Town of Hotchkiss

The Board discussed and agreed to increase compensation for elected officials. They initiated the hiring process for a permanent Town Administrator, authorizing the preparation of a code amendment, job description, and requests for qualifications and proposals for a search firm. The Board also authorized the preparation of a request for proposals for a new Town Attorney following the current attorney's resignation. Additionally, the Board entered into an executive session to receive legal advice concerning a Department of Local Affairs assessment and a third-party inquiry regarding town matters.

The meeting included the swearing-in of a new police officer and the presentation of awards for police department personnel, including accommodations for an officer and retiring staff recognition. Public comment focused on town administration and police department operations. The Board addressed action items including a liquor license renewal, a street closure request for a community event, and a request for flag placement by the American Legion. A public hearing was held regarding the passage of an emergency ordinance to implement a water moratorium and restrictions on town standpipe usage due to drought conditions. Additionally, the Board approved a boundary adjustment for properties on East Bridge Street and reviewed information items concerning grant awards and water conservation.

The Hotchkiss Community Master Plan serves as a guide for the town's development, outlining a vision for well-managed growth over the next five to ten years while preserving its unique small-town character. The plan identifies key strategic goals across several areas: public facilities and services, transportation, economic development, the downtown commercial center, recreation, small town atmosphere, land use planning, senior citizen support, community spirit, and tourism. It aims to foster an excellent living environment, support a prosperous business climate, and ensure positive partnerships within the community and region.

The Town of Hotchkiss Sidewalks and Trails Plan, an addition to the Hotchkiss Community Master Plan, aims to make Hotchkiss a pedestrian-friendly small town. The plan focuses on maintaining existing sidewalks in a safe and handicap-accessible condition, constructing new sidewalks where needed, and developing safe walking and bicycling trails. Key areas addressed include identifying current sidewalk deficiencies, outlining future sidewalk and trail projects, and recommending changes to town codes to support these initiatives. The overall vision is to ensure safe, convenient, and accessible pedestrian and bicycling routes throughout the town and connecting to key areas like the High School and recreational facilities.

The meeting included public comments regarding lighted crosswalk signs for pedestrian safety and allegations made against the Town Attorney concerning a civil case and subsequent arrests. Action items included the approval of accounts payable, a donation request of $500.00 for the Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials, and the approval of Resolution 2026-01, which designates the official public notice location and newspaper. The Board approved the 2026 professional contract for Attorney Bo Nerlin, potentially anticipating future Requests for Proposals for town jobs. Furthermore, Resolution 2026-02 authorizing new signers for financial institutions and Resolution 2026-03 instituting a temporary wage freeze for department heads until the 2026 Salary Survey is complete were passed. The Board also entered into two separate executive sessions to receive legal advice regarding a right-of-way dispute concerning Pinon Street Alley and to discuss matters subject to negotiation regarding a potential site lease of town property to City Market.