August 4, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC August 18, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 4, 2026
The August 4, 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 8:37 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda for the Gunnison County Local Liquor Licensing Authority meeting as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #26-54026-0000; Black Mesa Lodge LLC dba Black Mesa Lodge;
9/6/2026 to 9/7/2026 - Alcohol Beverage License #05-29384-0002; Crested Butte Nordic Council dba CBNC Magic
Meadows Yurt; 9/15/2026 to 9/15/2027 - Alcohol Beverage License #03-10559; Kebler Corner Liquors LLC da Kebler Corner Liquors;
10/2/2026 to 10/2/2027 - Alcohol Beverage License #26-34997-0000; Tre Amici Corp dba Garlic Mike’s; 9/14/2026 to
9/14/2027
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Local Liquor
Licensing Authority at 8:38 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:38 am.
CONSENT AGENDA:
- PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION: Acknowledgment of Executive Secretary’s Signature;
Legal Services Agreement; Dufford Waldeck – Commissioner Smith asked what legal services this
is regarding to which CA Hoyt relayed it is for landlord-tenant disputes. CM Birnie confirmed it was
the same company that had been used by the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority
(GVRHA). Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to acknowledge the
Executive Secretary’s Signature on the Legal Services Agreement with Dufford Waldeck. Motion
carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Housing
Authority at 8:42 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:42 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve
the minutes of July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting as amended and also the July 28, 2026 Special Meeting
minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- July 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
- July 28, 2026 Special Meeting
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 number one which will be discussed separately. Motion carried
unanimously.
- PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION: Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Fifth
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement; Sarah Elzay; Extension until 12/31/2026 - Contract Change Order No. 1; 3-08-0030-066-2026/068-2026/069-2026; Gunnison-Crested Butte
Regional Airport; $19,640 - Region 10 Area Agency on Aging Service Contract Terms and Conditions; Region 10; Health and
Human Services; 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $24,000
August 4, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC August 18, 2026
4. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Emergency Facilities & Land Use Agreement;
USDA Forest Service At-Incident Management Support (AIMS) Branch; Gunnison-Crested Butte
Regional Airport; 7/13/2026
5. Option Letter #1; 26-198111; Department of Health Care Policy and Financing; Health and Human
Services; 7/15/2025 to 6/30/2027; $18,550.38
6. Recommendation for Award; Solid Waste Rate Study RFP; Raftelis; Public Works; $87,693
7. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Professional Services Agreement; Integrity Pro
Roofing; Marble Shop; Facilities; 7/30/2026 to 12/31/2026; $97,000
8. Funding Agreement; Gunnison County Metropolitan Recreation District; Gunnison County
Substance Abuse Prevention Project (GCSAPP); 5/2026 to 4/2027; $10,000
9. Statement of Work; Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting Program; Colorado Department
of Early Childhood; Health and Human Services; 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2027; $235,589.57
10. Contract Amendment #4; 20250120; 20270147 Amd #4; Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment; Health and Human Services; 7/1/2024 to 6/3/2027; $47,456
11. Revision No. One to Amendment No. Six to Contract Dated September 29, 2022 Between Jviation,
A Woolpert Company, LLC and Gunnison County Gunnison, Colorado; Gunnison-Crested Butte
Regional Airport; $9,660
12. Professional Services Agreement; Integrity Pro Roofing Colorado; Fairgrounds; 7/21/2026 to
12/31/2026; $34,635
13. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Commercial Lease Agreement; Precision
Contractors LLC; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 7/1/2026 to 12/31/2026; $5,000
PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION: 1. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Fifth
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement; Sarah Elzay; Extension until 12/31/2026 – Commissioner
Houck asked for clarification on where this contract is due to multiple extensions. CM Birnie explained that
there has been some clarification on the details for the position from the staff’s end. Commissioner Smith
elaborated there were also some clarifications needed. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by
Commissioner Smith to approve consent agenda number 1 after further discussion. Motion carried
unanimously.
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORTS:
- Whetstone – CM Birnie relayed that permanent water is currently onsite, and they are gaining
ground in the next few weeks which could cause them to be ahead of schedule. The cabinets were
also delivered on Sunday which will be installed soon.
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GUNNISON COUNTY,
COLORADO, SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A COLORADO FEDERAL LANDS ACCESS
PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR THE GUNNISON COUNTY CUMBERLAND PASS REHABILITATION
PROJECT AND COMMITTING TO PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, MATCHING FUNDS, AND LONG-
TERM MAINTENANCE: Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt was present for
discussion.
ACM Schmidt explained that there is federal money separated to different areas of the state that allows
projects to connect entities or users to federal lands. The previous Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)
award Gunnison County received was for the paving of Cottonwood Pass. He emphasized that even with
the proposed ballot measure they are always exploring other funding opportunities. The application is split
into three segments that could be reduced within the application if needed with segment 1 being Parlin to
Pitkin, segment 2 as Cumberland Pass, and segment 3 as Tincup to Taylor Park Trading Post. CM Birnie
asked if the U.S. Forest Service can support local applications which ACM Schmidt confirmed they are.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve Resolution 2026-28, A
Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of Gunnison County, Colorado, Supporting the Submittal
of a Colorado Federal Lands Access Program Application for the Gunnison County Cumberland Pass
Rehab(ilitation) Project and Committing to Project Implementation, Matching Funds, and Long-Term
Maintenance as presented this morning. Motion carried unanimously.
LETTER OF SUPPORT; CRESTED BUTTE LAND TRUST; ELK MOUNTAIN AND TAYLOR PARK
WATERSHED AND ACCESS PROJECT FOR THE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND
(LWCF): Crested Butte Land Trust (CBLT) Conservation Manager Rachel Sabbato and CBLT Executive
Director Jake Jones were present for discussion.
Conservation Manager Sabbato explained that the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the U.S.
Forest Service has an allocation of money that they are looking for projects to fund. This project was
scheduled last spring but was on hold until this June. They currently have a portfolio of 17 parcels, and the
plan is to cluster the parcels onto this application which will then be purchased and go back to public lands
as part of the U.S. Forest Service that will be accessible for public recreation. CA Hoyt applauded this
approach. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the letter of
support presented this morning for the Crested Butte Land Trust on the Elk Mountain and Taylor Park
Watershed Access Project for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and authorize the signature of the
full Board on the letter. Motion carried unanimously.
August 4, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC August 18, 2026
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT: Due to the amount of people in the room, Commissioner Puckett
Daniels explained the unscheduled public comment procedure, promoted an area of safety and respect,
and thanked the public for joining today.
Numerous community members expressed concerns and apprehension about the Sheriff’s Office working
with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which they believe has led to about 60 people
being taken from the community. Residents shared stories about friends and family disappearing after
being released from the jail, and said this has made immigrants afraid to call the police, go to the doctor,
or even show up to public meetings. They asked the county to stop cooperating with ICE, be more
transparent, review things like license plate reader cameras, and take steps to make Gunnison feel safe
and welcoming again. The speakers that made comments were Joe Burgess, Laurie Gery, Ever Morrow,
Salif Mahamane, Kelly Jo Clark, Kate Clark, Ren Hoskin, Henry Meier, John Czernicki, Nancy Gruber-Meier,
Laura Guccione, Ian Wrisley, James Milski, Charlie Doan, Danica Ramgoolam, Talie Morrison, Tom Stompf,
Marcia Collins, and Marketa Zubkova.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels thanked everyone for attending today and the respected conducted during
the meeting.
Sheriff Adam Murdie emphasized the position he is in between his humanity, his job, and doing the best
thing he can for community. He expressed that he fears that not cooperating with ICE will cause them to
run rampant in the community like elsewhere in the country. However, he announced that the Sheriff’s
Office will not cooperate with ICE any longer and hopes that his fears do not come to fruition.
Undersheriff Josh Ashe clarified they have not done anything that has not been legally in their bounds to
do, and they do adhere to community safety. However, he does not feel that the Sheriff’s Office ha s catered
to ICE in any way that has not occurred across the country. Lastly, he asked not to be branded based on
his uniform and job.
Commissioner Smith emphasized the courage shown by the public who spoke on this topic today and the
importance of taking care of each other’s humanity. She also acknowledged the tremendous work of the
Sherrif’s Office to keep the community safe and reiterated how the uniform is very complicated for some
people. She agreed with every sentiment that was stated and she will continue participating in Welcoming
Week, as she has since its inception, as well as attending the vigil.
Commissioner Houck reiterated gratitude to the community and relayed that the Board is not immune to
what is going on. He emphasized thanks to the Sheriff’s Office for their communications and the great
relationship they have with the Board. Commissioner Houck expressed the Board’s commitment to listen
by stating that in many communities, they have the elected officials look down on the people from a dais,
whereas here in Gunnison County it is a table for people to come speak to them as equals. Lastly, he
emphasized he continues to maintain hope over the fact that there are people willing to stand up for others
who are afraid to speak. He shared Sheriff Murdie’s concerns and stated he will continue to balance the
line between standing up for what the community believes and not shining a spotlight on them for the
Federal Government to push harder than they already have.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels noted the last 18 months has had turmoil and while she has moral clarity,
she also is pragmatic and worries on how to keep the people safe. She condemns the conduct of ICE
throughout the country and relayed that ICE is not doing law enforcement, and she sees the conflation of
the two roles. Her commitment to Gunnison County is to continue to engage with compassion and respect,
to listen, and facilitate an ongoing dialogue with County staff, the community, the immigrants in the
community and the Sheriff’s Office.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Commissioner Smith:
- Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI) – Commissioner Smith has been attending
meetings for Human Service office hours and noted they have begun to receive the worst-case
scenarios with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) error rates from the State,
which is proposing a 60/40 split with 40% being county paid. - Chamber of Commerce – Commissioner Smith will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce
and will be discussing the Road and Bridge Ballot. Additionally, she will be asking if they would
be willing to support the ballot. Commissioner Puckett Daniels is working with the Crested Butte
Chamber as well. - Directors for Early Childhood Education – Commissioner Smith has met with several directors
regarding research questions on how the Board can support stronger inquiry into how the
dynamics are shifting, particularly with the Crested Butte Community School opening a
preschool that are sustainable. - Crystal River Wild and Scenic Subcommittee – Commissioner Smith attended a meeting
yesterday and stated a suggestion that ensued is the potential for a light analysis from the
Attorney’s Office. Commissioner Puckett Daniels asked for clarification on what was being
August 4, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC August 18, 2026
asked and Commissioner Smith elaborated that this is not a proposal and it is to make sure
any Gunnison County concerns are on the table. The Board agreed.
Commissioner Houck:
- Western Colorado University – Commissioner Houck attended a meeting at the invitation of
WCU President Brad Baca regarding the importance of WCU to the community and the
challenges it faces. - Gold Mountain and Elk Fires – Commissioner Houck has attended operational meetings and
noted the Elk Fire risk level has gone down. - Tourism and Prosperity Partnership Board (TAPP) – Commissioner Houck had a meeting with
Executive Director Andrew Sandstrom to get perspective on the future and the budget. - Metropolitan Recreation District (MetRec) – Commissioner Houck attended a celebration for
the Crested Butte South Trail. - State Land Board – Commissioner Houck relayed they will have their final meeting next Monday
to push forward recommendations. He made sure Gunnison County’s concerns around state
land board management were interwoven in the big picture. - Representative Jeff Hurd – Commissioner Houck is working to get a Gunnison Outdoor
Resource Protection (GORP) Act field trip put together with Representative Hurd. He also
suggested the Board touring the coal mine sometime in August or September. - Montrose Timber Mill – Commissioner Houck continues to work on this project.
- HB 1177 Roundtable – Commissioner Houck is contemplating potential impacts and challenges
Gunnison County is facing regarding water levels.
Commissioner Puckett Daniels:
- Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee (STOR) – Commissioner Puckett
Daniels noted the wildlife crossing subcommittee has received some Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) Regional Partnership Initiative funding for several initiatives including selecting
a consultant for the coordination of the subcommittee and community engagement.
Additionally, there have been conversations regarding the management of non-federal
trailheads with a focus on the Kebler Winter Trailhead. - Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) Retreat – Commissioner Puckett Daniels
represented Gunnison County at the retreat last week, which resulted in a reaffirmation of their
guiding principles: transportation and infrastructure, working families and economic vitality,
healthy communities and resources, environmental resiliency and public lands. Several pieces
of legislation were also discussed including an extension of the timeline for mobile home park
purchases, funding and improving wildfire prevention technology which could potentially
reduce home insurance costs, and a fiscal diversification bucket.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting at 11:23 a m.
Laura Puckett Daniels, Chairperson
Elizabeth Smith, Vice-Chairperson
Jonathan Houck, Commissioner
Minutes Prepared By:
Holly Perry, Deputy County Clerk
Attest:
Kathy Simillion, County Clerk
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TEXT INCLUSION INTO MINUTES
Note: For all the details of each resolution including any exhibits, please refer to gunnisoncounty.org
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 4, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of August 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC August 18, 2026
OF THE COUNTY OF GUNNISON, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 2026 - 28
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF GUNNISON COUNTY,
COLORADO, SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A COLORADO FEDERAL LANDS ACCESS
PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR THE GUNNISON COUNTY CUMBERLAND PASS
REHABILITATION PROJECT AND COMMITTING TO PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, MATCHING
FUNDS, AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, Gunnison County is a political subdivision of the State of Colorado and an eligible applicant for
the Colorado Federal Lands Access Program (“FLAP”); and
WHEREAS, the Federal Lands Access Program provides funding for transportation facilities that are located
on, are adjacent to, or provide access to Federal lands; and
WHEREAS, Gunnison County owns, operates, and/or maintains public road facilities that provide access to
Federal lands and Federal land recreation destinations within and around Gunnison County; and
WHEREAS, Gunnison County seeks Colorado FLAP funding for the Gunnison County Cumberland Pass
Rehabilitation Project (“Project”), which would rehabilitate approximately 40 miles of County Road 76 and
Forest Service Road 765 from Parlin and over Cumberland Pass to the Taylor Park Trading Post; and
WHEREAS, the Project is eligible for Colorado FLAP funding because it will improve public transportation
access to high-use Federal recreation destinations, historic sites, cultural resources, campgrounds,
trailheads, fishing and boating areas, dispersed recreation sites, and extensive motorized and non-
motorized recreation networks; and
WHEREAS, Gunnison County intends to coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service and historic corridor
communities, including Parlin, Ohio City, Pitkin, and Tincup, to design and construct a comprehensive
rehabilitation of the corridor; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that the Project advances Gunnison County’s goals
for safe transportation access, rural connectivity, Federal lands access, recreation access, historic
preservation, emergency preparedness