City Council Meetings

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 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 Orly Lucero, Sue Betts, Jill Carlson, Ty Keel, Mike Lavey, and Gary Noyes. Staff members present were Management Intern Peyton Heitzman, Associate Planner Neva Connolly, Chief of Police Roy Lane, Director of General Services Rick Smith, City Clerk Linda Smith, City Attorney Mike Green, and City Manager John Dougherty. There were eight people present in the audience. Council paused for a moment of silence in remembrance of September 11, 2001. 2. The Consent Agenda items acted upon by Council were as follows: a. Approval of the Worksession and Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2019. b. Approval of the payment of the Expenditure Vouchers of September 10, 2019. c. Approval of a renewal Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Loungin’ Lizard, DBA Loungin’ Lizard, located at 2 – 4 West Main Street, Cortez. d. Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License for L&D Development Inc., DBA J Fargos, located at 1209 East Main Street, Cortez. e. Approval of a renewal Tavern Liquor License for Cortez Conference Center LLC, DBA Destination Grill, located at 2121 East Main Street, Cortez. f. Approval of a Special Event Permit from the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce to host ‘Business After Hours’ on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at First National Bank, located at 2258 East Main Street, Cortez. Councilmember Keel moved that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented with the additional expenditure vouchers of $318.14. 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 3. PRESENTATIONS a. Southwest Colorado Council of Governments (SCCOG) Presentation. Miriam Gillow-Wiles, Executive Director of SCCOG, spoke to Council about what a COG is and what they do noting that they are governed by member jurisdictions. She stated that the COG supports local governments and have participated in broadband, recycling, transportation and transit issues. She spoke about the Return on Investment for the City of Cortez and noted that the dues paid from the City CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 PAGE 2 represented 2.16% of the total budget for the SWCCOG. She noted that the benefit to the community includes the portion of external funding brought to the region through grants and other sources which otherwise would not be available to the City. In answer to a question from Councilmember Keel, Ms. Gillow-Wiles stated that the COG could work on an educational campaign to help share information on water wise issues with communities. City Manager Dougherty thanked the COG for offering to sponsor DOLA grants on behalf of the City; however, DOLA has said that they couldn’t do that as they don’t own the property. Mayor Sheek complimented Ms. Gillow-Wiles on all her work that she does on behalf of all the communities she serves. b. National Gear Up Week Proclamation. Tai Rogers, Pre-Collegiate Advisory, explained what National GEAR UP week would entail including a Dream Wall to be located at MCHS where students can express their post-secondary dreams. He stated that a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant was received by the Montezuma-Cortez High School (1 of 15 schools) and currently serves 140 students. He noted that the grant is in its second year of a seven-year program. He thanked Council for the proclamation which celebrates the success of low-income, minority, and disadvantaged students with the support and resources they need to go to college. Mayor Sheek read the proclamation proclaiming the week of September 23, 2019, as National GEAR UP week. Mr. Rogers invited Council to come by the High School and see the wall during the Week of September 23, 2019. Council thanked him for all his work with the students. 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION a. Thank You for Support of Grant. Dave and Lana Waters, 11576 CR 24, thanked Council for their support of a grant through the Colorado Health and Environment that was applied for by D&L Construction that will be used for a crusher to recycle asphalt and concrete. She stated that they had received the grant and wanted to thank everyone that wrote letters in support (Town of Mancos, Town of Dolores, Montezuma County, and RE-1 School District). 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Approval of Historic Property Survey First Street - RFP. Associate Planner Connolly stated that proposals were received from four vendors to complete a historic property inventory of 22 properties located on First Street. She stated that staff and members of the Cortez Historic Preservation Board interviewed the four companies and are recommending that Woods Canyon Archeological Consultants be awarded the bid. She noted that Woods Canyon Archeological Consultants is the higher bid but it is felt they offer quality work and are a local firm and would not require travel expenses. She stated that the grant would pay for the entire project and the Historic Preservation Board and staff will provide volunteer time as needed. Councilmember Keel moved that Council approve the proposal from Woods Canyon Archeological CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 PAGE 3 Consultants, in the amount of $16,376.00, to complete the historic property survey of 22 properties on First Street Cortez (downtown area). 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 b. Appointment of Historic Preservation Board Member. Associate Planner Connolly stated that the Cortez Historic Preservation Board has recommended that Kathleen Russell be appointed as the at-large member on the board. She noted that Ms. Russell works as Social Services Director at Vista Grande Inn in Cortez and would like to bring her life-long knowledge of Cortez and the surrounding Four Corners area to the board as well as provide links between the Vista Grande residents and the larger community on local history. Associate Planner Connolly stated that the appointment will be for a three-year term. Councilmember Lavey moved that Council appoint Kathleen Russell as the at-large member on the Historic Preservation Board. 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 c. Police Patrol Vehicle Donation. Chief of Police Lane stated that the City is in the process of retiring Unit #465, a Ford Crown Vic Patrol Car, from the City Fleet. He stated that the Pueblo Community College Police Academy could use the vehicle for their driving program and the staff would like to donate the car for their use. He stated that the City has had a good relationship with the academy as they have held slots open for the City several times allowing applicants in after the start date. He noted that the car is worth approximately $1,900.00. Councilmember Betts moved that the City donate Unit #465, a 2009 Ford Crown Vic Patrol Car, to the Pueblo Community College Police Academy. 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 d. 7th Street Extension Action. City Attorney Green stated that Council discussed the extension of 7th Street during Council worksession and the consensus was to transfer the easement (right-of- way) of 7th Street to Montezuma County in return for the street being paved from County Road 27 to Sligo Street. He stated that a motion would need to be made to allow the Mayor to sign the documents that would be included in the City ordinance that would be presented to Council at the next meeting for first reading. He stated that the City will receive a paved street to Sligo Street and Montezuma County would receive a street that would become a County road. Councilmember Keel noted that the extension of 7th Street also benefits the School District as the buses would be able to use the new road which would provide a safety aspect for the buses as well as save time. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 PAGE 4 Councilmember Keel moved that the Mayor be authorized to sign the required documents necessary for the completion of an ordinance for the transfer of the City’s portion of the right-of-way of 7th Street. 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 e. 4 Corners Office Building Sale. City Attorney Green stated that Council discussed the sale of the 4 Corners Office Building located in the Industrial Park during the Council worksession under Executive Session. He asked that Council make a motion to allow him (City Attorney) and the City Manager to speak with the realtor to respond to the offer. Councilmember Carlson moved that the City Attorney and the City Manager speak to the realtor (Re/Max) regarding the offer submitted for the sale of the 4 Corners Office Building located in the Industrial Park. Councilmember Betts seconded the motion, and the vote was as follows: 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. Observe City Council. Sharon King, 225 North Washington, stated that she was present to observe the City Council and meet the new City Manager. She stated that she was considering running for City Council in 2020 and wanted to see what was happening with Council. 11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – None. 12. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT a. Clarification on Montezuma County Town Hall Meeting/Auditor Coming. City Manager Dougherty clarified that the Town Hall meeting that will be held in City Hall on Thursday, September 19, 2019, is for the Montezuma County Commissioners to host a town hall meeting. He stated that Council could attend if they wanted but it was not a joint Commissioner/Council meeting. He also noted that the forensic auditor will be in Cortez beginning September 16, 2019, and will be working remotely after they receive information they need from City staff. b. Review of Dates for Council. City Clerk Smith stated that a few dates had been sent to Council for upcoming meetings. She noted that the CML Fall District 9 Meeting will be hosted by the City of Cortez on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. She stated that the meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m., with a social hour to follow and dinner at the park. She asked if any Councilmembers who would like to attend, to let her know. Also, discussed were the dates for Council to review the 2020 budget. Council agreed to meet on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6, 2019 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 PAGE 5 (Councilmember Carlson’s birthday) beginning at 5:15 p.m. for dinner and promptly at 5:30 p.m. for the budget review. 13. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Mayor’s Report on Workshop. Mayor Sheek stated that during Council worksession discussion was held on a High Impact Permit for a cell tower to be located by Denny Lake. Council also held discussion on an EV Charging Station and the extension of 7th Street. She stated that Council adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of real, personal, or other property interest under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(a). She stated that she received a card from past Director of Planning and Building Sam Proffer and he thanked the City for the time that he worked for Cortez and noted that he is doing well at his new job. b. Golf Advisory Board. Councilmember Keel stated that the Golf Advisory Board met on August 28, 2019, and a report was given on the many golf tournaments that have been held and those to come. He stated that the Boys Golf Team is playing well. He stated that the course is looking good and it is unsure when the water will be turned off this year. c. 2019 Community Inclusion Award. Councilmember Lavey stated that he attended a Community Connections barbeque held on August 28, 2019, and he accepted a 2019 Community Inclusion Award on behalf of the City. He noted that Community Connections is a wonderful organization and he thanked them for what they do in the community. d. USDA Grants. Mayor Sheek stated that she and Councilmember Lavey attended a presentation today (September 10, 2019) on the award of two local USDA grants. She stated that one grant was for the Historical Society ($7,000) to buy computers/printer for their new facility to be located at Chestnut and Main Street and the other grant was to the Fire Department ($10,000) to purchase equipment to fight wild fires. The regular meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. ________________________________ Karen W. Sheek, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Linda L. Smith, City Clerk