May 19, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC June 16, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
May 19, 2026
The May 19, 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
Rachel Allen, Deputy County Attorney
GUNNISON COUNTY LOCAL LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:30 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda as presented this morning. Motion carried unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #04-01630; Harmels Operation LLC dba Harmels Ranch Resort;
11/15/2025 to 11/15/2026 - Special Event Liquor Permit 3-2026; Gunnison River Festival; 6/13/2026 from 12:00 pm to 4:30
pm - Temporary License; Harmels Operations LLC Bites & Brews on the Taylor; 5/19/2026 to 7/20/2026
- Temporary License; Skyhigh Colorado LLC dba Taylor Park Trading Post; 5/19/2026 to 7/20/2026
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Local Liquor
Licensing Authority at 8:31 am.
GUNNISON RIVER VALLEY LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:31 am.
GUNNISON RIVER VALLEY LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT AGREEMENT; MARBLE CRYSTAL
RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; 1/1/2026 TO 12/31/2026; $35,000: Deputy Chief Finance
Officer Mark Rozman was present for discussion.
DCFO Rozman explained that they were unable to identify reasoning with the Department of Revenue why
the Marble LMD revenues were declining. However, it was determined that the Carbondale and Rural Fire
Protection District implemented a new tax that created a new Gunnison County jurisdiction code, which
allowed them to begin seeing revenues that were not previously reported for Marble and as a result, the
collections are back to where they were post decline. This new information was then incorporated into the
contract. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the Gunnison River
Valley Local Marketing District Agreement with the Marble Crystal River Chamber of Commerce as presented
today, and authorize the Chair’s signature on the document. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison River Valley Local
Marketing District at 8:34 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:34 am.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF EXECUTIVE SECRETARY’S SIGNATURE; PROPOSAL FOR THE
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY, CO; HAI GROUP; $88,205: Chief Finance Officer
Melissa LaMonica was present for discussion.
CFO LaMonica explained this is for the properties that are held by Gunnison County Housing Authority
which is more focused on landlord policy, rather than just for structures, and this will be the sole policy
next year. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to acknowledge the
Executive Secretary’s signature on the proposal for the Gunnison County Housing Authority HAI Group in
the amount of $88,205 as presented this morning. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Housing
Authority at 8:36 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:36 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
May 19, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC June 16, 2026
MINUTES APPROVAL: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve
the May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- May 5, 2026 Regular Meeting
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 today. Motion carried unanimously.
- Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Service Contract; CC’s Burgers; 8/21/2026;
$4,200 - Grant Award Letter, Intergovernmental Agreement; Colorado Department of Transportation;
CDAG# 26-GUC-002, PO 471002531; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 5/19/2026 to
6/30/2029; $305,280, Local Match $305,284 - Statement of Work; Colorado’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Program; Health and Human
Services; 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $15,726 - Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Approval; OPHP Continuous Quality Improvement LPHA
Mini-Grant Application; Health and Human Services; 6/1/2026 to 11/15/2026; $25,000 - Professional Services Agreement; Insuseal, Inc; GV-HEAT; 5/5/2026 to 12/31/2026; $60,000
- Option Letter #3; 20250120; 20260028; Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment; Health and Human Services; 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2027 - Professional Services Agreement; Woolpert; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 5/19/2026
to 5/18/2028; $819,564 - Agreement Regarding Payment for Coroner’s Work Space; PLC – CO Assets; 5/1/2026 to
4/30/2027; $8,400 - State of Colorado Department of Human Services Contract; 27 IHGA 206354; 7/1/2026 to
6/30/2027 - Contract Amendment #6; 23 IBEH 174456; Colorado Department of Human Services; Sheriff’s
Office; 7/1/2022 to 6/30/2027
LAND USE CHANGE APPLICATIONS: Planning Technician Aidan McComas and Applicant’s
Representative Martin Spencer were present for discussion.
- Lot Cluster; LUC-26-00013; Basin Real Estate Holdings, LLC – Planning Technician McComas stated
the applicant is proposing to lot cluster two lots to erect three duplexes in the future and will
potentially introduce a townhome plat to memorialize those units. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve Lot Cluster, LUC-26-00013, Basin Real Estate
Holdings LLC, as presented this morning and authorize the signature of the full Board on the
document. Motion carried unanimously. - Townhome Plat; LUC-26-00021; Brush Creek Townhomes, Phase 3 – Planning Technician McComas
noted this is the third phase of the Brush Creek Townhomes which includes lots 102, 104, 106,
120, 122, and 124. Each structure has three units and allows those units to be separately convened.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the Townhome Plat,
LUC-26-00021, Brush Creek Townhomes, Phase 3, as presented and authorize the Chair’s signature
on the plat. Motion carried unanimously.
LETTER OF SUPPORT; TROUT UNLIMITED; FOREST QUEEN MILL SITE AND WILLOW CREEK
RESTORATION AND WATERSHED RESILIENCE PROJECTS: Trout Unlimited Central CO AML Project
Manager Jesse Bryan was present for discussion.
PM Bryan explained he is asking for a letter of support for supplementary funding from the Colorado River
District for an overburden removal and floodplain restoration for Willow Creek and tailings removal in Forest
Queen. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified the Forest Queen tailings as non-urgent
in their Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); however, the
Town of Crested Butte’s Wildfire Ready Action Plan identified the Independence Basin, where the project
is located, as high risk to post-wildfire debris flow. PM Bryan stated the timeline for implementation of the
Forest Queen project would be next summer while the Willow Creek Project will be in either 2028 or 2029.
Commissioner Houck asked if the Town of Crested Butte has been involved with the Forest Queen project
and what their stance was on it, to which PM Bryan confirmed he has been working with Public Works
Director Shea Earley who is in support. Commissioner Puckett Daniels noted that water quality is in the
BOCC Strategic Plan and these projects align with their goals. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded
by Commissioner Smith to approve the letter of support for Trout Unlimited’s work at the Forest Queen Mill
Site and the Willow Creek Restoration Watershed Resiliency Projects as presented in the packet this
morning, and authorize the signatures of the full Board. Motion carried unanimously.
VOUCHERS AND TRANSFERS APPROVAL: Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica and Deputy Chief
Finance Officer Mark Rozman were present for discussion.
- April 2026 Voucher Report – Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck
to approve the vouchers in the amount of $6,265,938.21 as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
May 19, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC June 16, 2026
2. April 2026 Cash Transfer Report – Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner
Houck to authorize the cash transfer in the amount of $9,791,875.63. Motion carried unanimously.
3. April 2026 Purchase Card Report – The Board did not pose any questions about this report.
4. March 2026 Sales and Local Marketing Tax Report – DCFO Rozman stated the reports were
indicative of the true trends, so he created a report for the reporting date (which is when the
money is sent from the Department of Revenue) and the filing date (which is when the actual sale
occurred). He noted that sometimes items are reported on later than anticipated which could cause
strange trends, so he wanted to show both reports to provide more clarity of what is happening
from a sales and industry perspective. CFO LaMonica explained that the filing can change the
numbers going backwards if they filed for previous periods, but the reporting will stay consistent
to this point. Lastly, it was noted that this allows the Finance Department to identify any issues
that need to be monitored or analyzed.
TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT: County Treasurer Teresa Brown presented the April 2026
Treasurer’s report and investment report for discussion and acceptance. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to accept the Treasurer's Report as presented and authorize the Chair’s
signature on the report. Motion carried unanimously.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Scott Wagner – Mr. Wagner attended the last meeting and is hoping for a response. He is asking
for an exemption of the linkage fee for his building permit and showed the rejection letter that
stated it was due to his residence being in Morrison, CO with having a PO Box there. He stated he
has been a resident here for 20 years and requests to be acknowledged and for the applications
to be fair. Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained they were advised by CA Hoyt at the previous
meeting to not respond at this time, but they will do their best to respond with what they can. - Shamai Buckel – Ms. Buckel stated she is here to express her concerns of the Crested Butte South
cell phone tower and relayed that wanting better service is not the same as supporting an 85-foot
tower. She noted that many community members felt the process moved quickly and lacked
sufficient comparative evaluation of alternative locations. Clarity regarding who has the final
decision in the project is also a concern. After a brief discussion amongst the Board it was
determined to give some clarity regarding jurisdiction. Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained
that since the Crested Butte Fire Protection District is a special district with its own elected board
and own authority given to them by State law, the County does not have the authority to change
the Fire District’s decision.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Commissioner Smith:
- GRASP Consortium – Commissioner Smith attended the GRASP Consortium where the
Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council presented their needs and gap analysis and noted
that the transportation infrastructure across the region for medical needs is a significant gap. - Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council – Commissioner Smith relayed the board
composition changed from one vote with two county appointments to one of those
appointments being a municipality appointment. She requested that in lieu of biannual
appointments that they have an Intergovernmental Agreement where the municipality can
cede their appointment back to the county if desired. Commissioner Houck confirmed she was
only asking for this to be an opportunity and said he wanted to have conversations with the
City regarding it first; he recommended a short work session with the City of Gunnison to
discuss. - Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI) Summer Retreat – Commissioner Smith
relayed the Child Welfare Allocation Committee will be having the formal annual vote for the
funding allocation models. She announced that HB 26-1430 passed, which was the
countermeasure to Initiative 175. With the deadline for legislative proposals being July 17
th
she had two ideas she would like to put on the table for discussion including the privacy
legislation and FLOCK Bill. Commissioner Puckett Daniels recommended that Commissioner
Smith create a rough proposal and send to CM Birnie for distribution. - Tourism and Prosperity Partnership Board (TAPP) – Commissioner Smith saw a presentation
from TAPP regarding an adaptive economic model at the Health Coalition. - Air Command Meeting – Commissioner Smith attended a meeting yesterday with TAPP ED
Andrew Sandstrom regarding the macroecono mics from the Airport. - Tomichi Basin Tour – Commissioner Smith attended a tour with Colorado River Water
Conservation District and Upper Gunnison River Water Conservation District.
Commissioner Houck:
- Region 10 – Commissioner Houck noted some remapping in the opportunity zone which is
typically a City of Gunnison initiative, and he is coordinating with them on that mapping. - Better Rural Leaders – Commissioner Houck participated in the seminar last week and noted it
was interesting to see input they’ve put into rural communities and how to identify ways to
lead and expand economic opportunities.
May 19, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC June 16, 2026
3. Community & Economic Development Open House – Commissioner Houck attended the open
house and stated it was a positive event.
4. Mayors and Managers – All three commissioners attended the meeting for their road and bridge
presentation.
5. Delta County - Commissioner Houck went to Delta County for their onsite river map meeting
and they are working on creating a statewide template.
6. Ditch Celebration – Commissioner Houck attended and spoke at the Ditch Celebration.
7. Taylor Park Adaptive Management Group – Commissioner Houck had a conflict with this
meeting but is planning on meeting with Briget Eastep to review the content.
8. HB 1177 Roundtable – Commissioner Houck attended the meeting and will report with water
updates.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels:
- Mt. Crested Butte – Commissioner Puckett Daniels met with Mt. Crested Butte Mayor Nicholas
Kempin and Mt. Crested Butte Town Manager Carlos Velado. They apologized for missing the
Mayors and Manager’s Meeting but wanted to know the information that was given at the
meeting. - State of the River – Commissioner Puckett Daniels attended and expressed gratitude to their
hydrology engineer for his thorough explanation of complex graphs and their meaning. - Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Policy Updates – Commissioner Puckett
Daniels attended the policy updates meeting. - Town of Crested Butte – Commissioner Puckett Daniels has had many one-on-one meetings
with townsfolk who are interested in the corridor plan. She recommended they begin with that
at the meeting on June 15
th
. - Crested Butte South Road Maintenance – Commissioner Puckett Daniels has also been talking
to townsfolk in Crested Butte South to help clarify that the Metro District is responsible for road
maintenance in CB South as they are not county roads. - Wildlife Crossing Subcommittee – Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained this committee is
putting together a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to provide robust community
engagement over the year they have the grant, while the National Park Service (NPS) and
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are undertaking their feasibility study. - Legislative Session – Commissioner Puckett Daniels relayed she was engaged in the
conversations and recommends using this this time to prepare for future.
EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO COLO. REV. STAT. § 24-6-402(4)(B): CONFERENCE WITH
THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY, OR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY TO
RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED AMENDED AND RESTATED
AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEED RESTRICTION AND PURSUANT TO COLO. REV. STAT. § 24-6-
402(4)(E)(I): DETERMINING NEGOTIATING STRATEGIES AND POSITIONS AND
INSTRUCTING NEGOTIATORS: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to
enter into Executive Session Pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute § 24-6-402(4)(b): Conference with the
Deputy County Attorney, County Attorney, or Assistant County Attorney to receive legal advice in relation
to the proposed Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Deed Restriction and Pursuant to Colorado
Revised Statutes § 24-6-402(4)(e)(I): determining negotiating strategies and positions and instructing
negotiators. Included in the executive session will be the full Board of County Commissioners, the County
Manager (Matthew Birnie), the Deputy County Attorney (Rachel Allen), and the Chief Financial Officer
Melissa LaMonica. Motion carried unanimously.
The board went into executive session at 10:0 0 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)(b) & (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
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).
May 19, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of May 19, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC June 16, 2026
Date: __________________ ______________________________________________
Laura Puckett Daniels, Chairperson
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to come out of executive session. The
topic and the participants were consistent with those that were read into the record for us to enter executive
session. Motion carried unanimously. The Board came out of executive session at 10:35 am.
Moved by Commissioner Puckett Daniels, seconded by Commissioner Smith to direct staff to undertake
continued due diligence and delegate authority to County Manager Matthew Birnie to negotiate and execute
the next steps in