Changing Direction - Issues Addressed To-Date
Firestone Downtown Development Authority (FDDA): In 2025, the Board of Trustees, along with guidance from the then Town Manager, passed Resolutions which established the FDDA. While the entire process to form the FDDA was called into question by many Firestone citizens, the Board rapidly moved ahead with implementing its structure and purpose. Damsma opposed the FDDA for many reasons, not the least of which was that it handed control of Central Park’s development to the FDDA Board and removed citizen control. As Trustee in 2026, Damsma introduced a motion to defund and dissolve the FDDA. That motion was supported by Trustees Holcomb and Matthews and a Resolution approving the dissolution is pending.
USL Stadium and CARD & Associates MOU: The Board of Trustees, in September 2025, created a Memorandum of Understanding with the USL and CARD to look into commercializing a portion of Central Park so that a professional soccer team could be brought to Firestone. The development was to include a large field house, stadium, hotel and other business structures. The citizens of Firestone were so upset with the Board’s action that the Recall effort was organized and the Recall Election in April 2026 removed two Trustees. Damsma opposed the MOU and was influential, as Trustee, to end the agreement.
Board of Trustees 2026 Retreat: For a number of years, Firestone citizens were questioning the occurrence of the annual Board Retreat in out of town venues. The Board was planning the 2026 Retreat to be held in Blackhawk, CO but Trustees Damsma, Holcomb, and Matthews voted to cancel the 2026 Retreat and supported scheduling future retreats at local venues. Doing so would cut expenses and increase citizen participation.
Town Manager National Search: The Board of Trustees, in 2026, hired the recruitment firm, KRW, to begin the process of searching for a new Town Manager. The search will draw from a nationwide pool of candidates.
American Legion Post 1985 Community Grant approved: Trustee Damsma was influential in convincing the (Pre-Recall) Board of Trustees to approve the $1000 grant to fund the Post’s 4th at Firestone events.
Central Weld County Water District: Improved relationship between the Town and Central Weld’s Board has occurred. Continued communication has resulted in a brighter outlook for a future water supply agreement.
Trustees should listen to the people whom they represent, thoughtfully consider what was presented, and then take appropriate action. That makes perfect sense to me!
John receiving an award while attending the NCO Leadership School