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CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024
7:30 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, ROLL CALL, APPROVAL OF AGENDA.

CONSENT AGENDA

The listing under "Consent Agenda" is a group of items to be acted on with a single motion and vote. This agenda is designed to expedite the handling of limited routine matters by City Council. Either the public or a Councilmember may request that an item may be removed from the Consent Agenda at that time, prior to Council's vote. The Mayor will ask if a citizen or Councilmember wishes to have any specific item removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.

Approval of the Council Special Meeting/Worksession and Agenda Minutes for August 13, 2024.

Approval of the Expenditure List for August 27, 2024

Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License application for L&D Development Inc., DBA J Fargos, located at 1209 East Main Street, Cortez.

Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License and Outdoor Dining Agreement for WildEdge Brewing Collective, LLC., DBA WildEdge Brewing Collective, located at 111 North Market Street, Cortez.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There is no limit to the number of speakers, although public comments will be held to an overall time limit of 30 minutes.
(Speakers have a time limit of three (3) minutes per person, may only speak once, and may not cede time to another commenter. Please reference rules below.)

PRESENTATIONS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Appointment of Representatives for the City of Cortez Dispatch User Group

Council will consider approving Resolution No. 16, Series 2024, a resolution appointing Council Member Dennis Spruell and Acting Chief of Police Andy Brock as the representatives of the City of Cortez to the Dispatch User Group.

Presenter: Vern Knuckles, Chief of Police

Appointment to the Cortez Historic Preservation Board

Council will consider appointing Elizabeth Quin McMillan to the Cortez Historic Preservation Board as the representative of the Montezuma County Historical Society.

Presenter: Linda Smith, City Clerk

Authorization for City Manager to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Cortez for HVAC Installation at the Cortez Public Library

Council will consider authorizing the City Manager to finalize a contract on behelf of the City with Comfort Air Mechanical, Inc. for installation of a new HVAC system at the Cortez Public Library.

Presenter: Brian K. Peckins, Director of Public Works

Letter of Support Request from Fundamental Needs Inc.

Fundamental Needs Inc. requests a Letter of Support for an application for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant.

Presenter: Helen West, Community & Economic Development Specialist

DRAFT RESOLUTION/ORDINANCES

CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT

10.

CITY MANAGER'S REPORT

11.

CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mayor's Report on Workshop

Other Board Reports

12.

OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS

Executive Session as needed.

13.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There is no limit to the number of speakers and no overall time limit.
(Speakers have a time limit of three (3) minutes per person, may only speak once, and may not cede time to another commenter. Please reference rules below.)

14.

ADJOURNMENT

PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION 11, SERIES 2022, PUBLIC COMMENT:

--Individuals may comment regarding items on the Council agenda or any other topic they wish to address the City Council about, including items discussed in a previous Council Workshop. Those wishing to comment must register by completing an "Intent to Speak" card (located outside of the Council chambers). Completed cards will be collected at the start of the meeting and delivered to the Mayor, who will call each speaker to the podium at the appropriate time. Comments specific to agenda items scheduled for public hearings should be reserved and delivered during the public hearing session.
--Courtesy, civility, and respect for others is expected. All comments should be addressed directly to the Council. Commenters who are called upon by the Mayor to speak are the only persons allowed to speak during the allotted time. Comments, or other distractions from the audience intended for commenters or others are not permitted. The Mayor, as the chairperson for the meeting, retains the discretion to deviate from the formats described below.
--There are two general opportunities for citizens to address the Council:
For the first opportunity (which will occur toward the start of the meeting) there is no limit to the number of speakers, although public comments will be held to an overall time limit of 30 minutes so City business may proceed. Speakers have a time limit of 3 minutes per person, may only speak once, and may not cede time to other commenters.
For the second opportunity (which will occur toward the end of the meeting) there is no limit to the number of speakers, and no overall time limit. Speakers have a time limit of 3 minutes per person, may only speak once, and may not cede time to other commenters.
--Other Opportunities to Participate
Citizens may also participate via email if addressed to councilcomments@cortezco.gov. Comments received by 3:00pm the day of a Council meeting will be delivered to Council the same day and entered into the meeting minutes. Citizens may also send letters to the Council by addressing them to "City Council" 123 Roger Smith Ave., Cortez, CO 81321. In-person deliveries are also accepted.

MOTION TO GO INTO 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);
--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);
--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)
--For discussion of a personnel matter under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(f) and not involving: any specific fie employees who have requested discussion of the matter in open session: any member of this body or any elected official: the appointment of any person to fill an office of this body or of an elected official: or personnel policies that do not require the discussion of matters personal to particular employees
--For discussion of a matter required to be kept confidential by the following federal or state law, or regulation: ____ under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(c)
--For discussion of specialized details of security arrangements or investigations under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(d)
--For consideration of documents protected by the mandatory nondisclosure provisions of the Open Records Act under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(g)

AND THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL DETAILS ARE PROVIDED:
(a brief description must be included following the statute citation regarding why the executive session is being held)

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Linda Smith
City Clerk
123 E Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
lsmith@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

DONNA MURPHY, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Date:

08/20/2024

RE:

Approval of the Council Special Meeting/Worksession and Agenda Minutes for August 13, 2024.

Attachments

Worksession Minutes 08.13.2024

Agenda Minutes 08.13.2024

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Kelly Koskie
Director of Finance
123 Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
kkoskie@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

SARA COFFEY, PAYROLL/SALES TAX ADMINISTRATOR

Date:

08/21/2024

RE:

Approval of the Expenditure List for August 27, 2024

Attachments

Expenditure List

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Linda Smith
City Clerk
123 E Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
lsmith@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

DONNA MURPHY, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Date:

08/15/2024

RE:

Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License application for L&D Development Inc., DBA J Fargos, located at 1209 East Main Street, Cortez.

Attachments

Renewal- J Fargos

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Linda Smith
City Clerk
123 E Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
lsmith@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

DONNA MURPHY, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

Date:

08/19/2024

RE:

Approval of a renewal Brew Pub Liquor License and Outdoor Dining Agreement for WildEdge Brewing Collective, LLC., DBA WildEdge Brewing Collective, located at 111 North Market Street, Cortez.

Attachments

Renewal- WildEdge

Outdoor Dining Agreement

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Vern Knuckles
Chief of Police
608 N. Park Street
Cortez, CO. 81321
vknuckles@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

Lori Millich, Administrative Secretary/Police

Date:

08/19/2024

RE:

Appointment of Representatives for the City of Cortez Dispatch User Group

BACKGROUND

In January 2024, the Cortez City Council adopted Resolution No. 03, Series 2024 appointing Council Member Dennis Spruell and Chief of Police Vernon Knuckles as the two representatives to the Dispatch User Group for the City of Cortez.

Chief Knuckles is being called to active military duty and deploying in October 2024, for a period of at least 365 days. Therefore, we are requesting that the City Council appoint a replacement for Chief Knuckles as the City's second representative to the Dispatch User Group Committee. For ease of management and clarity for the Dispatch User Group, we are requesting re-appointment of Council Member Spruell at the same time.

DISCUSSION

Assistant Chief of Police Andy Brock will be Acting Chief of Police during Chief Knuckles' deployment.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that Council approve Resolution No. 16, Series 2024, appointing Council Member Dennis Spruell and Acting Chief of Police Andy Brock as the City of Cortez representatives to the Dispatch Center User Group.

MOTION

If approved by the City Council, a possible motion would be:

"I move that the City Council approve the resolution appointing Assistant Chief of Police Andy Brock, and re-appointing Council Member Dennis Spruell as the representatives of the City of Cortez to the Dispatch User Group."

Attachments

Resolution No. 16, Series 2024

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Linda Smith
City Clerk
123 Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
lsmith@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

LINDA SMITH, CITY CLERK

Date:

August 15, 2024

RE:

Appointment to the Cortez Historic Preservation Board

BACKGROUND

Elizabeth Quinn MacMillan was introduced to the Council at the Council Work Session held on August 27, 2024. A board seat is reserved for a representative of the Montezuma County Historical Society on the Cortez Historic Preservation Board. This seat has been vacant for some time. Ms. MacMillan was recommended for this appointment by the Montezuma County Historical Society at their board meeting held on August 9, 2024.

DISCUSSION

The term for a representative of the Montezuma County Historical Society on the Cortez Historic Preservation Board is for three years.

FISCAL IMPACT

None

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that Council appoint Elizabeth Quinn MacMillan as the Montezuma County Historical Society representative on the Cortez Historic Preservation Board for a three-year term.

MOTION

If agreed upon by the City Council, a possible motion would be:

"I move that Council appoint Elizabeth Quinn MacMillan as the Montezuma County Historical Society representative on the Cortez Historic Preservation Board for a three-year term."

Attachments

Letters for Ms. MacMillan

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Brian Peckins
Director of Public Works
110 West Progress Circle
Cortez, CO. 81321
bpeckins@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

BRIAN PECKINS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Date:

August 27, 2024

RE:

Authorization for City Manager to enter into a contract on behalf of the City of Cortez for HVAC Installation at the Cortez Public Library

BACKGROUND

Last year, General Services – through ME&E Engineering – bid out the HVAC installation for the Library. Comfort Air Mechanical, Inc. was the only bidder and City Council accepted Comfort Air Mechanical, Inc.'s bid to complete the project on May 23, 2023.

DISCUSSION

A Notice of Award was signed by both parties in 2023 and the Contractor then furnished the City with the Certificate of Insurance, Performance Bond, and Payment Bond. Due to a backlog at the manufacturer's plant and time constraints with the Contractor, the parts were delayed and a Construction Agreement has not yet been negotiated and signed.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that City Council authorize City Manager Drew Sanders to proceed on behalf of the City with the negotiation and signing of a contract with Comfort Air Mechanical, Inc. for the HVAC installation at the Library.

MOTION

If agreed upon by the City Council, a possible motion would be:

"I move that City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and sign a contract with Comfort Air Mechanical, Inc. for the Library HVAC installation project, in accordance with its bid that was approved on April 12, 2023, for $246,430.00".

Attachments

Library HVAC Installation Backup

CITY OF CORTEZ
123 ROGER SMITH AVENUE
CORTEZ, CO 81321

Rachael Marchbanks
Community/Economic Development Director
123 Roger Smith Ave
Cortez, CO. 81321
rmarchbanks@cortezco.gov

Memorandum

To:

CORTEZ CITY COUNCIL

From:

Helen West, Community and Economic Development Specialist

Date:

8/21/2024

RE:

Letter of Support Request from Fundamental Needs Inc.

BACKGROUND

Fundamental Needs Inc. is registered as a Colorado nonprofit corporation and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Cortez, Colorado, that provides sustainable relief to communities in need. In 2024, Fundamental Needs began an entrepreneurship program in Cortez working with local startups and high school students from Southwest Open School on entrepreneur skills and funding for their projects. In March 2024, Fundamental Needs held a pitch competition for both Cortez startups and Southwest Open School (SWOS) students where winners were awarded grant funding to accomplish their goals. Fundamental Needs is now aiming to build a "maker space" in Cortez to help foster innovation, education, and economic development in Cortez.

There are several key objectives to the maker space project. These include:

Access to Advanced Tools
Bridging the Gap for Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Vocational and Educational Programs
Entrepreneurial Support
Community Making
Workforce Development

Fundamental Needs Inc. hopes this maker space will provide much-needed resources and opportunities for the local community. By creating a collaborative environment equipped with professional-grade tools, Fundamental Needs Inc. aims to bridge the gap between limited access to advanced technology and the potential for community-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.

DISCUSSION

Fundamental Needs does not yet have a building for the makers space. Justice Ramos, Executive Director of Fundamental Needs, spoke with City Staff about zoning requirements for this type of use. Fundamental Needs is currently looking at buildings for sale in the commercial, central business district, and industrial zones, and they were advised of the process for obtaining the appropriate permits and zoning regulations.

Fundamental Needs Inc. is applying for the several grants to assist in purchasing a building for the maker space, conducting renovations, and purchasing equipment such as a 3D printer, CNC machines, and laser cutters. The company is seeking between $315,000 - $340,000 for initial startup costs.

Fundamental Needs Inc. is requesting a Letter of Support from the City of Cortez for a $50,000 grant application for the Hometown Grant from T-Mobile. This grant program funds projects that foster local connections, like technology upgrades, outdoor spaces, the arts, and community centers.

If approved by City Council, the City of Cortez would provide a letter of support for the T-Mobile Hometwown Grant application for Fundamental Needs Inc.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact to the City of Cortez.

RECOMMENDATION

City Staff recommends that the City Council authorize Mayor Rachel B. Medina to sign the Letter of Support for Hometown Grant from T-Mobile for the Cortez maker Space project by Fundamental Needs Inc.

MOTION

If agreed upon by the City Council, a possible motion would be:

"I move that the City Council authorize the Mayor, Rachel B. Medina, to sign the letter of support for the T-Mobile Hometown Grant application by Fundamental Needs Inc."

Attachments

Letter of Support