City Council - Regular Meeting

Oh, busy busy busy.

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Okay.

All right. Want to make make sure last chance I didn't make announcements. So, if you want to have public comment, make sure you're signed up before the time Lori or Courtland gets there. All right. Like to call to order the Florence City Council meeting for Monday, March 2nd. Call the meeting to order. Please rise for the pledge.

I aliance to the flag of the United States of America. to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Roll call, please. Councelor Van Hton. Councelor Stifel, here. Councelor Mgleman, here. Councelor Gardner, here. Councelor Stone. Councelor McKinnon here. Mayor Wolf here. Um, first order of business, public comments. Um, reminder, three minute limit. Uh, you'll speak directly to the to the council. Uh, Isabelle Barto.

Hello, Isabelle. Make sure the the buttons pushed and down it's green. And then state your name and address. Hello, Isabelle Barto 311 South Union. Okay, Florence. Okay, thank you. Um, the city manager and I had spoke about the property and I don't know if it has been brought up to you. If not, because we spoke about this a month ago and she was supposed to inform you about it. I don't know if you know anything about it or not.

Yeah, I' I've been informed a little bit about about it. Um, I'm not exactly sure where we're at. We talked about it in the committee meeting. That is the property on the committee that we had that we talked about. That's right. Yes. So, we did talk about it. Okay. Um and you chose not to move forward with the vacating of the alley. With the Yeah. of the alley or the street?

The street. Excuse me. Okay. I as of yesterday, I've I've been on that property that is next to my property for 35 years. The city nor the county nor the state has ever stepped foot on there to take care of it. I have. And as of three months ago, I got a citation to clear off my stuff off of it. And now all of a sudden, is important that the city has use of it. For what purpose, I don't know. And I have maintained it, cleaned it, cut the tree, put road base on it, and now all of a sudden I had to vacate it. And I don't know why. Still don't know why. And I'm asking you to vacate it or open it up as a street and pave it and put it into your your monies to maintain it because you have not for 35 years. Okay. And I'd like to know what you're going to do about it. Okay. Well, I know as as as municipal property cannot be adversely possessed. Um municipal property can't be adversely possessed. Um, and we chose not to vacate it because it's a and you guys might have to help me here a little bit with the the legal part of it.

I'd like an explanation because it's only 135 ft. It goes nowhere. And the alley that's adjacent that goes into the next person's property is not opened. You have not gone after off after that piece of property, but you've gone after 135 feet that goes nowhere, but you want it. And no one's explain to me why. If Ashley hasn't got back with you after our committee meeting, when she gets back from vacation, we'll we'll get we'll get with you. is about and then in the event that you do want it, I want to know where you're going to find the money to pay it, take care of it because I've taken care of it for 35 years as of yesterday. Okay.

Okay. Thank you. We I I assure you we will get back with you. All right. Item four, consent agenda. Um, consider approving the minutes, city expenditures, a liquor license renewal for the Elks Club, special event permit for the Elks Club, and temporary use permit for the Florence Brewing Company. At this time, does would any council member like to pull any of those consent agenda items? Okay. Hearing nobody wants to pull any of those. Do we have a mo motion to approve the consent agenda?

I'll make the motion to approve agenda consent agenda A B C D and E, please. Do we have a second? I'll second that. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Okay. Motion carries. New business. Consider adopting an ordinance amending the Florence Municipal Code regarding registered sex offender regulations. City manager.

Okay. Good evening, council. Um the the proposed ordinance in front of you is uh housekeeping. Um what we're doing is updating um our ordinance and amending the Florence Municipal Code concerning registered sex offender regulations. Um just a little background on that registration and supervision of sex offenders in Colorado are governed primarily by the Colorado sex offender registration act which in establishes those registration requirements, obligations and community notification standards. Recently, as we're going through our code, we identified provisions and language that prompted uh the proposed update and clarification. The proposed update the proposed ordinance does not create new residency restrictions beyond what is permitted by the state law, but instead ensures the code reflects those current statutory requirements and enforcement procedures. The proposed ordinance has been reviewed by council to ensure consistency and compliance with uh Colorado law. Um so our suggested motion would be to adopt ordinance 12 2026 an ordinance amending Florence Municipal Code Title 8 by adding new chapter 8.64 64 sex offender registry restrictions prohibiting certain sexual violent predators and registration and registered sex offenders from residing near schools, parks, child frequent locations, and providing penalties. So all in all, we just looked at the code and we're updating it to meet the state requirements. So,

okay, any questions? And from what I read on here, if there, you know, people would be grandfathered in if if they are, you know, already living within the the restricted areas. Yes, that's true. Okay.

Any other questions at all? Okay. Do we have a motion? I move to adopt ordinance number 1, 2026, an ordinance amending Florence Municipal Code, title 8 by adding new chapter 8.64, sex offender residency restrictions prohibiting certain sexually violent predators and registered sex offenders from residing schools, parks, and child frequented locations and providing penalties. Do we have a second? I'll second it. Okay. Any last comments? Roll call, please. Councelor Stifel, yes. Councelor Mgleman, yes. Councelor Gardner, yes. Councelor McKinnon. Yes. Mayor Wolf, yes.

All right. Uh, new business. Uh, item B, consider approving a resolution acknowledging the completion of portions of the public improvements in High Meadow subdivision filing for phase one. Uh, I imagine this is city manager since Ashley's on.

Yes. Okay. Yes. I will uh take this for her. Um some of you all might uh recognize this as this is um part of this con this high meadows sections. This is uh filing from number four uh phase one. So subdivision regulations of the city of Florence require the developer to construct all public uh improvements in any subdivision. So, High Meadows filing number four, phase one, public improvements, which um the expectations of sidewalks have been installed and completed. Phase one includes one to nine blocks 2, lots 24, 29 block one, um as shown in the diagram. So, you can kind of see where the sidewalks that we're talking about. The developer has provided collateral in form of acceptable that is acceptable to the city in the amount of $17,10 to guarantee completion of all required sidewalks at the developer sole expense. So basically we're taking it upfront to ensure that those sidewalks are done. Um there's no financial impact to the city as we just hold it until they are completed. Um if they're not completed then we would use those funds to do the sidewalks. Okay.

Um did you have any questions? So the roads pay curb and gutter are in. It's just in those spots there's no sidewalks right now. Right. And in order to fulfill to get the next set of building permits there has to be the sidewalk. So this allows them to continue developing with the money in the escrow. Okay. And you can see the contract signed with the developer um along with proof of payment.

Any other questions? I just wanted to add I do believe this follows similar p practices in the past with the previous filings. So just same as you've seen before. Yes, it's the exact same um same way we did it with the other phases in High Meadows. Is this the last section up there that needs sidewalks? It's the last section within this phase, I believe. In this phase. Yeah. Yeah. I believe they're they're putting in the sidewalks as they go along on the Yes. On the other on phase A and phase B on our diagram.

Yeah. They've been putting in the sidewalks as they build the property. I imagine they have the same agreement. Yes. Yes. For those. Yeah. All right. My only comment is I am glad that the city is is uh you know got a good policy down here on this and we're sticking to our guns and so you don't have some of these things slip through the cracks and all of a sudden we don't have sidewalks where they're supposed to be sidewalk. Right. Yep. We're committed to following those procedures from the subdivision agreements.

All right. All right. Someone like to make a motion. I'll make a mo a motion to approve resolution number 2-2026. A res resolution acknowledging the completion of portions of the public improvements in High Meadow subdivision filing number four phase one is presented. Okay. Do we have a second? Call second. Roll call, please. Councelor Gardner, yes. Councelor Mgleman, yes. Councelor Stifl, yes. Councelor McKinnon, yes. Mayor Wolf,

yes. Okay. Item C, consider authorizing the mayor to submit a letter of support for the Colorado Local Planning Capacity Grant. Okay. Again, um, city manager.

All right. very excited about uh Ashley working so hard on uh this the so as you know we adopted our master plan that is establishes our updated goals policies and implementing strategies for future growth land use infrastructure housing and economic development. While the master plan provides clear policy direction, the city's existing land use regulations require modernization and restructuring to ensure consistency with the adopted vision and to provide clear, predictable development standards. So staff's goal is to is to complete with the assistant of a consultant a comprehensive rewrite of the city's land use regulations to ensure full alignment with our new master plan, improve clarity and usability, and create a modern regulatory framework that effectively guides future growth and development. This comprehensive rewrite will include a full audit of existing zoning and subdivision regulations, identification and correction of inconsistencies within the master plan. Restructuring and organization of the code for clarity and ease of use, updating to zoning districts, tables, standards, modernization of subdivision, um incorporation of current statutory requirements and best practices. Uh so staff is requesting city council to authorize us to apply for a fund funding through DOAS and you know DOA is a uh department of local affairs Colorado local planning capacity grant program to complete a comprehensive rewrite of the city's land use regulations. The grant does not does require a 50 cent uh 50 50 cent 50% local match and that is where we're needing the approval. The total estimated project cost is $80,000. The city is requesting a grant for $40,000

and will have to provide a 50% local match. So, uh 40,000. As part of the application requirements, a formal letter of support from the city must be signed confirming the city's commitment to the project, matching fund, implementation, and the acceptance of grant. Um matching funds will come out of planning department's professional services. Um any questions? So this is a a big job to go through. So the consultant will help and guide Ashley and help us do it just pretty close to the way the master plan was done. So it's the professionalism. Um so Ashley went out and found a grant through Dola. Um and that's what we're asking for your support. questions.

This isn't a reszone. This is to redefine the the definitions of what going to go on in that zone. Update it for Yes. For it's not Yeah, it's looking at it all. But we're not reszoning the city. No, it's just looking at it. Just looking at it and looking at to modernize, update, and give suggestions. So it says the estimated project cost is 80,000. Yes. Is this one of those from DOA you get money up front or do you complete the project and then ask for reimbursement? Most of them are reimbursements.

Okay. Um so when we put out uh probably have to put an RFP for this for the services. Is that how you would do that or? Uh yes, because it'll be uh past the $50,000 that requires RFP. Okay. Um would you have in there uh stipulations not to exceed Oh, yes. Yes. Y because the max we can get from Dola is $40,000. Well, the project total cost would be $80,000. And Ashley did do a lot of research to come up with those costs and she did work with Dola to get those costs and those pricing. Okay. So, so to keep it at the match and get the max from Yes. We would have a not to exceed

Yes. clause in the contract. Okay. Do you know when the uh due date is and then acceptance? Do you have any dates or yet? No, I just know as soon as uh if it's approved, it goes tomorrow. So, we're getting to the very close to the deadline. I don't think she put that. I don't think she put that in there, but she did meet all the deadlines of applying. This is our last step is the support of council. Okay. Okay. Do we have any other questions?

I move to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support for the city's application to the Colorado Local Planning Capacity Grant Program. We have a second. Second. Roll call, please. Councelor Stiflel, yes. Councelor McKinnon, yes. Councelor Mkelman, yes. Councelor Gardner, yes. Mayor Wolf,

yes. Let me just state that I'm I'm glad to see staff reaching out and going out there and trying to find some grants. Um, it's good because we have the these local like DOA grants are much easier to work with than than federal grants. And so, I'm glad we are utilizing those. Okay. Council reports Matt, you have anything? No report. Okay. Um Gail

attended the 150 250 consortium meeting last Tuesday and then right afterwards was planning. So all progressing

all progressing. Um there are two buildings that um will be proposed to council soon. Uh they're in the review process for planning and the um tavern talks are ongoing. All of the passport books have been handed out to fifth graders throughout uh Fremont County and our school district asked if there were any left over because they wanted to hand some out to fourth grade and there were extras. So they were given about 80 I believe uh passport books for fourth grade. So that made me happy when I heard that. Yeah, because that's where our fourth grades really have the Colorado history in the in the curriculum. That's good. Um, I went to city planning and I went to FEDC again and the other day Diane sent out kind of a minute summary of the meeting and I know we uh talk a lot about where we went to and you hear all these sy alphabet meetings and all this stuff all the time and I just wanted to go over some stuff that she had on this meeting because I think it kind of gives you an idea of what FEDC does. This is just one month. What? Yeah, one month. Uh business updates. Now, this is the this is the paid administrative staff of FEDC. And this is some of the projects they're involved in right now. One is an uh outfit called Navity Aerospace Company has chosen to establish its administrative offices at emergent campus which is Florence with plans to

include a manufacturing operation in Fremont County starting with 10 to 12 employees. More than likely those are going to be upper level entry opportunities. Project Phum proposed $60,000 square foot manufacturing facility that will anchor a new commercial manufacturing park in Fremont County. Project Solless site selection for a 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Fremont County is underway. the another free uh free feedc egg start which is here in Fremont in the uh meric campus that's the robotic agricultural equipment team visited guidest stone farm and salida to explore strategies for expanding a high-profit prop crop crop crop production and local local producer sustainability in Fremont County. So, they're going to talk to some people down there that are in in the egg business already about expanding here to Fremont County. A local commercial flower grower in Canyon City is expanding into a high value produce cultivation using robot robotic methods. Uh, autonomous nano tractors barnal.com egg start. I don't This stuff is all these abbreviations and stuff like that. try to understand it. But it's basically robotic farm equipment. And these people here at emerg campus where it's originally from Launa I think the first time we met him the young man and his wife and they've grown this thing and just this absolutely incredible operation now. And uh they're going to start working with this flower grower to uh I think even go into uh more more

products than just flowers. And the emerging campus was named top three finalist for one project year in the Colorado Technology Association awards and I think Barnell won. I think they were the top tech start in Colorado last year. So that's all a lot of it right here in Florence and it just you know I don't have that much to do with it. It goes on between stuff. A lot of these uh meetings and a lot of these things are confidential until they break. But uh you got to keep your ears open because some of this is starting to fall in our lap. So just want to let you know it wasn't all just going to meetings.

Nothing to report.

All right. Mayor's report. Um attended senior coffee chat. Um attended the regional. We had the regional water meeting. Um had a good report from the water superintendent about planting and our most recent results that got from our water testing. Um been encouraging the entities to submit questions, request information, and communicate with the city on all water issues. Um just be up and be upfront with us and if they got questions, put them together and come talk to us. Uh I spent part of an afternoon with uh Justin Hart uh mayor of Rockville just just talking about things and and making sure he understood some of the major concepts. uh you know continue to meet several times a week with the city manager or staff members and uh you know real happy with with the availability and the transparency and just being able to have those those good conversations. Uh attended the big horn roundt uh steering committee. Uh I went for uh Lori city manager on that one. Um, you know, and it's good because the Big Horn Roundt was a group that was put together because a lot of people felt that this outdoor recreation organizations started in Colorado Springs and El Paso County and they talked about Fremont County, but it never got all the way down here. And so the big horn round table are local organizations trying to work with um those upriver and chaffy county and extend it all the way down make sure you know we look at what we have down here. Uh and you know Lori's been u getting on

the steering committee. Uh I know she gave them our master plan. I know the the the director of the big horn round table looked at that and and matched some things up. up. I think we got some information today from him in an email. Um, so I'm real happy that, you know, we're not sitting back as a as a city and just letting things happen over in Canyon that we're actively taking part on because we would really want to see I that that Arkansas River corridor extend all the way down to Florence if we can. Now speaking on that, I got an update on the Minqua Dam project and the push back is coming from CPW itself because they don't want warm water species moving up beyond the Miniqua Dam. You think about Lake PBLO was created and they put warm water species in there and they're not natural to the, you know, to our streams here. Neither are the brown trout or the rainbow trout, but they don't want things like smallmouth bass, wipers, uh carp moving up. And you know, if if our climate continues to warm and the river stays warm, you know, there's a chance some of those species could move up. So, the next thing they're working on is is there a way to revise plans to where you can get a boat around and keep the fish from going upstream. So, that's why we haven't heard a lot because I think it's gone back to the drawing board a little bit. Um, but again, uh, you know, I'm still real hopeful that that something will happen. There's a lot of interest. People want to see that happen. I know rafting companies want to see it happen and get down here to to the Florence and down to our river park. So, uh we'll be keeping

everybody updated on that. Um and speaking of water, you know, we have with our very low snow pack, there are several potential items that we're going to have to be looking at. Um and I know we've started that conversations. uh about looking at our drought our drought plans and uh I think every municipality in the state of Colorado has to be uh taking it seriously this year. So um you know we'll we'll keep people updated on that and if you know hopefully it doesn't affect you know events and activities but there's always that possibility. We hope not though. Uh, and my last reminder to to council is get your comments back to Courtland uh on planning commission applicates. They're due tomorrow. Okay. And you guys all got an email on that one. Okay, [sighs] that's all I got. See you manager. Okay, just uh a few more things outside of my report. Um just wanted to give you a reminder that we have um the sidewalk bid out, the PD parking lot in the Pioneer Park bathrooms. Uh the pool is out, but unfortunately we did not get any we didn't get any takers on it. So Courtland's working hard with the engineer trying to uh reach out and see if we can't get somebody to look at that. So just wanted to give you an update on that. Um and sidewalks PD and Pioneer looks like um we'll probably have some good bids on that based on the pre-bid meeting. So excited about getting those projects underway. Um

very I'm excited about this. I don't know. Um me and chief um have been talking a lot about code enforcement, spending a lot of time on looking at codes and um looking at the abatement process. Um so we have uh brought back Matt Valdez. So we now have two full-time code enforcements. The people have spoken and we have listened. Um so uh they are back started out today back today. We have a good plan. We got some good people in place. Um we're all on the same page. So council, you will be seeing some uh code updates um coming in as we're looking at those specific codes. Now, not all of them at once because Courtland will want to keep Courtland, but um we are going to be bringing those in uh periodically to update some of those that are that are they're just outdated. So, you will be seeing So, we're pretty excited about that. Um let's see. Did a lot of driving around with Ashley and Chief. So, I think we've looked at everything. So, we've got it. So, like I said, you you spoke and we heard. Um, couple things. Street lights. Lots of street lights are out. Um, I would ask everybody if you see a street light that's out and you're walking around, think, "How can I get that to somebody?" Put it in 81226. Just even if you can't see the number on it, let me know and we'll get those in because Brenda, there was a ton of them downtown. Sam's been on a street light mission. Um, so if we do miss something and you're out and about walking around and you see it out, let us know and we'll get that turned into Black Hills um, as soon as possible. But use A1226. That's a good resource. It go straight to me and I'll

go right in as soon as I read it. Um, we have two town halls scheduled. That was the other thing part of my 100 day commitment. Um, we have two town halls. Um, Brendan Gails is scheduled uh, 3 to 5. um here in our brand new city hall room because we want to show that off. And what day was that? Why did I not write that down? March 9th. I'm sorry. Uh March 9th, 3 to 5 in the new pretty room. So, um that will be Brenda and Gail. And Courtland will post this everywhere so she'll keep you everybody informed. And then, uh Tammy's ward will have one on the 28th at the pore house from 9 to 10. Um, [laughter] uh, let's see. Cleanup week is upon us. So, please be getting ready for that. And we're going to have two cleanup weeks. We're going to have a spring and a fall. Um, but please, once spring's done, don't put f fall out just yet. Uh, let's see. [sighs and gasps] That may be that may be it. Oh, we're gonna have regional meetings here. Super excited about showing off Florence. We've really worked hard to clean up and um get Florence out there with all the other cities. So, we have a lot of takers on this Courtland. We are hosting the regional meeting for all the county managers and city managers in southern Colorado. There is probably 30 of them signed up and we're going to show off Florence City Hall and the wonderful things that we're doing. So, we're

we're very excited about that. March 20 21st.

Yep. And we've never really been a part of that and we I was so excited that we were asked to join that. So, we jumped in. We're going to learn a lot from them. March 26th. Um, and then I won't steal your thunder on Civic Academy because Courtland's been working really hard. Civic Academy, everybody. This is a super cool thing to get people engaged in government, how it works, and, you know, building relationships with the community. Olivia from the Daily Record came in and had a a talk with us last week. So, there'll be a newspaper article about it. Um, and Portland's going to start blasting that out on all of our avenues. So, I will let her talk about that. Um, we're hoping it's very successful and it'll get people talking about um, the government and understanding government. So, um, I will let you talk about that. Did you guys have any questions for me? I did give a job offer to a finance manager. We're waiting for the last of it. I'm so excited. I'm so excited um to bring somebody in um and help us that has some experience and um can grow with the city. So um

she says I do, but I don't March uh she'll be here at the end of March if everything comes in. Very excited about that.

Um so Civic Academy is a new program brand new to city of Florence. Um, I'm sure a lot of people may have participated in Canyon City's Police Academy. It has a similar structure. Uh, it's an eight-week course. It's available on Tuesday nights to 12 uh, City of Florence residents. You have to be 18 years or older. You have to live within the city of Florence within the Ward boundaries. The registration will be live online tomorrow on the city's web page and we'll also be pushing a promotional thing via Facebook and Constant Contact. But the um main purpose of the program is to pretty much open city hall to our citizens so that they can meet with each department and learn about the inner functions and ultimately what we do. So week one um Tuesday night would be just kind of like ice breakers so that our 12 residents can really kind of get to know each other as it'll be a course that they will eventually graduate from and be formally recognized here at city council. Uh but each week is a different topic. So city clerk will start with week one with just basic government 101. How does city council get here? Uh what does it look like as far as passing code? What is what does it look like where statutes come into play? So, I've kind of created like a um hands-on mock city council meeting and stuff like that. And each week will be a different department. All of that information will also be available on the website so that they can see who they will be meeting with via each week. Um, but again, it is only open to 12 because we want to kind of keep it a hands-on intimate uh Q&A uh relationship building experience. This will be round one, but I anticipate if it's successful a lot of other rounds in the future. So, any questions on civic academy?

Does this relate at all to I I've seen the departments have have reached out to a lot of the high school and gone up there and had talks with them. Um, are you hoping to get some high school kids involved with this or do you think it's going to be more adults? I don't think that those conversations were related. Um, at this point, I am anticipating some adults. I'm anticipating our frequent flyers to sign up. Um, but uh yeah, I'll be very interested to see the traction. Uh, so again, we do we do think that we will launch it with a certain participation rate. We at least want want 50%. Um, and of course that those participates participants would have to complete a certain percentage of the program to graduate. So, uh, tell your friends. Okay.

And I think, uh, Steve, what you're talking about with the kids is we're really trying to get involved with the school and the kids and the superintendent and be part of those uh, hiring events, showing what jobs we have. Um, I know our building inspector and Marco went and did a presentation. So, we are going to continue to do whatever they invite us to do or we want interns. Um, I spoke to the superintendent about that. So, whatever we can do to get the interest in government as mo a lot of the our staff here are Florence High School graduates. So, why not?

Yeah. Okay. All right. Thank you. Any questions? All right. City attorney, anything? Nothing for me? Okay. Anything else? City clerk. I'd like to We got two councilman absent tonight. Uh James has had some health concerns and we're all hoping him a speedy recovery and see him back here soon. The little blonde one is trumpsing around the jungles of Sumatra. And uh [laughter] we thought tonight since how she gets to do that for fun, she could at least bring us back an orangutang.

So if she's listening, maybe we'll have some fun around here. Okay. Anything else? Sam, anything? Okay. I thought we made some decisions on the paving project, didn't we? No, it's all you guys are supposed to decide what streets and I think at this point you guys were all looking around the streets and we were going to probably discuss it in committee. So, it Yeah. Okay. So, yeah,

we're just you guys. Yep. Just we'll uh we'll do that in the committee. Okay. Okay. All right. Everybody got that? Okay. Okay. Any need for executive session? Hearing none. Do we have a motion to adjurnn? I'll make a motion to adjurnn. We have a second. Second. All in favor? I I

any opposing journ at 7:10 I know.

I know. I really don't know where my mind I mean, it's just real