Woodland Park City Council Approves Ordinance for Flexible Term Limits on Boards

The Woodland Park City Council took a significant step towards refining governance during its recent meeting on August 21, 2025, by approving an ordinance aimed at amending the city charter regarding term limits for boards and commissions. This decision, which will be presented to voters in a ballot question, seeks to allow individual boards to establish their own term limits based on their specific needs and requirements.

Currently, all boards and commissions in Woodland Park operate under a uniform set of term limits, which has raised concerns about the effectiveness and functionality of certain technical boards that require specialized skills, such as engineers and architects. Council members emphasized that this amendment is not about eliminating term limits but rather about tailoring them to better fit the unique roles of each board. This change aims to enhance the ability to recruit qualified individuals for these critical positions, which are essential for land use and other technical matters.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of community input, with several residents providing feedback during a recent charter review process. This engagement reflects a growing desire among residents for more flexible governance structures that can adapt to the complexities of various roles within the city.

In addition to the primary ordinance, the council also addressed housekeeping items related to the charter, ensuring that all necessary corrections will be made before the public hearing scheduled for September 4, 2025. This proactive approach demonstrates the council's commitment to transparency and responsiveness to community concerns.

As Woodland Park moves forward with these changes, the council aims to strike a balance between maintaining accountability through term limits while also ensuring that boards can operate effectively with the right expertise. The upcoming public hearing will provide an opportunity for further community engagement on this important issue.