City Council Meetings

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m., and was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmembers present were Mayor Karen Sheek, Bob Archibeque, Tom Butler, Mayor Pro-tem Ty Keel, Orly Lucero, Shawna McLaughlin and Jim Price. Staff members present were Planner Tracie Hughes, Director of Human Resources Gay Hall, GIS Contractor Doug Roth, Chief of Police Roy Lane, City Clerk Linda Smith, City Manager Shane Hale, and City Attorney Mike Green. There were seven people present in the audience. 2. The Consent Agenda items acted upon by Council were as follows: a. Approval of the Worksession and Regular Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2014. b. Approval of the payment of the Expenditure Vouchers of January 13, 2015. c. Approval of a renewal 3.2% Beer Retail Liquor License for Western Refining Southwest Inc., DBA Giant No. 260, located at 921 East Main Street, Cortez. d. Approval of a renewal Beer and Wine Liquor License for Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant Inc., DBA Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, located at 332 West Main Street, Cortez. e. Approval of a renewal Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Rose Mary Mercure, DBA Antonio’s, located at 104 East Main Street, Cortez. f. Approval of a renewal Liquor Store License for West Slope Liquors Inc., DBA West Slope Liquors, located at 2212-1 East Main Street, Cortez. g. Approval of a 2015 Tasting Permit for West Slope Liquors Inc., DBA West Slope Liquors, located at 2212-1 East Main Street, Cortez. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the Consent Agenda, with the additional expenditure list totaling $57,755.25. Councilmember Lucero seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 3. PRESENTATIONS a. Update on Montezuma County Hospital District and Southwest Health Systems Capital Campaign Project. Judi Schuenemeyer and Sue McWilliams spoke about the Capital Campaign Project which is being launched by the hospital. Ms. Schuenemeyer stated that the project is in the preliminary stages to raise money for a new patient wing at the hospital as well as consolidate the CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2015 PAGE 2 primary clinics in Cortez. She stated that the project will also include a garage/barn for the storage of the ambulances which are required to run 24 hours a day due to the medications that are required to be kept in the ambulance. She reviewed the need for a new patient wing noting that the current facilities which were built in 1976 are very outdated. She stated that having all the clinics together and owned by the hospital would be a big savings. She stated that the Montezuma County Hospital District (MCHD) is committed to supporting the project with $1.5 million that would be used towards the match required for grants. She stated that DOLA recently approved a grant to be used for project planning and another DOLA grant will be applied for in April 2015. She noted that the more money that is raised, the less that would have to be borrowed. In answer to a question from Mayor Sheek, Ms. Schuenemeyer stated that the project is estimated to cost between $12 and $13 million. She spoke about the roles that the MCHD and Southwest Health Systems (SHS) Boards have in running the hospital and stated that the two groups are working together to complete the project. Ms. McWilliams stated that the project has been rolled out slowly so all the people involved would understand what the project would entail and noted that 2016 would be the fund raiser year. She stated that the hospital is an enterprise zone and any contributions over $250 are eligible for a tax credit. Councilmember Lucero asked about the time frame for use of the DOLA grant and Ms. McWilliams stated that the first grant from DOLA of $200,000 will be used for planning which will be conducted this fall. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro-tem Keel, Ms. McWilliams stated that anyone that would like to be involved in the community committee or to learn more about the project, can contact her or any of the Board Members. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – None. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Resolution No. 1, Series 2015. Planner Hughes stated that Resolution No. 1, Series 2015, approves the inclusion of the structure at 33 East Montezuma Avenue, also known as the Thorpe home, into the City of Cortez Register. She stated that the City has applied for three separate Certified Local Government (CLG) grants from the Colorado Historical Society for the purpose of conducting site surveys of potential historic structures in Cortez. She stated that to date the grants have focused on surveying properties within the Original Townsite of Cortez and the Coffins Addition to determine eligibility for historic designation. She stated of the 82 properties surveyed, 63 have been determined to be eligible for historic designation on the City’s Register of Historic Structures, Sites, and Districts. She stated that currently 23 land owners have applied to City Council for historic designation and have received said designation. She stated that the property located at 33 East Montezuma Avenue has new ownership and the property owner would like to pursue the historic designation. She stated that staff recommends that Council approve the property located at 33 East Montezuma Avenue on the Cortez Register of Historic Structures, Sites and Districts. Councilmember Archibeque moved that Council approve Resolution No. 1, Series 2015, approving the inclusion of the structure at 33 East Montezuma Avenue into the City of Cortez Register of CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2015 PAGE 3 Historic Structures, Sites, and Districts. Councilmember Price seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes b. Agreement with Pictometry International Corporation. City Manager Hale stated that the agreement between Pictometry International Corporation and the City of Cortez is for the update of the City’s aerial data. He stated that the data that is currently being used by the Public Works Department, Planning and Building Department and the Police Department is 10 years old. He stated that GIS Contractor Roth is recommending that an agreement be completed with Pictometry International Corporation to complete the update of the data. He stated that the Town of Mancos, Town of Dolores, and Montezuma County are all interested in participating in the agreement which would lower the cost when spread between all four entities. He stated that the City would pay $8,650 for the data that would be received and since the dispatch department will utilize the software, the County has agreed to cover ¼ of the overall costs out of their E911 funds. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro-tem Keel, GIS Contractor Roth stated that the City will receive information on approximately 38 square miles of aerial photo data. GIS Contractor Roth stated that the data from Google Earth cannot be loaded on the auto cad or GIS programs. He stated that for engineer purposes the aerial data is much more accurate and the scale of data is so much better than the data that was compiled in 2005. He stated that the fly-over will be completed in the spring prior to the leaves coming out on the trees. City Manager Hale noted that the new data will include the location of many new buildings in the community included the high school and the Hampton Inn. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the agreement between Pictometry International Corporation and the City of Cortez. Councilmember Lucero seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes c. City of Cortez Employee Handbook Changes. Director of Human Resources Hall stated that, at the request of the City Manager, a few changes were proposed to the City of Cortez Employee Handbook. He stated that the proposed changes would clarify portions of the travel policy and cell phone policy. He stated that a volunteer policy would be added to the handbook that would allow employees to volunteer for a non-profit group during work time and be compensated for it. He stated that, at the recommendation from CIRSA, verbiage was added to the harassment policy stating that the policy is in compliance with all Federal, State, and local anti-discrimination laws. City Manager Hale noted that the GSA rates were recently instituted in the travel policy for reimbursement; however, that doesn’t always work as the hotel rates at conferences don’t always meet the GSA rates. He noted that the verbiage will state that a minimum of three comparables must be obtained if the hotel conference rates exceed the GSA rates. He also spoke about the tiered process that will be offered to City employees for reimbursement of their personal cell phones. He stated that the reimbursement process is similar to the reimbursement policy that Durango uses. He reviewed a new addition to the handbook allowing employees to volunteer eight hours a week as a volunteer for an organization that is tax-exempt or a public or independent school. He spoke about CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2015 PAGE 4 the Osprey Policy which they have implemented supporting their employees to volunteer in the community. He stated that the volunteer hours may not be carried from one year to the next and will not be paid upon termination. Councilmember Lucero moved that Council approve the changes to the City of Cortez Employee Handbook. Councilmember McLaughlin seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes d. Modification of Premises for Beacon Wellness Group. City Attorney Green stated that Beacon Wellness Group has applied to modify their premises located at 1740 East Main Street, Suite 2. He stated that due to State regulations, any changes that are made to the premises of a marijuana establishment must receive approval from the local licensing authority and the State. He stated that, in preparation for their retail marijuana license, Beacon Wellness Group is changing their premises to meet current rules and regulations. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the Modification of Premises for Beacon Wellness Group, DBA The Beacon, located at 1740 East Main Street. Councilmember Price seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes e. Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Dolores. City Manager Hale stated that the City purchased and installed a HUB router which allows the City to connect to nearby communities and provide upstream connection to the internet. He stated that the City approved an agreement with the Town of Mancos in July and the Town of Dolores is now ready to make their connection and wishes to purchase 5 mbs per month. He stated that the HUB router was purchased with grant monies and the larger communities were entrusted with the equipment and the COG sets the fees that would be charged, which currently is set at $10/mb. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro- tem Keel, City Manager Hale stated that the fee amount that was set was the standard at the time. Councilmember McLaughlin moved that Council approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Dolores for 5 mbs per month of internet connectivity. Councilmember Lucero seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 8. DRAFT ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS – None. 9. ADDITIONAL CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – None. 10. OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS – None. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2015 PAGE 5 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None. 12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT a. LED Lighting Upgrade. City Manager Hale stated that the LED lighting upgrade is continuing throughout the City with the Recreation Center gymnasium recently completed. He stated that the lights seem to be much softer and brighter. In answer to a question from Councilmember Lucero, City Manager Hale stated he wasn’t sure when the lights would be complete on Main Street. 13. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Mayor’s Report on Workshop. Mayor Sheek stated that during the worksession, Joe Keck gave an update on the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and discussion was held on working with the Dolores Conservation District to possibly partner with the City of Cortez on a water conservation program. b. Mesa Verde Country Tourism Board. Councilmember McLaughlin stated that interviews would be held this week for a new tourism director and discussion continues on the by-laws and the travel guide. She stated that representatives from the Colorado Tourism Office were in Cortez for a visit and they were really pleased with what the area has to offer. c. Montezuma County Economic Development Association (MCEDA). Councilmember McLaughlin stated that presentations were made by all the local entities on the direction that will be taken by each community in 2015/2016 and discussion was held on what can be done to help businesses be more successful. d. Cortez Historical Preservation Board. Mayor Pro-tem Keel stated that discussion at the Historical Preservation Board meeting included historic boundaries for Montezuma Avenue and tentative plans for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) on changes that will be made by the old drive-in theater area. e. City Employee Christmas Party. City Manager Hale reminded Council that they are invited to attend the City Employee Christmas Party which will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 6:00 – 11:30 p.m., at the Cortez Elks Club. f. High School Time Capsule. Mayor Pro-tem Keel stated that his current 8th grade class will be the first ones to attend the new high school for all four years and he would like to memorialize the event with a time capsule that would include items from his class as well as items from other people in the community. He stated that any items would be welcomed. The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ________________________________ Karen W. Sheek, Mayor CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 13, 2015 PAGE 6 ATTEST: ___________________________________ Linda L. Smith, City Clerk