Greater Rifle Improvement Team (GRIT) Advisory Board

GREATER RIFLE IMPROVEMENT TEAM (GRIT) ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING AGENDA July 14, 2026 12:00 PM 202 Railroad Avenue, Rifle, CO 81650 The Board may act on any of the following agenda items as presented or modified before the meeting, and items necessary or convenient to effectuate the agenda items. 12:00 PM - Regular Meeting 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Visitor Introductions 3.a. Introduction of Karah Brubaker, City of Rifle's new Economic Opportunity Specialist II and Main Street Manager. 4. Consent Agenda 4.a. Discussion and possible action regarding June Minutes of the regular GRIT Board Meeting 5. Presentation 5.a. RAMBO application for funding 6. Regular Agenda 6.a. Election of GRIT Board Chair 6.b. Discussion and possible action regarding GRIT Grant Applications 6.b.i. Discuss and Vote on Symphony in the Valley, application for funding 6.b.ii. Discuss and Vote on The Young Guns, application for funding 6.b.iii. Discuss and Vote on New Ute Theatre Society, application for funding 6.b.iv. Discuss and Vote on RAMBO, application for funding 7. Administrative Reports Economic Opportunity Specialist /Main Street Manger Page 1 of 50  Greater Rifle Improvement Team (GRIT) Advisory Board July 14, 2026 Page 2 of 2 7.a. Administrative Reports 8. Adjournment The order and times of agenda items listed above are approximate and intended as a guideline for the Board The GRIT Advisory Board has two grant cycles. The grant cycle and deadlines to submit an application are: January Cycle – Application Deadline: December 31st = Funding: February June Cycle – Application Deadline: May 31st = Funding: July ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT The City of Rifle values full inclusion and access for all of our facilities, programs, activities and services. We are pleased to provide meaningful accommodations to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and reasonably provide translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids, and services. To request special assistance, call Community Development at 970-665-6490 or email our ADA Team at ADATeam@rifleco.org. Please allow 48 hours for your requests to be met. La Ciudad de Rifle valora la plena inclusión y acceso para todas nuestras instalaciones, programas, actividades y servicios. Nos complace proporcionar alojamientos significativos para cumplir con la Ley de Estados Unidos con Discapacidades (ADA) y proporcionar razonablemente traducciónes, interpretaciónes, modificaciones, adaptaciones, formatos alternativos, ayudas auxiliares y servicios. Para solicitar asistencia especial, llame a Community Development al 970-665-6490 o envíe un correo electrónico a el equipo ADA a ADATeam@rifleco.org. Por favor, permita 48 horas para que se atiendan sus solicitudes. Page 2 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #3.a. Agenda Item Name: Introduction of Karah Brubaker, City of Rifle's new Economic Opportunity Specialist II and Main Street Manager. Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Recommended Action: N/A Fiscal Impact: N/A Operational Impact: Karah will be the City liaison to the GRIT Board and co-manage administering the VIF Budget. Prior Board Motions: N/A Background Information: N/A Executive Summary: N/A Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Attachments: None Page 3 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #4.a. Agenda Item Name: Discussion and possible action regarding June Minutes of the regular GRIT Board Meeting Presenter: Karah Brubaker Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Item Description: June Minutes of the regular June GRIT Board Meeting. Recommended Action: Move to approve the minutes of the regular June meeting of the GRIT Board. Fiscal Impact: N/A Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: N/A Background Information: N/A Executive Summary: N/A Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Attachments: 1. Rifle_GRIT_Action_Minutes_06-09-2026 Page 4 of 50 Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 RIFLE GRIT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING ACTION MINUTES June 09, 2026 12:00 p.m. Rifle City Hall, 202 Railroad Avenue, Rifle, CO CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL A regular meeting of the Rifle GRIT Advisory Board was called to order at approximately 12:07 p.m. at Rifle City Hall. Present at Roll Call: Chair Slappey, Vice Chair Young, Board Members Mackley, Rogers, Allen, Pruett, and City Council Representative Roberts. Absent: Board Member Frontella. Others Present: Representatives were present from Young Guns, NUTS, and Symphony in the Valley. City Staff were present and participated in the meeting discussion. A quorum was reported present. CONSENT AGENDA The Board considered approval of the May 12, 2026, action minutes. Approve the May 12, 2026, GRIT Advisory Board Motion action minutes as presented. Mover Ryan Mackley Second Annick Pruett Vote All in favor Result Passed Presentation Presentations from GRIT Grant Applicants NUTS (New Ute Theater Society) Request: $4,200 toward Ute Theater rental fees for the newly formed Ute Players, formerly Aspen Community Theater.  The group plans to present "Lend Me a Tenor" over six performance dates in November.  The anticipated attendance goal is approximately 600 people. Board Action: No action at this time. Young Guns Touch a Truck Event Request: $5,000 to support for food vendors, portable restrooms, and marketing for a community event promoting trade careers to high school students. Board Action: No action at this time. Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 1 Page 5 of 50 Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 Symphony in the Valley Presenter: Kelly Thompson Request: $8,000 in funding requested to reduce ticket prices for the annual Nutcracker performance at the Ute Theater during Hometown Holiday.  The stated goal was to lower adult tickets from $35 to below $30 and reduce the overall cost for families. Board Action: No action at this time. Regular Agenda Discussion and possible action regarding Railroad Ave light pole banners The Board reviewed a design concept for approximately 40 banners intended to create a welcoming entrance along Railroad Avenue. Estimated cost was approximately $40 per banner, with potential Downtown Development Authority participation to cover the cost within DDA’s boundary. Move to approve the Railroad Avenue light pole Motion banner project with a budget not to exceed $1,500. Mover Annick Pruett Second Samm Young Vote All in favor Result Passed Discussion regarding Barks, Brews, and BBQ The Board discussed operational, financial, and safety concerns related to the Barks, Brews, and Barbecue event and its current partnership structure with Journey Home.  Concerns included funding allocation, planning coordination, and budget efficiency, including an estimated $20,000 cost for approximately 1,000 participants.  Members discussed wind and safety concerns at the current venue.  The Movie Theater parking lot and grass area were discussed as an alternative venue, with the theater lobby potentially serving as a conditioned judging space.  The Board discussed moving the event away from Rendezvous weekend and high school graduation, potentially to the weekend of May 22, subject to schedule confirmation. General Direction: Staff and event partners should confirm venue and date availability, clarify responsibilities and approvals, and update the event-planning structure before the next event cycle. Administrative Reports Third Thursday Event Updates  Upcoming programming was expected to feature local businesses and include a line-dancing lesson.  A Chamber Ambassador was expected to manage alcohol sales.  The Board recognized Align and the broader marketing team for effective videos, banners, and event promotion. Comprehensive Plan Survey Update Staff reported that the comprehensive plan survey had received more than 200 responses. The Board discussed a Hispanic community-focused survey event at the library to improve representation. Survey results were expected to be presented to City Council before determining whether additional targeted outreach was needed. Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 2 Page 6 of 50 Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 Main Street Manager Transition The Board discussed the transition to Karah Brubaker as the new Main Street Manager, with a reported start date of the 22nd. Zach Higgins is expected to remain involved for several months during the transition. Grant Requirements and Sponsorship Recognition The Board discussed updating grant language to require recipients to provide visible sponsorship recognition for GRIT and the City through banners, marketing materials, or similar acknowledgment. Staff will incorporate the requirement into future grant administration materials. NEXT MEETING The next regular GRIT Advisory Board meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:32 p.m. PREPARED BY / APPROVAL Prepared from the meeting summary for review by City Staff and the GRIT Advisory Board. Approved by the GRIT Advisory Board on: ________________________________________ Chair Signature: _______________________________________________________________ Main Street Manager Signature: _____________________________________________________________ Rifle GRIT Advisory Board Meeting June 09, 2026 3 Page 7 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #5.a. Agenda Item Name: RAMBO application for funding Presenter: Ari Philipson - President Item Description: Recommended Action: Fiscal Impact: $5,000 Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: Background Information: Executive Summary: Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Application_RAMBO_2026 Page 8 of 50 Page 9 of 50 Page 10 of 50 Page 11 of 50 Page 12 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.a. Agenda Item Name: Election of GRIT Board Chair Presenter: Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Item Description: GRIT Board Election of Board Chair through next election cycle. Recommended Action: Move to elect (select name) as Chair of GRIT Board through the end of the current term. Fiscal Impact: N/A Operational Impact: A Chair needs to be elected to run the monthly GRIT Board meetings. Prior Board Motions: N/A Background Information: Kari Slappey has vacated her seat as the GRIT Board Chair at the end of June 2026. The GRIT Board now has a vacant Chair position that needs to be filled to run the monthly GRIT Board meetings. Executive Summary: N/A Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Attachments: None Page 13 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.b. Agenda Item Name: Discussion and possible action regarding GRIT Grant Applications Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Item Description: Recommended Action: N/A Fiscal Impact: Operational Impact: Prior Board Motions: Background Information: Executive Summary: The GRIT Board is requested to consider three grant applications and one late submission totaling $22,200. To date, the Board has awarded $14,600 of the $55,500 2026 GRIT Grant Program budget, leaving $40,900 available for award. Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Zach Higgins, Community Development Director Attachments: 1. GRIT_GRANT_July_Workbook Page 14 of 50 GRIT Grant Program 2026 Grant Summary & July Board Actions Remaining 2026 Budget Awarded to Date Budget July Requests Late Submission $55,500.00 $14,600.00 $40,900.00 $17,200 $5,000 BOARD ACTION REQUESTED: Review three July applications totaling $17,200 and one late submission (RAMBO) requesting $5,000. Grant Cycle 1 - Awarded (March 2026) Applicant Requested Awarded Status Recommendation Bookcliffs Arts Center $4,800 $4,800 ✔ Awarded Approved Library $3,000 $3,000 ✔ Awarded Approved Middle Colorado Watershed Council $3,000 $3,000 ✔ Awarded Approved New UTE Theater Society $3,800 $3,800 ✔ Awarded Approved Grant Cycle 2 - Applications for Board Consideration Applicant Requested Awarded Status Recommendation New UTE Theater Society $8,000 ⏳ Review Symphony in the Valley $4,200 ⏳ Review The Young Guns (TouchaTruck) $5,000 ⏳ Review Late Application - Board Direction Requested Applicant Requested Awarded Status Notes ⚠ Board Submitted after RAMBO $5,000 Direction deadline Page 15 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.b.i. Agenda Item Name: Discuss and Vote on Symphony in the Valley, application for funding Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Discuss and vote on an $8,000 funding request from the Symphony in the Valley Recommended Action: Move to recommend approval to Rifle City Council for $8,000 to Symphony in the Valley for the Nutcracker during Hometown Holidays Fiscal Impact: $8,000 from Special Events Budget Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: N/A Background Information: The Board heard a presentation from Symphony in the Valley during the June 2026 meeting Executive Summary: Symphony in the Valley is requesting $8,000 in GRIT funding to support their community performance for the Nutcracker during the December 2026 Hometown Holidays Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Application_SITV_2026 Page 16 of 50  GRIT Grant Application for Funding Applicant Information Date: 5/29/2026 Organization Name: Symphony in the Valley Address: P.O. Box 1831, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Contact Person: Kelly Thompson Phone Number: (970) 456-5278 Email Address: conductor@sitv.org Federal Tax ID: 84-1265543 State Tax ID: Organization Information Organization’s Current Board of Directors or Trustees Name Phone # Email Address Ruth Mollman, President 970-319-0062 president@sitv.org Sharon Young, Vice President 970-319-4976 sharonyoung429@gmail.com Adrienne Prosser, Treasurer 970-618-6283 treasurer@sitv.org Jay Duclo 970-366-7696 yakerjay@gmail.com Warren Lucio 951-333-3953 462ref@gmail.com Barry Melton 214-315-7582 b.melton@lvg.net Jennifer Carden 970-987-2635 littleredheadjen@gmail.com Matt Weisbrod, Manager 970-988-7478 manager@sitv.org Page 17 of 50  Brief summary of Organization’s History Symphony in the Valley has been performing in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1993. Comprised of volunteer musicians, we perform concerts in October, December, February, May, and July each year. The Symphony is dedicated to providing musical opportunities to musicians of all ages and enriching our community through live musical performance. Grant Request Amount Requested: $8,000 How many people will benefit from the funding? 500+ In what way will they benefit? During Hometown Holidays those who attend our Nutcracker show will experience the only performance including live musicians and dancers on the Western Slope. Has your organization applied for a grant in the past? Yes Via NUTS No If Yes, what year? 2025 How much was the grant for? $3,200 Brief description of request. The Symphony will be performing Nutcracker again this year with professional dancers from Colorado West Ballet from Grand Junction. We also perform other holiday favorites at this concert during Hometown Holiday. Description of current programs, activities and accomplishments: Symphony in the Valley has an Instrument Lending/Gifting program for local youth who want to play in band or orchestra but do not have an instrument. We also have a Student Enrichment Program to connect music students to private lessons. We provide a musical outlet for musicians of all ages to perform. If funds are granted, what is your plan to create a self-sustainable program/event? Our Holiday Nutcracker performance is one of our fundraiser events. Our other fundraiser is our Symphony Swing in February. With professional dancers this is an expensive endeavor. Timetable for implementation: We will have four performances total, 2:00PM and 7:00PM (or after the parade) on December 5, and 2:00PM and 4:30PM on December 6 Page 18 of 50  The funding for the Greater Rifle Improvement Team is generated through the Lodging Tax. The proceeds of the lodging tax shall be used primarily for the following: Please check the area(s) your request falls under: Visitor Improvement and Attractions Historic Preservation X Special Events City Beautification X City Promotion Program/Project Budget Revenues or other funding sources Individually list all sources of funds (including sponsors) and the level of funding provided: Symphony in the Valley has numerous sponsors throughout the year, specifically for Nutcracker in 2025: GRIT: $3,200; Alpine Bank: $3,000; NUTS: $1,250 ($5,000 for our 4 main concert series); Seth Green: $1,000; Ruth Mollman: $1,000; Town & Country Vet: $1,000; Darrell Green: $1,000; Morgan Green: $500; Zachary Green: $500 Total funds available to the program: $12,450 in 2025 Expenses: Amount: Dancers $8,000 Hotel for Dancers, 2 nights $1,728 Ute Rental, 2 days $1,600 Music purchase / arrangements $800 $12,128 Please attach a balance sheet or profit and loss statement for requesting organization. Page 19 of 50  Measure of Success What will be the measurable results? Example: How many people are expected to attend/benefit? Through four performances we can seat approximately 500. With dancers on stage the Symphony takes a portion of the floor, limiting audience space. I believe this is a draw for Hometown Holiday and is a huge asset to the event being the only venue on the Western Slope providing The Nutcracker with live orchestral music and dancers. How will the organization define and measure success of the event or project? Nutcracker at the Ute has been a very successful event over the past several years. We have collaborated with Colorado West Ballet for the past 3 years. Our goal is to have four sold-out performances and be a major reason people come to Hometown Holiday from throughout the region. To what degree will the project and/or organization have a long-term sustainable value to Rifle? The Symphony has been performing at least one of our concerts at the Ute for each of our four concert series. The Ute and Rifle have become our unofficial "home base." The Nutcracker, specifically, is so enjoyable for the audience, orchestra members, and dancers as it is a unique opportunity to collaborate with dance and music. Additional information you would like the GRIT Advisory Board to consider: Due to rising costs, ticket prices have increased over the years. We would like to get enough sponsors this year that we can lower the cost to attend. Page 20 of 50 10:02 PM Symphony in the Valley 05/28/26 Profit & Loss Cash Basis September 2024 through August 2025 Sep '24 - Aug 25 Ordinary Income/Expense Income 40000 · Contributions 40005 · Grants 20,710.00 40010 · Individual Donors 40012 · Masterpiece $3,000 - $4,999 3,000.00 40013 · Composer's $1,000 - $2,999 4,000.00 40014 · Bravo Circle $500 - $999 4,984.00 40015 · Conductor's $250 - $499 2,935.50 40016 · Encore Circle $100 - $249 2,757.50 40017 · Friends - Less than $99 700.78 Total 40010 · Individual Donors 18,377.78 40020 · Business Donations 40023 · Composer's Biz $1,000 - $2,999 4,000.00 40024 · Bravo Biz $500 - $999 750.00 Total 40020 · Business Donations 4,750.00 40050 · Chair Sponsors 3,250.00 Total 40000 · Contributions 47,087.78 41000 · Income Other 41300 · Checking Account Interest 0.60 Total 41000 · Income Other 0.60 47200 · Program Income 47201 · Fall Concert 47201 A · Fall Concert A 1,565.00 47201 B · Fall Concert B 1,643.00 Total 47201 · Fall Concert 3,208.00 47202 · Winter Concert 11,815.00 47203 · Spring Concert 47203 A · Spring Concert A 1,497.00 47203 B · Spring Concert B 1,630.00 Total 47203 · Spring Concert 3,127.00 47215 · Gigs 2,000.00 47220 · Season Tickets 2,080.00 Total 47200 · Program Income 22,230.00 47210 · Swing Ticket Sales 47211 · Swing Concert A 5,593.00 47212 · Swing Concert B 15,325.00 Total 47210 · Swing Ticket Sales 20,918.00 48000 · Golf Tourney 48010 · Golf Sponsorships 300.00 48020 · Golf Registrations 13,045.00 Total 48000 · Golf Tourney 13,345.00 49930 · Noodle Soup Income 4,874.00 Total Income 108,455.38 Gross Profit 108,455.38 Page 1 Page 21 of 50 10:02 PM Symphony in the Valley 05/28/26 Profit & Loss Cash Basis September 2024 through August 2025 Sep '24 - Aug 25 Expense 60000 · Concert Expenses 60015 · Music Arrangements 200.00 60020 · Music Purchase 459.67 60040 · Piano Tuning 200.00 60070 · Program Printing 1,088.56 60000 · Concert Expenses - Other 9,036.00 Total 60000 · Concert Expenses 10,984.23 60900 · Business Expenses 60920 · Biz Registration Fees S of S 35.00 60925 · Music License 60926 · Licenses ASCAP & BMI 748.00 Total 60925 · Music License 748.00 60940 · S uare / PayPal fees 331.80 60900 · Business Expenses - Other 174.18 Total 60900 · Business Expenses 1,288.98 61000 · Special Programs 62050 · Instrument Gifting 62051 · Instrument Distribution Repair 100.00 Total 62050 · Instrument Gifting 100.00 Total 61000 · Special Programs 100.00 62000 · Enrichment Lessons 62001 · Lessons - Weisbrod 900.00 Total 62000 · Enrichment Lessons 900.00 62890 · Rent, tilities, & Maintenance 62892 · Musical Instrument Storage 1,080.00 62893 · Performance Space Rental 1,840.00 62894 · Rehearsal Space Rental 250.00 Total 62890 · Rent, tilities, & Maintenance 3,170.00 62900 · Direct Fundraising Expenses 62910 A · Swing Rental Space - A 1,250.00 62910 B · Swing Rental Space - B 9,937.78 62920 A · Swing Food Expenses - A 3,789.59 62940 · Swing Music Purchase 292.34 62945 · Swing S uare / PayPal Fees 80.10 62946 · Swing programs, posters, printi 465.55 62950 · Swing Advertising 250.00 Total 62900 · Direct Fundraising Expenses 16,065.36 63100 · Fundraising Expense - Golf 11,893.52 65000 · Operations 65010 · Books, Subscriptions, Reference 200.00 65020 · Postage, Mailing Service 182.00 65030 · Printing and Copying 65035 · Toner & Paper 74.99 65030 · Printing and Copying - Other 15.35 Total 65030 · Printing and Copying 90.34 65050 · Telephone, Telecommunications 65055 · Constant Contact 707.00 Total 65050 · Telephone, Telecommunications 707.00 65070 · Grant Subscription 199.00 Page 2 Page 22 of 50 10:02 PM Symphony in the Valley 05/28/26 Profit & Loss Cash Basis September 2024 through August 2025 Sep '24 - Aug 25 65120 · Insurance - Liability, D and O 1,732.00 Total 65000 · Operations 3,110.34 65100 · Other Types of Expenses 65170 · Noodle Soup Musician Payments 2,571.38 Total 65100 · Other Types of Expenses 2,571.38 72000 · Contract Labor 72001 · Artistic Director/conductor 12,000.00 72005 · Manager 10,200.00 72010 · Webmaster 2,400.00 72020 · Librarian 1,000.00 72050 · Concertmaster 72055 · Concertmaster - Fundraiser 900.00 72050 · Concertmaster - Other 2,700.00 Total 72050 · Concertmaster 3,600.00 72060 · Treasurer 6,000.00 72070 · Grant Writer 2,400.00 Total 72000 · Contract Labor 37,600.00 Total Expense 87,683.81 Net Ordinary Income 20,771.57 Net Income 20,771 57 Page 3 Page 23 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.b.ii. Agenda Item Name: Discuss and Vote on The Young Guns, application for funding Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Discuss and vote on a $5,000 funding request from The Young Guns Recommended Action: Move to recommend approval to Rifle City Council for $5,000 to the Young Guns for their Touch-a-Truck event Fiscal Impact: $5,000 from Special Events Budget Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: In 2025, the GRIT Board awarded The Young Guns $5,000 for their Touch-a-Truck event Background Information: The Board heard a presentation from The Young Guns during the June 2026 meeting Executive Summary: The Young Guns are requesting $5,000 in GRIT funding to support their Touch-a-Truck community event Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Application_Young_Guns_2026 Page 24 of 50  GRIT Grant Application and Process The Greater Rifle Improvement Team Advisory Board has two grant cycles a year. The grant cycles are February and July. The application deadline for each cycle is listed below. Grant Cycle Application Deadline Presentation to Board Vote by Advisory Board February December 31st 2nd Tuesday in January 2nd Tuesday in February July May 30th 2nd Tuesday in June 2nd Tuesday in July GRANT APPLICATION 1. Complete the grant application and submit it to Kim Burner at kburner@rifleco.org or 202 Railroad Avenue, Rifle Colorado 81650. For questions regarding the grant application, please contact Kim Burner at 970-665-6496. 2. GRIT event grants are for non-profit or not-for-profit organizations. For-profit organizations/businesses are encouraged to partner with a non- or not-for-profit organization. 3. If the GRIT Board has questions regarding your grant application, they may request additional information or ask you to attend an additional meeting. 4. At its discretion the GRIT Board may fund all or part of the grant request. a. The GRIT Board reserves the right to outline what expenses may be covered by grant funds. 5. The applicant will be notified by email at the address supplied of the outcome of the grant application. 6. GRIT grant funds cannot be used for operating expenses of the applicant organization or any associated organization including but not limited to payroll/staff expenses, utilities, supplies (event supplies exempted), etc. a. For questions regarding covered expenses please contact Kim Burner. 7. After the GRIT Board decides on grant applications, the GRIT manager will take the board recommendations before the Rifle City Council for final approval or denial before funds are distributed. PROJECT/EVENT EVALUATION Once the project/event funded by the grant is complete, a Project Evaluation Form is required within 60 days. The GRIT Board may require additional items with the evaluation form. These items will be listed in the notification email sent at the time of application or may be requested after review of the evaluation form. Failure to complete the evaluation may result in the organization being ineligible for future funding. Evaluations may be submitted to kburner@rifleco.org or 202 Railroad Ave., Rifle, CO 81650 no later than 60 days after the completion of the project/event. Page 25 of 50  GRIT Grant Application for Funding Applicant Information Date: 05/30/2024 Organization Name: Young Guns of Rifle Inc Address: 100 E. 4th Street, Rifle CO 81650 Contact Person: Larry Stewart Phone Number: 317-473-2528 Email Address: larrystewart2389@gmail.com Federal Tax ID: 88-1994254 State Tax ID: Organization Information Organization’s Current Board of Directors or Trustees Name Phone # Email Address Klayton Costanzo 970-319-3669 klaytoncostanzo@hotmail.com Larry Stewart 317-473-2528 larrystewart2389@gmail.com.com Tyler Davis 970-319-3920 TDavis@ShelterInsurance.com Evin Sartin 970-319-6099 evinsartin@alpinebank.com Page 26 of 50  Brief summary of Organization’s History The Young Guns started the Touch a Truck event in 2022. Our goal was to get kids excited about careers in heavy machinery, trades, and emergency services. The event lets families get up close to big trucks and equipment to learn how they work.Thanks to support from GRIT and local businesses, the event grew quickly over the next three years. It became a popular and lasting community tradition. In 2026, the event grew even bigger. The Young Guns teamed up with Colorado River Fire Rescue to host a joint event alongside the fire department's annual Open House. This partnership brought together big construction trucks and emergency rescue vehicles in one place. Families got to explore the trucks, meet local firefighters, and learn important safety tips. This team effort helped connect neighbors and inspired kids to think about future careers as tradespeople or first responders. We estimated close to 2000 attendees came through during this event. Grant Request Amount Requested: $5,000 How many people will benefit from the funding? 2,000.00 In what way will they benefit? This is a family friendly event that will pull in children of all ages for the entire community. Beyond a fun day for families, the event brings neighbors together to support local tradespeople and first responders. It also connects young people directly with future career paths Has your organization applied for a grant in the past? Yes No If Yes, what year? 2025 How much was the grant for? $5,000.00 Following the incredible success of our 2025 event, we are expanding our vision for this year. We aim to bring in over 2,000.00 attendees to the 2026 joint event. Our main goal is to keep Touch a Truck completely free for families. To make that happen, we are growing the event in several ways: More Variety: We are bringing in a wider diversity of businesses, participants, and vendors. Broader Reach: We want to pull in families from all across Western Garfield County by ramping up our marketing efforts. More Food: We will invite additional food trucks to comfortably feed the larger crowds. Better Experience: We are working closely with our corporate partners, using their feedback to build a smoother, higher-quality event . Description of current programs, activities and accomplishments: The Young guns proudly hosts the Austin Booth Memorial Golf tournament which allows us to provide our annual trade school scholarship. This will also be our 5th year of touch a truck and we are regular supporters of the Garfield County Fair and the Salvation Army. If funds are granted, what is your plan to create a self-sustainable program/event? Last year, the Young Guns were lucky to have the support of GRIT. Those funds were key to making our biggest year a huge success. We are still looking for sponsors, and we are incredibly grateful for the high demand and community feedback asking for a bigger event. As we grow, we want to show businesses that sponsoring us brings real value. Our goal is to build strong partnerships that help the event grow and eventually become self-funding Page 27 of 50 Timetable for implementation: Achieving financial self-sustainability remains a realistic 3-to-5-year goal. However, we remain highly responsive to feedback. Strong community demand has driven us to prioritize immediate expansion so we can maximize our positive local impact. Page 28 of 50 The funding for the Greater Rifle Improvement Team is generated through the Lodging Tax. The proceeds of the lodging tax shall be used primarily for the following: Please check the area(s) your request falls under: Visitor Improvement and Attractions Historic Preservation x Special Events City Beautification x City Promotion Program/Project Budget Revenues or other funding sources Individually list all sources of funds (including sponsors) and the level of funding provided: Please see attached sheet for a more concise breakdown Expenses: Please see attached sheet for a more concise breakdown Please attach a balance sheet or profit and loss statement for requesting organization. Please see attached Page 29 of 50  Measure of Success What will be the measurable results? Example: How many people are expected to attend/benefit? Building on the success of 2025, our goals for 2026 are driven directly by community and vendor feedback. To address requests for higher visibility, we are expanding our marketing to attract over 2,000 attendees. Additionally, we are optimizing the event layout and diversifying our vendor list to create a more balanced, high-quality experience for both businesses and families How will the organization define and measure success of the event or project? Success means delivering a highly professional, family-friendly event that unites Rifle and surrounding communities to celebrate the local trades that form our backbone. Through our 2026 partnership with Colorado River Fire Rescue and their annual Open House, we aim to scale attendance to 2,000 visitors. This milestone will drive significant foot traffic to local businesses and establish this as a signature regional event. Ultimately, we want to transition our corporate participants into long-term stakeholders who will help drive our future growth To what degree will the project and/or organization have a long-term sustainable value to Rifle? Driven by a passion to make our community a better place, the Young Guns are deeply committed to giving back. Touch a Truck allows Rifle to honor the industries that built our region while inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Our exciting joint effort with Colorado River Fire Rescue for year two takes that mission even further. As the event grows annually, this gathering is fast becoming a cherished, family-friendly tradition for our community. Additional information you would like the GRIT Advisory Board to consider: By sponsoring the Young Guns' 2026 Touch a Truck event, you are investing in a premier regional tradition that directly addresses our local skilled labor shortage. In a historic joint effort with Colorado River Fire Rescue, this year’s combined event and Open House will draw over 2,000 residents from across Western Garfield County into Rifle. Your funding keeps this impactful day 100% free for families, drives immediate foot traffic to our local businesses, and gives your brand powerful visibility alongside trusted first responders. GRIT has always been our biggest supporter and as this event continues to grow, we owe our success to you all, so thank you! Page 30 of 50 Touch a Truck 2026 Projections Sponsorships Grit $ 5,000.00 Western Slope Materials $ 575.00 Casey Concrete $ 575.00 Grand River Health $ 575.00 TEP $ 250.00 Total $ 6,975.00 Expenses Jean's Printing $ 1,100.00 Signage Rifle Parks and Rec $ 110.00 Banner First String $ 2,000.00 Advertising Banners and tents and Hats Garfield County $ 220.00 Rental Tyler Davis Insurance $ 250.00 Insurance QR Code Subscription $ 200.00 Registration Micro Plastics $ 330.00 Signage Redi Services $ 550.00 Facilities Colorado West Broadcasting $ 2,200.00 Radio Total $ 6,960.00 Total Income $15.00 Page 31 of 50 Sponsors GRIT Casey Concrete Western Slope Materials Grand River Health TEP Food Trucks The Well Hunger Tech Chilled Out Vendors/Participants Colorado River Fire Rescue Colorado Workforce Center Gallegos Corporation Johnson Construction Screaming Eagle Trucking Twin Guns Native American Crane KMTS Care Flight Rifle Equipment LLC Colorado State Patrol Garfield County Road and Bridge Dad's Towing Mountain Waste & Recycling Rifle Parks and Recreation Kuersten Construction LLC Holy Cross Energy Colorado Division of Wildlife Journey Home Animal Care Center Protestio Brothers Equipment A-1 Heating & Cooling, Inc Ryder Towing and Recovery Alpine Waste & Recycling Page 32 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.b.iii. Agenda Item Name: Discuss and Vote on New Ute Theatre Society, application for funding Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Discuss and vote on a $4,200 funding request from the New Ute Theatre Society Recommended Action: Move to recommend approval to Rifle City Council for $4,200 to the New Ute Theatre Society for their November Comedy series Fiscal Impact: $4,200 from Special Events Budget Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: In January 2026, the GRIT Board approved $3,800 for their winter concert series Background Information: The Board heard a presentation from the New Ute Theatre Society during the June 2026 meeting Executive Summary: The New Ute Theatre Society is requesting $4,200 in GRIT funding to support their November Comedy series Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Application_NUTS_2026 Page 33 of 50 Page 34 of 50 Page 35 of 50 Page 36 of 50 Page 37 of 50 Page 38 of 50 Page 39 of 50 Page 40 of 50 Page 41 of 50 Page 42 of 50 Page 43 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #6.b.iv. Agenda Item Name: Discuss and Vote on RAMBO, application for funding Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Discuss and vote on a $5,000 funding request from RAMBO (Rifle Area Mountain Biking Organization) Recommended Action: Move to recommend approval to Rifle City Council for $5,000 to RAMBO for their annual Grand Hogback Extravaganza Fiscal Impact: $5,000 from Special Events Budget Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: In 2025, the GRIT Board approved $5,000 for their annual Grand Hogback Extravaganza Background Information: The board heard presentation from RAMBO earlier in the meeting Executive Summary: RAMBO is requesting $5,000 to support funding for their annual Grand Hogback Extravaganza Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Application_RAMBO_2026 Page 44 of 50 Page 45 of 50 Page 46 of 50 Page 47 of 50 Page 48 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE AGENDA ITEM REPORT MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026 Agenda Item #7.a. Agenda Item Name: Administrative Reports Presenter: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Item Description: Staff Update Recommended Action: N/A Fiscal Impact: N/A Operational Impact: N/A Prior Board Motions: N/A Background Information: N/A Executive Summary: N/A Notification Requirements: N/A Prepared By: Karah Brubaker, Economic Opportunity Specialist II Attachments: 1. GRIT_Admin_Report_Jul_2026 Page 49 of 50  CITY OF RIFLE Community Development Staff Report Economic Opportunity Specialist II / Main Street Manager Board Meeting | July 14, 2026 | 12:00 PM DEPARTMENT UPDATES Grant Applications • Processing current funding requests and preparing Board agenda materials. • Coordinating applicant presentations and follow-up. Board Development • Continuing recruitment efforts for GRIT Board vacancies. Main Street Initiatives • Advancing downtown revitalization projects and business engagement. • Coordinating downtown misting and shade/canopy initiatives. • Advancing procurement for Wayfindings Page 50 of 50