RIDGWAY TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 12, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was held both in person and via virtual meeting portal Zoom Meeting, pursuant to
the Town’s Electronic Participation Policy.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. In attendance Councilors Greenwood, Kroger,
Montague, Scoville and Mayor Clark. Councilor Grambley and Mayor Pro Tem Lakin were absent.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on July 8, 2026.
Minutes of the Workforce and Affordable Housing Committee of July 8, 2026
Register of Demands for August 2026.
Change to tavern liquor license for the Sherbino Theater to store alcohol off the licensed
premises.Renewal of the restaurant liquor license for Eatery 66.
Renewal of the liquor store license for the Liquor Library.
Renewal of the restaurant liquor license for Greenwoods.
Renewal of tavern liquor license for The Adobe Inn.
The Council removed approval of the brew pub liquor license for Colorado Boy Pub and
Brewery for separate discussion.
ACTION:
I
t was moved by Councilor Kroger, seconded by Councilor Montague to approve the consent
agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
- Renewal of the brew pub liquor license for Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery.
There were questions to staff.
ACTION:
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t was moved by Councilor Scoville, seconded by Councilor Kroger to approve renewal of the
brew pub liquor license for Colorado Boy Pub and Brewery, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alex Menard suggested the Town research becoming a National Heritage Area. He noted
the dedication offers financial aid and assistance with planning for “conservation,
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August 12, 2026
Page 2
preservation and quality of life”. He stated he feels it is “a good fit for here”, noting there are
only three other areas within Colorado with the designation.
Business owner Tammee Tuttle expressed concern with recent complaints made to the
Marshals Department by a resident living within the commercial district regarding deliveries
made to businesses. She encouraged the Town to provide educational information to
residents in commercial areas regarding the allowance of truck idling for deliveries.
Business owner Paul Choate stated he did not receive sufficient notification regarding the
closure of Clinton Street scheduled for a special event this Saturday. He noted the need for
discussion with business owners to ascertain if there will be negative impacts to business
before approving closures of streets.
Robin Cascade inquired into “planning to account for water as we continue to build, especially
for citizens who are told to conserve and restrict water usage”. Staff explained a public
meeting will be held this week to review proposed guiding documents that will inform the
Town’s future water supply.
Kyle Ronemus complimented the Town parks department and landscaping along the
downtown street scape, and made a donation to assist with upkeep of the dog waste bags
which are provided in parks.
WORK SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION
- Review of draft 2026 Housing Action Plan
The Council met with members of the Planning Commission to review the draft Housing
Action Plan, project progress and provide feedback on the items being proposed in the plan.
Representatives from Points Consulting LLC, Mike Manning and Brian Points presented the
8-3-26 draft Housing Action Plan required under Colorado Senate Bill 24-174. They noted
the project is expected to be completed by mid October. They displayed slides and reviewed
recommended goals and policies organized into five implementation areas which were
policies and procedures; provide for future housing; workforce housing enhancement;
momentum building; life cycle housing provisions. It was noted these areas address
development review and regulatory processes, land and infrastructure planning, workforce
and affordable housing programs, funding and implementation capacity, and housing needs
across different stages of life.
Mr. Manning presented the action plan for each of the categories and the implementation
approaches to meet the required actions and timelines established by the new state
regulations. These included enhancing the speed of public review and hearing processes;
simplifying the townhome and condominium subdivision process; supporting affordable and
workforce housing; exploring opportunities for ADU and modular units; modernized the
development review process; pre-approve small in-fill housing units; implement a land
banking program; public education and promotion of deed restrictions and covenants;
expansion of community land trust; explore opportunities for employer sponsored programs;
indicate highest priority building locations for workforce and affordable housing; align housing
growth with long-term water supply and infrastructure capacity; implement a land banking
program; public education and promotion of deed restrictions and covenants; explore
opportunities for employer sponsored programs and housing coops.
There were comments from the Planning Commission and Council regarding items which
should be researched for addition into the plan.
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Speaking from the audience, Kuno Vollenweider suggested allowing the use of mobile
homes.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
10 . Presentation of Ridgway Free Box concept
Ariel Hessler, a junior at Ridgway Secondary School, presented slides which outlined her
memorandum pertaining to creation of a Free Box in Town. She stated the Free Box would
be a publicly accessible, weatherproof structure where members of the community could
donate gently used clothing and outdoor gear, and residents could take what is needed, free
of charge. She noted the goal is to create “a simple, community supported system based on
generosity, sustainability and mutual aid”. Estimates to construction the box is $1920 and
she asked the Council for funding of $1000, noting she is also seeking support from
community and local foundations. She has explored potential locations allowing access every
day, at all hours and is hoping to place it on the north side of the public library. The intention
is installation by spring of 2027 and maintenance to be provided by volunteers from high
school students who are affiliated with the National Honor Society, or seeking to fulfill
volunteer hours. Maintenance would be weekly checks of the box to sort donations, remove
unusable and inappropriate items, and ensure the area is clean and well-organized.
There were questions and comments from the Council, and discussion with Ms. Hessler.
Speaking from the audience Sue Husch noted the local thrift store has a problem with
disposing of unusable items, and requires dumpsters to be emptied every week. She
questioned who will carry the program forward after Ms. Hessler graduates from school.
The Council agreed to see how the program works with the caveat the box may not be placed
on Town property, and will not become a program which Town staff has to manage. It was
agreed to donate $750 to the project.
ACTION:
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oved by Councilor Kroger, seconded by Councilor Scoville to contribute $750 to the Ridgway
Free Box with the condition the National Honor Society must make a commitment to oversee the
maintenance. The motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
11 . Restaurant Liquor License from Soul Fire Group LLC for Fire Root Kitchen at 185 N. Lena
Street
Staff Report from the Town Clerk dated 7-14-26 presenting an application for a restaurant
liquor license from Soul Fire Group LLC, members and shareholders Amy Brelsford and
Israel Castro.
The Clerk presented a restaurant liquor license application from Amy Brelsford and Israel
Castro to operate a business known as Fire Root Kitchen at 185 N. Lena Street. She
explained the premises have been licensed in the past and the license will encompass the
same locations, but business will at first be conducted only on the north patio of the building.
She noted the application was made as a concurrent review, with State Liquor Enforcement.
The applicants addressed the Council regarding the proposed use and answered questions.
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ACTION:
Councilmember Montague moved to approve the application for a Restaurant Liquor License from
Soul Fire Group LLC, members and shareholders: Amy Brelsford and Israel Castro, for the
premises at 185 N. Lena Street conducting business at Fire Root Kitchen. Councilor Kroger
seconded and on a call for the vote the motion carried unanimously.
12 . Resubdivision of Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 of Block 14, Town of Ridgway; NE Corner of Hyde Street and
S. Charlotte Street; Address: 847 and 845 Hyde Street
Staff Report dated 8-6-26 from Planner Angela Kemp presenting an application for
resubdivision of one lot into two lots on Block 14, Lots 1 through 4.
Planner Kemp explained the application for resubdivision of four lots, has an existing duplex
on two lots. The subdivision would divide the property and create a new lot on the north side
of the existing structure. At the Planning Commission meeting of 7-15-26 the Commission
voted to recommend Council approval of the resubdivision with conditions.
There was a question from audience member Larry Coulter regarding the approval process.
ACTION:
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ouncilor Montague moved to approve the Hyde Subdivision, a Resubdivision of Lots 1 through
4 of Block 14, finding the criteria set forth in Ridgway Municipal Code 7-5-2(J)(3) has been met
with the following conditions: 1) prior to the Town recording the Resubdivision Plat with the Ouray
County Clerk and Recorders Office, all remaining redlines of the plat shall be addressed. 2) prior
to the Town recording the Resubdivision Plat with the Ouray County Clerk and Recorders Office,
all signatures shall be obtained, and the remaining water and sewer tap fees and excise
development tax for all lots shall be paid 3) no resubdivision plant can be recorded until the
encroachment issues are addressed with the removal or reduction of the stair in the back of the
duplex and the placement of shed outside of setbacks and easements; permits may be required
for these actions Councilor Greenwood seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
13 . Organization of Alpenglow Vista Metropolitan District Numbers 1 through 4 and approval of
a Consolidated Service Plan
Memorandum from Town Attorney Bo Nerlin regarding a Service Plan for Alpenglow Vista
Metropolitan District No 1 through 4 at N. Laura Street, west side of McCall Street and
Roundhouse Street, and west of N. Cora Street, which is zoned Light Industrial and Mixed
Residential and owned by Ridgway Triangle LLC.
The Town Attorney explained staff has been working with Ridgway Triangle LLC and its
principal, Charles Mueller, also the applicant, since May of this year with respect to the
possibility of creating a series of metropolitan districts within the Town. A metropolitan or
metro district, is a special district, quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the
State, and subject to the Colorado Special District Act. The applicant submitted a
Consolidated Service Plan to the Town on July 21
st
and additional exhibits were presented
on August 8
th
. The plan proposes the creation of four separate metropolitan districts to serve
approximately 19.06 acres of residential and commercial property located off of N. Laura
Street, west side of McCall and Roundhouse Streets, west of N. Cora Street. It anticipates
approximately 150 residential units, 50,000 square feet of commercial and light-industrial
development, and phased buildout over approximately 20 to 25 years. The proposal is to
establish four metro districts to finance and coordinate construction of public improvements
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to service the development and operate and maintain the improvements. After completion
of the capital improvements, it is possible they would be dedicated to the Town. The applicant
is seeking Council approval of the Service Plan, before proceeding with a development
application.
Attorney Nerlin presented the staff analysis of the Service Plan and recommended conditions
of approval, and Resolution No. 26-06 approving the Consolidated Service Plan for
Alpenglow Vista Metropolitan District No’s 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Applicants’ a ttorney Alan Haug with Icenogle, Seaver, Pogue presented slides of the property
location, and explained approval of the Service Plan will allow the applicant to seek voter
approval; financing; and begin the planning process with the Town. He noted formation of
the special district requires voter approval and will only affect property owners within the
boundaries of the district. Approval will establish mill levies with indebtedness over the next
40 years. A district is given tax exemptions, which yields lower costs in the end to persons
purchasing within the district.
Ther
e were questions from the Council to Mr. Haug.
Speaking from the audience Richard Penney questioned higher property taxes if there is a
mill levy increase.
Jack Petrucelli explained bonds would be secured for financing, and the lower cost to finance
the improvements could provide affordable housing within a district.
There were comments by the Council.
ACTION:
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ouncilmember Montague moved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06 finding that the record
supports that there is sufficient existing and projected need for organized service in the area to
be serviced by the proposed Districts; the existing service in the area to be served by the proposed
Districts is inadequate for present and projected needs; the proposed Districts are capable of
providing economical land sufficient service to the area within their proposed boundaries and the
area to be included within the prosed Districts has, or will have, the financial ability to discharge
the proposed indebtedness on a reasonable basis. Councilor Scoville seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously
POLICY MATTERS
14 . Proposed County Sales Tax to support disaster mitigation and response
Antonio Mendez, Ouray County Manager, explained the County Commissioners are discussing
presenting the voters with a ballot question to increase county sales tax by .5 percent to
fund emergency preparedness. The funds would help to build the fund after the recent
unexpected costs to due to the Gold Mountain Fire, and floodings from monsonal rains. He
noted the Town and City of Ouray would need to agree to a split in the tax, which is
currently anticipated to be 1 million, and would be split 80% county, 10% city and 10%
town. He asked for support from the Town.
There were questions and comments from the Council. There were questions to the Town
Manager, and comments by the Manager. There was conversation between the Council
land Mr. Mendez.
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The County Manager explained the Commissioners are also discussing instituting a
construction use tax. State statute requires this type of tax must also have distributions to
municipalities within the County. Receipts are proposed at 1.360 million with a 80/10/10
split with the municipalities. He noted the items will be presented ot the Ouray City Council
next week.
There were comments by the Council and Town Manager and reservations were expressed
regarding the proposed use tax, and the proposed ‘split’ on the sales tax. It was agreed
the Council would wait until after the City of Ouray Council meets.
Emergency Manager Glenn Boyd addresded the importances of disaster funding. He noted the
Gold Mountain Fire critical incident cost 1 million a day. There was some State supported,
but the County is still facing “tremendous costs”. There may be some repayment from
Federal Relief, which can take four to five years to receive. He noted “we are talking about
life and safety decisions” “we should not have to say can we afford that when we need to
help people”. He stressed the importance to get the fund built up again.
Speaking from the audience, Richard Perrey noted “everyone is struggling with higher costs
right now”, “I is hard to ask county residents to give more”.
Sheridan ---- spoke in support of the sales tax measure.
15 . Presentation of community feedback received on the draft Community Led Marketing
Strategy
Community Initiatives Facilitator and Destination by Design representatives
16 . Presentation of Ridgway Business Recovery Initiative/Campaign
Community Initiatives Facilitator
17 . Biannual Report from Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce on activities and financial
status
Jon Hill, Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce
18 . Update from the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board
Sheridan Ribbing and Dave Kehmeier
- Presentation on Destination Marketing Plan
Sara Pinnix with Destination by Design presented a draft marketing strategy for the Town
which was “ led by community input and ideas”, “to help you tell your story”. The three core
principles and strategic framework of the plan are local life leads; purposeful stewardship;
tourism that works here. She presented the first year marketing objectives which included
stabilizing the shoulder season, guiding area visitors to the Town core and promoting
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stewardship messaging; audience segmentation and market positioning addressing heritage,
culture and regional travelers. Focusing on the facts the Town is “unique” “welcoming” and
has “some really great things to offer” she suggested positioning should include authenticity,
dark sky community, outdoor recreation access, and a unique arts community. The first
campaign concept would be “Rooted in Ridgway” and include “rooted in earth” focus on the
outdoors and stewardship; “rooted in story” history, heritage and local life; “rooted in culture”
makers and merchants; “rooted in wellness” balance, wellness and healing. She suggested
the campaign could begin this fall in the tourism “shoulder season” called “basecamp to the
cosmos” focusing on fall foliage and dark skies.
There were questions and comments from the Council.
Ms. Pinnix noted the next steps are a stakeholder and community review period; delivery of
the final marketing plan by the end of July; and at the beginning of August start to capture
content and campaign development to be completed by the end of September.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
The Town Manager reviewed a proposed meeting schedule for preparation of the 2027 Fiscal
Year Budget. There was discussion and it appeared all draft meeting dates would work for
members of the Council.
The Town Manager presented an overview of the written monthly Managers Report.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Kraft, MMC
Town Clerk
.
ACTION:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilor Grambley and unanimously carried to
adopt Resolution 26-05 Adopting Town of Ridgway Community Housing Guidelines.
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August 12, 2026
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ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to confirm the Stage 2 Water Restrictions promulgated last week.
Councilor Grambley seconded the motion which carried unanimously
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Montague, seconded by Councilor Grambley to confirm the emergency Stage
2 Fire Restrictions. The motion carried unanimously.
ACTION:
Councilor Grambley moved to authorize staff to submit a Letter of Intent, and if invited an
application, to the Colorado Tourism Office for a Tourism Marketing Grant for up to $49,000 by
the published deadlines, with a two to one match required, to support implementation of the
Strategy and Destination Marketing Plan in 2027 with a second by Councilor Montague the motion
carried unanimously.