September 1, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC September 15, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 1, 2026
The September 1, 2026 meeting was held in the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting room located at
200 E. Virginia Avenue, Gunnison, Colorado. Present, either in person or via Zoom, were:
Laura Puckett Daniels, Chairperson Matthew Birnie, County Manager
Elizabeth Smith, Vice-Chairperson Holly Perry, Deputy County Clerk
Jonathan Houck, Commissioner Others Present as Listed in Text
Matthew Hoyt, County Attorney
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF EQUALIZATION MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:30 am.
APPEAL HEARING; SENIOR PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION; CBOE# SR01; R042452; T. HAACK:
Petitioner Teresa Haack and Deputy Assessor Vicki Hildreth were present for discussion.
- Open Appeal Hearing. Commissioner Puckett Daniels opened the Appeal Hearing at 8:31 am.
- Public Notice Confirmation. Clerk Perry confirmed that the Appeal Hearing had been properly public
noticed. - Identify Ex Parte Communications. There were no ex parte communications identified.
- Staff Criteria Explanation. DA Hildreth explained the criteria needed for the exemption to be
approved. Due to the circumstance of Ms. Haack applying under her husband’s application under
surviving spouse, she must also follow additional criteria. Additionally, DA Hildreth noted the State
had statute requiring voter registration to be first priority for evidence of primary residence, and
can only use other evidence if there were no voter registration. - Applicant Presentation. Ms. Haack explained that she works all over the country with her employer,
but her primary residence remained within Gunnison County where her husband resided. The
property in question was purchased in 2011, they ha d never rented it, and her husband was
present. Additionally, she stated a Gunnison County employee recommended her husband change
his voter registration to California, where she then worked, so the voter records are correct. - Staff Presentation – DA Hildreth explained the application that was received by Ms. Haack and after
verifying voter records for residency, she determined Ms. Haack’s husband became a Gunnison
County registered voter in July of 2022. Additionally, she explained that in January of 2015 the
Assessor’s Office received a request to change the address to one in California. Then in August of
2022, another address change request was made from California to a PO Box in Crested Butte. DA
Hildreth confirmed she corresponded with the Division of Property Taxation who also confirmed
that a person can only have one primary residence at a time and if an applicant is registered to
vote, that address is considered their primary residence. - Board Questions. Commissioner Puckett Daniels expressed acknowledgement that while Ms. Haack
believes that Gunnison County is her home, they must abide by the voter registration listing in
California. Commissioner Houck confirmed they don’t have the ability to bend the State regulations. - Public Comments. N/A
- Acknowledge Correspondence Received. N/A
- Applicant Response. Ms. Haack emphasized that they have never owned property in California, and
that her husband appears to be registered to vote in two states. - Close Appeal Hearing. Commissioner Puckett Daniels closed the Appeal Hearing at 8:58 am.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith that based on the evidence presented
this morning that we deny the senior property tax appeal for CBOE# SR01, R042452, as presented this
morning. Motion carried unanimously.
2026 ASSESSOR’S REPORT TO THE CBOE: County Assessor Alexandra Cohen was present for
discussion.
Assessor Cohen noted this is the annual report that is presented to the CBOE. She went over the number
of appeals, and how many were adjusted or denied and the failure to report personal property list.
Commissioner Smith noted the amount being collected in taxes and the growth of assessed value.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to accept the Assessor’s report to the
September 1, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC September 15, 2026
County Board of Equalization regarding the 2026 assessed values and appeals, and also failure to report
personal property as presented today. Commissioner Houck quickly asked what the consequences are for
not reporting personal property and DA Hildreth noted it is up to a $50 fine. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the County Board of Equalization at
9:03 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY LOCAL LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 9:03 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda as presented and authorize the Chair’s signature on the alcohol license. Motion carried
unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #42-95237-0000; 456 Entertainment LLC dba Tully’s; 10/18/2026 to
10/18/2026
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Local Liquor
Licensing Authority at 9:03 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 9:03 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda for the Gunnison County Housing Authority as presented this morning. Motion carried
unanimously.
- Contract Amendment Agreement; PY26 Mountain View Apartments; Energy Outreach Colorado
Efficiency LLC; 9/15/2026
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Housing
Authority at 9:04 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 9:04 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
SCHEDULING: The Upcoming Meetings Schedule was discussed and updated.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve the
consent agenda as presented with the exemption of item number 8..... Motion carried unanimously.
- Professional Services Agreement; Integrity Pro Roofing; Ann Zugelder Building; Facilities; 9/1/2026
to 12/31/2026; $95,000 - Professional Services Agreement; AML – Peer and Mental Health Support, LLC; Juvenile Services;
8/1/2026 to 7/31/2027; $15,000 - Contract Amendment #3; 20240031; 20270465; Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment; Health and Human Services; 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2027; $30,047 - Grant Application; Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) 2027-2029; Colorado Department of
Local Affairs; Health and Human Services; $53,289 - Construction Agreement; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport Gunnison, Colorado 2025
Airfield Pavement Maintenance CDAG Project No. 25-GUC-01; Maxwell Asphalt Inc; $719,737,
County Match 10% - First Amendment; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; Food and Beverage/Retail and
Concession Lease Agreement; Jermaine Rodney dba Bar 78 - Subcontractor Agreement; Sheriff’s Office and Gunnison Valley Health; Jail Based Behavioral
Services Program (JBBS); 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $150,000 - PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION - Boundary Line Adjustment; LUC-25-00036; Rosenwald-
Peters Family Trust - Professional Services Agreement; Peylan Energy Efficiency Services LLC; GV-HEAT; 8/11/2026 to
12/31/2026; $60,000 - Grant Application; Telligen Community Initiative - 2026 Strengthening Families and Communities
Pre-Application Request for Proposals; Health and Human Services; $150,000
PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:
- Boundary Line Adjustment; LUC-25-00036; Rosenwald-Peters Family Trust: Assistant
County Manager for Community and Economic Development April Kroner relayed that staff has
authority to approve and the BOCC just needs to sign the plat. CA Hoyt explained that it is not in
the Board’s jurisdiction to decide unless it is appealed. However, ACM Kroner confirmed staff
September 1, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC September 15, 2026
continues to evaluate all applicable findings for each application. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve consent item number 8 after further discussion.
Motion carried unanimously.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORTS:
- Hap Channel – CM Birnie explained that former Commissioner Channel is currently the President
of the Gunnison Arts Center Board and has brought to his attention a home that was left to seven
entities including Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) and the Senior Living Center. Since the County
owns GVH’s real property, the County’s share is 30%. He declared the other nonprofit entities that
are included indicated they would like to sell the property. CM Birnie recommended adding a light
deed restriction to the property but commented that discussions are still underway. Lastly, he
confirmed it was not a good fit to buy out the other partners to manage as a rental and that the
Gunnison Home Association, who also owns 30% of the home, offered to make any repairs needed
and to take an additional share out of the deal. - Whetstone – Commissioner Puckett Daniels inquired about tours for Whetstone for stakeholders to
which CM Birnie estimated late September to early October would be the best time frame.
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING POLICY 1.2.7.1, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): IT Director Chris
Lindner was present for discussion.
IT Director Lindner noted he did incorporate most of the changes that were discussed in the previous work
session. Commissioner Smith asked about any interim processes before the data policies are enacted for
whether something is subject to AI policy or not. IT Director Lindner explained that every software needs
review whether it is AI or not, and they are able to determine how data is being used and moved.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels asked how this policy is being conveyed to the contractors. CA Hoyt relayed
that is not the intent and would be difficult to control. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by
Commissioner Smith to adopt and approve the resolution for the policy for artificial intelligence as presented
in our packet this morning which would be Resolution 2026-30. Motion carried unanimously.
A RESOLUTION APPROVING LUC-25-00004, A LAND USE CHANGE PERMIT APPLICATION
FOR SKETCH PLAN REVIEW OF A MAJOR IMPACT PROJECT FOR LOWER VERZUH RANCH
SUBDIVISION: Principal Planner Hillary Seminick and Assistant County Manager for Community and
Economic Development April Kroner were present for discussion.
CA Hoyt noted the decision has been made, and this document just memorializes that decision.
Commissioner Smith asked to include reference to the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition letter for number
12 in the Resolution and CA Hoyt recommended against doing this as to not elevate any piece of evidence.
After some discussion, it was decided to not tether the condition to the letter. Moved by Commissioner
Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve Resolution 2026-31, a Resolution Approving LUC-25-
00004, a Land Use Change Permit Application for Sketch Plan Review of a Major Impact Project for Lower
Verzuh Ranch Subdivision with the modifications discussed under item 1A, where we use the language
broadly and conceptually, and also on number 10 of the conditions of approval just for tailoring that
consistency with the rest of the document and authorize the Board’s signature on the document.
Commissioner Smith and Commissioner Houck voted in favor, and Commissioner Puckett Daniels voted in
opposition.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no persons present for discussion.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Commissioner Smith:
- Gunnison Country Times Editor – Commissioner Smith met with Editor John Waters and noted
he will be reaching out to both Commissioner Houck and Commissioner Puckett Daniels as well. - Western 125 Years Block Party – Commissioner Smith attended the event.
- Initiative 175 – Commissioner Smith explained this will not be on the ballot.
- Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP) Health Coalition –
Commissioner Smith attended the event and noted their ongoing attempts to prevent
substance use among children. - Gunnison County Cookout – Commissioner Smith attended the event.
- Early Childhood Education – Commissioner Smith has been talking with TAPP Executive Director
Andrew Sandstrom and continuing conversations with directors regarding challenges of early
childhood education. - Western District Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI) Meeting – Commissioner
Smith attended the meeting and commented that the Colorado Privacy Act that she submitted
is well received among the other commissioners. - Welcoming Week – Commissioner Smith expressed their gratitude to the Board for their
support. - Joint Alignment Committee – Commissioner Smith attended a meeting and explained that this
committee discusses the confluence of Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP),
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Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC September 15, 2026
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and child welfare money, and how they
influence or impact one another.
Commissioner Houck:
- State Land Board – Commissioner Houck noted that the recommendation report is finished and
will be released today. - Gunnison County Cookout – Commissioner Houck expressed gratitude to Clerk Perry for
bringing this idea forward and bringing the event to fruition. - River Map Group – Commissioner Houck noted they are doing outreach into the community
and comparing notes with other water directors including Upper Gunnison River Water
Conservation District (UGRWCD). - Western 125 Years Block Party – Commissioner Houck attended the event.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels:
- Initiative 309 – Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained that was renamed to Proposition 137
and attended a presentation at Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee
(STOR), Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT), and Colorado Counties, Inc.
Steering Committees (CCI). The Board agreed with their endorsement of the proposition with
a formal letter of support. - Legislative Priorities Discussion – Commissioner Puckett Daniels recommended having a formal
legislative priorities discussion before October 2
nd
. - Mayors and Managers – Commissioner Puckett Daniels will be attending the meeting.
- Crested Butte South POA President – Commissioner Puckett Daniels will be meeting with him
to discuss the intersections of their work and Gunnison County’s. - Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) – Commissioner Puckett Daniels desires to
have designation of CC4CA’s committees between the Board. - Community Outreach – Commissioner Puckett Daniels has had conversations regarding
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the community. - Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance – Commissioner Puckett Daniels attended the annual dinner
and spoke about Proposition 137, the Public Lands Integrity Act, and the Road and Bridges
Ballot Measure. - Representative Jeff Hurd – Commissioner Puckett Daniels plans to try to call Representative
Hurd this week to thank him for cosponsoring reauthorization of the Wildlife Crossings Fund
and ask him to also cosponsor the Public Lands Integrity Act. - Water Congress – Commissioner Puckett Daniels attended this meeting and explained the
nexus of forest health as a part of water quality. Additionally, if Proposition 137 passes, there
could be funding for forest health initiatives. - Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee (STOR) – Commissioner Puckett
Daniels explained that STOR has hired a consultant to conduct public engagement on wildlife
crossings. - Colorado Water Trust Annual Dinner – Commissioner Puckett Daniels will be attending this
evening in Denver.
EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4), PERSONNEL MATTERS, AND
PURSUANT TO C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(E)(I), FOR DETERMINING NEGOTIATION POSITIONS
RELATIVE TO PERSONNEL MATTERS REGARDING COUNTY ATTORNEY: Moved by Commissioner
Puckett Daniels, seconded by Commissioner Smith to go into executive session pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-
402(4), personnel matters, and pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e)(I), for determining negotiation positions
relative to personnel matters regarding County Attorney. The subject employee is not requesting this be
held in an open session. The people participating in that discussion will be the Board of County
Commissioners, and the County Attorney (Matthew Hoyt) and we will keep a contemporaneous recording
of the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
The board went into executive session at 10:18 am.
Executive sessions of the Board of County
Commissioners are conducted as per C.R.S. 24-6-402(4). This specific session was conducted as per C.R.S.
24-6-402(4) & (4)(e)(I).
Attorney Statement Regarding Executive Session
Pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4), I attest that I am the Gunnison County Attorney, that I represent the
Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners, that I attended all of the above referenced executive
session, that all of the executive session was confined to the topic authorized for discussion pursuant to
C.R.S. 24-6-402(4) and that, because in my opinion all of the discussion during the executive session
constituted a privileged attorney-client communication, no record of the executive session was required to
be kept and no such record was kept.
Date: __________________ ______________________________________________
Matthew Hoyt
Gunnison County Attorney
September 1, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC September 15, 2026
Chairperson Statement Regarding Executive Session
Pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4), I attest that I am the Chairperson of the Gunnison County Board of
Commissioners, that I attended all of the above referenced executive session, and that all of that executive
session was confined to the topic authorized for discussion pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4).
Date: __________________ ______________________________________________
Laura Puckett Daniels, Chairperson
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners
Moved by Commissioner Puckett Daniels, seconded by Commissioner Smith to come out of executive
session, and the folks that participated were those that were read into the record and only those and we
stayed on topic as read into the record in the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The Board came out of
executive session at 11:59 am. There were no formal direction to staff, but the Board did ask the County
Attorney’s office to continue to gather information for a future discussion and to continue their conversation.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting at 12:00 pm.
Laura Puckett Daniels, Chairperson
Elizabeth Smith, Vice-Chairperson
Jonathan Houck, Commissioner
Minutes Prepared By:
Holly Perry, Deputy County Clerk
Attest:
Kathy Simillion, County Clerk
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TEXT INCLUSION INTO MINUTES
Note: For all the details of each resolution including any exhibits, please refer to gunnisoncounty.org
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-30
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING POLICY 1.2.7.1, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENC