July 7, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 1 -
Minutes of July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC July 21, 2026
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
July 7, 2026
The July 7, 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:
(ABSENT) 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
Due to Commissioner Puckett Daniels’s absence, Commissioner Smith will be running the meeting.
GUNNISON COUNTY LOCAL LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Smith called the meeting to order at 8:31 am.
CONSENT AGENDA: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve the
consent agenda for the Local Liquor License Authority as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- Alcohol Beverage License #07-74205-0002; Crested Butte LLC dba Ice Bar/ Rest Twister Warming
Hse; 7/15/2026 to 7/15/2027
ADJOURN: Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting of the Gunnison County Local Liquor Licensing
Authority at 8:31 am.
GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING:
CALL TO ORDER: Commissioner Smith called the meeting to order at 8:31 am.
AGENDA REVIEW: There were no changes made to the agenda.
MINUTES APPROVAL: Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve
the June 16
th
Regular Meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
- June 16, 2026 Regular 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 as presented this morning. Motion carried unanimously.
- Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Approval; Grant Application; Energy Outreach Colorado
(EOC); Health and Human Services; 10/1/2026 to 9/30/2027; $1,000 - Contract Amendment #3; 20240031; 20270465; Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment (CDPHE); Health and Human Services; 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2027; $7,248 - Bylaws of the Gunnison County Community Services Block Grant Tripartite Board; Health and
Human Services - Memorandum of Understanding Amendment #3 Between the Colorado Department of Early
Childhood and Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties Departments of Health of Human Services; Health
and Human Services; 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027 - Continuous Quality Improvement PHIG LPHA Mini-Grant; PO FAA 202600010864; Health and
Human Services; 6/4/2026 to 11/30/2026; $25,000 - Intergovernmental Agreement to Disburse Colorado Opioid Abatement Council Grant Funds; Board
of County Commissioners of Ouray County; Juvenile Services; 7/7/2026 to 12/31/2026; $35,000 - Ratification; Task Order; CTGG1 FHLA 2027*0015; Juvenile Services; 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027;
$409,190 - DJ Services Agreement; Gunnison Valley Entertainment, LLC; 8/21/2026 from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm;
$800 - Contract Amendment #1; 2024*0436; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE); Health and Human Services; 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2027; $29,000 - Amendment #3 to Plan Document Dated September 1, 2017 and Restated January 1, 2020;
Gunnison County, Colorado Employee Dental and Vision Plan; Human Resources - Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Approval; El Pomar Foundation General Grant Terms and
Conditions; Juvenile Services - Amendment #2 to Plan Document Dated September 1, 20218 and Restated January 1, 2025;
Gunnison County, Colorado Employee Medical Benefit Plan Cost Plus Plan; Human Resources - Acknowledgment; Option Letter 3; CT FHLA 20260298; CTGG1 FHLA 20270247; Health and
Human Services; 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $76,963 - Grant Application; Health Resources and Services Administration Impact Grant for Grasp
Consortium; Juvenile Services; $747,540
July 7, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 2 -
Minutes of July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC July 21, 2026
15. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; State of Colorado Department of Health Care
Policy and Financing Agreement with Gunnison Count Department of Health and Human Services
for the Colorado Dental Health Care Program for Low-Income Seniors; Health and Human Services;
7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027; $588.75
16. Memorandum of Understanding “GreenDeed Program”; Town of Mt. Crested Butte; GV-HEAT;
$67,000
17. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Professional Services Agreement; Nomad
Drafting and Design, LLC; Facilities; 6/26/2026 to 12/31/2026; $2,380
18. Master Airport Facilities Equipment Services Operation & Maintenance Agreement; Western
Industrial Contractors (WIC); Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; $18,767
19. Ratification; Assumption of Fire Control Duty; Gold Mountain Fire
20. Grant Application; Strategic Prevention Framework Grant; Substance Use and Mental Health
Services Administration; Juvenile Services; $249,538
21. Lease Agreement; Gunnison Valley Health (GVH); Gunnison County Public Health; Health and
Human Services; 7/1/2026 to 7/1/2027
22. Acknowledgment of Appointment; Gunnison Basin Sage-grouse Strategic Committee; U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Alternate; Remainder of term ending 2/1/2028; Jay Ruebens
23. Acknowledgment of County Manager’s Signature; Work Order Proposal; Western Industrial
Contractors (WIC); Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport; $10,012.14
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORTS:
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Proposed Rewrite – CM Birnie relayed that Commissioner
Puckett Daniels stated she would like to submit a letter using National Association of Counties’
(NACo) template and asked if they were also in favor of a letter to be ratified at the next meeting.
Both Commissioner Houck and Commissioner Smith agreed. - Work Session – CM Birnie noted there is nothing scheduled for next week’s work session and asked
if they had anything they’d like to discuss or that meeting would be cancelled. It was decided to
cancel the next work session.
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN GUNNISON COUNTY AND THE STATE
BOARD OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS COLORADO (GOCO) TRUST FUND FOR JAKE’S PARK:
Assistant County Manager for Operations and Sustainability John Cattles was present for discussion.
ACM Cattles noted the Fairgrounds Master Plan was on the BOCC Strategic Plan for several years and they
are intending to apply for a GOCO grant for just under $700,000 to expand Jake’s Park and extend the
pavilion space. Commissioner Houck noted that he enjoyed the ties to the amenities to the residential part
of the community as well. There will be some match from the County that he will be bringing back through
the process which will be a minimum of 5%. CM Birnie then relayed the history of the name Jake’s Park.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve Resolution 2026-22, A
Resolution Supporting an Agreement Between Gunnison County and the State Board of the Great Outdoors
Colorado Trust Fund for Jake’s Park and authorize the signature of the full Board on the resolution. It was
then clarified the signatures would not be the full Board in Commissioner Puckett Daniels’s absence and it
will only contain Commissioner Smith’s and Commissioner Houck’s signature. Motion carried unanimously.
LAND USE CHANGE APPLICATIONS: Planner Rachael Blondy was present for discussion.
- Subdivision; LUC-26-00001; Lazy E-C LLC – Planner Blondy noted this is for a two-lot subdivision
where the BOCC attended a Joint Public Hearing on June 4
th
. She stated that development already
exists on the lots and no additional residences would be permitted. Additionally, s ince the Public
Hearing the applicant did acquire updated well permits and augmented water from the Upper
Gunnison River Water Conservation District. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by
Commissioner Smith to approve Subdivision Application LUC-26-00001 the Lazy E-C LLC and
authorize the Vice-Chair’s signature on the plat. Motion carried unanimously. - Boundary Line Adjustment; LUC-24-00050; Buena Vista Land Partnership, LLC – Planner Blondy
explained this is in Antelope Hills between four different parcels. The three parcels to the east
would like to extend into the west parcel which does take away development of the fourth lot after
being incorporated into the other lots. Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner
Smith to approve the Boundary Line Adjustment for LUC-24-00050 for Buena Vista Land
Partnership LLC and authorize the Vice-Chair’s signature on the plat. Motion carried unanimously.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS: This discussion began earlier than scheduled due to a gap in the meeting.
Commissioner Houck:
- Regional Economic Development Strategy Meeting – Commissioner Houck and Assistant
County Manager for Community and Economic Development April Kroner attended the meeting
in Montrose and noted that the City of Gunnison participated as well. - Gunnison Trails – Commissioner Houck attended the open house with the trail expansion on
Hartman Rocks and noted the challenges occurring including limiting staff at the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM). - River Mapping – Commissioner Houck noted they are finalizing the river mapping with the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Forest Foundation (NFF) around river access.
July 7, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 3 -
Minutes of July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC July 21, 2026
He stated the BLM is reengaged in the process and final product will be released by both the
BLM and NFF which can also be used as a tool to elevate the need for comprehensive river
management in Gunnison County.
4. Joint meeting with City of Gunnison City Council – Commissioner Houck explained that the
Board had a joint meeting with the City of Gunnison City Council.
5. Montrose Mill – Commissioner Houck has been attending meetings in Montrose regarding the
mill. He relayed they rely on a specific tree species and there have been discussions of how
the mill will stay viable as well as expanding the ability to treat all species of wood. However,
there has been some financial struggles and Commissioner Houck emphasized the key aspect
of the mill for the Spruce Beetle Epidemic & Aspen Decline Management Response (SBEADMR)
and the Taylor Park Adaptive Management Group (AMG).
6. Western Colorado University (WCU) Elevate Celebration – Commissioner Houck attended the
event and noted that it creates pathways for students with financial issues that are a barrier
within the Gunnison Valley.
7. Gold Mountain Fire – Commissioner Houck has been attending the informational meetings in
the morning.
BREAK: The meeting recessed from 9:02 am until 9:08 am in order to hold the below Public Hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING; LOCAL LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 401 NORTH MAIN STREET
GUNNISON, CO 81230 NOMINATION: Geographic Information Services Manager Mike Pelletier and
Applicant’s son Orion Koleis w ere present for discussion.
A Resolution Designating the Home at 401 N. Main St. in Gunnison, Colorado, as a Gunnison
County Historic LandmarkOpen Public Hearing. Commissioner Smith opened the Public Hearing at 9:02 am.
Public Notice Confirmation. GISM Pelletier confirmed that the Public Hearing had been properly
public noticed.Identify Ex Parte Communications. There were no ex parte communications identified.
Staff Presentation. GISM Pelletier explained this is a Craftsman bungalow that was owned by Mayor
John Steele and that the Historic Preservation Commission approved their application for landmark
status back in their last meeting on June 17, 2026.Applicant Presentation. The applicant had no further comment.
Board Questions. Commissioner Houck noted the uniqueness of having one of these types of
houses on Main Street.Public Comments. Commissioner Smith opened the Public Hearing to comments at 9:07 am. There
were no public comments.Acknowledge Correspondence Received. No additional correspondence was identified.
Applicant Response. N/A
Close Public Hearing. Commissioner Smith closed the Public Hearing at 9:08 am and immediately
reconvened the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners Meeting.
Moved by Commissioner Houck, seconded by Commissioner Smith to approve Resolution 2026-23, A
Resolution Designating the Home at 401 North Main Street in Gunnison, Colorado as a Gunnison County
Historic Landmark based on the criteria presented today and the willingness of the owners to seek such
designation. Motion carried unanimously.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FIRE UPDATE: Emergency Manager Lisa Bickford, Assistant County
Manager for Health, Human and Safety Services Joni Reynolds, and Assistant County Manager for Public
Works Martin Schmidt w ere present for discussion.
EM Bickford noted the Gold Mountain Fire started on June 27
th
in Ouray County and Gunnison County was
tied in last Tuesday after fire began approaching the Gunnison County line by Cimarron. The 2%
containment area is by the Town of Ouray and the fire is expected to continue to grow into Gunnison
County. EM Bickford explained the evacuation zones and noted that zone 32 does have a mandatory
evacuation. Structure protection has started in zone 32 and Assistant County Manager for Public Works
Martin Schmidt does have crews on the roads.
She then relayed that zone 33, which is on voluntary evacuation, was patrolled by the Sheriff’s Office so
expectations are known and they are coordinating closely with Public Information Officer Nicole Stone and
Communications Director Patty Dowd Schmitz to get communication out. Emergency Management is also
tied into the Ouray and Montrose Emergency Operations Centers as well.
July 7, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 4 -
Minutes of July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC July 21, 2026
Watch Duty is a good resource for information, but the official page is the InciWeb. Additionally, there is a
live public link for the evacuation map on the Gunnison County Emergency Management Gold Mountain
Fire incident page. Emergency Management will send notifications via their opt-in notifications with
landlines and through the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) which is based on physical
location.
Commissioner Houck asked if the Mission camp was evacuated, which EM Bickford confirmed. CM Birnie
asked for more information on the distance between the fire and the evacuation zones. ACM Schmidt
estimated that about eight miles separates them at this time.
ACM Reynolds expressed gratitude to Emergency Management and communications. She noted that Health
and Human Services does have masks available that will be able to be distributed if needed and explained
limiting outdoor exposure would be best. EM Bickford also noted that the Ferris Fire is also contributing to
air quality.
Lastly, EM Bickford gave the Gold Mountain Fire Facebook as a resource as well as the Emergency
Operations Center where other questions can be answered.
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENT:
- Laurie Geri – Ms. Geri noted her concerns with the use of FLOCK cameras within Gunnison County
and the misuse of the information. She asked the Board to weigh the dangers of them as well as
the advantages and then described an article where other jurisdictions canceled their FLOCK
cameras. Commissioner Smith encouraged Ms. Geri to reach out to the Sherriff’s Office to state her
concerns as well.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS (CONT’D):
Commissioner Smith:
- Road and Bridge Ballot Measure – Commissioner Smith stated she has had conversations
regarding the County’s ballot measure and noted there may be interest in a citizens initiative
group as well as having discussions with Gunnison Chamber Executive Director Leora Wallace. - Gunnison Chamber of Commerce – Commissioner Smith announced the Gunnison Chamber did
not receive the grant that the Board gave a letter of support for, but they are exploring other
areas of funding in order to renovate the Visitor’s Center. - Elected Officials Dinner – Commissioner Smith attended the dinner at Mt. Crested Butte, and
they discussed the Road and Bridge ballot measure and the Corridor Plan. - Crystal River Steering Committee – Commissioner Smith explained they are planning on getting
the original steering committee group together this fall to give updates of the subcommittees.
She relayed that Wild and Scenic are not in a consensus position and asked if the Board would
like a work session regarding this discussion. Commissioner Houck expressed uncertainity if
there would be any additional unknown information given and if it would be a worthwhile
endeavor. Commissioner Houck also noted that the previous reasoning for designation
regarding water rights is no longer valid. - City Council Meetings – Commissioner Smith has had several meetings with City Council
members regarding the Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council configuration. - Southwest Colorado Opioid Regional Council – Commissioner Smith stated they have approved
limited funding for pre-trial services. - Gunnison Cultural Connection Welcoming Week – Commissioner Smith relayed this is the fifth
year that the City of Gunnison has taken the lead on the work, and there has been a temporary
disruption in planning processes. Commissioner Smith has offered to fill the gap needed on the
organizational work.
EXECUTIVE SESSION, PURSUANT TO C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(E)(I), FOR DETERMINING
POSITIONS RELATIVE TO MATTERS THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO NEGOTIATIONS, DEVELOPING
STRATEGY FOR NEGOTIATIONS, AND INSTRUCTING NEGOTIATORS, AND PURSUANT TO
C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(B) CONFERENCES WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY, DEPUTY COUNTY
ATTORNEY OR ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR GUNNISON COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE
OF RECEIVING LEGAL ADVICE RELATED TO THE AMENDED CRESTED BUTTE SOUTH PUBLIC
ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT:
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Houck in Pursuant to C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e)(I),
to go into Executive Session for Determining Positions Relative to Matters that May Be Subject to
Negotiations, Developing Strategy for Negotiations, and Instructing Negotiators, and Pursuant to C.R.S.
24-6-402(4)(b) Conferences With the County Attorney, Deputy County Attorney or Assistant County
Attorney for Gunnison County for the Purpose of Receiving Legal Advice Related to the Amended Crested
Butte South Public Road Maintenance Agreement. The participants will be myself and Jonathan from the
Board of County Commissioners, County Manager Matthew Birnie, Deputy County Attorney Rachel (Allen),
Matt (County Attorney Matthew Hoyt), and ACM Martin Schmidt. Motion carried unanimously.
July 7, 2026
Gunnison County Board of Commissioners - 5 -
Minutes of July 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
Approved by BOCC July 21, 2026
The board went into executive session at 10:0 6 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)(e)(I) & (b).
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 Vice-Chairperson of t