Developer Deficiencies
Introduction
For more than two years, the Town of Mead and the Developer (Highlands-Mead LLC) have not resolved approximately $1.6 million in required repairs needed for final acceptance. During that time, the District has spent over $250,000 maintaining infrastructure that is still the Developer’s responsibility. The Board continues to push for accountability, transparency, and prompt action, including establishing a firm deadline and securing reimbursement to the District. Homeowners are encouraged to stay informed and attend Town of Mead Board of Trustees meetings to support these ongoing efforts.
Update on Town Settlement and Community Impacts
I recently participated in a conference call with Deputy Town Engineer Dave Mathews and Deputy Town Attorney Silvia Buchenic regarding the Town’s $800,000 settlement with the Developer and outstanding issues in our community.
The Town stated the settlement funds will be used exclusively for what it considers public safety improvements, primarily roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and tripping hazards. The estimated cost of these repairs is $1.2–$1.4 million, and the Town indicated completion will take 2–3 years using the settlement funds and additional Town budget resources. If any funds remain, the Town may consider addressing waterproofing of the box culvert bridge, estimated at ~$300,000, though it is not currently considered a public safety priority.
The Town’s position is that all Phase 1 and Phase 2 improvements were effectively granted final acceptance through the Settlement Agreement, and that none of the $800,000 settlement funds will be used for landscaping, bridge work, or reimbursement of District costs. The Town also stated these remaining issues are now the District’s responsibility.
I expressed concern that residents relied on the Town’s enforcement and approval process when purchasing homes, and that it will be difficult for homeowners to accept that unfinished improvements and deficiencies are now being shifted to the District and its taxpayers.
While the Town considers its issues with the Developer resolved, the District’s concerns remain unresolved. The Board will schedule a special meeting soon to discuss these issues and receive legal advice.
Town of Mead Settles with Developer for $800,000
Residents may have seen that the Town of Mead and Highlands Mead LLC (the Developer) recently entered into a settlement agreement regarding outstanding obligations related to Filings 1 and 2. Under the agreement, the Developer will pay the Town of Mead $800,000, and in return the Town has agreed to release the Developer from future claims related to the Subdivision Improvement Agreements, plats, and associated public improvements for those filings. The agreement also releases the Developer from any remaining final acceptance obligations for the public improvements in Filings 1 and 2.
While the Highlands-Mead Metropolitan District was referenced in the agreement, the District was not a party to the settlement and did not approve or execute it. The Board is currently reviewing the implications of the agreement and evaluating its impact on outstanding community infrastructure, landscaping, drainage, and maintenance concerns. Our focus remains on protecting the interests of Highlands Mead residents and working toward long-term solutions for the issues that continue to affect our neighborhood.
We understand many homeowners have questions and concerns. The Board will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and as we determine the appropriate next steps. Thank you for your patience and continued engagement in our community.
5103871-1.pdfDistrict Continues Push for Accountability on Developer Deficiencies
At the May 11, 2026 Town of Mead Board of Trustees meeting, Highlands Mead Metropolitan District President Bryon Fessler addressed the Board for the fourth consecutive month regarding approximately $1.6 million in unresolved Phase 1 Developer deficiencies and ongoing concerns surrounding enforcement of the Developer’s obligations. Additional concerns were raised regarding Phase 2 landscaping maintenance, irrigation infrastructure, and costs potentially being shifted to homeowners and the District before the required warranty period expires. The District continues to urge the Town to enforce the Subdivision Improvement Agreement, protect taxpayers, and hold the Developer accountable for outstanding obligations.
Watch the full comments here (beginning at 34:30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08OD2M-hrCw
Near the conclusion of the meeting, the Town of Mead Board of Trustees entered executive session to discuss a settlement agreement with the Developer. Following executive session, the Board approved the settlement agreement. The details of the agreement were not publicly disclosed, though the amount and additional information are expected to become publicly available later this week.
District Letter to Town Attorney 20260226.pdfUpdate on Phase 1 Issues
At the April 13, 2026 Town of Mead Board of Trustees meeting, Highlands-Mead Metropolitan District President Bryon Fessler spoke about the ongoing Phase 1 issues. For more than two years, the Town and Developer have not resolved roughly $1.6M in required repairs before final acceptance can occur, while the District has spent over $250,000 maintaining infrastructure that remains the Developer’s responsibility. Director Fessler called for accountability, transparency, and immediate action, including a firm deadline and reimbursement to the District.
Watch the full comments here (start at 14:48 and again at 25:35, where some very important information was revealed). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCwEMkBhjs
Why Is $1.6 Million in Highlands Mead Infrastructure Still Unfinished?
At the March 9, 2026 Town of Mead Board of Trustees meeting, Highlands-Mead Metropolitan District President Bryon Fessler provided an update regarding the unfinished Phase 1 public improvements in our community. The Town Engineer has estimated that approximately $1.6 million in repairs and completion work is needed before the Town can grant final acceptance of the roads, sidewalks, bridge, and other infrastructure. Despite these ongoing deficiencies, no enforcement action has been taken against the developer to date. To protect public safety and prevent further deterioration, the Metro District has already spent about $253,000 maintaining and repairing infrastructure that is used daily by residents and the public. The District has formally requested that the Town enforce the Subdivision Improvement Agreement, require the developer to complete the work, and reimburse the District for these costs.
Watch the full comments here (start at 31:48): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpY7DqkKkas
Ongoing Issues with Town of Mead and Our Developer
At the February 9, 2026 Town of Mead Board of Trustees meeting, Highlands-Mead Metropolitan District President Bryon Fessler addressed the serious and ongoing issues with the Town of Mead and our Developer, Highlands Mead LLC, related to unfinished and deficient landscaping and infrastructure in our community. Why this matters to you: Major public improvements were never fully completed or accepted by the Town; the developer remains responsible, but has not fixed the deficiencies; the Town has not enforced the Municipal Code or drawn on the developer’s Letter of Credit; as a result, homeowners have been forced to cover over $250,000 in costs that should not be ours; total unresolved deficiencies exceed $1.6 million; and these costs have directly contributed to high annual O&M fees ($1,400 per home). The homeowner-controlled Board has formally rescinded prior maintenance acceptance and is asking the Town to enforce its own agreements and hold the developer accountable, including reimbursement of homeowner funds.
Watch the full comments here (start at 51:43): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vjk6mjUpcc