Mayor's Message, February 2024

For public members unable to attend the State of Tri-Lakes, the February message from the Mayor is the address that she is providing at the Tri Lakes luncheon on February 2, 2024.

Neighbors,

Thank you for taking time out of your day to celebrate the Tri Lakes region and to focus on a prosperous future for economic development and the continued strategic growth of our area.  As for Palmer Lake, we will continue to be engaged in systematic planning for the betterment of our community.  

The Board of Trustees is committed to setting into motion new processes to plan for current needs and future growth. We will focus on the town’s infrastructure. A huge area the Board concentrated on in 2023 was restructuring the Town’s water fund.  We are confident that these changes will strengthen the water fund to sustain us and provide for the future needs for improved water infrastructure and growth of the system. The framework has been implemented with calculated review to ensure a thriving fund to meet the town’s future needs for water.

As leaders, the Board of Trustees recognize the missed opportunities of inaction and understand that we cannot wait to solve our problems. We will continue to refine systems and plan strategically for the future of our community within all existing town departments.

Leadership of the Town of Palmer Lake will commit time in work sessions to align the expectations of each department for the future of Palmer Lake. Additionally, the Board will spend time in discussion with Town advisory Commissions – the Parks and Trails and the Planning Commission - to review anticipated challenges and discuss necessary steps to align and unite on potential obstacles for the future success of our Town.

The Board of Trustees is committed to exploring and prioritizing opportunities for the future of our community – in the realm of water system improvement projects and considering long term plans for drainage issues. The Board is considering a compensation study to address competitive wages for all Town staff.

Updating the Town’s land use code is of paramount importance this year for town officials, staff, and to provide public transparency, and to ensure that our land use aligns with the vision of the Community Master Plan.  We are currently considering concepts for potential annexation within the Town’s 3-mile plan. 

Thanks to grant funding, the Town is planning for a design and promotion of a downtown pedestrian walkway along Hwy 105 and the lake area at Centennial Park and partnering with Awake the Lake, new community pickleball courts and a public restroom; while Parks and Trails are authorized to continue internal trail connectivity to the Elephant Rock property on Hwy 105.  

In the words of Elanor Roosevelt, “It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.” We believe that taking a hard look at the problems for the future of our community should be embraced rather than be ignored or feared. 

I am committed to engaging with state and local legislators in representing the vision of Palmer Lake for our future. This is of vital importance and something I personally have worked hard on. We continue to build relationships throughout the State by serving in many board capacities throughout Southern Colorado. In having a seat at the table with many state-wide organizations, Palmer Lake is becoming known as a thriving participant in the future brand of Colorado and Tri lakes area as a whole. The Board’s collaborative vison in working alongside many organizations has been key to unlocking wonderful opportunities for the future of Palmer Lake. Establishing a presence within our greater community is important to Palmer Lake developing our niche in Colorado. 

The Town of Palmer Lake has worked well to embrace and promote the recreational marijuana stores after the ballot measure passed in November of 2022. We look forward to continued growth and prosperity for all businesses in 2024.

When you think of Palmer Lake, one inevitably thinks of the arts. The Palmer Lake Arts Council has increased the volunteer base, along with the number of events sponsored in the past year.  In 2024, we can look forward to even more – more exhibits, more theater, more classes, more music. The Arts Council has set a challenge to bring the Chautauqua into the modern age and to increase its awareness in the community.

The Town of Palmer Lake is committed to making the entire Tri Lakes area the best it’s ever been. Spread joy in the every day activities, and most of all continue to love your neighbors. I am so proud our community, the roots we have planted, and the future we continue to build for generations to come.

In the words of Mr. Rogers, “If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet: How important you are to the people you may never even dream of.”

We are Tri Lakes, and together we can move mountains!

Mayor Glant