Happy Friday, Boulder! It’s shaping up to be a warm, beautiful weekend. But before you head for the mountains, here’s some local news to get you up to speed:

First, Boulder’s Police Oversight Panel is back in action after pausing last year following the removal of a panelist over bias allegations and political controversy. Now, in its latest annual report, the panel is recommending broad reforms, including updates to police training and the handling of sexual harassment cases. It reviewed 20 investigations into officer misconduct last year, most of which were deemed unfounded or lacked evidence. The report highlights two cases where officers resigned after sexual harassment allegations, John Herrick reports.

In other news, Boulder’s affordable housing shortage coincides with about 40% of office buildings sitting empty. Converting offices to homes seems like an obvious solution, but safety codes and financial hurdles often make it cheaper for developers to start from scratch. Still, the Housing Advisory Board, which advises the Boulder City Council on housing issues, is exploring the issue and will discuss developer incentives at its Oct. 30 meeting. I previewed the issues in advance.

Lastly, a man faces 40 felony charges for distributing psilocybin mushrooms and assaulting a minor; the replacement ballot deadline is approaching; construction has begun on the Fourmile Canyon-Cottonwood trail underpass; and the state has launched a hospital price comparison tool, among other news.

Have a lovely weekend,

— Brooke, reporter

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In other news

Warm afternoons hang on as October winds down

Clouds this morning will give way to sunny skies and highs in the mid-60s. If you enjoy chilly evenings, you’re in luck — lows will drop into the 30s tonight. The weekend warms gradually: Saturday will be overcast with highs in the low 70s, and Sunday brings more sun and mid-70s warmth.

Man charged with 40 felonies for psilocybin mushroom distribution in Boulder, assault of minor

Benjamin Harmon was arrested on Oct. 19, after a Grand Jury indictment charged him with 40 felonies, including drug distribution to minors, sexual assault and child exploitation, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. The case began after a 15-year-old boy, allegedly given psilocybin by Harmon, fell to his death on CU property in Boulder. A joint investigation by the CU Police, Boulder County Drug Task Force and District Attorney’s Office uncovered evidence linking Harmon to at least 19 other minors. Authorities urge any additional victims to contact CUPD at 303-492-6666, referencing case 2024-1101.

Replacement ballot deadline approaching; turnout at 25% so far

Boulder County Elections has already received about 25% of ballots. If you’re ready to vote, be sure to get your ballot in by this weekend. If you haven’t received your ballot or need a replacement, the deadline to request one by mail is Monday, Oct. 28. You can update your address online, or if it hasn’t changed, call the office at 303-413-7740. After Monday, you can still get a replacement ballot using the ballot-to-go service or by visiting a vote center in person. More information is available on the voting locations page. Check out our local mini-guide for breakdowns on ballot measures and more.

Fourmile Canyon-Cottonwood trail underpass construction begins

BNSF Railway has completed infrastructure work, allowing Boulder County to begin building an underpass connecting Fourmile Canyon and Cottonwood trails. The county has shared a map, as some people have been crossing the railroad illegally to link the trails. The county wants everyone to avoid the railway and construction area until the project is complete. While work continues through December, trail users can connect by going north on Cottonwood to Jay Road, then south on 47th Street to reach Fourmile Canyon. The new underpass will complete a multiyear project to improve pedestrian and cyclist connections between Boulder and Gunbarrel and to the Longmont-to-Boulder (LoBo) Trail network.

Fight to shut down Cemex cement plant to extend into 2025

Boulder County officials ordered the Cemex cement plant in Lyons to shut down last spring, citing violations of its nonconforming use permit. Despite the order, the plant continues operating six months later, emitting 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, according to local activists, the Colorado Sun reported. Neighbors have reported more than 70 dust storms from the site since May and are pushing for higher reclamation bonds for the plant’s cleanup. The county is not expected to rule on Cemex’s appeal of the closure until December, potentially delaying a final decision until early 2025. “Cemex is maximizing their cash flow by delaying as long as possible, while substantial fugitive dust events occur regularly,” said Sarah Lorang, a community coalition leader.

Polis unveils new tool to compare hospital prices

On Oct. 22, Gov. Jared Polis launched the Colorado Hospital Price Finder, a tool that lets users compare the cost of medical procedures across hospitals. Developed with PatientsRightsAdvocate.org, the tool is powered by data from state law HB22-1285, which prevents hospitals from taking debt collection action if they aren’t compliant with federal reporting rules. “Saving Coloradans money on healthcare is a top priority,” Polis said. “This tool makes healthcare pricing more competitive and transparent.” The tool shows total hospital charges, though actual costs may vary by insurance. More information is available at ColoradoHospitalPrices.com. This video shows how to use the tool.

Boulder’s chief financial officer to step down

Boulder’s chief financial officer, Kara Skinner, will step down on Nov. 8 to join MGT Consulting in a remote role, allowing her to “better balance her professional life with family goals,” the city announced. Skinner’s departure follows the approval of Boulder’s $589.5 million 2025 budget, which reflects the city’s rising operational costs, flattening revenue and the expiration of federal pandemic funds. During her seven-year tenure, Skinner helped navigate the financial impact of Covid. City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde will launch a national search for her replacement, with Deputy Finance Director Joel Wagner serving as interim finance director in the meantime.

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