Fruita City Council Minutes 1 July 28, 2026
FRUITA CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
JULY 28, 2026
6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The workshop of the Fruita City Council was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Mayor Matthew Breman.
City Council members in attendance were Aaron Hancey, Jeannine Purser, Rich Parris, Amy Miller,
Todd Kumro and Jared Prochnow.
City Staff in attendance included City Manager Shannon Vassen, Assistant City Manager Dan Caris,
City Clerk Deb Woods, Chief of Police Dave Krouse, Communications and Engagement Manager
Ciara Amann, Planning Director Henry Hemphill and City Planner Joey Morris.
AGENDA ITEMS
- UPDATE FROM FRUITA POLICE DEPARTMENT (6:30 – 7:40 P.M.)
Police Chief Dave Krouse presented a handout of the Fruita Police Department’s Organizational Chart
and noted that for the first time in quite a while, his Department is currently fully staffed. He also
presented handouts that included the number and categories of the top ten calls for service in 2025, the
June 2026 Monthly Incident Report and Monthly Average Response Times Report of the Grand
Junction Regional Communications Center and the 2026-2030 Fruita Police Department Strategic
Plan.
For the first time, the crime of trespassing made the list of the top ten calls for service in 2025. Krouse
attributed this to an increase in unhoused individuals in Fruita and people breaking the curfew at City
parks.
Mayor Breman asked Chief Krouse if he could determine when the Police Department might need to
expand and Chief Krouse said that in order to ascertain that, he would need to look at the number of
calls for service as well as listen to his officers themselves. He added that more in-depth conversations
will be held during the 2027 Budget discussions due to the Public Safety sales tax increase that will go
into effect on January 1, 2027.
Chief Krouse took several questions from Council members concerning factors such as staffing, levels
of service, animal control procedures and policies and the dynamics and nuances related to increases
in calls for services and incidents.
Krouse stated that the information included in the Fruita Police Department Strategic Plan has been
taken from feedback from department staff members, the latest Community Survey and City Council.
Areas that the Fruita Police Department wants to focus on over the next five years include keeping up
with technology and paying attention to new legislation. Chief Krouse noted that it can be difficult to
keep up with the latest technology such as drones, AI, robots and speed cameras, among other things.
Chief Krouse also pointed out that he and his department decided a few years back not to participate
in using flock cameras but to instead pay attention to how other jurisdictions handle it. He stated that
those jurisdictions are currently experiencing a lot of pushback on it.
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There was some brief discussion about residents’ perception of speeding vehicles on 18 Road near the
Adobe Creek Golf Course. Chief Krouse said he would hesitate to use a flock camera in the area and
if an officer is placed there, it changes the behavior of drivers, so that doesn’t do much good. He added
that the Fruita Police Department has no other crash data for that road except the one car that drove
into a house, which by itself is not a good demonstration of the need for enforcement of the speed limit
in that area.
Councilor Hancey noted that Mesa County has installed a flock camera on Highway 340 and Chief
Krouse confirmed that neither he nor his staff were made aware in advance that it was being installed.
He added that flock cameras are very effective in pursuing criminal activity and are not meant to gather
personal information about the general public.
City Manager Shannon Vassen pointed out that staff has communicated to the residents at Adobe Falls
Subdivision that there’s no data to support the need for traffic calming measures on 18 Road and in
fact, there could even be an engineering recommendation to increase the speed limit.
Councilor Purser asked if Chief Krouse has experience with any other traffic calming options. Krouse
stated that there are engineering responses for it, but he’s of the mind that there’s only so much
governmental influence that’s going to affect human behavior and that there are no roads anywhere on
which speeding hasn’t been a problem at some point.
2. DISCUSSION OF THE CITY OF FRUITA AMENITY-BASED METROPOLITAN
DISTRICT POLICY (7:40 – 9:10 P.M.)
Assistant City Manager Dan Caris noted that Attorney Dalton Kelley with the law firm of Butler Snow
was present via video and phone conference into the room.
Mayor Breman began the conversation by saying that he preferred to start at a high level before getting
down to the nuts and bolts concerning Metro Districts.
Assistant City Manager Dan Caris recalled that at last month’s Council Workshop meeting, staff
received direction to bring forward documents that are specific to Fruita and aren’t examples from
other jurisdictions.
Kelley reviewed the documentation in the Council packet. He explained that the Metro District Policy
Statement is an amenities-based approach that lines out what the City is looking for and is not intended
to limit the Council’s direction. He said it puts developers in a position where they can check the boxes
to confirm that the development makes sense. He further explained that the Policy Statement guides
developers in a framework of what should and should not be submitted.
Kelley explained that the Model Service Plan sets forth the application process such as concept and
staff reviews but that it is the City Council who is responsible for the ultimate decisions. He pointed
out that City Council cannot deny an application if their decision could be considered arbitrary and
capricious.
Kelley stated that Metro Districts are their own governmental entity; requests are quasi-legislative and
operate as another government within the City of Fruita. They allow a developer to apply for tax exempt
bonds and approval of the development comes later.
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The were numerous questions from Council members and several said that it seemed that the Model
Service Plan and Metro District Policy do not align, flow or correlate with each other. Council directed
staff to create a basic flow chart of the steps and processes.
Mayor Breman requested that the words “commercial, industrial (not residential)” be added to Section
6 of the Metro District Policy.
There was also some discussion concerning administrative approval in the Metro District process, so
Assistant City Manager Dan Caris suggested that Kelley include provisions in the City’s Model Service
Plan for a requirement that the City Council needs to approve Metro District applications and the
development plans that follow.
Kelley stated that he works with communities all over the state on Model Service Plans and has seen a
lot of different proposals and feedback. He said once adopted, it would be in the best interest of the
City to post Fruita’s Model Service Plan and Metro District Policy on its website to encourage
developers to help the City achieve its goals.
There was discussion concerning whether the next step should be putting Metro Districts on a Regular
meeting agenda or another workshop agenda with some City Councilors interested in taking it to a
Regular Council meeting and others wanting to take it to another Workshop meeting. Mayor Breman
made the comment that the City Council has never regretted going slow on big policy decisions.
The City Council came to a consensus that the Metro District discussion would be continued to at least
one more Council Workshop meeting when staff will present the final drafts of the documents. The
goal for now is that it will be the final Workshop discussion on Metro Districts.
Councilors Kumro and Parrish stated that they would like to hear a developer’s perspective on Metro
Districts, but Councilor Purser expressed discomfort with that. Mayor Breman stated that he would
rather not have a developer talk to one Council member directly, but rather to all Council members as
a group. Kelley advised that the City could include in its Ordinance/Municipal Code that all ex parte
communication for Metro Districts is prohibited. All Council members were in agreement that this
would be a good idea.
After further discussion, Council directed staff to reach out to Associated Members Growth &
Development (AMGD) and Housing & Building Association of Western Colorado (HBA) to have them
provide written feedback concerning Metro Districts that staff can bring back to Council.
Mayor Breman called for a recess at 9:12 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:16 p.m.
- IDEA FACTORY PROJECT (8:30– 10:00 P.M.)
Communications and Engagement Manager Ciara Amann kicked off the discussion by reviewing the
first slides in a previously prepared presentation named “Fruita’s Urban Canopy.” The information she
shared included:
• What it means to be a Tree City USA:
✓ Representation: A community Tree Board, department or position with legal authority
and responsibility for public tree care decisions
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✓ A public tree care Ordinance: Establishment of community-wide laws, ordinances or
legally enforceable policies (Chapter 8.06 of the Fruita Municipal Code)
✓ Annual expenditure of $2 per capita on community tree care activities: The
community must document a minimum of $2 per capita annual expenditure on
community tree care activities. Expenses can include staff time, contracted work and/or
volunteer time.
✓ An Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation: The community must have a public
Arbor Day Observance and have an official, annual community Proclamation issued
and signed by the Mayor, City Council or equivalent official or representative.
Amann stated that trees provide immeasurable value; they bring us outside, cool down warm areas,
and when there are many, they make areas need less water. Right now, Fruita has a lot of older trees
and younger trees but not a lot in the middle.
City Planner Joey Morris reviewed the remaining slides in the presentation. These included:
• Planning for infill:
✓ The majority of the City’s tree canopy currently relies on private trees on private
property. As private property develops, trees either present a barrier to flexible
development or get cut down.
✓ Trees located in the right-of-way are not at risk of being cut down due to development.
✓ One challenge that may present itself is getting irrigation water to newly planted trees.
What is the mission?
✓ Care for the trees Fruita has
✓ Encourage planting more
Where this could go:
✓ City tree farm: Grow Fruita’s own stock over time to cut cost per tree.
✓ Canopy as a priority: Treat the urban canopy as standing infrastructure.
✓ A City arborist or forester: In-house expertise that knows Fruita’s trees
✓ Crush our Tree City goals: Go above and beyond and lead among City’s Fruita’s size
✓ Trees become an attraction: Trees bring shade, benefit wildlife and help other plants
like grass, and attract people.
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✓ Dedicated Tree Fund: Some cities have a Tree Fund dedicated solely for the purpose
of planting and managing trees.
Morris concluded the presentation by requesting that the City Council fund both a Tree Survey and the
first round of trees in next year’s Budget. This would include a comprehensive survey of Fruita’s public
trees and an initial allotment of trees to plant and give away while staff also explores creative options
to continue funding trees.
There was some discussion about the City of Grand Junction’s robust public tree programs and services
and Councilor Miller stated she would not be in favor of Fruita being as heavy-handed as they are when
it comes to the management of trees.
The City Council expressed their support of the concepts that were presented to them.
Amann also provided a brief update on the Aspen Avenue alleyway beautification project. Special
Projects Coordinator Steve Martinez has purchased the lights and is currently in the process of
obtaining the poles to hang the lights on at a cost of $10,000 including labor for installation. There has
also been a Call for Artists to paint murals on the backs of buildings in the alley starting with the Mason
building and followed by the Chow Down/Domino’s Pizza building. $35,000 is included in the 2027
Annual Budget for these two murals. The goal is to have the artist(s) begin working on the murals in
spring of 2027.
Mayor Breman wondered if the City should adopt an Ordinance concerning art in Fruita that could
include things like preferred materials and other suggestions. Councilor Purser responded by saying
that the Arts and Culture Board could provide recommendations for the Ordinance.
4. COLORADO MUNICIPAL LEAGUE (CML) CONFERENCE RECAP AND
DISCUSSION (10:00 – 10:45 P.M.)
COUNCILOR RICH PARRISH
Rich noted that at this year’s Annual CML Conference, he was particularly impressed by two keynote
speakers. He added that he also enjoyed spending time with the other Council members and Mayor.
Rich reported that the Museums of Western Colorado’s (MWC’s) Executive Director Shenna Hayden
met with City Manager Shannon Vassen to review a Conceptual Design and indicated that she believes
the direction the MWC will be going is to Fruita. They have a Retreat scheduled for August 1
st
to
discuss proposals and will begin a fundraising campaign.
Rich also reported that the Fruita Tourism Advisory Council is fully in favor of bringing paid media
in-house and that the board members completely understand that they are an advisory board to the City
Council.
COUNCILOR TODD KUMRO
Todd reported that he missed the last Associated Governments of Northwestern Colorado (AGNC)
meeting, but he has signed up for their one-day 2026 Economic Development Summit to be held in
August.
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Todd also reported that he had a great time at the CML Conference and learned a lot. He took a finance
class and gained a bigger picture idea about financial matters. He added that he copied all the slides
from all of the sessions he attended and has been going through them.
Todd also stated that he spoke with City Manager Shannon Vassen about some questions he had
concerning Home Rule. Shannon said he would send what he shared with Todd on the topic to the rest
of the City Council members.
MAYOR MATTHEW BREMAN
Matthew said the CML Conference provided many opportunities for good conversations. He stated
that he learned about a lot of new upcoming legislation and how there will be much less available grant
funding from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to local governments.
Matthew reported that he talked to the Business Incubator Center (BIC) and Club 20 concerning
educational options for Council members in October.
Matthew stated that he would circulate his idea for a presentation by the Council at the August 1
st
drone
show that could be called “150 years in 150 seconds” where Council members would take turns
presenting facts about Colorado and the other Council members stated they were in favor of doing it.
Matthew noted that he and Councilor Miller had just completed a 30-minute interview with an
applicant for the Planning Commission where they also received some feedback from the applicant.
Matthew also noted that he had emailed Council members about the City Attorney’s review.
Lastly, Matthew reported receiving questions from the University of Wisconsin that he answered, some
with the help of former Fruita Mayor Lori Buck. He said he would forward the questions and answers
to the other Council members.
COUNCILOR AARON HANCEY
Aaron stated that he was not comfortable with the increase of 24% in monthly incidents for the Fruita
Police Department over last year and would like further analysis on why that occurred.
Aaron also wondered if Fruita would have an opportunity to address Mesa County about the flock
camera that was installed on Highway 340 but Amy said she was not in favor of doing that. Aaron said
he has a lot of questions such as what the county’s policies and procedures are to protect individuals’
data. It was noted that several flock cameras have been removed by someone and Matthew noted that
he would be meeting with county officials very soon and could have a casual conversation with them
about whether they plan to reinstall the cameras. Amy said if the county decides to do that, they will
certainly be met with a lot of pushback.
COUNCILOR JEANNINE PURSER
Jeannine stated that this year’s CML Conference was her most favorite out of all the ones she’s
attended. She described the sessions as more relevant, fresh and up-to-date and recalled what the City
of Westminster did to build a downtown as inspiring. She said she and Jared went to many of the
sessions together and learned that Fruita is already doing many of the things that were discussed with
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the exception of hosting Town Hall meetings. Shannon pointed out that the Council will be holding a
meeting with staff in September. Jeannine also said she very much enjoyed the Council’s time together.
Jeannine reported that several Council members attended a meeting of St. Mary’s new primary care
facility that will house 25 staff members. There was discussion about how the intent of the facility is
to work with Family Health West (FHW) in a partnership and not compete with them.
Jeannine asked if the Council will be serving ice cream at the August 1
st
150/250 Celebration because
she would be happy to help out and Shannon said that ice cream hadn’t been planned, but that popcorn
and cotton candy will be available. Matthew asked staff to email Council with the schedule of events
for the evening.
COUNCILOR JARED PROCHNOW
Jared said it was great meeting with people from all over the state at the CML Conference and that he
learned there are towns he previously hadn’t even heard of. He recalled one session in particular he
enjoyed about communication standards and how many cities get it wrong because there are so many
ways things can be interpreted. He also learned about how other cities have engaged with their residents
by making connections through educational platforms.
COUNCILOR AMY MILLER
Amy agreed with Jeannine that this year’s CML Conference was very refreshing compared to the last
two years’ conferences. She recalled her favorite session as one concerning activating and revitalizing
businesses because there were some very cool ideas that were shared such as painting storefronts,
creating seating areas and hosting events. Other ideas included continuous business passport programs
and costume-themed crawls. Amy recalled a quote she heard at the conference: “If you don’t plan for
the future, it will happen to you but not with you.”
Amy reported attending Club 20’s policy sessions where great topics were discussed and people from
all over came to present. She said that Club 20 is very efficient and has a robust website. She suggested
that representatives from Club 20 give the Fruita City Council a presentation and Matthew said he
would contact them to inquire about that possibility. Shannon noted that Club 20 is very much like the
Associated Governments of Northwestern Colorado (AGNC), on which the City of Fruita is a member.
He added that Fruita could maintain membership on both boards, one of the boards or neither.
Amy also reported meeting with some brilliant people from Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
concerning traffic safety. They are developing super cool software called “Arterial” that can be used
by vehicles such as street sweepers, for example.
Amy pointed out that the Grand Valley Transit (GVT) bus sto