Shayla Buffington

Key discussions during the meeting included a public request to dedicate a field in honor of a recently passed community member at the South Neighborhood Park. Board members questioned aspects of the South Neighborhood Park planning process, including affordable housing components and the permanence of football use, which staff clarified. Director Wright provided updates on planned listening sessions regarding adjusted pool hours due to RC Slide Tower construction. Old business featured an update on the Parks & Rec Master Plan RFP process and recruitment efforts for a youth member. New business involved the presentation of the 2025 Annual Report outlining challenges such as staffing and infrastructure failures, and an overview of four planned financial analyses for 2026 covering sales tax implications, program cost recovery, and financial policies for major facilities. The department operations report covered general operations, project status updates, and the recruitment status for the Park Superintendent. Significant discussion occurred regarding the RC Sales Tax Overcollection and management of Geer and Denny Lake ponds.

Key discussions included the Golf Pro's report concerning the PGA show, specifically regarding website and online tee time service capabilities, with a follow-up direction to investigate issues with non-resident tracking and tee time modifications. The Superintendent reported on ongoing tree work and procurement of seasonal supplies. The Men's Club presented draft designs for new metal tee markers for season preparation. A significant topic was the 20-Year Financial Analysis/Forecast, which indicated an anticipated annualized deficit of approximately $310,000 based on projected expenses of $985,000 and revenue of $675,000; the committee agreed with proposed next steps for future planning. The committee also reviewed a draft golf program area survey, with feedback requested by January 31st, discussed the scope of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan RFP, and received an update on low snowpack levels and potential contingencies for the irrigation season, such as delaying or reducing the golf season.

The meeting included public comments regarding concerns at the dog park, specifically requesting additional wood chips to mitigate mud and noting challenges with trash disposal. Further public input addressed the long delay in replacing playground slides at Battle Rock School. In committee reports, the Chair praised recent programming efforts. Discussions under Old Business focused on the Parks & Rec Master Plan, including finalizing the RFP evaluation criteria and establishing an interview process for consultants, and the recruitment status for a youth member. New Business centered on the Annual Plan for PARFAB, where the committee expressed concern over the scheduling of parks-related items, particularly the Noxious Weed Program, and the delay in discussing the RC Sales Tax overcollection issue. Department operations updates covered budget priorities for 2026, the status of the City Charter and Code Review, the recruitment for a Park Superintendent, and further information regarding the RC Sales Tax issue and pond/water management concerns at Denny Lake and Geer Pond.

The committee discussed the 2025 and 2026 work plans, as well as ongoing Third Thursdays planning. Committee members will assist in creating a presentation for the City Council, including the 81321 Launch, Third Thursdays, First Friday movies, and new murals in town. The January 2026 meeting was canceled. Updates were provided from committee members on the Cortez Creative Arts District, the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, and the School Community Youth Collaborative. The Mancos Choir will be performing in December. There was also a discussion about a Keith Hutchinson art piece donation to the City and the search for a new Library Director. The Southwest Education Collaborative will have an event on skilled trades for students.

The Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board Meeting included discussions and updates on several key areas. Updates were provided on the Parks & Rec Master Plan, youth member recruitment, the 2026 budget, and the 2025 project status, including projects that were over budget. The board also discussed the City Charter and Code review, department program surveys, and 2026 fee adjustments. The meeting concluded with a department operations report, which highlighted changes to the park's staff and a leadership development program.