At a Conifer Community Center public forum meeting held July 31 at Beaver Ranch in Conifer, the board of directors updated the audience of 25 on what various committees are doing in the quest to establish a community recreation center in a town that has, in the past, voted down the concept.

Board member Marilyn Saltzman said, "My husband and I have lived here since 1979. We raised our kids here when there wasn't a high school or a grocery store. The community has grown so much, we really support it and feel it's important to have a place where the community can gather. It doesn't exist right now."

The group has applied for and gained nonprofit status, set up a Web site and formed committees to research site selection, pursue fundraising and handle public relations.

A logo contest was announced that is open to the public, with a deadline of Aug. 31.

Saltzman said, "We did an online survey that indicated people want a rec center with indoor and outdoor activities and classes that people of all ages can enjoy."

According to the minutes of the July 31 meeting, secretary Erika Armstrong presented information on what a mill tax levy is and how it's calculated. She gave an update on special district information, which is what the group will seek to form on a 2009 ballot.

Saltzman said a major task being undertaken by is to to identify legal counsel to help the board figure out how to identify the boundaries of a future special district, which is what will be needed when the nonprofit approaches the county.

"We decided to stay in Jefferson County. It will probably take six months to to get things approved. We hope to do more education in the form of a speakers bureau to provide information to the public. We are always looking for volunteers," she said.

The population in Conifer, according to Armstrong, is approximately 25,800 which includes Bailey.

Saltzman said opponents of the move to create a community center are those who are concerned about increased taxes. One person suggested researching a hardship clause for those who struggle to pay their taxes.

Saltzman discovered a possible work-off program that is available under Colorado law. It enables seniors over 60 or individuals with a disability to perform work for the special district in lieu of paying taxes.

Another option is the Homestead Exemption in which qualified seniors or disabled vets are exempted from propety taxation on a percentage of the value of their home. They must be 65 or older and have occupied the property for 10 years.

Sherri Fillmore has lived in Conifer four years. She said, "My boys would love to have a rec center. Now we have to drive down the hill or go to Evergreen."

Her sons attend West Jefferson Middle School and Elk Creek Elementary. The vet technician at Intermountain Humane Society said, "I can't imagine not wanting a rec center here."

Saltzman added, "We want the community to know we are all volunteers and we're open to input from the community. We want to work in cooperation with other groups.

More info
to find out about future meetings of the Conifer Community Center, visit http://www.conifercommunitycenter.com/