City Council Meetings
Regular MeetingCortez, CO · April 24, 2018
Minutes
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2018
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, Jill
Carlson, Orly Lucero, and Shawna McLaughlin. Council Elect members present were Sue Betts,
Mike Lavey, and Gary Noyes. Staff members present were Director of General Services Rick
Smith, Associate Planner Neva Connolly, Director of Planning and Building Sam Proffer, Director
of Public Works Phil Johnson, Chief of Police Roy Lane, Management Intern Peyton Heitzman,
City Clerk Linda Smith, City Manager Shane Hale, and City Attorney Mike Green. There were
approximately 42 people 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 April 10, 2018.
b. Approval of the payment of the Expenditure Vouchers of April 24, 2018.
c. Approval of a Modification of Premises for David Krzystofiak LLC, DBA The Herbal
Alternative, located at 1531 Lebanon Road, Cortez.
Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Council approve the Consent Agenda with the additional
expenditure list totaling $230,122.93. Councilmember Lucero seconded the motion, and the vote
was as follows:
Archibeque Carlson Keel Lucero McLaughlin Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3. COUNCIL ITEMS
a. Thank You to Outgoing Councilmembers Shawna McLaughlin and Bob Archibeque. Council
thanked Shawna McLaughlin and Bob Archibeque for their service to the City and presented them
with a key to the City.
b. Swear in Newly-Elected Councilmembers Sue Betts, Jill Carlson, Mike Lavey, Orly Lucero, and
Gary Noyes. Newly-elected Councilmembers Sue Betts, Mike Lavey, and Gary Noyes and re-
elected Councilmembers Orly Lucero and Jill Carlson took their oath of office.
c. Nomination for Mayor. The floor was opened for nominations of Mayor. Councilmember
Carlson moved that Karen Sheek be nominated as Mayor and Councilmember Lavey seconded the
motion. Councilmember Noyes moved that Orly Lucero be nominated as Mayor and
Councilmember Betts seconded the motion. Councilmember Lucero withdrew from the nomination
for Mayor. The vote for Karen Sheek as Mayor was as follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 2
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
d. Nomination for Mayor Pro-tem. City Clerk Smith announced the floor was open for
nominations for Mayor Pro-tem. Mayor Pro-tem Keel moved that Orly Lucero be nominated as
Mayor Pro-tem. Councilmember Carlson seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Proclamation for Drinking Water Week. Director of Public Works Johnson stated that the City is
joining the American Water Works Association and is one of 14 in Colorado proclaiming Drinking
Water Week. Mayor Sheek read the proclamation encouraging citizens to learn how to protect and
preserve our water source, and insure that we have a sustainable water supply for the future. She
proclaimed May 6-12, 2018, as Drinking Water Week.
5. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
a. Question on Median Project. Sue Gilbert stated that she has concerns on the median project and
Mayor Sheek explained that Ms. Gilbert would have an opportunity to speak on the issue during the
agenda discussion.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Resolution No. 8, Series 2018. Associate Planner Connolly stated that Resolution No. 8, Series
2018, approves a Conditional Use Permit to establish a K-8 School at 601 North Mildred, in the
Open Space (O) Zone. She stated that the property is located on the southwest corner of Mildred
and Empire Streets and the building was the former Montezuma County Justice Building. She
stated that the County owns the building but not the surrounding parking lot or the 7.18-acre parcel.
She stated that an amended plat has been submitted to the City that will expand the County-owned
property to 3.17-acres, and the City would retain 4.01-acres. She stated that the amended plat
process must be approved by City Council as a condition of the Conditional Use Permit which will
be presented later in the meeting. She noted that the building coverage exceeds the lot coverage
standards in the Open zone but is non-conforming because it is already built. She stated that the
school plans to eventually accommodate 225 students in the building with 108 anticipated for the
2018-2019 school year. She stated that the circulation plan shows one-way circulation with ingress
from Empire Street and egress onto Mildred Road. She stated that the Planning and Zoning
Commission reviewed the project at their April 3, 2018, meeting and recommended approval with
an additional condition that the site be reviewed as a school safety zone. She stated that the
application shows 75 parking spaces which exceeds the required 23. She reviewed Land Use Code
Section 6.10 regarding the conditions of approval (seven criteria) of a Conditional Use Permit. She
stated that the proposal is to convert the interior space into classrooms and a portion of the
landscaped lawn into a playground, screened by a fence for safety reasons. She stated that the
school hours are proposed to be between 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and any
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 3
special events will not likely be at unusual times for the neighborhood. She reviewed comments
received from City departments, affected agencies, and utility providers noting that one accessible
route for ADA will be required from the accessible entrance of the building to the public right-of-
way and ADA parking. Discussion was held on designating the area as a school safety zone.
Associate Planner Connolly spoke about the goals that would be potentially met through the
approval of the application including continual improvement of public education facilities and
services. She stated that staff recommends approval through Resolution No. 8, Series 2018, with
eight conditions.
Stacey Weyand, member of the Kiva School Board of Directors, stated that they have been looking
for a permanent location for the school for some time and hope this property will work for a
permanent site. In answer to a question from Councilmember Keel, Ms. Weyand stated they did
not know what would happen with the property they are currently occupying; however, one of the
buildings has been for sale about a year. Ms. Weyand stated that they also do not know what would
happen with the Bridge Shelter as the building would need to be closed for abatement of the
asbestos and no one would be allowed to be in the building during that time. Discussion was held
on the asbestos abatement process for the building. In answer to a question from Councilmember
Carlson, Ms. Weyand stated that the road by the Police Department would be fenced off for safety
reasons.
Mayor Sheek complimented the Kiva School on addressing any issues that came up when they
moved to their current location on Beech Street. Mayor Sheek opened the public hearing. Lendreth
Walt, Ute Tribal Member, stated that his children attend the Kiva School and he is in support of the
new school location as it would offer better visibility for dropping children off at the school and
more parking. Pepper Noyes, 602 East 2nd Street, spoke highly of teachers in all schools; however,
questioned the asbestos issue and whether the building may need to be torn down. She also
commented on the intersection of Empire Street and Mildred Road noting that it needs to be
improved. Another citizen spoke about the school and how it has been a saving grace for their
family. She stated that the asbestos issue is a problem, but it can be addressed by the community
working together. Wendy Wygant, 15660 Highway 491, stated that she joined the Kiva School
Board in January and that the Board has worked hard to find a permanent building for the school.
She stated that the school continues to fundraise to help make the reality of a permanent home
possible for the school and she handed out informational brochures on donating to the cause. John
Kennedy, 20 East Empire Street, asked about EPA testing during the abatement of the asbestos.
Tiffani Randall, 22668 Road S, stated that the Kiva School is near her business (Love on a Hangar)
and noted that the school has held up to what they had promised during their presentation when
they moved to their current location on Beech Street. She stated that the Justice Building would be
a much better building for the school as they would have more room and the traffic flow would be
much better. No one else spoke and the hearing was closed.
In answer to a question from Councilmember Carlson, Ms. Weyand stated that Phase II of an
Environmental Study has already been completed on the building and Phase I is being completed
now. City Manager Hale spoke about the targeted Brownsfield assessment that was done on the
property by the County and Ms. Weyand stated that the assessment is being updated.
Mayor Pro-tem Lucero moved that Council approve Resolution No. 8, Series 2018, with eight
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 4
conditions, approving a conditional use permit to establish a K-8 school at 601 North Mildred, in
the Open (O) zoning district, as submitted by Stacey Weyand, agent for the City of Cortez and
Montezuma County. Councilmember Keel seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. 2018 Cortez ADA Ramps on US 160 and Downtown Safety Improvements Bid. Director of
Public Works Johnson stated that the City of Cortez was awarded an Energy and Mineral Impact
Grant in the amount of $200,000 from the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
to be used towards the Cortez Downtown Safety and Streetscape Improvements Phase 1. He stated
that pursuant to receipt of the grant, the City engineering division prepared plans and specifications
for the 2017 US 160 Cortez Safety Improvements Project which consists of the removal and
reconstruction of approximately 1,120 square yards of existing concrete and asphalt paved
roadways; approximately 1,700 LF of 20” raised curb median sections; approximately 575 square
yards of new ADA ramp/curbs; and installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon crossing
for bikers and pedestrians. He stated that the 2017 US 160 Cortez Safety Improvements Project
Phase 1 was initially advertised for bid in July 2017; however, no bids were received. He stated
that due to the lateness of the year, it was decided to re-bid the project in 2018. He stated that while
waiting to re-advertise the project, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) committed
to provide funding for 21 ADA curb ramps, which amounted to potentially $294,000 in support. He
stated that the City and CDOT entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on February 7,
2018, and the City agreed to comply with the specifications and requirements of CDOT
construction standards. He stated that the 2018 Cortez ADA Ramps on US 160 and Downtown
Safety Improvements Project Bid was opened on April 18, 2018, with two bids received. He stated
that low-bidder Western Gravel Constructors, LLC was prequalified up to $1,000,000; however,
based on a showing of reasonable cause, as stated in the contract documents, the City has received
written confirmation from CDOT that Western Gravel Constructors, LLC meets the requirement to
be pre-qualified on the project. He stated that staff recommends the project be awarded to Western
Gravel Constructors, LLC at the bid amount of $1,068.857. In answer to a question from Mayor
Sheek, Director of Public Works Johnson stated that the pedestrian refuge by McDonalds would be
completed prior to the school year beginning in August 2018. Director of Public Works Johnson
stated that no re-routing of traffic would be required during construction as one lane of traffic
would be open both directions on the street. He stated that one block would be completed at a time.
Mayor Sheek opened the discussion for comments from the audience.
Sue Ann Gilbert, Apple Street, stated that she represents a lot of people in the community that are
not in support of the median project noting that there has not been any community involvement.
She stated that the proposal is out of character for Cortez and she is concerned for the on-going
maintenance of the median after it is constructed. She asked that Council table the project to receive
more community input. Greg South, 7127 County Road 25.4, asked about bike lanes and stated that
he is opposed to the project due to the cost to the taxpayers. He stated that the medians would
hinder emergency vehicle respond time and asked how snow removal would be handled. He stated
that if the proposal is being completed because of safety concerns, why doesn’t the City hire an
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 5
additional police officer to patrol Main Street and issue tickets to speeders, rather than the expense
of putting in medians. Director of Public Works Johnson stated that there would not be a dedicated
bike lane. He stated that the median is six feet wide and 100 feet long in the middle of each block.
He spoke about snow removal and commented that staff would be prepared to do what is necessary
should there be a large snow fall. He stated that staff is in constant contact with the dispatch center
so emergency vehicles can travel in a different direction during the construction phase. City
Manager Hale noted that the first phase of the project is for four blocks; however, the whole Access
Control Plan is from Denny Lake through the entire City. He noted that there are areas in the City
that could have bike lanes; however, the downtown area is too narrow though bikers are using the
streets now.
Mayor Sheek noted that there were a number of meetings that were held at the Sunflower Theater in
2017 to notify the public of the median project and to address any concerns the public had
concerning the project. Councilmember Carlson spoke about the newspaper coverage on the
project since November 2012 noting there have been over 10 articles written over the last eight
years. She encouraged residents to attend the meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 26, 2018, 6:00
p.m., at City Hall, to review the project in more detail. Mayor Sheek noted that the project will
offer a safer, more attractive downtown area when it is complete. Discussion was held on a survey
that was conducted through the Heart and Soul Project in which residents stated their support for
safety and beautification of downtown. John Kennedy spoke on Farmington’s median project.
Twyla Crites, 13 East Andrew Lane, stated that she is not in favor of the median project. She spoke
about the Paradise Village project and commented that the bid was awarded to an out-side company
who has not paid their sub-contractors. She stated that if the project is awarded, it should be
awarded to a local company that pays their bills. Pepper Noyes asked how the medians would
make it safer downtown and asked about the statistics for the medians in front of the Ute Café.
Discussion was held on accident data that was included in the Access Control Plan. Alan Klein,
206 Lakeside Drive, spoke in favor of the median project noting that the landscaping on South
Broadway has been maintained and looks nice. He stated that the median project will add to the
downtown area and will be appealing and encourage economic vitality.
Sherry Noyes, 25300 County Road 20, asked if the Fire Department, Police Department, and
ambulance services have commented on the proposal and City Manager Hale noted that the Fire
Chief and Police Chief have been involved in the review of the proposal and there have not been
any negative comments received from the other emergency providers. Ms. Noyes spoke about the
Farm to School program located at the Middle School noting that it is not very attractive and asked
that the City look into having it cleaned up. Tiffani Randall stated that the median project has been
brought up since 2012 and she has attended several meetings on the plan. She stated that the
process has been long and drawn out and has not been put together well for the public in a full and
complete way. She encouraged Council to table the process to allow the citizens to get on board.
She stated her concern for how construction on Main Street and the alleys at the same time during
the tourist season will affect downtown businesses. She also noted her concern for the company
that has the low bid on the project and commented that they have only been in business for one
year.
In answer to the question on how the medians will help make downtown safer, Director of Public
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 6
Works Johnson stated that medians are a traffic calming technique that is proven to slow traffic
down. He explained the design process for the project and commented that no bids were received
for the project in 2017, which is the reason it is being re-bid in 2018. He stated that the 2018
project would included medians from Elm Street to Ash Street (four blocks). Mayor Pro-tem
Lucero stated that his concern is for the amount of money that will be needed to maintain the
medians once they are built. Mayor Sheek commented that once the medians are built and the
beautification is complete, she hopes the community will be thankful it was done.
Councilmember Noyes moved that Council table the award of the bid for the 2018 Cortez ADA
Ramps on US 160 and Downtown Safety Improvements Project. Councilmember Betts seconded
the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes No No No Yes Yes No
Motion failed with a 3-4 vote.
Councilmember Carlson moved that Council award the 2018 Cortez ADA Ramps on US 160 and
Downtown Safety Improvements Project to Western Gravel Constructors, LLC at the bid price of
$1,068,857.00. Councilmember Keel seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
No Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Motion passes with a 4-3 vote.
b. Dolores Water Conservancy District M&I Water Lease. Director of Public Works Johnson
stated that the City currently maintains 2,300 acre feet of water per year that is part of the Dolores
Project. He stated that the City typically under-utilizes a good portion of stored water. He stated
that the City was approached with leasing out a portion of the unused municipal and irrigation
(M&I) allotment to Dolores Water Conservation District (DWCD), as they have a list of
agricultural users that typically need more water for irrigation. He stated that the contract from the
City is directly with DWCD and is for one-year. He stated that Council has previously expressed
that, if the City is able to support the local agricultural community by leasing out this water that we
don’t currently need, they would be open to the concept. He stated that the City would receive
payment of $32.72 per acre foot, or $32,720. He stated that while this is less than the City pays
annually for the water, it still represents $32,720 that the City wouldn’t receive otherwise. He
stated that staff recommends the City Manager sign the one-year lease of M&I Water with the
Dolores Water Conservancy District.
Mayor Pro-tem Lucero moved that Council authorize the City Manager to execute the one-year
lease of M&I Water from the City of Cortez to the Dolores Water Conservancy District for
supplemental irrigation use. Councilmember Keel seconded the motion, and the vote was as
follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 7
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
c. Change Order No. 2 CCN Aerial and Underground Conduit Project. Director of General
Services Smith stated that the City of Cortez received a DOLA grant to expand the fiber and
conduit system in Cortez. He stated that the original amount for Phase I was $154,873.30 and
Change Order Number 1 was $340,548.60, bringing the project to a total of $495,421.90. He stated
that the contract is for the installation of conduit, fiber cable, handholds, and proofing existing
conduit. He stated that the contractor has completed Phase II of the project and Change Order No.
2 finalizes the cost for installation and placement. He noted that fiber drops have been completed to
the Kennel, County Armory/Shop, Urgent Care facility, and the Hospital. He stated that Change
Order No. 2 totals $116,040.37, and brings the total project amount to $611,462.27.
Councilmember Carlson moved that Council approve Change Order No. 2 in the amount of
$116,040.37, changing the contract amount to $611,462.27, with DAK Well Service and Drilling.
Councilmember Keel seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
d. 2018 Utility Vehicle Bid. Director of General Services Smith stated that the 2018 Equipment
fund budget provided $18,000 for the purchase of two (2) utility runabout vehicles for use at the
golf course. He stated that five bids were received and Stotz Equipment, the low bidder, is
considered a local vendor by City policy. He stated that staff recommends awarding the bid for two
utility vehicles to Stotz Equipment for a total of $15,009.62, which is $2,990.38 below the budgeted
amount.
Mayor Pro-tem Lucero moved that Council award the 2018 Utility Vehicle Bid for the golf course,
to the low-bidder, Stotz Equipment at the bid amount of $15,009.62, for the two units.
Councilmember Noyes seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
e. 2018 Fairway Mower Bid. Director of General Services Smith stated that the 2018 Equipment
Fund provides $61,000.00 for the purchase of a new Fairway mower to be used at the golf course.
He stated that the new unit would replace Unit #541, a 2002 mower. He stated that the bid request
included an option for trade-in of Unit #541. He started that only one bidder met the specifications
for a 50 H.P. diesel motor. He stated that staff recommends that the bid be awarded to C&M Golf
and Grounds for a Jacobsen 50 H.P. unit at a bid amount of $50,422.00 and that Unit #541 be sold
at the on-line City surplus auction. Discussion was held on the amount the trade-in unit would be
worth.
Councilmember Keel moved that Council award the 2018 Fairway Mower Bid to C&M Golf and
Grounds at the bid amount of $50,422.00. Councilmember Lavey seconded the motion, and the
vote was as follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 8
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
f. 2018 Vehicle Bid Award – Revision. Director of General Services Smith stated that Bid Item 3
was awarded to the Colorado State Bid at the last Council meeting; however, the Colorado State
Bid cannot provide the ¾ ton 4x4 pickup, regular cab, long bed truck as the production of the
Chevrolet pickup is closed for the 2018 model year. He stated that the second low bidder (New
Country Auto) was contacted to see if they could still order the vehicle at their bid price and they
have said they could still order the pickup from the factory. He stated that the bid for the truck
from New Country Auto is $35,316.28, which is $2,755.84 over the State Bid, but still under the
budgeted amount.
Councilmember Noyes moved that Council award Bid Item 3 to the second bidder – New Country
Auto at the bid amount of $35,316.28, due to the fact that the original bidder cannot supply the unit.
Councilmember Carlson seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
g. Resolution No. 9, Series 2018. Management Intern Heitzman stated that Resolution No. 9,
Series 2018, approves the amended plat of the Final Plat for creating estates in land between the
County of Montezuma and the City of Cortez. She stated that the City of Cortez is requesting a plat
amendment to adjust the boundary lines between the jointly owned properties on 601 North Mildred
Road and 608 North Park Street. She stated that the buildings on the property are currently
condominiumized; the County owns the former Justice Building while the City owns the Police
Building. She stated that the remainder of the grounds are held as common area. She stated that
the total lot size is 7.2-acres. She stated that the plat will change property lines to split the land into
two lots and eliminate the condominium boundaries of the Justice and Police Buildings. She stated
that the City-owned lot will be the West Lot, consisting of 4.03 acres and the County-owned portion
will be the East Lot, consisting of 3.17 acres. She stated that the County intends to sell their portion
of the property in the near future. She stated that the proposed plat amendment will dedicate an
easement to the County-owned East Lot to enter off Empire Street, and in turn, the City-owned
West Lot will have an easement to allow entrance off Mildred Road. She reviewed Land Use Code
Section 6.09, regarding the requirements for Replats and Plat Amendments. She also reviewed the
comments received from utility suppliers and affected special districts and noted that Empire
Electric has requested a 20-foot easement for an underground power line. She stated the easement
is included on the Final Plat. She stated that staff recommends approval of the Amended Plat
through Resolution No. 9, Series 2018, with four conditions. In answer to a question from
Councilmember Noyes, City Manager Hale stated that the 7.2 acres is jointly owned and there
would be no money exchanged for the property with the split of the property as the City will retain
4.02 acres and the County will retain 3.17 acres. Associate Planner Connolly stated that wording of
condition d will be changed to read as follows: the plat will be updated to include the requested
utility and access dedications, a description delineating the north wall ownership for the building on
the East Lot, and to include a dedication certificate for owners’ signatures per Section 6.05(a)(15).
City Manager Hale stated that the descriptor will clear up who owns the wall that separates the
Justice Building and the Police Department and who will be responsible for each section.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 9
Councilmember Keel moved that Council approve Resolution 9, Series 2018, approving the
amended plat of the Final Plat creating estates in land between the County of Montezuma and the
City of Cortez, with the change to condition d. Mayor Pro-tem Lucero seconded the motion, and
the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
h. Council Board Appointments. Discussion was held on appointments to various boards and
Council volunteered as follows:
Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board – Mike Lavey
Library Advisory Board – Karen Sheek
Golf Advisory Board – Ty Keel
Mesa Verde Country – Karen Sheek, Sue Betts, and Gary Noyes
Montezuma County Economic Development Association (MCEDA) – Jill Carlson
MCEDA Alternate – Karen Sheek
Cortez Cultural Center – Mike Lavey
Historic Preservation Board – Sue Betts
Southwest Colorado Council of Governments (SWCCOG) – Karen Sheek
SWCCOG Alternate – Jill Carlson
Region 9 Economic Development – Peyton Heitzman (staff member)
Mayor Pro-tem Lucero moved that Council make the various appointments to City boards as listed
above. Councilmember Noyes seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
i. Acting City Manager Contract. City Manager Hale stated that Council has discussed the best
steps to take in the interim as Council works through the process for filling the City Manager
position. He stated that Council determined that Chris Burkett would best fit the needs of the City
during the transition. He reviewed the timeline for filling the City Manager position and noted that
should the timeline process move forward as planned, a new City Manager should be in place by
middle of August prior to Mr. Burkett’s vacation which begins on September 14, 2018. He
reviewed the proposed contract for the Acting City Manager and stated that Mr. Burkett would
begin his duties on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, with City Manager Hale’s last day projected as May
22, 2018. He noted that Mr. Burkett would be paid $50/hour and would work approximately 24-32
hours per week. He stated that staff recommends that Council move to enter into an Employment
Agreement with Chris Burkett, appointing him as Acting City Manager effective May 23, 2018.
Councilmember Betts moved that Council approve the Acting City Manager Agreement with Chris
Burkett. Councilmember Keel seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows:
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 10
Betts Carlson Keel Lavey Lucero Noyes Sheek
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
8. DRAFT ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS – None.
9. OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS – None.
10. ADDITIONAL CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
a. Day Labor Location. Eleanor Kuhl, Brookside Drive, stated that the United Methodist Church
Council held a meeting prior to the City Council meeting, and have approved a location for the
Bridge Shelter Day Labor program at the church. She stated that the Day Labor services will be
provided Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. She stated that she hopes the City
will find a location for the Bridge Shelter in the fall as the homeless shelter is needed in the
community. John Kennedy suggested that the Bridge Shelter be located at the Johnson Building.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None.
12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
a. Public Meeting on Medians. City Manager Hale stated that there would be a public meeting on
Thursday, April 26, 2018, City Hall, at 6:00 p.m., to review the construction plans for the downtown
median project. He noted that the meeting will be live-streamed if anyone wants to watch the
presentation from home.
13. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Mayor’s Report on Workshop. Mayor Sheek stated that during the workshop a presentation was
made by students requesting support to attend the Global Finals 2018 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Also, John Shaw with Shaw Solar spoke about future solar projects with the City. Director of
Public Works Johnson gave an update on the median project and also spoke about a request the
from Dolores Water Conservancy District (DWCD) to lease water from the City. Mayor Sheek
stated that Council adjourned to Executive Session for a conference with the City Attorney for the
purpose of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(b)
and also 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. 24-
6-402(4)(e). She stated that the worksession was concluded with a reception honoring out-going
Councilmembers Bob Archibeque and Shawna McLaughlin.
b. Cortez Cultural Center Meeting. Mayor Sheek stated that a Cultural Center Meeting was held
today and discussion included all the upcoming events. She stated that the Native dancers will
begin soon and will be dancing six days a week this year. She stated that a grant is being worked
on with Empire Electric to update the lighting in the building. Councilmember Lavey stated that he
and his wife went on a trip with the Cultural Center for six days (Monument Valley/Grand
Canyon/etc.) and noted it was a fantastic trip.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 24, 2018 PAGE 11
c. Recognition of PERA Volunteers. Mayor Sheek stated that she attended a Retired Public
Employees Meeting and one of the things they do each year is tabulate the volunteer hours that are
completed by retirees that worked for the public sector (teachers, law enforcement, judges, etc.).
She stated that the volunteer hours amounted to $161,168.00, for Montezuma and Dolores Counties
for this past year.
The regular meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
________________________________
Karen W. Sheek, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Linda L. Smith, City Clerk
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