Fruita City Council Minutes 1 August 4, 2026
FRUITA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 4, 2026
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Breman called the regular meeting of the Fruita City Council to order at 7:01 p.m. The meeting
was held both in person and with virtual access provided through Zoom.
Present: Mayor Matthew Breman
Mayor Pro Tem Amy Miller
City Councilor Aaron Hancey
City Councilor Jeannine Purser
City Councilor Rick Parrish
City Councilor Todd Kumro
City Councilor Jared Prochnow
Excused Absent: (None)
City Staff Present: City Manager Shannon Vassen
Assistant City Manager Dan Caris
City Clerk Deb Woods
Management Analyst Kaydee Lucero
Planning Director Henry Hemphill
City Manager’s Office Intern Jordan Jennings
City Attorney Mary Elizabeth Geiger (virtual)
Also Present: Members of the public (in person and virtual)
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Breman called for a moment of silence for reflection.
3. AGENDA - ADOPT/AMEND
City Clerk Deb Woods noted that there was an amendment to the agenda to add a Presentation from the
Museums of Western Colorado’s (MWC’s) Executive Director Shenna Hayden under the Section
“Proclamations and Presentations.”
Mayor Breman noted that he wanted to pull Item D. from the Consent Agenda (First Reading of Ordinance
2026-14 – Amending certain Sections of Title 17 of the Fruita Municipal Code regarding Natural
Medicine) and place it under the Administrative Agenda Section as Item 7A.
• COUNCILOR PURSER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS AMENDED.
COUNCILOR KUMRO SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED
WITH SIX YES VOTES.
4. PROCLAMATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Fruita City Council Minutes 2 August 4, 2026
A. PRESENTATION – FRUITA LIVABILITY COMMISSION BIKE SAFETY FESTIVAL
– CONNIE OVERTON, LIVABILITY COMMISSION CHAIR AND JEFFRY MOHRMAN,
LIVABILITY COMMISSION VICE CHAIR
Kaydee Lucero, Management Analyst and Staff Liaison to the Livability Commission, introduced Chair
Connie Overton and Vice Chair Jeff Mohrman, who were present to provide information about a Bike
Safety Festival the board is hosting on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Shelledy
Elementary. Several vendors will be there handing out giveaways such as helmets, bike lights, tee-shirts
and stickers.
Overton pointed out that $1,300 will be spent to support the event and Lucero confirmed that said amount
had already been appropriated by City Council in the 2026 Budget under Boards and Commissions.
B. PRESENTATION – SHENNA HAYDEN, MUSEUMS OF WESTERN COLORADO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director of the Museums of Western Colorado (MWC) Shenna Hayden announced that the
MWC Board of Directors has made a decision for their revitalization efforts to relocate their operations
to the Fruita site that is currently known as Dinosaur Journey. She noted that the I-70 Interstate access for
tourists was definitely a big part of that decision.
The MWC will embark on a multi-phased thirteen-year Revitalization Plan and is looking to expand their
footprint and therefore, all services. Hayden stated that the MWC and the City of Fruita will be having
conversations in the coming weeks about the partnership between the two and expressed her excitement
about the project over the years ahead.
Mayor Breman asked if the MWC has outlined a capital campaign on the project yet. Hayden responded
that the MWC’s capital campaign will follow the construction, which will be built out in three-year phases
with a year in between each one. She stated that the MWC’s biggest assets are their dinosaurs and
paleontological travel is recognized by many from all over, so the board will be focusing more on creating
tourism moving into the future.
Mayor Breman suggested adding signage to the dinosaur that will be installed at the Grand Junction
Regional Airport and Hayden explained that the MWC is currently heading that initiative and is looking
at it as Phase 1 so that when people get off a plane, they will be staring at the eyeholes of a giant
brachiosaurus with a sign at the base directing passengers to the Fruita location of the MWC.
Mayor Breman asked when construction might start if everything else for the project goes according to
plan and Hayden estimated that it would likely start very late in 2028 or early 2029.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONSENT AGENDA
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Tessa Binam, resident of Fruita, provided the follow comments:
“I’m Tessa Bynum, I live here. I'd like to address two critical issues regarding how our city
manages growth and public trust, specifically, the proposed property that was recently acquired
Fruita City Council Minutes 3 August 4, 2026
and the development that is going to be proposed and the lack of transparency in our workshop
meetings.
I'm going to go really fast because I got to squeeze this all into two. So first, regarding the new
development plan for at least 40 homes. We all agree that housing is needed. But my primary
concern is the water that's going to be going to this property. This property will draw from the
Encanto irrigation system, which is already one of the most burdened systems in our community.
Before we move forward, residents deserve clear answers. Where will the irrigation water come
from? We're already in a drought. If there isn't enough capacity, who decides which existing users
get less? Or are we expecting current shareholders to absorb the impact of this new development?
Or alternatively, if the plan is to irrigate landscaping with municipal drinking water, that deserves
public discussion as well.
The Encanto system already lost water for over 24 hours at the end of June, and there's already
over 300 people served by that irrigation system. Responsible growth means asking these questions
before approvals are granted, not after construction begins.
Second, I want to address a transparency gap that undermines our ability to hold government
accountable. During a recent workshop meeting, the Chief of Police made broad generalizations
about unhoused individuals and claims that the department was finally fully staffed after forever.
While workshop meetings aren't voting sessions, they absolutely share policy and consensus. Yet
there were no recordings, and there were no detailed minutes available. This creates a significant
problem when officials make statements that influence future decisions, the public should be able
to verify what was said. Currently, residents have to rely on memory or hearsay or minutes that
aren't really minutes.
Transparency protects everyone. It allows meaningful public participation and ensures an
accurate record for elected officials and staff alike and the public. So, my requests are twofold:
Provide a clear, long-term irrigation plan for the new development, addressing how Encanto strain
might be mitigated. Or what the plan is to make it better. Implement a policy to record workshop
meetings or make them accessible for everyone on the internet or produce detailed minutes so that
the public can see how our policies are shaped.
Water is one of Fruita's most precious resources, and transparency is the foundation of good
governance. Let's ensure both are protected as we grow. Thanks.”
There were no further comments from the public.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. MINUTES – A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 21, 2026
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
B. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENT – A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE
APPOINTMENT OF ASYLAN VALKO TO THE ARTS AND CULTURE BOARD TO
FULFILL AN UNEXPIRED TERM PLUS AN ADDITIONAL THREE-YEAR TERM TO
EXPIRE IN JULY OF 2030
Fruita City Council Minutes 4 August 4, 2026
C. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENT – A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE
APPOINTMENT OF JEFF HANLE TO THE LIVABILITY COMMISSION FOR A
THREE-YEAR TERM TO EXPIRE IN AUGUST OF 2029
D. ORDINANCE 2026-14 – FIRST READING – AN INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE FRUITA MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING NATURAL MEDICINE (MAYOR BREMAN REMOVED FROM
CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA ITEMS)
E. RESOLUTION 2026-24 – AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LETTER
SUPPORTING THE CITY OF FRUITA’S GRANT APPLICATION FOR WATER
SUPPLY AND STRATEGIC GROWTH ELEMENT ASSISTANCE
• COUNCILOR PROCHNOW MOVED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
AMENDED. COUNCILOR MILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION
PASSED WITH SIX YES VOTES.
Mayor Breman acknowledged the two people who volunteered to be parts of the City’s Boards and
Commissions: Asylan for the Arts and Culture Board and Jeff for the Livability Commission. He said it
is greatly appreciated.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND ACTION ITEMS
Public hearings are held to obtain input from the public on various items. Public hearings are either
Legislative in nature or Quasi-Judicial in nature. Public Input is limited to three minutes per person.
People speaking should step up to the microphone and state their name and address. Each is
described as follows:
LEGISLATIVE – Legislative public hearings are held when the City Council is considering an item
that establishes legislation such as an ordinance amending or establishing laws of the city.
QUASI-JUDICIAL – Quasi-judicial public hearings are held when the City Council is acting in a
judicial or judge like manner and a person with a legitimate interest is entitled to an impartial
decision made on the basis of information presented and laws in effect. Quasi-judicial hearings are
commonly held for land use hearings and liquor license hearings. The City Council must limit its
consideration to matters which are placed into evidence and are part of the public record. Quasi-
judicial hearings are held in the following manner:
- Staff presentation - Staff will present the comments and reports received from review agencies and offer a recommendation.
- Applicant Presentation - The petitioner is asked to present the proposal. Presentations should be
brief and to the point and cover all of the main points of the project. - Public Comment - (limit of 3 minutes per person) Speakers must step up to the microphone and state their name and address. Speakers
should be to the point and try not to repeat the points others have made. - Staff and/or applicant(s) respond to public comment.
- Council will ask questions of staff and applicant.
- The public hearing is closed to public comments.
- Make a motion. A member of the City Council will make a motion on the issue.
- Following a second to the motion, the City Council may discuss the motion.
- Vote. The City Council will then vote on the motion.
Fruita City Council Minutes 5 August 4, 2026
ORDINANCES - After introduction of an Ordinance (First Reading), a public hearing date is set and
notice of the hearing is published in the newspaper. Staff presents the ordinance on Second Reading
and the hearing is opened to the public for public input. After comments from the public, the Mayor
will close the hearing and bring the Ordinance back to the City Council for discussion and potential
action. The Council will make a motion to approve the Ordinance or take no action. In the event the
ordinance is approved, it will become effective 30 days after adoption.
ACTION ITEMS – Action items are items that require Council action and have public comment.
There were no public hearings or action items on the agenda.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA
A. ORDINANCE 2026-14 – FIRST READING – AN INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF THE FRUITA MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING NATURAL MEDICINE (MAYOR BREMAN REMOVED FROM
CONSENT AGENDA AND PLACED UNDER ADMINISTRATIVE AGENDA ITEMS)
Mayor Breman requested that City Attorney Mary Elizabeth Geiger explain why the Council was seeing
Ordinance 2026-14.
Attorney Geiger explained that Ordinance 2026-14 updates the Land Use Code to comply with Colorado’s
Natural Medicine Act and subsequent state legislation requiring local regulations for natural medicine
providers and centers. She noted the amendments were due by July 2026, but Fruita’s adoption was
delayed due to numerous other state mandates requiring updates to the Municipal Code.
Geiger explained that Fruita cannot prohibit natural medicine businesses but can regulate where they are
located through zoning. She noted Grand Junction adopted similar regulations in January 2026 and staff
has used state guidance in drafting the amendments. She added that First Reading simply sets a public
hearing date when a staff presentation, public comment and detailed Council discussion will occur.
Mayor Breman noted the City must adopt regulations under state law. Geiger reiterated that Fruita cannot
prohibit natural medicine businesses, and without regulations, applications would have to be considered
on an ad hoc basis, which she does not recommend.
Councilor Kumro said he felt like the State of Colorado is holding the City hostage at this point in time.
Geiger recommended that Council members study the Ordinance between the First and Second Readings
to see if they have any questions, comments and/or changes.
• COUNCILOR PURSER MOVED TO PUBLISH A SYNOPSIS OF ORDINANCE
2026-14 – AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF TITLE 17 OF
THE FRUITA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING NATURAL MEDICINE FOR
PUBLICATION OF PUBLIC HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2026. COUNCILOR
PARRISH SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION PASSED WITH SIX YES
VOTES.
- CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Fruita City Council Minutes 6 August 4, 2026
Shannon thanked the Council and staff for making the 150/250 Celebration a success despite the heat. He
said an estimated 3,500 people were downtown for the drone show, with additional spectators at nearby
locations, and noted the event received very positive feedback. He also praised the Council’s “150 Years
in 150 Seconds” reading, thanked staff for their teamwork, and said the community was excited throughout
the celebration.
Shannon announced the Municipal Judge position will be posted for just under a month. After applications
are received, the Council will determine the interview process at a special or regular meeting. He noted
that because the Municipal Judge reports directly to the City Council, the hiring process differs from
previous recruitments and encouraged Council members to begin considering how they want to conduct
it.
Shannon thanked Fruita Police Officers who participated in the Comstock Subdivision National Night Out
despite the heat. He noted turnout was smaller than usual, but the event went well, and photos taken by
Community Engagement Officer Ed Pacheco will be included in the Weekly Information Update.
Shannon added that if people are interested in hosting the Police Department for an event such as National
Night Out, staff is always happy to organize it to build relationships between the City and community
members. He noted that last year, there were three or four National Nights Out but there’s been only one
this year.
Matthew requested that staff add a fifteen-minute agenda item at the next Workshop meeting for the
purpose of discussing the process for filling the Judge’s vacancy.
9. COUNCIL REPORTS AND ACTIONS
COUNCILOR AARON HANCEY
Aaron asked Matthew if he had the conversation with any of the Mesa County Commissioners about their
flock cameras. Matthew explained that he has left messages but has not yet heard back.
Aaron reported recently seeing a notice about the Colorado River Federal Plan that came out and asked if
Council would receive any kind of summary of it. He requested that staff keep Council members updated,
whether at a Council meeting or in an email.
Aaron thanked staff and the community for the 150/250 Celebration. He stated that he thought it was a
great addition to the 4
th
of July holiday and hopes to have more drone shows in future years.
Aaron asked which agencies review and approve the proposed 40-unit development and address related
challenges. Shannon said Ute Water and GVIC review all development applications. City Attorney Mary
Elizabeth Geiger explained that Ute Water provides all potable water in Fruita and its regulations govern
water use, including whether potable water can be used for irrigation, which is rarely allowed.
Mary Elizabeth continued by saying that non-potable water is provided by GVIC (or other irrigation
providers serving Fruita) and developers purchase water shares from them. She added that staff also
receives reviews from those irrigation providers on all development applications.
Fruita City Council Minutes 7 August 4, 2026
Mary Elizabeth advised that the City Council did not currently have a development application in front of
them and therefore, it was not appropriate to be discussing any particular development or application
because those are meant to be discussed at quasi-judicial noticed public hearings.
Aaron asked about the difference between Council Workshop and Regular Council meetings. City
Attorney Mary Elizabeth explained that Workshops are publicly noticed and open to the public but do not
allow official action, motions, or votes; Council may only provide direction to staff. She further explained
that each municipality may handle Workshops differently and noted that while Fruita provides meeting
minutes, Workshops are not recorded because the City is not required to do so; they only need to be
publicly noticed and open to the public.
Mary Elizabeth noted that items that require Council decisions will essentially get presented to Council
again at a Regular Council meeting that is noticed, recorded and broadcast.
COUNCILOR TODD KUMRO
Todd reported attending Coffee and Community Connections the previous Thursday morning at
Timberline Bank hosted by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce and the Palisade Chamber of
Commerce and said he received some good information from various agencies in the Valley. He noted
that Amy was in attendance as well and they got to meet some people that they don’t normally have face
time with.
Todd also reported attending a men’s retreat just prior to the 150/250 Celebration and even though he was
extremely tired, the Celebration was off the hook. He commended staff for doing a fantastic job and
thanked them for their efforts.
COUNCILOR JARED PROCHNOW
Jared reported receiving a notification that he is the Council Liaison to the Fruita Youth Action Council,
who will have their first meeting in September after school gets underway and added that he is extremely
excited to get connected with the board.
Jared echoed the other Council members’ comments concerning staff’s efforts to make the 150/250
Celebration a success and thanked them for it. He said he heard a lot of really amazing feedback from the
community such as the City needs to look into buying more t-shirts, which were a hit.
Jared said residents have raised concerns about children operating lemonade stands at Thursday Night
Concerts in Civic Center Memorial Park. He suggested using the City’s social media to clarify when and
where these activities are appropriate, noting that he supports encouraging them but believes guidelines
are needed. Amy confirmed that it’s always been the City’s policy to disallow any vendors in Civic Center
Park at the Thursday Night Concerts, but if there’s an offsite property that agrees to host vendors, they
can do that.
COUNCILOR JEANNINE PURSER
Jeannine asked for confirmation that there’s nothing that would prevent the City Council from recording
Workshop meetings if the Council decides to. Mayor Breman confirmed that to be true.
Fruita City Council Minutes 8 August 4, 2026
Jeannine announced that the Arts and Culture Board will be having an additional meeting on August 5
th
to discuss final details for the “Chalk the Block,” which will be held on August 28
th
. She said more details
about the event are forth