David Bries

This strategic plan for the Montrose Development & Revitalization Team (DART) aims to establish Montrose as an attractive, vibrant place where people converge and businesses thrive. It leverages the Main Street Approach across four key committees: Design, Organization, Economic Vitality, and Promotions. The plan outlines two primary transformational strategies: "12 x 12" to expand downtown residential development and attract visitors year-round, and "Bullseye History" to emphasize the economic benefits of historic preservation. The overall goal is to foster economic vitality and establish downtown Montrose as a strong business, social, and cultural center.

This presentation outlines the 7th Judicial District Domestic Violence Task Force's vision for addressing domestic violence through the development of the "San Juan Landing" project. The core objective is to provide long-term, safe housing (12 months or more) and comprehensive on-site resources for victims in the Montrose area. These resources include programming for budgeting, basic skills, career development, therapy, support groups, and legal assistance. The initiative aims to support both adult victims and children, fostering healing, empowerment, and breaking the generational cycle of abuse within the community.

The work session primarily focused on introducing new city employees across several departments, including Public Works (Maurice Archeletta, Chris Fod, Dave Swakowski as Irrigation Supervisor, and John Washbush as Park Superintendent), Police Department (Eric Gersenberger), Engineering (Adrien Gara), and Utilities (Sam Michael). Additionally, there was an update provided by Matt Skinner on the Colorado Flights Alliance, covering the impact of the recent government shutdown, overall regional economic vitality driven by air service development, growth statistics, an update on an economic study, and a detailed review of recent air traffic and passenger trends compared to peer airports.

The meeting included the presentation of the You Make a Difference Award to Melanie Hall, recognized for her extraordinary impact as an executive coach and social entrepreneur. During the call for public comment, several residents spoke regarding the complex issue involving the Montrose United Methodist Church and the unhoused population, expressing gratitude for the city's measured handling of the situation and minimal penalties imposed. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. Appointments were made to the Historic Preservation Commission, naming Jeremy Omvig as a full voting member and Kelly Dyer as an alternate member. The primary discussion focused on Ordinance 2702, concerning the first reading of an ordinance to authorize the issuance of approximately $37.5 million in utility revenue bonds for wastewater treatment plant improvements, an interceptor sewer project, and funding related to the new public works facility, with details on the debt service schedule and rating agency review presented.

The City Council Work Session covered interviews for the Historic Preservation Commission, addressing one regular member opening and one alternate member opening, with both candidates possessing relevant experience in historic preservation and archaeology. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the Rio Grand Oak Grove Roundabout and Phase One Rio Grand Extension Project. Discussions included the project scope, which involves building a three-lane roundabout and the first phase of the extension to provide access for the new Public Works shop. The city engineer detailed the improvements to pedestrian connectivity, including sidewalk additions and safer trail crossing points. Bidding results were reviewed, noting that the low bid from Earthworks Excavating at $3.696 million was significantly below the engineer's estimate of $5.2 million. The council is recommending the award to the low bidder, finding them capable despite the large variance. A separate recommendation was made to award survey and construction support work to Delmont.