City Council Meetings

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 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, Mayor Pro-tem Ty Keel, Bob Archibeque, Tom Butler, Orly Lucero, Shawna McLaughlin, and Jim Price. Staff members present were Director of Public Works Phil Johnson, City Planner Tracie Hughes, Parks Superintendent Mark Boblitt, Communications Supervisor Lori Johnson, Patrol Lieutenant Andy Brock, Director of Marketing Ami Fair, Director of Finance Kathi Moss, City Clerk Linda Smith, City Attorney Mike Green, and City Manager Shane Hale. There were eight 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 September 22, 2015. b. Approval of the payment of the Expenditure Vouchers of October 13, 2015. c. Approval of a renewal Tavern Liquor License for Purple Sage Rib Company and Saloon LLC, DBA Purple Sage Rib Company, located at 2811 Mancos Road, Cortez. d. Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License for Four Corners Brewing LLC, DBA Main Street Brewery and Restaurant, located at 21 East Main Street, Cortez. e. Approval of a renewal Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Halnier Inc., DBA Nero’s Mediterranean Grill, located at 303 West Main Street, Cortez. f. Approval of a Change in Premises for Jetty Inc., DBA Elm Street Tavern, located at 200 West Main Street, Cortez. Councilmember Lucero moved that Council approve the Consent Agenda, with the additional expenditure list totaling $36,958.16. 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 3. PRESENTATION a. Request for Support for Dolores Water Conservancy District (DWCD) Ballot Question 4A. Bruce Smart, Dolores Water Conservancy District board member, presented history on the DWCD and noted that the district continues to provide an improved economic future for the local community through the protection, conservation, management and utilization of the Dolores River. He stated that the “de-brucing” request would freeze the mill levy at the current level of 0.48 mills, which would sustain the District capabilities to protect water for the future. Bill Smart stated that CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015 PAGE 2 he was a member of the City Council in 1977 when the DWCD Agreement was originally signed. He stated that after his time with City Council he also served on the DWCD Board and appreciates the boards working together for the good of the community. He stated that he would request that Council support Ballot Question 4A which would help stabilize the budget for the DWCD by having a fixed mill levy. In answer to a question from Mayor Sheek, Bruce Smart stated that the revenue from the mill levy in 2015 was approximately $199,000. City Manager Hale noted that the TABOR Amendment was approved by the voters in 1992 and the City of Cortez “de-bruced” in 1993. He stated that many entities have chosen to “de-bruce” since 1992. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the Resolution in support of the Dolores Water Conservancy District Ballot Question 4A. 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 b. Presentation on Master Leasing Plan. Connie Clementson, Field Manager of the Tres Rio Field Office, gave an update on the process for developing a Master Leasing Plan for western La Plata and eastern Montezuma counties. She presented a draft map of the area of interest and stated that the BLM Colorado Southwest Resource Advisory Council (SWRAC) would be conducting community involvement sessions on the proposal over the next year. She stated that the Montezuma County Commissioners have been asked to recommend seven members of the community to be a part of the group working on the plan. Ms. Clementson spoke about the Resource Management Plan which has already been created for the area and explained the process for review of the Master Leasing Plan. She noted that the kick-off meeting for review of the Master Leasing Plan would probably be in November and all the meetings would be open to the public. She encouraged all interested citizens to attend the meetings and offer their input. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro-tem Keel, Ms. Clementson stated that questions they have received in regard to the Montezuma County area involve Phil’s World, night skies, and quality of life issues. Discussion was held on the boundaries and other information contained on the map. c. Award for the Heart & Soul of Cortez Project. City Planner Hughes stated that each year the American Planning Association Colorado Chapter grants awards in recognition of outstanding projects, plans, and people of the planning profession. She stated that this year the Orton Family Foundation nominated the Cortez Heart & Soul Project for the Community Engagement Award. She stated that the City of Cortez was selected for the merit award which was recently presented in Steamboat Springs. She stated that the Heart & Soul Project entailed numerous interviews, community conversions, surveys, a community wide summit, and a photo contest among other activities. She stated that some of the outcome items from the project include a beautification plan and a storybook for the community as well as a Land Use Code update which is currently underway. Mayor Pro-tem Keel thanked all the citizens and Councilmembers that have been specifically involved in the process and a photo was taken of City Council with the award and certificate. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – None. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015 PAGE 3 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Software Bid Award. Director of Finance Moss stated that the City has been using their current computer software, Sungard H.T.E., since 1995. She stated that the technology of today is more advanced and with the recent purchase of the Automatic Reader System (AMR) by the Public Works Department, it has become imperative to upgrade the City’s software system. She spoke about the review process which staff completed on the various software companies and stated that staff has chosen Caselle as the package which would best fit the City. She spoke about the maintenance fees which are currently being paid on the City’s current software package (HTE) and stated that there would be a savings to the City for switching to the new software. She spoke about the implementation time for installation and training of the new software program and stated that Caselle comes highly recommended by other companies throughout the State which use their software. Director of Finance Moss stated that the software would be budgeted in the 2015 and 2016 and split in expenses between the Water Fund and the Technology Fund. In answer to a question from Mayor Pro-tem Keel, City Manager Hale stated that he has worked on Caselle software and noted that they continue to keep their software package updated and support their product. Discussion was held on the annual maintenance fee expense for the Caselle software and the training for the employees. Councilmember Archibeque moved that Council award the purchase of an on-premises software modular as proposed by Caselle at a cost of $122,913.00, with $35,425.00 being charged to the Water Fund and $87,485.00 being charged to the Technology Fund, and authorize the City Manager to sign contract documents. 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 b. 2015 Montezuma Park GOCO Letter of Support Request. Parks Superintendent Boblitt stated that the Children’s Kiva Montessori School contacted the Parks and Recreation Department about the prospect of applying for a Great Outdoors Colorado 2016 School Play Yard Initiative Grant to bring nature experiences and/or play structure to the Montezuma Park. He stated that that the grant initiative is divided into two different application phases with the first phase consisting of a planning and design process for up to $7,000, no local match required. He stated that if the first phase is awarded, a second phase would consist of funding for the construction of the project with a grant of up to $100,000, with a local match of at least 25 percent. He stated that the submittal deadline for the first phase of the grant was October 12, 2015. He stated that the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board discussed the item at their recent meeting and approved support for the grant with the stipulation that the City of Cortez not provide any matching dollars for the grant application and that the Children’s Kiva Montessori School have secured funding from other sources for the construction phase of the project, should it be awarded. Discussion was held on the condition of the bathrooms in Montezuma Park. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015 PAGE 4 Councilmember Lucero moved that Council approve the City’s Letter of Support for the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) 2016 School Play Yard Initiative Grant Application upon the following stipulations: that the City of Cortez not provide any match dollars for the grant application and the Children’s Kiva Montessori School secure funding from other sources for the construction phase of the project, if awarded. Councilmember Archibeque seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: Archibeque Butler Keel Lucero McLaughlin Price Sheek Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes c. Cortez Caviness Mountain DTR Radio Site Grant Approval. Patrol Lieutenant Brock stated that the City of Cortez applied for a grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) in the amount of $308,036 to place communication equipment on the Caviness Mountain DTR Radio site. He stated that the equipment would enhance communications for the east side of Montezuma County, the Town of Mancos, and the western part of LaPlata County. He stated that the City will be administering the grant and the matching funds would be provided by LaPlata County, Montezuma County, and the Town of Mancos. He stated that the Southwest T.V. District has provided the site and a new building for the equipment and Communications Supervisor Johnson stated that the equipment would be installed as soon as possible, depending upon the weather. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the Department of Local Affairs Grant EIAF 7849, Cortez Caviness Mountain DTR Radio Site, in the amount of $308,036 and authorize the Mayor to sign for acceptance. 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 d. Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Memorandum of Agreement. City Manager Hale stated that staff has been working with members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to complete a Memorandum of Understanding that would outline the requirements between the two parties regarding the acceptance of an Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant on behalf of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to conduct an engineering study on the Towaoc water line. City Attorney Green stated that the agreement has been reviewed several times by himself and the Tribe’s attorney; however, the agreement has not been finalized. He recommended that the City table approval of the agreement until all the details have been finalized. City Manager Hale stated that the City would be acting as the pass through agency for the grant and explained how the process would work in regard to payment of the grant monies. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council table the consideration of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the City of Cortez. 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 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015 PAGE 5 e. Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant on Behalf of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. City Manager Hale stated that since the Memorandum of Agreement is not being approved for working with the tribe on the grant, he would recommend that approval of the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant be tabled as well. Councilmember McLaughlin moved that Council table the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Grant for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe to conduct a study on the Towaoc water line. Councilmember Archibeque 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. 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT a. CML Legal Update Class. City Attorney Green stated that he has been sharing information he received from the Colorado Municipal League City Attorney Conference on legal updates. 12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT a. Visit Solar Company. City Manager Hale stated that he and Director of General Services Rick Smith will be making a trip to visit Jet Stream Energy (New Gen), a solar company located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, 2015. 13. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Mayor’s Report on Workshop. Mayor Sheek stated that the worksession was devoted to reviewing Community Support Grant applications. She invited the public to check out the documentaries that are being conducted at the Sunflower Theater which are sponsored by the Library. b. Historic Preservation Board. Mayor Pro-tem Keel stated that discussion at the Historic Preservation Board meeting included information on City historic ordinances. c. Cornerstone at New High School. Mayor Pro-tem Keel stated that he represented the Mayor at the ceremony held for placing the cornerstone at the new High School by the Masons. He stated that the ceremony was really nice. d. Montezuma Community Economic Development Association (MCEDA). Councilmember McLaughlin stated that Part 2 of the ED102 educational programs was presented on October 7, 2015. She stated that, due to the amount of information that was given at the program, a Part 3 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 2015 PAGE 6 (ED103) has been planned. e. Golf Advisory Board Meeting. Councilmember Archibeque stated that the Golf Advisory Board met on September 23, 2015, and highlights of the meeting included work that has been done on the greens, fairways and sand bunkers. He noted that the irrigation water will be turned off on October 15, 2015, and stated that the night golf fundraiser was well received and hopefully will become an annual event. 14. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council adjourn at 9:15 p.m., for the purpose of determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators, under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(e). 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 Council returned to the regular meeting at 10:30 p.m. No decisions were made during the Executive Session and the regular meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m. ________________________________ Karen W. Sheek, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Linda L. Smith, City Clerk