Ellen Babers

The council held a study session that included an indigenous land acknowledgement. Key discussion topics centered on the presentation of the updated public art master plan by the Durango Creative District. Discussions included proposed strategies to modernize the city's public art program, such as creating a holistic, year-round approach to planning capital improvement projects, standardizing procurement and call-for-art processes across departments, and moving away from a full reimbursement model in favor of progress-based payments. The council also explored ways to improve diversity in art solicitations and the feasibility of applying these new standards to broader artistic expressions beyond visual arts.

The council meeting addressed several items, including opening remarks from the mayor and council members regarding local events and transparency, committee reports, and public comments on proposed grant allocations. Key actions included the review and vote on consent agenda items, such as resolutions regarding lodgers tax funding and city ordinances. A specific resolution concerning the allocation of lodgers tax arts and culture funding to Los Companeros was debated due to concerns over the organization's recent conduct.

The City Council meeting included a reading of an indigenous land acknowledgement and public comments regarding proposed text amendments to the city's land use and development code. Specifically, the council discussed the elimination of parcel area minimums for accessory dwelling units and new code definitions concerning electric fences and mats, including their use as deterrents against bear activity.

The meeting was held to disclose the city's intent to apply for an EPA Brownfield cleanup grant. The purpose of the grant is to help remediate hazardous materials, specifically asbestos and lead-based paint, found in the historic city hall and the old Big Picture High School building. This remediation is necessary to allow for the planned repurposing of these buildings into a new city hall and police department. The meeting also included a presentation by the city's consultant regarding the grant application, project management, and the preliminary plans for the construction project.

The meeting included an indigenous land acknowledgement and a presentation from the Durango High School Student Council regarding student achievements, including their Black History Soul Food Dinner, strength and conditioning program successes, music department activities, unified sports, and the aviation pathway program. Additionally, the Council received a presentation from the Sterling Group regarding their ongoing performance excellence evaluation. The 911 Director provided an overview of the 911 technology framework, discussing the transition to Next Generation 911, the adoption of new infrastructure, and the evaluation of AI tools. The meeting also included an introduction to the upcoming community outreach process for the City Hall police department project.