RIDGWAY TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
A
PRIL 8, 2026
OATH OF OFFICE
The Town Clerk administered the oath of office to recently elected Mayor John Clark and Council
Members Kevin Grambley and Trish Greenwood.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was held both in person and via virtual meeting portal Zoom Meeting, pursuant to
the Town’s Electronic Participation Policy.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. In attendance Councilors Grambley,
Greenwood, Kroger, Montague, Mayor Pro Tem Lakin and Mayor Clark. Councilor Scoville was
absent.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on March 11, 2026.
Minutes of Special Meeting held March 25, 2026.
Register of Demands for April 2026.
Renewal of Restaurant Liquor License for Taco Del Gnar.
Renewal of Brew Pub Liquor License for Colorado Boy Depot.
Renewal of Restaurant Liquor License for Tacos and Beer.
ACTION:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilor Kroger and carried unanimously
to remove approval of the liquor license for Colorado Boy Depot from the consent agenda.
ACTION:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilor Grambley to approve the consent
agenda minus Item 5. The motion carried unanimously.
There were questions to staff, and Council discussed renewal of the Brew Pub Liquor License
for the Colorado Boy Depot.
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to approve the renewal of the liquor license for Colorado Boy Depot.
Councilor Kroger seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 2
Taylor Pointer with Homegrown Pathways invited the Council to attend an event on April 22
nd
when students will share creative projects and business ideas.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Request for use of public rights-of-ways for annual La Fete de la Musique and Rally Thru
the Alley/Ridgway 1K events
Mary Menz, Special Projects Coordinator for the Sherbino/Weehawken non-profits presented
maps depicting areas the La Fete de la Musique and Rally Thru the Alley/Ridgway 1K events
will be held on public property.
There were questions from the Council. The Town Clerk noted the request is for use of rights-
of-ways for the events.
ACTION:
Councilmember Montague moved to approve the request to use public rights-of-ways for the
annual Fete de la Musique and Rally Thru the Alley. Mayor Pro Tem Lakin seconded and the
motion carried with Councilmember Kroger abstaining from the vote.
- Request for use of public rights-of-ways for the 2026 San Juan Gravel Classic fund raiser for
Ouray Advocates for Kids Foundation (OAK)
Erik Fallenius presented a background on the newly formed non-profit, OAK, Ouray
Advocates for Kids Foundation. He explained his background includes 23 years of fund
raising in San Miguel County. The new organization will be geared towards raising funds for
the “twenty four kid centered non-profits in Ouray County”. A fund raiser featuring gravel
road cycling will be held on July 25
th
with two different biking routes, one 22 miles and the
other 44 miles, and will culminate with food and music in Hartwell Park. He requested use
of Town roads to provide access to County Roads 5 and 24 for the rides.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Montague, with a second by Councilor Kroger, and unanimously carried to
approve the OAK special event request.
- Quarterly Report from Regional Housing Services Director
Regional Housing Services Director, Eva Henson, presented a written report outlining
January through March, and addressed the Council and highlighted overviews pertaining to
the housing services requirements, including intergovernmental liaison and stakeholder
collaboration; Proposition 123 compliance; financial; management and reporting; resident
support services; program development and administration; deed restriction management
and compliance. She presented slides and graphs of existing inventory of affordable housing
by Area Mean Income (AMI) and addressed deed restricted homeownership opportunities;
deed restricted existing inventory; rental restrictive opportunities and rental restrictive existing
inventory.
There were questions from the Council.
- School Facility and Community Access Updates
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 3
Susan Lacy and Russell Randolph with Ridgway School District reported last year building
renovations were made to provide upgrades for theater productions, this year to the AVC
system. Upgrades to the track field area at the secondary campus are being considered,
including an outdoor teaching area; concessions and seating areas; an ADA compliant
pathway; nature center with climbing structures; and terraced walls for sitting areas. The
elementary school field will be upgraded this summer with an outdoor learning area;
upgrades to the ‘dug-outs’; hardscaping and planting of trees with placement of logs and
boulders to provide a more “park like feel”.
POLICY MATTERS
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 03-2026 Amending Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code to Update
Building Regulations and Adopt Miscellaneous Codes
Staff Report dated 4/3/26 from Senior Planner Angie Kemp presenting Ordinance No. 03-
2026.
Planner Kemp addressed the Council regarding proposed changes and updates to the
building codes. She noted the Town currently utilizes the 2018 International Code Council
Code Books for residential and commercial construction. The national standard is to update
building codes every three to six years. Staffs goal is to adopt the 2024 International Building
Code; 2024 International Residential Code; Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code
based on the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code; 2024 International Existing
Building Code; 2024 International Fuel Gas Code; 2024 International Mechanical Code;
Colorado Plumbing Code; 2024 International Plumbing Code; 2024 International Property
Maintenance Code; 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; National Electrical
Code; 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. A number of meetings, work sessions, forums
and trainings were held between September of 2024 and December of 2025 as part of the
code update efforts, with the assistance of the Sneffels Energy Board.
There were questions from the Council.
The Planner reported the State has adopted the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code which
establishes minimum requirements for “structural hardening” with the goal of safeguarding
life, property protection and reducing the potential spread of fire. The code applies to areas
when structures meet or intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels. The Town has been
classified as ‘Moderate Intensity’.
At the Planning Commission meeting on March 18, 2026 the Commission recommended
twenty five of the twenty six amendments presented by staff be forwarded to the Town
Council. Staff has prepared an ordinance which adopts the codes by reference.
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to introduce Ordinance No. 03-2026 Amending Chapter 6 of the
Ridgway Municipal Code to Update Building Regulations and Adopt, By Reference, the 2024 Low
Energy Carbon Code, the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, and Certain 2024 International
Council Code Books and Amendments Thereto. Councilmember Montague seconded the motion
which carried unanimously.
- Proposal from Helios Charging for placement of Level 3 electric vehicle chargers at the
Ridgway Visitor Center parking area
Proposal from Daniel Benhammou with Helios Charging dated March 19, 2026.
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 4
The Town Manager explained in October of 2023 Helios Charging presented a proposal to
install Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the parking lot at Hartwell Park, which the
Council did not accept as the property must be lite all night. Last year the company
approached the County Commissioners, and after receipt of grant funds from the Colorado
Energy Office, they are requesting locating the station on Town property adjacent to the
Visitors Center.
County Commissioner Jake Niece reported the original application was for installation at the
Fairgrounds entrance off Highway 550, but the grant requires access to a restroom facility.
He asked if the Council was interested in participating and allowing the station to be
constructed adjacent to the Visitors Center, so the restroom there could be utilized. He noted
local acceptance of the grant is due by June 30
th
, so the Council would need to take action
at this meeting.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Richard Penney questioned the lighting requirements meeting the Town Dark Sky
regulations.
Pam Foyster suggested placement on the north end of Hartwell Park.
Joan Chismire noted there is a Master Plan for Heritage Park, and plans for upgrades to the
Visitor Center.
There was discussion by the Council and staff was directed to work with the County on details
regarding the restroom and lighting, and preparation of a contract for use of the property.
- Introduction of Ordinance No. 02-2026 Amending Chapter 15 of the Ridgway Municipal Code
Concerning Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Staff Report from the Town Manager dated 4-3-26 presenting an ordinance addressing
vehicle idling restrictions.
Manager Neill reported in January the Council had reviewed a request from the Sustainability
Advisory Board to regulate idling of vehicles. The item was returned to staff with the direction
to investigate designating the historic business district as an idle free zone. He noted the
proposed ordinance prohibits idling of vehicles on public property or rights-of-ways in the
historical business district for more than two minutes within any one hour period. The
ordinance exempts emergency vehicles, and establishes violations as a traffic infraction.
There was discussion and comments by the Council.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Tamme Tuttle spoke in opposition and suggested the use of signage.
Speaking in favor of the ordinance Jake Niece and Robin Cascade.
Speaking from the Sustainability Advisory Committee, Terry Schuyler and Dave Kehmeier.
There was discussion and comments by the Council.
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 5
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to introduce Ordinance No. 02-2026 Amending Chapter 15 of the
Ridgway Municipal Code Concerning Vehicle Idling Restrictions Councilor Kroger seconded. The
motion carried with Councilmember Montague voting no.
- Resolution No. 26-02 Establishing a Zero Waste Events Policy
Staff Report dated 4-3-26 from the Town Manager presenting a resolution establishing a Zero
Waste Events Policy. Email in opposition from Dana Griffith with Weehawken Creative Arts
dated 4-8-26. Email in opposition from Ashley King-Grambley, Executive Director of
Weehawken Creative Arts and The Sherbino Theater dated 4-6-26.
Town Manager Neill explained the Sustainability Advisory Board was tasked by the Council
to develop a policy to create zero waste goals at events on Town properties. The committee
researched other jurisdiction policies regarding vendors operating under a special events
application.
There were comments by the Council.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Amy Kehoe, board member on two local non-profit organizations, spoke in opposition noting
placement of financial strain on event organizers, pressures to find compliant food vendors,
and the inability to haul compost after an event. She suggested the Town pilot the program
and then determine if it would be a hardship on non-profit groups.
Dave Kehmeier with the Sustainability Advisory Board noted the “key point is to eliminate
plastics” and the regulations were created to guide vendors.
Richard Penney stated the requirements as written would place a burden on food vendors.
Mary Mentz noted “no one opposes the idea” but noted solutions need to be reached with
“reasonable costs” for event organizers.
Sheridan Ribbing with the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) stated the committee will work
with interested parties to “get ideas”.
Sue Husch noted the SAB should have come to the non profits, and stated if the requirements
are “fully funded by the Town” it would work, but as written, “it will crush us” as there is not
local composting infrastructure and would require hiring a company to transport the items.
She noted if approved as written, “there will be no events held in Town”.
Jim Pettiengill spoke in opposition to requiring all event organizers to participate, as some
local non-profits only have limited volunteer resources.
Terese Seal suggested the SAB become an “information board” to educate residents
regarding recycling. She urged the board to “come up with more solutions” as the regulations
as written would not allow the continuance of the farmers market. She suggested the Town
“lead by example” and test the requirements with the annual concert series.
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 6
Kendra Hawse with Eco Action Partners noted it is “helpful to have feedback when developing
policy”; and reported there is an industrial composting facility located in Delta County.
Terry Schuyler, member of the SAB, read the purpose and goals of the board.
There were comments by the Council. Consensus of the Council was to begin the process of
requiring compostable products at Town sponsored events, and directed the Sustainability
Advisory Board to meet with community members and begin discussions to prepare guidance
on compostable food and drink containers at events.
- Ratification of submittal of Congressionally Directed Spending Request to support upgrades
to the lagoon system at the wastewater treatment facility
Staff Report from the Town Manager dated 4-2-26 presenting a submittal of a spending
request to State Senators.
The Town Manager explained in March staff submitted a Congressionally Directed Spending
Request to Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for $2.25 million for renovations of the Town
lagoon system at the wastewater treatment plant. He requested Council ratification of the
request.
ACTION:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilor Greenwood to ratify the submittal of
Congressionally Directed Spending Request to support upgrades to the lagoon system at the
wastewater treatment plant. On a call for the vote the motion carried unanimously.
- Annual appointment of Mayor Pro Tem and review of Council representation on commissions,
committees and boards
Staff Report from the Town Clerk dated 3-31-26 noting the annual appointment of the Mayor
Pro Tem, and review of Council representation on boards, committees and commissions.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Kroger to appoint Beth Lakin Mayor Pro Tem. Seconded by Councilor
Montague the motion carried unanimously.
The Council reviewed representation on boards, committees and commissions and it was
agreed the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board member would be Mayor Pro Tem Lakin,
with Councilor Kroger as the alternate; Ouray County Weed Board, Councilor Greenwood
would be the representative; Councilor Greenwood will be the representative on the Sneffels
Energy Board; Councilor Grambley will represent on the Ouray County Fairgrounds Board.
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to ratify the appointments as discussed. Councilmember Grambley
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
- Enact water restrictions pursuant to the Town Water and Conservation Management Plan
The Town Manager asked the Council to consider implementing early water restrictions as
the drought index currently shows the region in moderate drought conditions. He reported
currently Happy Hollow Diversion is not drawing water from Lake Ottonwanda reservoir, and
Town Council Minutes
April 8, 2026
Page 7
the Beaver Creek Diversion is sending water into the Lake. There are currently no trigger
conditions, but it would be prudent to address potentials now, he noted.
Town Engineer Joanne Fagan noted it is possible the Town water source could be “called
out” by those with higher water priorities, and then the only source of water would be from
the reservoir.
There were comments from the Council. Staff was directed to prepare materials to educate
water users.
ACTION:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin to enter into Stage 1 Voluntary Water Restrictions.
Councilmember Kroger seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
The Town Manager presented an overview of the written monthly Managers Report.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Kraft, MMC
Town Clerk