function of the district will be to construct and maintain the transportation and road infrastructure
necessary to pro\fide service to the REC development. Statutory requirements in 32-1-103 (10) C.R.S
state that a Metropolitan District mav Include any of the following, but is required to provide at least
two of the following services:
a) Fire Protection;
b) Mosquito Control;
c) Parks and recreation;
d) Safety protection;
e) Sanitation;
f) Solid Waste disposal facilities or collection and transportation of sol Id waste;
g) Street improvement;
h) Television relay and translation;
i) Transportation;
j) Water.
cattle Creek Metropolitan District functions are stated as " ... maintenance of the Access Improvements
or funding and maintenance of the Access Improvements ." Those improvements are listed as
"Construction of roads and a railroad crossing, including trails, sidewalks, bridges, walls and storm
drainage along with required relnstallation or relocation of trails, water and sewer lines and other
facilities in order to provide public access across the RFTA Railroad ROW." The estimated costs are
included in provided cost estimates which total $7,154,000; the Estimated Infrastructure Capital Cost is
$4,000,900; and Debt Authoriz~tion is $5,590,000. The Service Plan proposes an Anticipated Miil Levy at
40 Mill for debt and 10 Mills for operations, for a total levy of so Mills.
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Service Plan R~vlew-cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
A review of the additional taxes that will impact thls development include the metropolitan district at 50
mills -as well as taxes associated with inclusion Into the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District
(5.723 Mills), for a requested total of 55.723 mills. This is all In addition to the current rate of 68.554
mills -resulting In a total levy of 124.2n mills on the site.
By way of comparison, Aspen Glen PUD and lronbrldge PUD mill levies are 74.275, River Park
Condominiums (In the River Park Metro District) has a mill levy of 93.217, Spring Ridge Reserve is subject
to a mill levy of 67.169 and Battlement Mesa has a tax rate of 35.327 Mills (this subdivision is included In
the Parachute/Battlement Mesa Park and Recreation District with .93 mills).
The 124.277 Mill Levy for the properties within the River Edge PUD may negatively impact the
affordable housing units proposed on this site, as well as the other homes proposed within this
development. The additional taxes that wlll be applied to this development, due to Inclusion in this
proposed District, appear to be burdensome. In fact the additional tax is only to construct and maintain
the entry and roads fur the property -these sites will also be subject to HOA dues and user fees.
ll£i ZONING AND ADJACENT USES
The Highway 82 corridor between
Glenwood Springs and Carbondale
contains several residential PUD's,
lronbridge to the west and Aspen Glen to
the south, as well as other residential
subdivisions as shown on the adjacent
map. The CR 114 / CR 154 area to the
north of the site contains commercial
zoning with retail uses such as the
Thunder River Market area and semi-
industrial commercial uses such as
Gallegos stone yard, warehouses and
fabrication activities and a mini storage
facility. The high density H lazy F Mobile
Home Park is also loca~ed north of the
service area boundary.
V. COMPREHENSIVE PlAN
lhe property is located within an area designated as Residential High Density on the Future Land Use
Map. Other components of the Comprehensive Plan applicable to this review include:
Growth In Unincorporated Communities
The comprehensive plan acknowledges the existence of several unincorporated communities
that have a dense level of development, mix of uses anti urban services provided by special
3
Service Plan Review-Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
districts. New unincorporated communities are discouraged. However, new (or expanded
existing) unincorporated communities should meet the following guidelines:
i. The development is not located within the Urban Growth Area of existing municipalities
ii. The development is served with urban services by a special district
iii. A contract for police from county sheriff is established
iv. Connecting county roads are upgraded at developer's expense (or the county is
compensated through an Impact fee or fee-in-lieu)
v. Fiscal costs to the public will be considered in the review of new unincorporated communities
vi . Any internal commercial is primarily for the convenience of area residents {minimize
competition with existing communities)
vii. Transit opportunities are provided
viii. Recreation and other public amenities are provided
ix. School sites may be required (these locations preferred over schools in rural areas)
New Centers
In an effort to make existing subdivisions more self-sufficient, a new center may be added to
existing major residential subdivisions or other urban areas. Additionally, the center should be
located at intersections and Interchanges, has access to central water and sewer through a
special district, and Is compact and designed to fully utilize the land.
Growth of New Major Residential Subdivisions
There are several major subdivisions (15 units or more) in Garfield County that provide their
own internal services (road maintenance, water, sewer) through special districts or HOA
However, these subdivisions are typically far from commercial centers and require travel for .
even convenience needs which increases traffic and requires higher maintenance of county
roads . The Plan recognizes new major subdivisions may occur, but encourages them to be
more self-sufficient (having, or being near, convenience services). In order to be more self-
sufficient, new major subdivisions will require:
i. Safe, refiable access and transit opportunities
ii. Construction or upgrade existing offsite connecting county roads and intersections by the
developer
iii. Review of the fiscal costs vs. fiscal benefits to the public
iv. lntemal roads to be maintained by a special district or HOA
v. Central water and sewer is provided through a special district (quasi-pubic, not private)
vi. Public amenitie~. such as trails, open areas, parks.etc., that meet the needs of residents are
included.
VI. REVIEW CRITERIA
1. REQUIRED SUBMIITAL CRITERIA §32-1-202 (2), C.R.S.
The service plan shall contain the followlng:
(a) A description of the proposed services;
Staff Comment: The plan provides a list of potential services which may or may not be services
that the district provides. The plan states that "The District shall specifically have street
improvement, transportation, water, sanitation and park and recreation powers. H
4
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"8114/2012 91 :38 :H Pl'I Jean Alber loo B of 12 ho Fn :se.ee Doc FH:9.H GARFIELD COUNTY co
Service Plan Review-Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
{b) A financial plan showing how the proposed service are to be financed, lndudfng the
proposed operating revenue derived from property taxes for the first budget year of the district,
which shall not be materially exceeded except as authorized pursuant to section 32-1-207 or 29-
1-302, C.R.S. All proposed indebtedness for the district shall be displayed together with a
schedule indicating the year or years In which the debt is scheduled to be issued. The board of
directors of the district shall notify the board of county commissioners or the governing body of
the municipality of any alteration or revision of the proposed schedule of debt Issuance set forth
in the financial plan;
Staff Comment: A financial plan was submitted however review of this Information has not yet
been completed.
(c) A preliminary engineering or architectural survey showing how the proposed services are to
be provided;
Staff Comment: The proposed pion does contain preliminary maps showing the location of roads
and trails.
(d) A map of the proposed special district boundaries and an estimate of the population
and valuation for assessment of the proposed special district;
Staff Comment: Maps of the proposed district boundaries (both "lnitlaf' and "lnduded"
boundaries} were provided, as well as the valuation for assessment of the 366 residential lots.
No future population estimate was provided but the current population was stated as 0.
{e) A general description of the facilities to be constructed and the standards of such
construction, including a statement of how the facility and service standards of the proposed
special district are compatible with facility and service standards of any county within which all
or any portion of the proposed special district Is ~o be located, and of municipalities and special
districts which are Interested parties pursuantto section 32-1-204(1)
Staff Comment: Standards for the proposed facility were discussed and a statement wos
included in the plan "The District will ensure that the Access Improvements are designed and
constructed in accordance with the standards and specification of the PUC, RFTA, and the
County, the Of/1clal Development Plan, the federal government or other governmental entitles
having proper jurisdiction."
{f) A general description of the estimated cost of acquiring land, engineering services, legal
services, administrative service, initial proposed indebtedness and estimated proposed
maximum interest rates and discounts, and other major expenses related to the organization
and Initial operation of the district.
s
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88/1:i:2112 81 :38 :10 Pl'I Jean Alberico 9 Of 12 R.o Fee:se .ee Doo Fa:a.ee GARFIELD COUNTY co Service Plan Review -Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
Planning Commission July 25, 2012
Staff Comment: The pion provide<! estimated costs for the construction of Improvements as
shown below.
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(g) A description of any arrangement or proposed agreement with any political subdivision for
the performance of any services between the proposed special district and. such other political
subdivision, and, if the form contract to be used Is available, it shall be attached to the servk:e
plan;
Staff Comment; The plan Includes provision of water and sanitation services however none of
the estimated costs are associated with this service nor was any discussion Included regarding
arrangement or proposed agreements with the Roaring Fork Water & Sanitation District ..
(h) Information, along with other evidence presented at the hearing, satisfactory to establish
that each of the criteria $et forth in section 32-1·203, if applicable, is met;
Staff Comment: Section 32-1-203 contains the criteria for action on the plans. This section will
be used to determine the findings and recommendation to the Board. See below.
s
(i) Such additional Information as the board of county commissioners may require by resolution
on which to base Its findings pursuant to section 32·1-203;
6
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1e or 12 Rei: F ... u .ea Doo Fee:a.n GARFIELD COUNTY co Planning Commission July 25, 2012
Staff Comment: Section 32-1-203 contains the criteria for action on the plans. This sect/on will
be used to determine the findings and recommendation to the Boord. See below.
2. REQUIRED REVIEW CRJTERIA 32-1-203 C.R.5.
(2) The board of county commissioners shall disapprove the service plan unless evidence
satisfactory to the board of each of the following fs presented:
(a) There fs sufficient existing and projected need for organized service In the area to be
serviced by the proposed special district.
Staff Comment: Evidence has not been provided regarding the existing and projected need for
organized service except for the fact that a quasi-governmental entity Is 'required' to apply for a
public railroad crossing permit and PUC approval to access the site. Current entlrlements only
Include a portion of the overall District boundary -the "Inclusion" parcels should not be added
until such time as entitlements and additional service plan review Is completed by the County.
Further, the service plan discusses the· provision of water and sanitation service however a
special district currently exists to provide this service. 32-1-107 (2} C R.S. no special district may
be organized wholly or partly within an existing spec/of district providing the same service.
Statute does provide that overlapping districts may be approved by the board of county
commissioners.
(b) The existing service in the area to be served by the proposed special district is
inadequate for present and projected needs.
Staff Comment; The service co be provided Is specific to the acquisition of permits and
construction/maintenance of the access to the site. The request to provide service related to
water and sanitation ls unnecessary as Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation Is to provide this
service to the development in the area.
(c) The propo'sed spec°ial district Is capable for-providing economical and sufficient service
to the area within its boundaries.
Staff Comment The service plans have not demonstrated that they con provide economical and
sufficient service, particularly given the requested 40 Mills for Debt and 10 Miiis for Operation .
Potential future ~sldents of the development will pay significant additional property taxes
associated with 124.277 mills, HOA dues, and user fees for services and facilities within the
development. The service plan has not adequately demonstrated that they are capable of
providing economical service to the .area.
(d) The area to be included in the proposed special district has, or will have, the financial
ability to discharge the proposed Indebtedness on a reasonable basts.
7
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a ec F":SllUl0 Dao F .. :0.19 CAAFIELO COIJ/(fY CO Pl • C · I J ly 25 2012 anmng omm1ss on u ,
Staff Comment Given the requested SO Mills to be applied to 366 units within the REC
development and any future uses contained on the "Inclusion" property Is certainly would appear
that the district w/11 have the ability to discharge the proposed $5,590,000 debt.
(2.5) The board of county commissioners may disapprove the service plan if evidence
satisfactory to the board of any of the followfng, at the discretion of the board, is not presented;
(a) Adequate service Is not, or will not be, available to the area through the county or other
existing municipal or quasi~munlclpal corporations, Including existing special districts, withfn a
reasonable time and on a comparable basis.
Staff eomment: It appears that there Is no entity willing or able to acquire necessary permits to
allow for access to the site. The Applicant states that the PUC requires that a public entity be
responsible for access to the site. Mequate service for water and sanitation Is already provided
ro the area by the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District.
(b) lhe facility and service standards of the proposed speclal district are compatible with
the facility and service standards of each county within which the proposed special district is to
be located and each municipality which is an interested party under 32-1-201 (1).
Staff Comment: The service plan on discusses the fact that they will comply with requirements
of the PUC, state, federal and County requirements.
(c) The proposal is In substantial compliance with a master plan adopted pursuant to
section 30-28-106, C.R.S.
Staff Comment: The Comprehensive Plan Includes components regarding provision of urban
level servkes for development outside of the growth boundary. One method of providing these
services is through a special district however redundancy of services is not supported by the
objective, policies and goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Staff questions whether the formation
of a metropolitan district to provide access to the site is suffldent to provide urban level services
to the development
(d) The proposal Is In compliance with any duly adopted county, regional or state long~
range water quality management plan for the area.
Staff Comment: This area is not subject to a 208 Plan.
(e) The creation of the proposed special district will be in the best interest of the proposed
area to be served.
Staff Comment: The future residents of the oreo to be served will be subject to additional taxes
associated with the Metropolitan District (SO Miiis} which may be burdensome . The proposal to
add additional properties to the district once entitlements are approved by the County does not
allow the County sufficient review of the changes to the service plan. Inadequate Information
has been submitted to demonstrate that the creation of district -to provide access and roods as
8
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?~' '1'~1~ e1jaa,111e PrJ Jean Alberico Service Plan Review-cattle Creek Metropolitan District 0
•ri ea:se.ee Dao Fee:iuie CARFia.o COllNTY co Planning Commission July 25, 2012
well as trails, water and sanitation services, is the best Interest of the area proposed to be
served.
VU. CONC£RNS AND ISSUES
1. REDUNDANCY OF SERVICE
The Board and Commission should consider §32-1-107(2) which provides that a district may be
organized wholly or partfy within an existing special district, but shall not provide ·the same services
as an existing district. Overlapping districts may be authorized to provide the same services only If:
a) The Boa rd approves inclusion of service as part of the service plan of an overlapping district;
b} Improvements of facilities to be financed, established, or operated by an overlapping special
district do not duplicate or Interfere with existing or planned improvements or facilities to be
constructed within portions of existing districts that new districts will overlap; and
c) The board o~ ~i rectors of the overlapped district must consent
Clearly the proposed metropolitan district service request to provide water and sanitation service
overlaps the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District. The petitioner has not provided consent
from the water and sanitation district. Section 31-1-107(3)(c) provides that nothing In thfs section
is to be construed to encourage unnecessary proliferation, duplication, overlapping, or
fragmentation of a special or metropolitan ~istricts.
2. MILL LEVY
The requested 50 mill le~ to REC and future development on adjacent parcels is burdensome and
will almost double property taxes. When the Roaring Fork Water and Sanitation District mill levy Is
added the burden increases, the addition of HOA dues and user fees will also Increase that burden.
m srAfFRECOMMENDATION
Staff has mncems with the District as proposed, specifically:
1. The fnclusion of additional properties without benefit of further review once entitlements are
approved;
2. The Inclusion of services which are not subject to the requested debt and not included In the
cost estimates;
3. The inclusion of services which are already provided by other districts;
4. The request for 50 mills which is burdensome to future property owners, particularly the
affordable housing units required to be provided ln the development
Additional review from a contracted source has not been received and therefore staff is unable to make
a recommendation at this time.
9
EXHIBIT
BBC RESEARCH ~
CONSULTING
August 4, 2012
Ms Kathy Eastley, AICP
Senior Planner
GarHeJd County Building and Planning Department
108 8th Street. Suite 219
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Re: Cattle Creek Metropolitan District Economic Review
Dear Ms. Eastley:
This Jetter report is In response to Garfield County's request for BBC's review of the economic,
market and financial elements of a the Cattle Creek Metropolitan District Service Plan (Plan),
which was recently submitted to Garfield County in association with a residential real estate
project near Carbondale, Colorado.
The Cattle Creek Metropolitan District
The proposed Cattle Creek Metropolitan District (District) will provide funding for construction
and maintenance of access Improvements associated with the Rivers Edge subdivision located
near the junction of CR 113 and SH 82 In unincorporated Garfield Countyt. The District is seeking
the authority to issue of up to SS.59 million in debt to be supported by a maximum property tax
levy of 50 mills and certain other fees and charges. The Rivers Edge prof ect anticipates 366
residential dwellings, eventually housing an estimated 840 persons.
In addition to development, financing and maintenance of property access roads and related
Infrastructure, the proposed District will serve as a governmental entity that can petition the
Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for pennlsslon to modify a local rail crossing that
provides access to the property. The PUC requires a public entity to accept responsibility and
ongoing liability for the rail right of way crossing.
Market and Financial Assumptions
District development taxation and related cash flow projections were prepared by George K.
Baum & Company and provided as Appendix G in the Plan documents, dated June 28, 2012.
1 See: Cattle Creek Metropollllln District Service Plan, Section II, Deftnllions and Bxhlblt F. (undated)
~-
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Development assumptions, including development timing and anticipated price of the units, were
provided by the developer.
The development plan, which underUes the District Service Plan, suggests that project
infrastructure construction will commence in 2013; residential lots will be prepared and sold in
2014; and residential unitswt11 be completed and sold in 2015. The Financing Plan reflects the
appropriate multi-year time lags between property development, unit construction, assessed
valuation and tax collection. Residential assessed values are assumed to remain at 7.96 percent of
the property's Actual Value, which is the County Assessor's equivalent of market value. The
Financing Plan assumes a 40 mill levy dedicated to debt service and a ten mill levy dedicated to
District operations.
The Developer anticipates completing lot and residential unit sales by 2024, thus an average
annual sales pace about 36 units per year. A variety of residential products are anticipated. Most
single family dwellings are expected to have sales values between $414,000 and $519,400. In
addition, there are nine estate homes averaging about $800,000. A variety of attached units will
be sold at prices ranging from $385,000 to $420,000 and the project Includes SS deed restricted
units at values between $1751000 and $225,000, The market value of the land and residential
units is assumed to grow at 2 percent per year.
Conclusions
The Developers' assumptions regarding price and pace of development are clearly represented,
and the process by which land and residential unit development are translated Into assessed
value and District revenue follows standard projection practices and procedures. The District's
requested bonding authority ($5.59 million) Is in keeping with the anticipated Assessed Value and
the associated mill levy ( 40 mills, plus 10 mills for operations) is consistent with similar disb1ct
levies across the state.
At this point, the demand for new residential products at this location and within this price range
is speculative, but any market risks associated with this development will fall largely upon the
property owner and the bond holders. It is quite possible that the Developer will delay site
development and bond issuance until market conditions are improved. It Is also possible that
home values will be lower than represented here or the pace of sales slower resulting in a
lengthier and potentially more costly bond repayment schedule. These are the standard risks of
development and of Metropolitan District bond financing practices.
We appreciate the opportunity to review and comment on this Service Plan and [ hope this review
Is valuable in the County's considerations.
Sincerely,
Ford C. Frick
Managing Director
PAGE3
I
July 27, 2012
As Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners I, Jean Alberico,
did receive five (5) copies of the Planning Commission
recommendation regarding the Cattle Creek Metropolitan
District Service Plans, compliant with State Statute.
Name Date
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Kathy Eastley, Building and Planning
DATE: August 6, 2012
I. Background
Miller & Associates Law Offices, LLC submitted a service plan to the Garfield County Clerk
on Friday June 29, 2012. This service plan is for the proposed Cattle Creek Metropolitan
District with the property to be included in the service area boundary owned by Carbondale
Investments, LLC. and Garfield County Commercial Investments, LLC. A significant
portion of this property was approved for a subdivision preliminary plan and zone change to
PUD to allow for the creation of the River Edge Colorado PUD which includes approval for
366 dwelling units .
On Wednesday July 25 , 2012 the Planning Commission rev iewed the service plan and
forwards a unanimous recommendation (7-0) of approval of the service plan via a
resolution which includes the supported criteria and findings of the Commission.
The Board of County Commissioners (the Board) is required hold a public meeting at least
10 days after the date of the Planning Commission recommendation to schedule the public
hearing.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this public meeting is to establish the public hearing date for Board
consideration of the service plan. Pursuant to statutory requirements the Board must hold
the public hearing within 30 days of this meeting, therefore Staff recommends that the
Board set the public hearing for Tuesday, September 4, 2012 commencing at 1 :00 p.m .