Durango, CO: **Council voted to direct the city manager to pursue a remote parking variance request for shared or partial use of the Transit Center parking lot as part of the City Hall and Police Department project.
An employee parking analysis was presented to Council in June that identified a 60-space parking gap that necessitates creative, compliant solutions to support staff, the public, and operational needs. Use of existing public facilities such as the Transit Center, paired with exploration of off-site leased parking, is consistent with Council direction. The city is also exploring a lease for parking at an off-site location with the opportunity to purchase, as well as a partnership with La Plata County to use between 10 and 30 spaces at 1061 East 2nd Ave.
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 5:30 p.m., held at council chambers, 949 East Second Ave., councilors:
Received an update from the Prosperity Office that the city is in full compliance with Proposition 123. State voters approved the proposition in 2022, which created the State Affordable Housing Fund. Compliance includes an expedited approval process for workforce housing units and encourages consistent growth in the city's workforce housing stock.
Voted to grant an easement to the Durango Fire Protection District for shared access and drainage through the city-owned Police Substation at 545 Wilson Gulch Drive. The easement facilitates efficient and safe design of the new fire station. Fire trucks and large vehicles will enter the new fire station bays from the east, but passenger vehicles will use this easement to reach employee and customer parking at the station. The new fire station will also be allowed to route some of the drainage through this site to the appropriate stormwater facility.
Voted to approve resolutions to provide a cost-of-living increase to the police and fire old-hire pensions.
Vote to approve a Fair Share Alternative Compliance for the Homestead Townhomes. City Council previously approved a preliminary plan for the townhomes. The preliminary plan envisions 17 townhomes and is subject to Fair Share Housing Requirements; an alternative is proposed because the Durango School District is negotiating six to nine district-owned employee housing units with the developer.
Voted to waive the attorney-client privilege relative to an independent investigation of Councilor Kip Koso.
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Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis