RIDGWAY TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 14 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 5:50 p.m. In attendance Councilors Grambley, Kroger,
Montague, Schuyler, Scoville and Mayor Clark. Mayor Pro Tem Lakin was absent.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of Budget Workshop held on December 3, 2025.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 10, 2025.
Minutes of the Workforce Housing Committee from December 10, 2025.
Register of Demands for January 2026.
Per State Statute designate the Town Hall bulletin board as the official posting place.
Renew restaurant liquor license for Lazy Dog Saloon Bar & Grill.
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilmember Schuyler, seconded by Councilor Kroger and carried
unanimously on a roll call vote to approve the consent agenda.
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Quarterly Report from Home Trust of Ouray County Housing Services Director
Eva Henson, Housing Services Director with the Home Trust of Ouray County introduced
herself as the new Affordable Housing Services Administrator for the Town, City and County;
and presented a fourth quarter update for 2025, and the 2026 work plan for the county-wide
Housing Services Program.
She explained she was hired by the Home Trust in October of 2025 to fill the rule established
by an Intergovernmental Agreement, partially funded through a Local Planning Capacity
Grant, for the three governmental entities within Ouray County to meet the Colorado
Proposition 123 Affordable Housing Commitments. She noted the governmental partners
agreed to housing services including intergovernmental liaison and stakeholder collaboration;
financial management and reporting; Proposition 123 compliance and reporting; deed
restriction management, compliance and administration; program development and
administration; and resident support services. She reported the 2026 Annual Work Plan is
organized around primary areas of the Housing Services Director role, and presented
sections of the plan, deliverables and timelines.
The Town Manager thanked Jim Kolnik with Impact Development Services, for serving in the
capacity of Housing Administrator over the past few years.
Town Council Minutes
January 14, 2026
Page 2
- Update from the Ridgway Sustainability Advisory Board
Sustainability Advisory Board member Sheridan Ribbing, presented an update for the last
quarter of 2025, and presented the board goals for 2026. These included assisting in
evaluating municipal operations to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030; assist with
the Local Impact Accelerator grant if awarded; encourage new construction to be all-electric;
develop a zero waste policy to apply to events and festivals; sponsor events to educate on
sustainability issues; encourage residential composting; encourage landscape water
conservation; encourage installation of innovative solar options as artistic accents.
- Update from Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce on current business community outlook
Jon Hill, Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, addressed the Council
regarding “potential affects on local businesses” due to the ski patrol strike at Telluride Ski
Resort . He explained 200 businesses were contacted and 18 replayed to a short survey
regarding any economic impacts on local businesses from the closure of the ski area. He
noted the results “were promising” with statements showing no impacts and no reduction in
work hours for employees; though the local transportation company has been impacted by
the decline in visitors to Telluride.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
The General Manager of Mountain Market noted the impact has been minimal, noting due to
ski resort closure visitors to Telluride are visiting communities in Ouray County.
Business owner Holly Kintz noted “business in December was good” because visitors lodging
in Telluride “were coming into Town” and shopping at local businesses.
Sue Husch noted “it’s a slow snow year” and “generally a slow time of year” and noted the
businesses she works in “have had Telluride tourists coming down” and “a lot of foot traffic”.
The Mayor added “the bigger picture is the loss of snow”, noting the “snowpack is the lowest
in recorded history in Colorado” and “all over the west”. He reported the Ouray County Good
Neighbor Fund is available to businesses that may have a need for assistance.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
- Application for Tavern Liquor License for Colorado Girl Coffee
Staff Report dated 12-9-25 from the Town Clerk presenting an application for a Tavern Liquor
License from Colorado Girl Coffee.
The Town Clerk explained an application has been filed for a Tavern Liquor License from
Colorado Girl Coffee LLC; member and sole owner Matthew Beyer; doing business as
Colorado Girl Coffee; for the leased premises at 620 Clinton Street. She noted approval
would include the sidewalk on the north side of the building for outdoor consumption of
alcohol. Issuance of a revocable encroachment permit to place tables on the sidewalk will
be presented later in the agenda. She reported the applicant has stated the license is being
requested to use during special events and when dinners are served.
It was noted by Council an email had been received prior to the meeting from Mary Menz
expressing concerns with operation of other liquor licensed businesses the applicant owns.
Town Council Minutes
January 14, 2026
Page 3
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Nathan Locke questioned if the facility has “a proper sized kitchen”; “public safety and public
health”; and the number of liquor licenses that can be held by one person.
Natalie Booth expressed concerns with issuance of the license; questioned the lack of a
commercial kitchen; and noted she lives across the street from the building and is concerned
with maintaining liquor licensed boundaries based on management at other locations where
licenses are held by the applicant.
Dana Ivers reported Mr. Beyer “is my tenant” and he will be offering “small venue special
dinners”.
There were questions from the Council. The Town Attorney explained the Council can not
take the other licensed facilities into consideration, the decision must be made on this specific
location. The Council can base decisions on the concerns raised regarding service of alcohol
based on the needs and desires of the community to license the facility.
ACTION:
Councilor Kroger moved, with a second by Councilor Grambley, to table the application for a
tavern liquor license for the Colorado Girl Coffee until the February meeting. On a call for the
vote the motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
POLICY MATTERS
- Issuance of Revocable Encroachment Permit to Colorado Girl Coffee to serve food and
beverages, including alcoholic beverages, on the sidewalk adjacent to 620 Clinton Street
The Mayor noted since the alcohol license request for Colorado Girl Coffee was continued to
the next meeting, this item will be continued also.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Kroger, seconded by Councilor Montague and unanimously carried by a roll
call vote to continue the item to the next agenda.
- Ordinance No. 02-2026 Amending Chapter 15 of the Ridgway Municipal Code Concerning
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Town 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. He noted at the prior meeting the Council had requested
clarification that restrictions would only apply to vehicles idling more than two minutes under
certain temperatures on public property or within rights-of-ways, and those changes have
been included in the ordinance as submitted.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Sheridan Ribbing, member of the Sustainability Advisory Board, explained the focus was
always on public property and rights-of-ways, and the board has researched and learned that
idling vehicles “does not make sense for more than two minutes”.
Town Council Minutes
January 14, 2026
Page 4
There were comments from the Council regarding the need to educate the public, explain the
proposed regulations and reasons for enacting; additionally concerns were expressed
pertaining to enforcement.
Dave Kehmeier with the Sustainability Advisory Board noted discussions at board meetings
centered on ‘educating people to be aware when stopped at public places” of “public health
issues” associated with idling. He noted they recognize “it will tough to enforce” and feel the
placement of signs could help with stopping the practice in front of public places, like the post
office.
There were comments and discussion by the Council. There were questions to the Marshal
regarding enforcement. There was agreement among the Council the ordinance as written
would be “unenforceable”.
Jake Niece noted the dark skies ordinance could be looked upon as unenforceable, but “the
community got on board”.
Dana Ivers, member of the Sustainability Advisory Board, expressed concerns that idling is
“detrimental to young children” and stressed the need to “protect our health”. She noted
communities in the region have passed similar ordinances. She suggested posting signage
at the post office and schools.
There were comments and conversation among the Council and staff. It was agreed to ask
the Manager to work with the Marshals Department and explore idle free zones or streets,
with idling not being allowed at any time; along with creating a comprehensive educational
campaign.
- Resolution No. 26-01 Establishing a Fee Schedule for Town-Owned Public Electric Vehicle
Charging Stations
Staff Report dated 1-6-25 from the Town Manager presenting a resolution establishing fees
for use of electric vehicle charging stations.
Manager Neill reported installation of new electric vehicle charging stations in Hartwell Park
parking lot will take place within the next few weeks. Per suggestions from the Sustainability
Advisory Board and Youth Advisory County, staff is recommending adopting a fee structure
for use of the stations based on the Colorado Energy Office common price point. Charging
pricing would be .12 cents per kilowatt during off peak hours of midnight to 4:00 p.m. and .20
cents during peak hours. He noted if the Council wishes to recover the costs of purchase
and maintenance of the equipment, the proposed fees should be increased.
There were comments from the Council.
ACTION:
Councilmember Montague moved to approve Resolution No. 26-01 Establishing a Fee Schedule
for Town-Owned Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Councilor Scoville seconded and the
motion carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
- Memorandum of Understanding with Ouray County regarding 2026 Operational Funding
Requests, Road and Bridge Apportionment and Future Goals
The Town Manager presented the 2026 Memorandum of Understanding with Ouray County
for funding requests and apportionment. He noted the shares to provide emergency services
Town Council Minutes
January 14, 2026
Page 5
has gone up substantially, along with victim assistance, which is due to decreases in grant
funding.
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilor Grambley with a second by Councilor Kroger, to adopt the
Memorandum of Understanding between Ouray Couty and Town of Ridgway regarding 2026
Operational Funding Requests, Road and Bridge Apportionment and Future Goals. The motion
carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
- Ratification of purchase of patrol vehicle for the Marshals Office
Manager Neill explained staff has been in the process of working with the Towns insurance
carrier to replaced the 2020 Durango which was involved in an accident in November. A
2019 Ford F-150 was been purchased and is currently being retrofitted with equipment from
the other patrol vehicle. The Town’s portion of the cost to replace the vehicle is $6,000.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Grambley with a second by Councilmember Montague, the motion to ratify
the purchase of a used 2019 Ford F150 truck for the Ridgway Marshals Office at an amount of
$29,994 carried unanimously on a roll call vote.
- Set special meeting to review the design for the Beaver Creek Diversion Restoration Project
The Manager asked the Council to set a special meeting for review of the plans for the Beaver
Creek Diversion Restoration Project and the contract for design services. It was agreed to
hold the meeting on January 26
th
at 6:00 pm in the Decker Community Room.
MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS
- Appointment to fill vacancy on the Planning Commission
The Mayor announced two letters of interest were received to fill the vacancy on the Planning
Commission, and he has selected Terese Seal who will serve until November 1, 2028.
- Update on the 2026 annual election
The Town Clerk reported the annual election will be held on April 7
th
at which time the Mayor
and three Councilor seats will become vacant for two year terms. The nomination period will
begin on January 26
th
and close on February 13
th
. She noted a Notice and Call to
Candidates has been published, posted, and placed on the website and vertical response.
- Town Manager’s Report
The Town Manager presented an overview of the written monthly Managers Report.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Town Attorney asked the Council to enter into a closed session pursuant to Colorado
Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(f) for discussion of a personnel matter concerning the Town
Managers annual performance evaluation.
Town Council Minutes
January 14, 2026
Page 6
ACTION:
It was moved by Councilmember Kroger, seconded by Councilmember Montague and
unanimously carried by a roll call vote to enter into closed session.
The Council entered into closed session with the Town Attorney and Town Manager at 8:15 p.m.
and reconvened to the regular meeting at 8:25 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Kraft, MMC
Town Clerk