Dear Save SOBO Members,

This is your chance to ask questions of Phil Kleisler and "a representative of CU" about CU-South annexation issues. These "office hours" will be conducted virtually in groups of ten. 

This was just announced on November 29 in the Daily Camera.  The information below can be found at https://bouldercolorado.gov/planning/cu-south-annexation-office-hours.

We should all sign up and ASK QUESTIONS!!!   See the SOBO (on our website, savesouthboulder.com) and Citizens' Campaign document for an analysis of problems which should be asked about--specifically, how the noted problems are going to be resolved PRIOR to the signing of an annexation agreement.  If you can't find that document, please contact margaret.lecompte@gmail.com and one will be sent to you.

Please note that the problem of increased traffic in South Bulder as a consequence of CU's proposed new campus is NOT addressed in this document.   If you are concerned about this problem, PLEASE ask CU and the staff how they are going to ameliorate it. 


Best wishes,
Marki LeCompte
For the Citizens' Campaign and Save South Boulder
CU SOUTH ANNEXATION – OFFICE HOURSDrop in to learn and/or ask questions of city planner, Phil Kleisler, and a representative from the University of Colorado Boulder about this annexation application's process, terms, schedule, and/or updates. These office hours are designed for a small group of 10 people or less. Please sign up for only one session, so that all interested community members have an opportunity to participate. Currently, sessions are scheduled:

• Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Monday, Dec. 7, from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 2 to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Sign up for a session by selecting this EventBrite link.
Contact city planner Phil Kleisler, at KleislerP@bouldercolorado.gov if you have questions about these office hours.
Want to learn more about this project, go to the CU South Annexation webpage.

This website has the latest annexation request from CU and the timeline ahead. 

​Since we are about in the initial stages of the public engagement processes for the annexation negotiations over CU-South, the undersigned community members, who represent both Save South Boulder and PLAN-Boulder, felt it important to share with you our concerns that the process outlined is really inadequate, especially given the magnitude of the decision the City needs to make with regard to CU's demans for annexation.  We have long been disatisfied with past engagement activities, and we felt we should both outline the bases for that disatisfaction and also make suggestions for how the activities might be improved--especially given the constraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  We do understand that everyone is laboring under extreme difficulties right now;  that's why some of our suggestions address those constraints specifically.

Attached is our critique of the public participation process being planned by the City's public engagement staff.  It was stimulated by our viewing a diagram outlining the activities and stages in the participation process. That diagram is being used to explain to neighborhood groups how the process works. I am sorry that I can't attach the diagram;  I've only seen it in hard copy.   If there are other people on the staff that you think should see the document, please let me know.

Dear Save SOBO Members,
November 7th, 2020
 Please review this document outlining SOBO’s and PLAN-Boulder’s analysis of dangers inherent in CU’s annexation terms for CU-South.  That document, as well as a list of conditions we think are imperative for the City to write into any annexation agreement, was sent on November 4 to the Boulder City Planning Board, the City Council, and key members of the City Utilities staff. Please read it and send it to all your friends and neighbors!!!
 
Annexation decisions are happening fast.  Information is hard to find. We have to be on TOP of it.  Annexation is occurring behind the scenes and not with the best interests of the citizens of Boulder in mind.  Stay tuned!
 
What you need to know

• Public input and engagement in the annexation decision will begin in December, will be limited and take place on-line.  The entire Boulder community MUST mobilize now to be heard.
• The only way to enforce any agreement between the City and CU on annexation is the signed, legally enforceable annexation agreement. It has to be very specific and airtight.  CU does not have to abide by any other promises, statements in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, guiding principles, state and City codes and regulations, or agreements to “agree after an annexation agreement is signed.” CU’s “sovereign status” renders it exempt from any and all such agreements.  Bottom Line:  CU doesn’t have to do anything it doesn’t want to do unless it’s specified in the annexation agreement.
• CU is trying to shift the cost of building its new campus to City tax payers and our utility bills. This is literally taxation without representation!!
• City Council is working to appease CU, not working to protect the citizens of Boulder. They need to hear from US.
• Our campaign needs money.  If each member of the listserv sent just $5.00 to our Go Fund Me account, could greatly expand our outreach, education and media efforts. Contribute via our Go Fund Me account.  Go to our homepage at www.savesouthboulder.com and click on DONATE.

 
Plans for November-December

• Run media campaigns to educate the entire Boulder community about the costs of CU’s annexation plans and new campus to all of us, regardless of where we live in Boulder.
• Get ready to launch a citizens’ referendum early next year.  We want Boulder voters to weigh in on the fate of the section of South Boulder Creek floodplain i. e. the CU-South property. If the City signs off on an ill-advised annexation deal with CU, we will have thirty days to get the some 4000+ signatures needed to force a measure onto the ballot to stop enforcement of the agreement and require reconsideration with FULL PUBLIC INPUT.

 
Upcoming Council and Board Meetings see homepage for updated timelines. 

This document outlines SAVE SOBO’s and PLAN-Boulder’s analysis of dangers inherent in CU’s annexation terms for CU-South.  That document, as well as a list of conditions we think are imperative for the City to write into any annexation agreement, was sent on November 4 to the Boulder City Planning Board, the City Council, and key members of the City Utilities staff. Please read it and send it to all your friends and neighbors!!!