City Council Workshops

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL REGULAR WORKSHOP TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020, 5:45 p.m. Virtual Contact Through Zoom 1. The workshop was called to order at 5:45 p.m., by virtual contact through ZOOM. Attendance at the workshop included Mayor Mike Lavey, Mayor Pro-tem Rachel Medina, Sue Betts, Amy Huckins, Orly Lucero, David Rainey, and Arlina Yazzie. Staff members present were Director of Public Works Phil Johnson, IT Support Technician Bill Kuhn, Director of Parks and Recreation Dean Palmquist, City Planner Tracie Hughes, Associate Planner Neva Connolly, Director of Finance Ben Burkett, Interim Chief of Police Andy Brock, City Manager John Dougherty, City Clerk Linda Smith, and City Attorney Mike Green. There were five people signed up as participants. 2. Stephen Candelaria spoke about his interest in serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Candelaria stated that he grew up in Cortez and has obtained his degree in engineering. He stated that he came back to Cortez and has had a desire to serve the community and feels he could contribute to the Planning and Zoning Commission. In answer to questions from Councilmembers, Mr. Candelaria stated that he would be unbiased in his decisions on the board and commented that the Land Use Code lays out the rules for reviewing projects. He spoke about the Master Streets Plan and Land Use Code being updated so they continue to move the community forward. He stated that if a project was being reviewed that was a conflict-of- interest for him, he could recuse himself. It was noted that two other letters of interest were received during the advertisement period; however, the two applicants had changed their minds about serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. 3. Director of Finance Burkett gave an update regarding the sales tax program and noted that the State is now receiving sales tax for communities in Colorado from on-line retailers that are not filing individually with the City. He noted that the State also uses Muni-Revs for reporting sales tax, so the information aligns with the City’s system. He spoke about the latest information on the budgetary impacts of COVID-19 noting that the City is still on track as was previously estimated by staff. He stated that the sales tax was approximately 6% less than was projected for May; however, the Lodger’s tax is still down approximately 50%. He stated that the local economy is still strong and consumers are still confident and continue to buy locally. He stated that groceries and marijuana sales are still strong in tax collections. He reviewed the May Financial Report and noted that several bonds were ‘called’ recently and were reinvested. He reviewed the graphs on the current month versus previous month received revenues and also the summary of expenses for each department. 4. Director of Public Works Johnson and Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Landreth reviewed regular Agenda items 7a, b, and c. Water Treatment Plant Superintendent Landreth reviewed the Colorado’s Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement (7b.) noting that it is a statewide network of utilities that help each other during an emergency. He stated that the membership does not obligate a utility to either accept or offer aid and there is no membership fee. He explained how the program works and commented that it is a plus should a community need aid during an emergency with most local communities and agencies already members. Director of Public Works Johnson spoke about Professional Civil Engineering, Design and Survey Services (7a.) Request for Proposal (RFP) commenting that the City Engineer and Assistant City Engineer both recently resigned from the City and the City Engineer position was advertised; however, no applications were received. He stated that due to the financial situation of the City, staff discussed receiving proposals from experienced engineering firms for services related to planning, design, review, and inspections for a variety of civil engineering projects. He stated that seven firms replied to the request for a two year contract and staff recommends an agreement be made with SGM Inc., out of Durango, Colorado, for the engineering services. Discussion was held on the savings that would be received by the temporary situation and it was noted that SGM Inc. has done work with the City in the past. Director of Public Works Johnson noted that the City does not have any big projects going on right now and City could advertise at a later date for a City Engineer when the timing allows. He spoke briefly about the Dolores Water Conservancy District M&I Lease (7c.) noting that the City typically under-utilizes a good portion of stored water each year. He stated that the City was approached again this year with the idea of leasing out a portion of our unused municipal and irrigation (M&I) allotment to Dolores Water Conservancy District to be used by agricultural users. Discussion was held on the amount that would be received for the water lease ($33,170) this year. 5. Director of Parks and Recreation Palmquist reviewed the plan for re-opening the Recreation Center. He stated that the Montezuma County Health Department, the City Manager, and several Councilmembers took a tour of the Recreation Center to review the plans for re-opening and what procedures would be taken for the safety of the employees and the patrons. He stated that in Tier 1, the hours for the Recreation Center would be 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the use of the fitness equipment and 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for lap swimming Monday through Friday, and closed on weekends for now. He stated that staff is waiting for the Colorado Governor’s Executive Order to decide on the re-opening date. It was noted that temperatures would be taken prior to admittance to the Recreation Center and there will be instructions on what will be expected from the patrons while present in the center. A brief discussion was held on wearing face masks in the Recreation Center and the possible opening of the Playground Days summer program. 6. Mayor Lavey spoke about a tree scheduled to be cut down on Montezuma Avenue and the information shared with a concerned neighbor of the tree. He noted that the tree is a safety concern and needs to be removed. He also spoke about signs that are available at Pioneer Printing free of charge to businesses interested, one noting masks are being required should a business choose to require that and the second sign is encouraging everyone to support the local businesses. He commented that if anyone has any concerns to reach out to City Council. A brief discussion was held on the letter that was received from a resident concerning truck traffic using North Chestnut/North Market Street and the solutions for encouraging trucks not to travel down the residential streets. Mayor Lavey noted that the Goodbye Party for past Councilmembers Karen Sheek, Ty Keel, Gary Noyes, and Jill Carlson has been postponed to June 9, 2020. The virtual meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.