Eric Smith

The council meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key topics included the approval of in-kind services and fee waivers for the Morgan County Fair and the Fall Harvest Car Show, the ratification of emergency expenditures for storm sewer repairs, and the second reading and approval of an ordinance amending the municipal building code to comply with state mandates. Additionally, the council reviewed the 2027 budget calendar and discussed revenue projections and expense adjustments for the city's utility funds.

The agenda for the meeting includes receiving updates from the Fixed Base Operator, Fort Morgan Aviation Services, reviewing the progress of the Aircraft Parking Apron Expansion Project, and discussing the Airport Pavement Maintenance Project, along with miscellaneous items.

The council heard public comments regarding the denial of restroom facilities for residents participating in a labor protest and concerns about the removal of picnic tables and trash cans from City Park. The council recognized a local restaurant as the business of the month. Action was taken to amend a paving project contract to allow for road repairs in front of a facility undergoing a labor dispute. Additionally, the chief building official presented options for updating municipal building codes to comply with state mandates, recommending the adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code.

The council read proclamations for Foster Care Month and Mental Health Awareness Month and recognized the Business of the Month. Key actions included approving in-kind services and fee waivers for the Bobstock Music Festival, authorizing a generator interconnection agreement with Fort Morgan Solar, LLC, and granting a contract extension for FM Land, LLC. Additionally, the council held a first reading on an ordinance regarding the 2025 Colorado Wildlife Resiliency Code, held public hearings for a special use permit for a telecommunications antenna and for the issuance of wastewater enterprise revenue bonds, and received reports on financial statements and local code enforcement efforts.

The council meeting addressed two primary items. The first was a rate review and recommendation for a 9.5% increase in electric rates to address rising costs from energy suppliers and capital improvement needs. The second item was a project update on the design and development phase of a new aquatic center, where the project team reviewed current budget status and confirmed that all planned site and aquatic elements remain in the design despite increased project costs.