Milliken Town Activity Summary (Feb-Mar 2026)
Overview
This summary covers Milliken Board of Trustees, Planning Commission, and Housing Authority meetings from February-March 2026. The town is actively managing growth with new development projects, code updates, and infrastructure planning.
Major Development Projects
Store-N-Go Self-Storage Facility
Meeting: Board of Trustees, March 11, 2026
Location: Southwest corner of Center Drive & County Road 23 3/4
Details:
- 52,000+ square feet of indoor storage space
- Fully automated facility with keyless access
- 24/7 surveillance and security
- Mix of personal storage units and enclosed RV storage
- No outdoor storage permitted
Approval Status:
- Conditional Use Permit: ✅ Approved
- Site Plan: ✅ Approved
- Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously (March 4)
Design Features:
- Metal structures with burnt wood printed metal wainscoting
- Gun metal and charcoal gray roofs
- Decorative cedar fence with architectural columns (every 50 feet)
- Landscape buffer with Rocky Mountain Junipers, Japanese Lilacs, Lindens
Infrastructure Note:
- Sidewalk construction deferred until Center Drive improvements completed
- Cost-sharing agreement recorded in site plan development agreement
- Property owner responsible for future sidewalk installation
Applicant: Law Holding Investments LLC (represented by Ripley Design)
Epic Estates at Taylor Annexation
Meeting: Planning Commission, February 2026
Type: Large-lot residential development annexation
Zoning: R1-E (Estate Residential)
Details:
- Annexation and initial zoning request
- Water provided through Little Thompson Water District
- Individual septic systems for lots
- Large lot sizes (estate-style)
Status:
- Planning Commission recommended approval
- Moves to Board of Trustees for final action
Key Issues:
- Road improvements required
- “Payment in lieu” land dedication for local needs
- Possible “Road Swap Agreement” with Weld County
- State-mandated 16.6% annexation contingency requirements met
Altamira Metropolitan District No. 5
Meeting: Board of Trustees, March 11, 2026
Action: Resolution 2026-15
Summary: The Board found that inclusion of Milliken property in the Altamira Metropolitan District No. 5 constitutes a “material modification” and “material departure” from the service plan.
Outcome:
- Legal action authorized against the district
- Town Attorney Matthew Gould handling the matter
Context: Metro districts are financing tools for development. This appears to be a dispute over district boundaries or terms affecting Milliken properties.
Wiens Zoning Map Amendment
Meeting: Planning Commission, February 2026
Status: ✅ Approved
Property rezoning request approved by Planning Commission and moved to Board of Trustees.
Code & Policy Updates
Water Conservation Land Use Code Amendments
Purpose: Response to Colorado state water scarcity mandates
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits certain turf types in new development
- Restricts artificial turf and invasive plant species
- Applies to “tree lawns” and larger developments
- Promotes xeriscaping and water-wise practices
Context: Colorado General Assembly passed statewide requirements. Milliken updating code to comply while providing developers clear direction.
Impact Fee Schedule Update
Status: In Progress
Town working on updated impact fee schedule for new development. Will require resolution adoption.
ADA Digital Accessibility Policy
Resolution: 2025-06
Meeting: Board of Trustees, February 11, 2026
Adopted town-wide ADA digital accessibility standards.
Drug & Alcohol Policy
Resolution: 2026-07
Meeting: Board of Trustees, February 11, 2026
Adopted updated drug and alcohol policy for town employees.
Housing & Community Development
Housing Needs Assessment
Entity: Milliken Housing Authority
Chair: Sloane Hawes
The Housing Authority is conducting a town-wide housing needs assessment to identify gaps and priorities.
Meetings:
- Work sessions: First Monday of each month, 4:30 PM
- Regular meetings: Third Wednesday
Community Support Approvals
After Prom Party Donation (Resolution 2026-10)
- Support for Roosevelt High School after-prom event
Teen Impact Awards Sponsorship (Resolution 2026-11)
- Sponsorship of Johnstown-Milliken Rotary Club Teen Impact Awards Banquet
Infrastructure & Utilities
Center Drive Improvements
Current State:
- No sidewalks on north or south side of Center Drive
- Existing street is improved but lacks pedestrian infrastructure
Future Plans:
- Sidewalk installation being coordinated with property owners
- Cost-sharing agreements required from adjacent developments
- Design criteria may change over time (curb types, rollover curves, etc.)
Related Development: Store-N-Go has deferred sidewalk agreement recorded
Gravel Mining Operation
Status: Informational update (not action item)
Details:
- Sand and gravel mining facility
- Final reclaimed condition: lined water storage reservoir
- Groundwater management through approved substitute water supply plan
- Regulated through permits for dewatering, sediment control, water discharges
Environmental Considerations:
- Floodplain conditions
- Groundwater effects
- Wildlife resources protection
- Surface water and groundwater systems
Pending Issues & Legal Matters
1. Altamira Metropolitan District Legal Action
Resolution 2026-15 authorizes legal action. Town Attorney handling negotiations.
2. Center Drive Sidewalks
Multiple property owners involved. Agreements recorded but construction timing uncertain.
3. Road Swap Agreement with Weld County
Under negotiation as part of Epic Estates annexation discussions.
4. Impact Fee Schedule Update
Needs resolution adoption. Timeline TBD.
Key Town Officials
| Position | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Elizabeth Austin | Term expires 2028 |
| Mayor Pro Tem | Dan Dean | Running for re-election April 2026 |
| Town Administrator | Cheryl Powell | 5% raise approved January 2026 |
| Town Clerk | Caree Rinebarger | (970) 587-4331 |
| Community Development Director | Kevin Koelbel | |
| Town Attorney | Matthew Gould |
Meeting Schedule
| Body | Schedule | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Board of Trustees | 2nd & 4th Wednesday | 6:30 PM |
| Board of Trustees Work Session | Same nights | 5:00 PM |
| Planning Commission | 1st & 3rd Wednesday | 6:00 PM |
| Planning Commission Work Session | Same nights | 5:00 PM |
| Housing Authority Work Session | 1st Monday | 4:30 PM |
Location: Milliken Meeting House, 1201 Broad Street, Milliken, CO 80543
Hybrid Access: Zoom available for all meetings
Source Documents
This summary compiled from:
- Board of Trustees agendas and minutes (Feb 11, Feb 25, Mar 11)
- Planning Commission agendas (Feb 4, Feb 18, Mar 4)
- Housing Authority meetings (Feb 2, Feb 19, Mar 2)
- Video transcript (Mar 11 Board meeting)
Full meeting documents available at: https://millikenco.portal.civicclerk.com/
Methodology
- Data sources: 15 meeting agendas/packets from CivicClerk API
- Video transcription: whisper-cpp (base.en model)
- Date compiled: 2026-03-20