Durango, CO: **Durango City Council voted to end Stage 1 water restrictions following recent rain events, cooler temperatures, and improving raw water supplies that have reduced overall water demand.
On April 10, the City Manager issued a Stage 1 Water Shortage Declaration with revised water restrictions, which the City Council formally ratified on April 21. Water restrictions were enacted due to regional reservoir and snowpack conditions and the need for proactive water management.
The modified Stage 1 restrictions focused on improving system reliability through efficient outdoor irrigation practices, including designated irrigation days and a No Water Wednesday requirement to help Terminal Reservoir refill weekly. While citywide water use did not decrease as hoped, residents and businesses successfully complied with the irrigation schedule, allowing the city to meet peak daily water demands throughout an exceptionally dry year.
With conditions now improving, the Public Works Department reports that water use restrictions are no longer necessary and normal water-use practices can resume.
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5:30 p.m., held at council chambers, 949 East Second Ave., councilors also:
Heard a monthly update from Police Chief Brice Current on Flock camera usage in Durango for August. In August, there were 491 total Flock searches by Durango Police Department officers, with the most searches related to drugs/narcotics at 120 searches.
Heard an update from Parks and Recreation staff on the Buckley Park Master Plan.
Heard a design update on the Police Department / City Hall Project.
Introduced an ordinance to amend the Land Use Development Code to extend the maximum distance allowed for the use of remote parking.
Voted to adopt the city’s Speed Management Plan, which has been in development since 2024. The plan was developed using data and information regarding the city’s transportation system, existing speed management efforts, safety challenges and opportunities, and input from the public and local stakeholder partners. Adoption of the plan would formalize a consistent process for addressing speed management concerns citywide.
Voted to approve a resolution directing city administration to prepare an amendment to the code of ordinances that revises the order of business for city council meetings to allow public comment on each item up for consideration before council action.
Voted to convene in executive session to receive legal advice on specific legal questions concerning a La Plata County District Court case between the City of Durango and Charles Shaw.
Voted to convene in executive session to receive legal advice on specific legal questions concerning defamation of the city council and the city attorney.
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Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis