Dan Murphy

The City Council adopted parliamentary procedures and approved an amendment to a local planning capacity grant agreement to incorporate additional incentive funding for affordable housing. The council adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code as a first reading to ensure eligibility for wildfire mitigation grants. Furthermore, the council approved a construction management agreement for the installation of a new geothermal water supply line to the local public pool. Additional actions included final approval of eight micro grant awards for economic development and the approval of a letter of support for an enterprise zone boundary request to the Colorado Economic Development Commission.

The council received a presentation and annual report from Ouray Park Incorporated regarding operations. A decision was made to request the drafting of a resolution for simplified parliamentary rules of order to improve meeting efficiency. A proclamation was read in support of Pride Month and the upcoming county pride celebration. The council reviewed a report on police service models and directed staff to initiate discussions with the county sheriff regarding a potential contract for law enforcement services as an alternative to operating a city department. Additionally, information regarding an upcoming community cleanup day was shared.

The council discussed the implementation of the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, highlighting its purpose to establish minimum regulations for life and property protection, with public feedback to be collected before upcoming action items. Additionally, an amendment was approved to grant the city right of entry for testing backflow prevention and cross-connections in compliance with state health department requirements. The council also authorized an engagement letter with Northland Securities to serve as an underwriter for potential bond issuance, and approved a special event permit for the upcoming 150th celebration Art Walk, which includes street closures.

The council meeting addressed several key business items, including an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement for law enforcement services to update compensation and service expectations. The council also awarded lodging occupational tax grants to six recipients to support local visitation and established a pool pass program for commercial lodgers. A construction management contract for the Main Street revitalization project was approved for the installation of crosswalks. Finally, the council discussed the design for a new pool house, with a directive to obtain engineering assessments on the condition of the existing facility before proceeding with construction plans.

The City Council meeting addressed the limitation of remote meeting participation to six instances, citing a strong community preference for in-person attendance. The Council held a first reading for the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, ultimately deciding to table the discussion for six months to allow for further clarification and feedback. Additionally, the Council approved an engagement letter for the city attorney.