April 21, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC May 5, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2026
The April 21, 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: Commissioner Puckett Daniels relayed that there was a typo on the third item on
the consent agenda and it should be listed as 6/18/2026 not 6/9/2026. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the consent agenda, noting the correction that the Special
Event Liquor Permit for number three is 6/18. Motion carried unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #04-00107; Elk Creek Marina LLC dba Elk Creek Marina; 6/3/2026 to
6/3/2027 - Alcohol Beverage License #04-00106; Elk Creek Marina LLC dba Lake Fork Marina; 6/3/2026 to
6/3/2027 - Special Event Liquor Permit 2-2026; Hartman Castle; 6/18/2026 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
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.
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE GUNNISON RIVER VALLEY LOCAL MARKETING DISTRICT
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND AMENDING THE APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION: Deputy
Chief Finance Officer Mark Rozman was present for discussion.
Deputy CFO Rozman stated this is to support the licensing management for the short term rental
applications and renewing the Granicus contract for three years. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the Gunnison River Valley Local Marketing District Resolution
2026-1, A Resolution Amending the Gunnison River Valley Local Marketing District Budget for Fiscal Year
2026 and Amending the Appropriation Resolution as presented this morning and authorize the signature of
the full Board. Motion carried unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison River Valley Local
Marketing District at 8:33 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 8:33 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve
Resolution 2026-004, A Resolution Amending the Gunnison County Housing Authority Budget for Fiscal
Year 2026 and Amending the Appropriation Resolution. Motion carried unanimously.
- A Resolution Amending the Gunnison County Housing Authority Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 and
Amending the Appropriation Resolution - PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature;
Representation and Annual Report Managed Services Bundle Order Form; CT Corporation System;
2026; $1,058 - PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION. CSC Electronic Recording Services Agreement;
Corporation Service Company; 4/21/2026 to 4/20/2027; $25 per filing
PULLED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION:
- Acknowledgment of Executive Secretary’s Signature; Representation and Annual Report
Managed Services Bundle Order Form; CT Corporation System; 2026; $1,058 – Commissioner
Smith asked about the Attorney’s comments regarding confidentiality and an auto renew
clause. CA Hoyt explained the issues found. CM Birnie noted CA Hoyt’s concerns are legally
valid, but due to the limited amount of the contract, he didn’t see this as high risk. Additionally,
CM Birnie noted in regard to the confidentiality, the law will be followed over the contract.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to acknowledge the
April 21, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC May 5, 2026
Executive Secretary’s signature for the Representation and Annual Report Managed Services
Bundle Order Form as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
3. CSC Electronic Recording Services Agreement; Corporation Service Company; 4/21/2026 to
4/20/2027; $25 per filing – CA Hoyt explained his concerns regarding the indemnification
clause. Moved Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve the CSC
Electronic Recording Services Agreement as included in the packet. Motion carried
unanimously.
ADJOURN: Commissioner Puckett Daniels adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Housing
Authority at 8:46 am.
BREAK: The meeting recessed from 8:4 6 until 9:19 am in order to call to order as the Gunnison/Hinsdale
Board of Human Services (see separate minutes).
GUNNISON/HINSDALE BOARD OF HUMAN SERVICES REGULAR MEETING:
(See separate minutes)
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Puckett Daniels called the meeting to order at 9:19 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve
the April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes as amended in the conversation today. Motion carried
unanimously.
- April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
SCHEDULING: The Upcoming Meetings Schedule was discussed and updated.
- Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI) Summer Conference Discussion – The CCI
Summer Conference takes place from June 1
st
to June 3
rd
and after some discussion, it was
determined to cancel the June 2
nd
BOCC meeting and react accordingly as necessary.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck to approve the
consent agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; Funding Opportunity Number 3-08-0030-067-2026;
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 9/1/2025 to 12/31/2026; $823,064 with Local Match of
$20,577 - Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; Funding Opportunity Number 3-08-0030-066-2026;
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 9/1/2025 to 12/31/2026; $2,019,767 with Local Match
of $50,494 - Temporary Road Use Agreement; Gunnison Nordic Club; Public Works; 5/7/2026 or 5/21/2026
from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm - Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; Funding Opportunity Number 3-08-0030-069-2026;
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 9/1/2025 to 12/31/2026; $5,263,158 with Local Match
of $131,579 - Application for Federal Assistance SF-424; Funding Opportunity Number 3-08-0030-068-2026;
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 9/1/2025 to 12/31/2026; $4,105,263 with Local Match
of $102,632 - Memorandum of Agreement, Crested Butte GreenDeed Program; Town of Crested Butte; GV-HEAT;
4/6/2026 to 1/1/2027; $132,500 - Professional Services Agreement; De Loera Cleaning LLC; Facilities, Shady Island River Park;
4/21/2026 to 12/31/2026; $7,400 - Grant Application; Acknowledgment of Clerk and Recorder’s signature; Electronic Recording
Technology Board; Clerk and Recorder; $141,331.20 - LeadsOnline Order Summary No. S-18966; Sheriff’s Office; 4/1/2026 to 12/31/2029; $12,705.62
- Grant Application; Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation; Health and Human Services; $30,000
- State of Colorado Contract Modification Task Order; 23 FAA 00023; Health and Human Services;
7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $644,000 - Proposal for TO 6. Type A Amendment Passenger Facility Charge Consulting Services; PFC 23-07-
C-00-GUC; Ricondo; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 4/1/2026 to 7/1/2026; $8,640 - Proposal for Task Order 7. Passenger Facility Charge Consulting Services; PFC NOI 27-08-C-00-
GUC; Ricondo; Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; 4/1/2026 to 10/1/2026; $36,720 - Lease Agreement; Bishop of Pueblo; Clerk and Recorder; 6/29-6/30/2026 & 11/2-11/3/2026;
$2,600
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORTS:
- Community Event – CM Birnie relayed there is an event being proposed for August 21
st
that will
have free food and family events for the community which will be in the grassy area between
April 21, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC May 5, 2026
Blackstock and O’Leary. The event will also serve as a way to provide the community with
information regarding the Road and Bridge Initiative, the Corridor Plan, and the Airport Master
Plan. The Commissioners were all supportive of the event.
2. May 7
th
Mayor and Manager’s Meeting – CM Birnie asked for ideas for a presentation at the meeting
and relayed that Assistant County Manager for Public Works Martin Schmidt and himself would be
unavailable to do a road and bridge presentation. The Commissioners decided they would like to
carry the road and bridge presentation themselves for the meeting.
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE GUNNISON COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND
AMENDING THE APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION: Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica was present
for discussion.
CFO LaMonica noted most amendments are for grants received, an employee paid time off (PTO) payout,
and transferring a tent for the election. Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck
to approve Resolution 2026-17, A Resolution Amending the Gunnison County Budget for Fiscal year 2026
and Amending the Appropriation Resolution and authorize the full signatures of the Board. Motion carried
unanimously.
LETTER OF SUPPORT; GUNNISON VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (RTA);
FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION BUS AND BUS FACILITIES PROGRAM:
Commissioner Puckett Daniels noted that she and Commissioner Smith have already seen this letter and it
is being sent to all the entities that belong to the RTA in the hopes of having a unified voice to send to the
Federal Representatives for keeping the transportation funding whole. It was decided to add Commissioner
Puckett Daniels to the letter as someone who can give more information. Moved by Commissioner Houck,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the letter and correspondence around this topic and authorize
the signature of the Chair and/or the full Board depending on the final formatting of the letter. Motion
carried unanimously.
COLORADO COMMUNITIES FOR CLIMATE ACTION (CC4CA) DESIGNATION:
Commissioner Puckett Daniels gave some examples of what she has seen that CC4CA is participating in,
and she indicated that typically they have a primary and alternate designation from Counties participating.
She explained that there are overlapping areas for Colorado Counties, Inc. Steering Committees (CCI),
Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT), Water Quality & Quantity (QQ) and CC4CA and it could
be beneficial for her to take the primary position due to this. Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded
by Commissioner Houck to appoint Laura (Puckett Daniels) as the primary voting member and for me
(Commissioner Smith) to be the designated alternate. Motion carried unanimously.
CRYSTAL RIVER INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT; COLORADO RIVER WATER
CONSERVATION DISTRICT, GUNNISON COUNTY, COLORADO, PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO,
TOWN OF MARBLE, COLORADO, AND WEST DIVIDE WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT:
Commissioner Smith explained there has been a request for additional language from Pitkin County that
includes “on-channel reservoirs” which makes the participation of local governments less onerous. CA Hoyt
emphasized that Gunnison County’s other processes do apply and this IGA does not supersede those
processes. Commissioner Houck asked how the references to wild and scenic connect to the ongoing work
and the position for the County, and Commissioner Smith explained there is no decision capacity and does
not show support or condone wild and scenic for the County. Moved by Commissioner Puckett Daniels,
seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the Intergovernmental Agreement regarding Crystal River
between the parties listed on the agreement and authorize the signature of the Board Chair. Motion carried
unanimously.
LAND USE CHANGE APPLICATIONS:
- Lot Cluster; LUC-26-00018; Richardson – Planning Technician Aidan McComas noted the applicant
would like to cluster two of his three adjacent lots to put a residence and to meet the environmental
health onsite wastewater treatment system regulations. Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded
by Commissioner Houck to approve Lot Cluster for LUC-26-00018 as presented in the packet today
and authorize the full signatures of the Board. Motion carried unanimously. - Lot Cluster; LUC-26-00007; Somrak – Planner I Caroline Danielson explained the applicants are
wanting to cluster their lots to construct another smaller residence on the second lot. This does go
over the 7,000 aggregate square feet and it did go through a minor impact process which the
Planning Commission reduced to an administrative review. Applicant Ben Somrak no ted the
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) will occupy 4.6% of the property. Commissioner Smith confirmed
that the HOA approved this construction project and Mr. Somrak confirmed they are excited about
the less density impact of the construction. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by
Commissioner Smith to approve Lot Cluster LUC-26-00007 for the Somrak’s as presented this
morning and authorize the full Board on the document. Motion carried unanimously.
AGENDA CHANGE: It was decided to move the Treasurer’s Report before vouchers and transfers due to
the County Treasurer Teresa Brown being available on Zoom.
April 21, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC May 5, 2026
TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT: County Treasurer Teresa Brown presented the March 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.
VOUCHERS AND TRANSFERS APPROVAL: Chief Finance Officer Melissa LaMonica was present for
discussion.
- March 2026 Voucher Report – Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith
to approve the voucher report in the amount of $6,245,201.18. Motion carried unanimously. - March 2026 Cash Transfer Report – Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner
Houck to authorize the cash transfer in the amount of $9,366,453.34. - March 2026 Purchase Card Report – The Board did not pose any questions about this report.
- February 2026 Sales and Local Marketing Tax Report – Deputy Chief Finance Officer Mark Rozman
noted there will be some additional reporting next month in order to see a true gauge of what is
happening. Commissioner Puckett Daniels asked if it was safe to say that sales tax was down for
the winter to which Deputy CFO Rozman confirmed it is, but not to the extent the report is stating.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT: There were no persons present for discussion.
BREAK: The meeting recessed from 10:20 until 10:27 am.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS:
Commissioner Houck:
- Green Lakes – Commissioner Houck has been working with CA Hoyt on this issue.
- Spruce Beetle Epidemic & Aspen Decline Management Response (SBEADMR) – Commissioner
Houck relayed there have been exit interviews and there have been discussions of whether
another 10-year adaptive management program initiative is worth it. However, while
Commissioner Houck will keep the Board informed, he suggests someone else lean into the
next iteration, as the duration will go beyond the years he sees himself on the Board. - Gunnison Outdoor Resource Protection (GORP) Act Supporters Meeting – Commissioner Houck
attended the meeting and noted they created correspondence from the workgroup to
Congressman Hurd. Additionally, his own conversations with Congressman Hurd have been
regarding appreciation for his continued support of the GORP Act and if something moves
forward, the bill language is ready to be acted upon. - Colorado Sun – Commissioner Houck attended the local meeting on behalf of the Board.
- State Land Board – Commissioner Houck stated they are finalizing the interim report and
verified that the mechanisms in place to vet potential leases changes are used. - Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) – Commissioner Houck attended a meeting.
- Hartman Cleanup – Commissioner Houck attended the cleanup and noted it was strongly
attended by County staff and had over 200 community members attend. - Local Groups – Commissioner Houck will be presenting to a couple local groups regarding
updates on what is going on in Gunnison County and plans to also discuss the road and bridge
initiative.
Commissioner Smith:
- Roads and Bridges – Commissioner Smith explained she met with Assistant County Manager
for Public Works Martin Schmidt at the Hartman cleanup and recommended a schedule of
outreach events so she can plan around her schedule for them. - Cheatgrass Coordinator – Commissioner Smith worked with stakeholder partners to clean up
the Intergovernmental Agreement and is currently finalizing the coordinator’s contract
agreement. - Wild and Scenic – Commissioner Smith relayed there is a meeting in June to reconvene and
check in with the progress for Wild and Scenic. - Welcoming Week Steering Committee – Commissioner Smith has been working with Juntos
regarding concerns within the immigration community. She stated the steering committee is
the most robust it has ever been and there is an initiative called Future Town which invites
residents into conversations regarding the future of the town. - Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council – Commissioner Smith relayed there are ongoing
efforts to shift composition to representation based more on population and she has requested
an Intergovernmental Agreement to prevent an annual conversation. - Early Childhood Council – Commissioner Smith has had numerous individual conversations as
part of Early Childhood Council, and many are interested in the Gunnison Valley Health
(GVH)/Western Colorado University (WCU) collaboration to try to reopen the space Little
Adventures and Wonderland Nature School was in. - Legislative Update – Commissioner Smith has been having conversations with the Attorney
General’s office regarding the Colorado Privacy Act.
April 21, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC May 5, 2026
Commissioner Puckett Daniels:
- Gunnison Valley Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) – Commissioner Puckett Daniels
commented the RTA is committed to finding a transit way west for clients of Health and Human
Services. - American Whitewater – Commissioner Puckett Daniels had a conversation with Kestrel Kunz
with American Whitewater regarding their efforts to obtain right to float legislation, and she
made a call to Speaker McCluskie and Senator Roberts about the legislation concerns. - Habitat Conservation and Connectivity Plan – Commissioner Puckett Daniels attended the
regional meeting about the Habitat Conservation and Connectivity Plan which only includes the
western and southwestern portion of Gunnison County. - Representative Hurd – Commissioner Puckett Daniels was able to have a phone conversation
with Representative Hurd regarding public land issues; she reiterated appreciation as well as
issued an enthusiastic invitation to come visit here. She also expressed her displeasure at his
vote in support for House Joint Resolution 140 and asked what the closure of U.S. Forest
Service regional offices and research stations is going to look like with no answers. - Crested Butte South Property Owners Association (POA) – Commissioner Puckett Dan