RIDGWAY TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2025
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 5:45 p.m. In attendance Councilors Grambley,
Montague, Schuyler, Scoville, Mayor Pro Tem Lakin and Mayor Clark. Councilor Kroger was
absent.
The Mayor explained to the audience staff had intended to include a report on the agenda
pertaining to discussions with MTN Lodge regarding blocking off rooms for use by workers at the
Four Seasons Resort in Mountain Village. He noted staff is still continuing discussions and a
report will be presented at another meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 12, 2025.
Register of Demands for December 2025.
Water leak adjustment for Account# 2410.2/Minnick.
Renewal of Tavern Liquor License for Ouray County Fairgrounds.
Renewal of license for Retail Liquor Store for San Juan Liquors.
Renewal of Beer & Wine Liquor License for Chloe’s Charcuterie & Wine.
Water leak adjustment for Account# 2490/Linscott.
ACTION:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilmember Schuyler and carried
unanimously to approve the consent agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Carolyn Dressler explained a project she is presenting to all the governing boards in the
County, to address the littering of cigarette butts and create a ban on “single use cigarette
butts”. She noted the county and cities within Santa Cruz California have placed a ban that
will take effect January of 2027, and asked the Town to consider adopting a similar ban.
The Mayor asked Ms. Dressler to forward all documentation to staff.
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December 10, 2025
Page 2
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Update from representatives of Artspace and Asset Living regarding the Artspace Ridgway
Space to Create Building
Andrew Michaelson with Artspace Project introduced his colleagues from Asset Living who
have taken over property management and maintenance at the Artspace Ridgway, Space to
Create building. He explained there had been problems with the prior management
company, and concerns raised pertaining to lack of action by the previous company regarding
“public and privacy issues”. There was a question from the Council regarding insulating the
pipes in the Decker Community Room leased to the Town, and Mr. Michaelson stated he will
look into the project.
Josh Morss Regional Vice President for Asset Living introduced members of the on-sight
staff at the facility. On a question from the Council he reported three of the deed restricted
housing units are currently vacant.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Resident Alex Van Hart inquired if the need to re-qualify “repeatedly during the year” through
verification of income, could be changed. It was explained the requirement is an annual
certification, and the prior management “fell behind” which created over lapses in the process.
It will now return to an annual process, though it was noted a “change of household will also
trigger a new certification process.”
Resident Kristen McCabe explained “complaints were made for years” to management
regarding “illegal activities” in the building which the new management has now improved.
She noted the on-going request to professionally clean carpets in stairwells, still has not been
performed.
There were comments from the Council.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
- Application for Restaurant Liquor License from Maven Restaurant Group LLC; Members:
Adrian Alvarado, Nocole Jeffress, Joseph Cuadras; DBA: Maven Local Eatery; Location:
540 Clinton Street
Staff Report from the Town Clerk dated 11-10-25 presenting an application for a restaurant
liquor license for the building at 540 Clinton Street.
The Town Clerk presented an application from Maven Restaurant Group LLC for issuance of
a restaurant license to Maven Local Eatery, operating under a five year lease at 540 Clinton
Street. She noted the licensed premises would also include a garden, patio area to the east
side of the building.
Applicant Adrian Alvarado told the Council the ‘farm to table restaurant’ has received a ‘great
response and warm welcome’ from residents.
ACTION:
Councilor Schuyler moved, with a second by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, to approve the application
for a Restaurant Liquor License from Maven Restaurant Group LLC.
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December 10, 2025
Page 3
- Adoption of the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget and setting of Property Tax Levies for 2026
through adoption of Resolution No. 25-11, Resolution No. 15-12 and Resolution No. 25-13
Staff Report from the Town Clerk dated 11-10-25 presenting the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget
and adopting documents.
The Town Clerk reported after numerous meetings, workshops and a retreat to discuss items
to be included in the 2026 Fiscal Budget, three resolutions were being presented to adopt
the budget and also set the property tax levy for 2026.
ACTION:
Councilmember Schuyler moved to adopt Resolution No. 25-11 Adopting A Budget For The
Calendar Year Beginning On The First Day Of January 2026, And Ending On The Last Day Of
December 2026. Councilmember Scoville seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.
ACTION:
Councilmember Schuyler moved, with a second by Councilor Grambley to adopt Resolution No.
25-12 Approving Sums Of Money To The Various Funds In The Amount And For The Purpose
As Set Forth Below For The 2026 Budget Year, on a call for the vote the motion carried
unanimously.
ACTION:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin to adopt Resolution No. 25-13 Adopting The Property Tax Levy
For the Year 2026 For Certification To The Ouray County Commissioners, seconded by
Councilmember Scoville the motion carried unanimously.
- Ordinance No. 04-2025 Amending Chapter 15 of the Ridgway Municipal Code Concerning
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Staff Report from the Town Manager dated 12-5-25 presenting an ordinance pertaining to
vehicle idling restrictions.
Manager Neill presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance to mitigate idling of
vehicles that was forwarded to the Council at a previous meeting from the Sustainability
Advisory Board. The restrictions would affect any person who permits a motor vehicle to idle
more any two minutes within a one-hour period of time; exempting emergency vehicles.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Tanya Ishikawa spoke in favor of the ordinance noting sitting in outdoor eating spaces while
vehicles are idling is not pleasant.
Jeff Tunnicliff spoke in opposition to the ordinance noting the oil weight required to run a
diesel motor engine can not warm to the necessary temperatures to lubricant engine pistons
in under 20 minutes.
Comments from the Council pertained to the intent of the ordinance was to restrict idling after
a vehicle has been driven and left idling in public rights-of-ways; concerns regarding possible
public enforcement; it was noted the Sustainability Advisory Board was concerned with
Town Council Minutes
December 10, 2025
Page 4
vehicles left idling in front of the post office. It was agreed to send the ordinance back to staff
for review.
ACTION:
Councilor Schuyler moved to direct staff to revisit the proposed ordinance incorporating the
concerns presented at the public hearing and return with a document to review at another
meeting. Seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, the motion carried unanimously.
- Adoption of Ordinance No. 05-2025 Amending Chapter 2 of the Ridgway Municipal Code
Concerning Compensation of Town Council
The Town Manager presented for second reading an ordinance concerning compensation
for the Town Council. He explained the ordinance is in follow up to discussion at a previous
meeting regarding increasing the stipend paid to the Mayor and members of the Council. He
noted the change will not benefit individuals currently holding office, only newly elected
members.
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilor Montague with a second by Councilor Grambley, to adopt Ordinance
5-2025 Amending Chapter 2 of the Ridgway Municipal Code Concerning Compensation of Town
Council. The motion carried unanimously.
POLICY MATTERS
- Annual Rights of Nature report
Staff Report from the Town Manager dated 12-5-25 presenting the annual Rights of Nature
report.
Manager Neill explained in 2021 the Council adopted by resolution support for the protection
of the Uncompahgre River and it’s watershed, by recognizing the rights of nature and the
Town’s responsibilities to care for, and protect them.
Tanya Ishikawa with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (UWP) presented a written
report on the annual update of the health and state of the river and it’s tributaries and
watershed. She presented projects the UWP will undertake in 2027, and a few
recommendations to the Town. It was agreed that Councilor Montague would serve as the
Council liaison for the upcoming projects.
- Resolution No. 2025-14 Adopting a Regional Housing Needs Assessment
Staff Report dated 11-21-25 from Senior Planner Angela Kemp presenting a Regional
Housing Needs Assessment.
Planner Kemp announced to meet compliance with Senate Bill 24-174 an assessment has
been conducted with grants from the Department of Local Affairs. The grant program was
created to help local governments, or regional entities, to better understand housing needs
and develop actionable and compliant housing assessments and action plans. The Town in
conjunction with Ouray County applied for the grant funding, and hired Points Consulting to
create a regional housing needs assessment. After holding public meetings to gather input
and survey results, the report which is filled with graphs and data, was created as a tool for
use in decision making and policy direction.
Town Council Minutes
December 10, 2025
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ACTION:
Councilmember Montague moved to approve Resolution No. 2025-14 Adopting a Regional
Housing Needs Assessment in Compliance with Senate Bill 24-174. Councilor Grambley
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
- Adoption of the 2026 Five-Year and Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plans
The Town Manager asked the Council to adopt the 2026 Five and Ten Year Capital
Improvement Plans, noting the documents contain the large physical projects prioritized by
the Council at previous meetings.
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilmember Montague, seconded by Councilmember Schuyler and
unanimously carried to adopt the Five and Ten Year Capital Improvement Plans.
- Adoption of the 2026 Strategic Plan
The Manager presented the Strategic Plan for 2026 noting it is the policy document which
lays out staff direction for the upcoming year, excluding staffs day to day tasks.
There was discussion and Council asked that revising grey water regulations be added to
the document, along with items requested by the UWP earlier in the meeting.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Montague with a second by Councilmember Grambley, the motion to adopt
the 2026 Strategic Plan with the addition of the grey water and items for the UWP. On a call for
the vote the motion carried unanimously.
- Agreement for Legal Services with Bo James Nerlin, P.C.
Town Attorney Bo Nerlin, presented an agreement for legal services for the next fiscal year.
He stated the Town rate will remain the same, but the charge back rate for other services
has increased.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Montague to approve the agreement for legal services with Bo James Nerlin
PC . Councilmember Scoville seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
- Declaration of Local Disaster related to the Beaver Creek Diversion
Manager Neill explained an Order Extending the Declaration of a Local Disaster related to
the Beaver Creek Diversion was issued on August 14, 2024 and extended seven times. The
most recent extension expires tomorrow. He reported the restoration projects is well into
recovery and water is now again running into Ridgway Ditch. The contractors have
demobilized for the winter, and will begin in spring prior to the high water run off. After
contacting State consultants involved in providing funding for the restoration project, they
have advised it is not necessary to extend the declaration of local disaster, he reported.
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December 10, 2025
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MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
The Town Manager presented an overview of the written monthly Managers Report.
Councilor Schuyler reported on the Sustainability Advisory Board.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Kraft, MMC
Town Clerk