September 15, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC October 6, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
September 15, 2026
The September 15, 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 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 Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve the
consent agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #03-01981; Amie Mountain Lodge LLC dba Inn at Arrowhead;
10/15/2026 to 10/15/2027
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Local Liquor
Licensing Authority at 8:30 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:30 am.
The Board elected to conduct the Executive Session first so Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica would
be present for the budget amendment.
EXECUTIVE SESSION, PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(B) CONFERENCE WITH THE
COUNTY ATTORNEY OR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR GUNNISON COUNTY FOR THE
PURPOSE OF RECEIVING LEGAL ADVICE ON THE PROPOSED MINERAL POINT PROPERTY
AGREEMENTS AND C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(E)(I), FOR DETERMINING POSITIONS RELATIVE TO
THE MATTER THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATIONS, DEVELOPING STRATEGY FOR
NEGOTIATIONS, AND INSTRUCTING NEGOTIATORS: Moved by Commissioner Puckett Daniels,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to go into executive session, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b)
conference with the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorney for Gunnison County for the purpose of
receiving legal advice on the proposed Mineral Point Property agreements and C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(e)(I),
for determining positions relative to the matter that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy
for negotiations, and instructing negotiators. Those who will participate in the executive session are
Executive Secretary for the Housing Authority Matthew Birnie, Assistant County Manager (for Operations
and Sustainability) John Cattles, Senior Property Manager Barb Carroll, the full Board of County
Commissioners, and County Attorney Matthew Hoyt. The motion was amended to include Chief Finance
Officer Melissa LaMonica. Motion carried unanimously.
The board went into executive session at 8:33 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).
September 15, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC October 6, 2026
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. All those who participated in the meeting were those we read into the record at the beginning,
and we stayed on the topic that was read into the initial motion. Motion carried unanimously. The Board
came out of executive session at 9:51 am. There were no decisions made.
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY BUDGET FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND AMENDING THE APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION: Chief Finance Officer
Melissa LaMonica and Deputy Chief Finance Officer Mark Rozman were present for discussion.
CFO LaMonica noted this is for the Whetstone budget amendment because the way the bond documents
are written, these funds need to be pulled out and put into a proprietary fund. Moved by Commissioner
Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve Gunnison County Housing Authority Resolution
Number 2026-005 as presented this morning, that is a Resolution Amending the Gunnison County Housing
Authority Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, and Amending the Appropriation Resolution as presented in the
packet. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Housing
Authority at 9:53 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 9:53 am.
HEALTH COALITION UPDATE: Community Health Manager Margaret Wacker and Health Coalition
Coordinator Katherine Melland w ere present for discussion.
CHM Wacker introduced HCC Melland to the Board. HCC Melland began by introducing the mission
statement of the Health Coalition, the leadership team organizations, and its responsibilities which included
enhancing collaboration, being proactive, and to educate, advocate, monitor progress, and conduct
stakeholder initiatives. Currently the leadership team is working on website development, local community
health data, and a strategic plan, as well as supporting subgroups for workforce support, suicide prevention
and a sense of belonging which also have their own projects.
WEST CENTRAL PUBLIC HEALTH PARTNERSHIP (WCPHP) UPDATE: Community Health Manager
Margaret Wacker and Regional Health Services Supervisor Erika Stoerkel were present for discussion.
- Proclamation; 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
RHSS Stoerkel updated the Board on the current timeline through the winter of 2027 which included the
Western Slope Wellness CredibleMind program being scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026. CHM
Wacker discussed the status, challenges, and opportunities for Whole Health Navigation and Stigma
Reduction while RHSS Stoerkel discussed the status, challenges and opportunities for the Regional Suicide
Review Board.
CHM Wacker expressed gratitude to the Board for their support and willingness to make the proclamation.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to adopt, sign, and promote the
Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the County of Gunnison, Colorado in September
2026 and encourage folks within the community to recognize the importance of the issue within our
community and the work being done to support those who struggle and those who are left behind in the
constant challenge of suicide, and authorize the Chair’s and both Commissioners’ signatures on the
Proclamation. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Board of Health
at 10:36 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 10:36 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Puckett Daniels to
approve the minutes for August 18, 2026 and September 1, 2026 as amended in the discussion today.
Motion carried unanimously.
- August 18, 2026 Regular Meeting
- September 1, 2026 Regular Meeting
September 15, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC October 6, 2026
SCHEDULING: The Upcoming Meetings Schedule was discussed and updated.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda, with the exception of item 10, which we will discuss separately. Motion carried
unanimously.
- Development Improvement Agreement; LUC-25-00038; Simco Ventures LLC
- Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Professional Services Agreement; Right Around
Roofing; Fairgrounds; 8/21/2026 to 12/31/2026; $38,310 - Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Grant # 8949; Buell Foundation; Health and
Human Services; 9/1/2026 to 8/31/2027; $30,000 - Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Undesirable Plan Management 2026; Board of County
Commissioners of Saguache County, Board of County Commissioners of Hinsdale County, Town of
Crested Butte, City of Gunnison, Town of Pitkin; Public Works; 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2026; $19,611 - Professional Services Agreement; Abby Johnson; Juvenile Services; 9/1/2026 to 8/31/2027; $5,000
- Trade Contractor Agreement; North Peak Construction; Facilities; 9/4/2026 to 12/31/2026;
$288,432 - Extension of Ground Lease Agreement; Hangar 14, LLC; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport;
9/15/2009 to 9/15/2049 - Grant Application; Town of Crested Butte; Gunnison County Substance Abuse Prevention Project
(GCSAPP); Juvenile Services; $15,000 - Amendment No. 3 Dated August 19, 2026 to the Professional Services Agreement Dated March 7,
2023; MGT of America Consulting, LLC; Finance; 3/7/2023 to 12/31/2026; $6,450 - PULLED FOR FUTHER DISCUSSION: Written Notice of Nonrenewal; Flock Group, Inc
- Assumption of Fire Duty Control; Gold Mountain and Elk Fire; Sheriff’s Office
PULLED FOR FUTHER DISCUSSION:
- Written Notice of Nonrenewal; Flock Group, Inc – Commissioner Smith relayed her concerns about
data sharing even after the termination of the contract. CA Hoyt noted that the contract requires
both sides to return proprietary information and that the cameras will be removed in a reasonable
timeframe. Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by to Commissioner Houck to approve item
number 10, the written notice of non-renewal with the Flock Group, Inc and authorize the Chair’s
signature. Commissioner Puckett Daniels noted that this was the direction of the Sheriff to cancel
this agreement. Motion carried unanimously.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORTS:
- County Manager Matthew Birnie yielded his time.
BOARD DESIGNATIONS:
- 2027 Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI) Legislative Committee Commissioner
Designation Form – Commissioner Smith is amenable to having Commissioner Puckett Daniels to
continue being the designee, but hoped to have further discussion on the legislation she is
pursuing. Commissioner Puckett Daniels asked to continue that conversation next Tuesday at the
work session. Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Puckett Daniels to
appoint Commissioner Puckett Daniels to serve on CCI’s Legislative Committee on behalf of
Gunnison County and Commissioner Smith as the alternate. Motion carried unanimously. - Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Committees Designations – Commissioner
Puckett Daniels noted that there are three committees: policy, legislative and finance. Discussion
ensued regarding who would be interested in which committee. Assistant County Manager for
Operations and Sustainability John Cattles was also considered as a representative. Moved by
Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Puckett Daniels to make the following
appointments for CC4CA: Laura (Commissioner Puckett Daniels) as the voting member for the
Board and with (Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability) John Cattles as being
the alternate. F or the legislative committee, Commissioner Puckett Daniels being the primary voting
member with (Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability) John Cattles being the
alternate and then for the policy committee, (Assistant County Manager for Operations and
Sustainability) John Cattles being the primary voting member and Commissioner Puckett Daniels
being the alternate. Motion carried unanimously.
LETTER OF SUPPORT; PROPOSITION 137, PROTECTING COLORADO’S LAND AND WATER:
Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained that Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) decided
to stay neutral on this proposition. Commissioner Puckett Daniels confirmed if the Board is still in a position
of support. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to take a position of support
for Proposition 137 and that all the full Board sign the letter of support and provide that to the Protect
Colorado’s Land Water, Prevent Wildfires working group which is Tarn Udall as a registered agent. Motion
carried unanimously.
MOUNTAIN HOUSING RESEARCH COLLABORATIVE DISCUSSION:
September 15, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC October 6, 2026
Commissioner Puckett Daniels explained that Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) is asking members
to participate at a $5,000 level and expressed interest in participating as well, suggesting to use
discretionary funds for this program. Commissioner Smith commented that the high-level goals are
appealing but wonders about the methodology and the measures of success. Commissioner Houck noted
that he believed we have figured out what works in Gunnison County whereas CAST focuses on municipal
answers, therefore he is unsure of the outcomes being geared towards the county. On the other hand,
Commissioner Puckett Daniels noted that if they participate, they give a larger voice for counties over
municipalities. CM Birnie commented that they should be focused on building housing but is curious about
the studies. However, he stated that Gunnison County can access what is needed as associate members.
It was decided to give more time to see where they land on the matter before deciding.
SCHEDULE CHANGE: Commissioner Puckett Daniels elected to discuss the Treasurer’s Report while
waiting for the auditor to attend.
TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT: County Treasurer Teresa Brown presented the August 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 and authorize the Chair’s signature.
Motion carried unanimously.
GUNNISON COUNTY AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2025: McMahan and Associates Certified
Public Account (CPA) Lillian Marcione and Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica were present for
discussion.
CPA Marcione explained that they did give an unmodified opinion, the management’s discussion and
analysis, and the statement of net position which is the bond issuances of Whetstone that were moved to
a proprietary fund. She also relayed no difficulties with management or the finance team. CFO LaMonica
agreed with all that was stated in the presentation and noted some organizational priorities. The Board
thanked the auditor and finance team for their work and collaboration. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to accept the Gunnison County Audit Financial Statements for 2025 as
presented to the Board of County Commissioners. Motion carried unanimously.
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE GUNNISON COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND
AMENDING THE APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION: Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica and Deputy
Chief Finance Officer Mark Rozman were present for discussion.
CFO LaMonica noted there is documentation given to CM Birnie, which he signs off on before it becomes
the amendment. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve and adopt
Resolution 2026-32, a Resolution Amending the Gunnison County Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and
Amending the Appropriation Resolution as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
VOUCHERS AND TRANSFERS APPROVAL: Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica and Deputy Chief
Finance Officer Mark Rozman were present for discussion.
- August 2026 Voucher Report – Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith
to approve the vouchers in the amount of $8,076,413.62. - August 2026 Cash Transfer Report – Moved by Commissioner Houck, Commissioner Smith to
approve the cash transfer in the amount of $12,479,090.68. Motion carried unanimously. - August 2026 Purchase Card Report – The Board did not pose any questions about this report.
- July 2026 Sales and Local Marketing Tax Report – The Board did not pose any questions about this
report.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no persons present for discussion.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Commissioner Smith:
- Ribbon Cutting for Crested Butte Community School – Commissioner Smith attended the ribbon
cutting. - Choice Pass – Commissioner Smith was able to enroll her child in the Choice Pass and noted
appreciation of the program from the parental perspective. - Better Together Bash – Commissioner Smith attended the Better Together Bash which kicked
off Welcome Week and thanked the staff involved for their work.
Commissioner Houck:
- Commissioner Houck yielded his time.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels:
- Crested Butte South Property Owner’s Association (POA) – Commissioner Puckett Daniels met
with the POA to foster collaboration and a spirit of helping solve the community’s problems
September 15, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of September 15, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC October 6, 2026
together. Commissioner Houck noted that he is also approving of work sessions regarding
issues based on his discussions as well.
2. Lake Irwin Campground – Commissioner Puckett Daniels relayed that the Forest Service is
closing Lake Irwin Campground for renovations and noted concerns occurring due to that. She
commented that there could be future Board decisions regarding what to do with the road to
Irwin Townsite in partnership with the Town.
BREAK: The meeting recessed from 11:43 am until 1:04 pm for lunch.
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 the County Attorney. Those who are participating in the executive
session will be the full Board of County Commissioners and the County Attorney Matthew Hoyt. The
employee also noted he elected for this to be in an executive session. Motion carried unanimously.
The board went into executive session at 1:05 pm.
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