A hot topic is brewing in Falcon. The Gazette, the Ranchland News, the NFH, of course, and at least one television news station are trailing Art Van Sant and Jean Woolsey to report on the latest developments as the two bring more information to interested Falconites. And if last month’s meeting is an indicator, interest is gaining ground in Falcon.More than 70 people attended the Feb. 10 meeting at Falcon Middle School. Questions were posed and a couple people challenged the timing of the effort to bring a possible incorporation to the forefront of the people. One person suggested it might be too soon to look at a Falcon incorporation. One of many questions: Why don’t we wait until there is more commercial development?Van Sant quickly assured the group that an incorporation is in the hands of the voters, but the reason for bringing it to the table now is about having control. If Falcon was incorporated, it would be the captain of its own ship, deciding on its own what direction to take. County planners and commissioners would no longer have total control of development. “Falcon hasn’t had enough voice,” Van Sant said. “At each meeting we’ve had, there seems to be a sense Is Falcon’s lack of voice because of county commissioners who don’t listen or Bob Null, a county planner who also was present at the meeting, said Falcon needs more representation at the county planning meetings. “Believe it or not, land development requests aren’t automatic,” Null said. “Homeowners and groups do make changes. It’s the squeaky wheel that gets attention. There are 48,000 more lots approved – for building, and I’d love to see this group show up at Not everyone agreed, but it appeared that many Falcon residents are hoping for a little more say so in what happens in their community. Some believe incorporation might create more efficient safety departments, such as fire and police.Response times especially related to the county sheriff’s department are not appropriate, one person remarked. The closest station is Mark Sheffel, and it could take 20 minutes before a deputy arrives on the scene of a burglary or break in. A lot can happen in that period, which doesn’t make for a safety comfort level in the community. A Falcon incorporation would mean acquiring police officers and cars. Van Sant said the city would probably contract with the current Falcon Fire Protection District.As has been reported, Van Sant and Woolsey, through extensive research, have estimated that it would cost $2 million annually to operate Falcon as a city. Van Sant met with Marcy Morrison, the mayor of Manitou Springs, and she told him Manitou operates on a yearly budget of $4 million, with 65 city employees. Although Manitou has a population of 8,000 compared to an estimated 10,000 to 13,000 in Falcon, Van Sant said he believes that 65 employees in the city of Falcon is more than needed.Morrison also told Van Sant that the city’s sales tax comprises 65 percent of the city’s budget and the remaining 35 percent is garnered from “reciprocities, car registrations,” etc.Van Sant told the audience that a petition would need just 150 signatures to be eligible as a ballot issue. The tentative plan is to bring the issue to the voters in November. If the voters say yes to an incorporation, Van Sant reminded the audience that homeowners with 40 acres or more can opt out of an incorporation. He also said neighbors could band together and opt out with a collective 40 acres.If Falcon became a city, Van Sant said he visions four districts within the area of incorporation (see map of proposed area).There is money needed upfront to get on the ballot, so the next step is taking action to find money and secure a plan. Van Sant and Woolsey have come up with committees and need volunteers to join in. See committee definitions below.Van Sant said being able to answer all the questions and address the facts are vital to introducing the concept to the community. It’s lot of work, he said. Mayor Morrison concurred. Van Sant said the Manitou mayor told him, “If you go out and promote this without the facts, you’ll fail.”For more information, e-mail the NFH at ml@jazzwireless.net.THE NEXT INCORPORATION MEETING IS MARCH 10 AT 7 P.M .AT THE FALCON MIDDLE SCHOOLCommittee definitions: (by Jean Woolsey)The Road Committee will determine if we will privatize road maintenance or contract with the county.The Ways and Means develops means of raising monies prior to the election to pay for incurred costs of incorporating Falcon.The City Boundary & Survey committee will obtain an accurate map for presentation of the projected boundaries of Falcon. This committee will also be in conversation with neighboring communities.The Administration Maintenance & Security will come up with a projected budget and staffing needs for the proposed city of Falcon. They will propose types of officers etc., as well as volunteer and paid staff positions. An example would be the police department – priority of hiring, number of staff, equipment, etc.The Charter & Constitution will come up with a city charter for Falcon. This charter cannot be changed after Falcon is a city, unless it is voted on by Falcon residents.Intra-Government will contact District 49, the Falcon Fire Dept and all businesses.Inter-Government will communicate with all neighboring communities and government authority advising of the process to enable Falcon to have a smooth transition after the vote.Communications/Public Affairs releases information to media and to appropriate state, city and county entities.Budget & Finance committee determines operating budget, initial capital cost and also determines the revenues to finance the budget.District N.E., N.W., S.W., S.E. committee will carry petitions to designated areas to seek opinions and obtain signatures. The goal is three to four hundred signatures.The new City Council will have six members and a mayor. One council member will be elected from each district, and two from at large along with the mayor.
