RIDGWAY TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
M
AY 13, 2026
OATH OF OFFICE
The Town Clerk administered the oath of office to recently elected Councilmember Josey Scoville.
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. The Council was present in its entirety with
Councilors Grambley, Greenwood, Kroger, Montague, Scoville, Mayor Pro Tem Lakin and Mayor
Clark in attendance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Town Attorney asked the Council to enter into a closed session for the purpose of receiving
legal advice on a specific legal question under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) regarding Ridgway Suites
LLC dba MTN Lodge and its proposed use and compliance with the Ridgway Municipal Code.
ACTION:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilmember Kroger and unanimously
carried to enter into closed session.
The Council entered into closed session at 5:30 p.m. with the Town Attorney, Town Manager,
Town Clerk, Town Planner and special legal counsel Nick Poppee with the law firm of Nathan,
Dunn and Mayer.
The Council reconvened into open session at 5:45 p.m.
The regular meeting began at 6: 00 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on April 8, 2026.
Register of Demands for May 2026.
ACTION:
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilor Grambley to approve the consent
agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Val Szwarc reported on upcoming Dark Sky events.
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May 13, 2026
Page 2
PUBLIC REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
- Annual presentation from the Youth Advisory Council
Staff Report from the Town Manager dated 5-5-26 presenting the Youth Advisory Council
program highlights for the year.
Manager Preston Neill offered a PowerPoint presentation for the Youth Advisory Council
capstone projects and experiences for school year 2025-2026. Members of the Youth
Council addressed the Council. Thea Mahlin, Mayor, stated “communication with one
another” was one of the “biggest highlights” of being on the board; Masen Barker Mayor Pro
Tem, reported the biggest take away for him was learning about “government structure”;
Orion Krois noted “local issues”; Sloan Patton stated “understanding how things work from
inside the Town”; and Sunny Wick “understanding the process and how things work”. Thea
Mahlin presented the capstone project which will be reviving the free movie nights on the
stage in Hartwell Park by providing movies for “all age groups” and obtaining sponsors to
assist with funding the events; preparation of a poster, advertisement and presented a
“marketing plan for the movie nights”.
The Town Manager reported all the members would like to be reappointed to the Youth
Council for next school year and the Council agreed to the appointments. He commended
the members for “being so engaged”.
There were questions from the Council.
- Acknowledgment of graduating senior students in the Ouray County PeaceJam Program
Sveri May project coordinator for the Ouray County PeaceJam Program presented the non-
profit international organizations mission statement. She presented graduating students from
both Ridgway and Ouray Schools Ava Berwanger, Madalyn Freed, Sean Lawler and Scarlett
Straub, who participated in the program during the school year, and asked the Council to
recognize the students for their community service throughout the region. The students
addressed the Council regarding what they enjoyed most about serving on PeaceJam, and
impacts the program made.
The Council congratulated the students and thanked them for their commitment to serving
others.
- Request to hold Ridgway Rocks music festival in Hartwell Park on July 4
th
and 25
th
The Town Clerk spoke on behalf of Mark Serrantoni organizer for Ridgway Rocks, a music
festival featuring local musicians. This is the second year of the event which will be held on
the stage in Hartwell Park on the evenings of July 4
th
and 25
th
from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Ridgway Area Trails Group will conduct beer sales during the event.
ACTION:
Moved by Councilor Montague, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin to hold Ridgway Rocks on
July 4th and 25th. On a call for the vote the motion carried with Councilor Kroger abstaining.
Town Council Minutes
May 13, 2026
Page 3
- Request to close Clinton Street between N. Lena and Laura Streets between 5:30 a.m. and
8:00 a.m. on June 28, 2026 to film a car commercial
The Town Clerk spoke on behalf of Tim Territo applicant on behalf of Gravy Productions LLC
requesting to close Clinton Street between N. Lena and Laura Streets on June 28
th
between
5:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to film a car commercial with a crew of 35 members.
There was discussion and comments and concerns expressed by the Council. Consensus
of the Council was to direct staff to the applicant and rely, the applicant is responsible to
notify all residents, business owners, and the property manager of the Space to Create
building that parking will not be allowed on the street during the time frame of the filming, and
vehicles will need to be removed prior to the event; a no-parking time frame between 11:30
p.m. on Saturday, June 27th until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, June 28
th
will be established; the
applicant is responsible to place signage stating the no parking time frame; the Town will not
tow any cars due to this request for street closure; parking will be allowed on Laura, Cora
and Lena Streets as they intersect Clinton Street, only Clinton Street will be closed to no
parking. It was noted there is another event on those streets on Sunday the 28
th
and the set
up time for this annual event will begin around 9:00 a.m.
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to approve the closure of Clinton Street between Lena and Laura
Streets with the stipulations as stated. Councilor Montague seconded, and on a call for the vote
the motion carried unanimously.
- Proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month
The Mayor presented a proclamation Declaring May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness
Month and asked for Council approval.
ACTION:
Councilmember Kroger moved to proclaim May 20, 206 as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Councilor Grambley seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
- Proclamation Recognizing Public Lands Day
The Mayor noted the importance of local governments recognize preservation of public lands,
and asked the Council to approve a proclamation recognizing Public Lands Day.
ACTION:
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, with a second by Councilor Grambley, and unanimously carried
to recognize Public Lands Day.
- Proclamation Recognizing Endangered Species Day
The Mayor asked the Council to recognize the importance of protecting endangered species
and presented a proclamation recognizing Endangered Species Day.
ACTION:
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May 13, 2026
Page 4
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Lakin, seconded by Councilmember Kroger and unanimously
carried to approve the proclamation recognizing Endangered Species Day.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Renovation Project Needs Assessment
Town Engineer Joanne Fagan presented a PowerPoint pertaining to the project needs
assessment for renovation of the wastewater treatment plant. She noted the pre-public
hearing is intended to review the progress of the wastewater treatment plant renovation, and
is intended to inform the public and provide an opportunity for comments and suggestions.
She reported a draft Project Needs Assessment has been completed and submitted to the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
She explained the wastewater lagoon system was installed in the early 1970’s as a gravity
flow system. There is not a lift station at the plant, though a few were later placed in other
parts of Town. The original plant consisted of two cell lagoons, and a third was installed in
1999 larger than the two originals combined. In February of 2025 the Town received a permit
renewal for the plant from CDPHE which included new parameters and stricter limits than
previous permits. After “push back” from small communities through out the State, the
CDPHE is not going to enforce the regulations, and will begin to review and prepare new
regulations for small communities.
She reported approval also included some compliance schedules, one of which is identifying
potential seepage from the two ponds built in the early 1970’s and eliminating it. This requires
construction of new wastewater liners by February of 2027, she noted it is “highly unlikely”
design approval would be received prior to this date, so a request for an extension has been
made. Another is to address stricter disinfection requirements; currently bifurcation is
achieved through disinfection with chlorine of 100 to 1 dilution. Many of the new requirements
are based on Ridgway Reservoir being located downstream from the discharge site. She
noted the reservoir was constructed in the early 1980’s and the Town was never before
required to meet reservoir requirements.
The way to address the ambiguities, she stated, is to ensure all items which may be required
within the next twenty years are addressed now, and design a renovation to facilitate adding
other units as the rules change. Potential treatment solution options include upgrading the
existing lagoon by modifying the capacity and adding a synthetic liner; converting the plant
to an extended air activated sludge plant; converting the plant to a moving bed biological
reactor (MBBR) based system or convert to a membrane based biological reactor (MBR).
Upgrading and renovating the existing lagoons would require the two original cells to be
rebuilt and a synthetic liner installed; sub surface aeration would replace surface splashers
to improve heat retention and energy efficiency; pond covers would improve nutrient removal.
Extended air aeration offers a number of options including a mix of zones in the basin facilities
to provide nitrification and denitrification. The MBBR system is an aeration basin filled with
tiny disks with a very high surface area for fixed film growth to facilitate nitrification and
denitrification. A MBR system includes aeration basins similar to other modified activated
sludge, but also includes membranes to separate solids from treated wastewater after the
aeration basins. All options assume conversion for surface to sub surface air using blowers
and diffusers for heat retention and energy efficiency; all the modified activated sludge
options require clarification, sludge dewatering and disposal. Other recommended
renovations include modifying the pipe into the plant to improve the slope; adding a bar
screen to reduce trash getting into the plant. Most obtains will require adding a lift station
and are dependent on the treatment process consideration of converting to UV disinfection.
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May 13, 2026
Page 5
She noted the next step is to re-examine options taking into account the CDPHE concerns
and then select recommended options. A public hearing would be held at that time.
There were questions from the Council.
Speaking from the audience Charles Mueller suggested the Town “look at more than twenty
years for major infrastructure like this”. He supported purchasing land by the river and building
a “modern plant” and “then utilize the current land, which is prime property for other uses”,
noting that may “offset costs”.
There were questions and comments from the Council.
- Second Reading of Ordinance No. 03-2026 Amending Chapter 6 of the Ridgway Municipal
Code to Update Building Regulations and Adopt, By Reference, the 2024 Low Energy Carbon
Code, the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, and Certain 2024 International Council
Code Books and Amendments Thereto
Staff Report dated 5-7-26 from Senior Planner Angie Kemp presenting Ordinance No. 03-
2026.
Planner Kemp noted at the prior meeting Council introduced an ordinance amending building
regulations. The Town currently utilizes the 2018 International Code Council Code Books for
residential and commercial construction. The national standard is to update building codes
every three to six years. The ordinance contains the 2024 International Building Code; 2024
International Residential Code; Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code based on the
2024 International Energy Conservation Code; 2024 International Existing Building Code;
2024 International Fuel Gas Code; 2024 International Mechanical Code; Colorado Plumbing
Code; 2024 International Plumbing Code; 2024 International Property Maintenance Code;
2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; National Electrical Code; 2025 Colorado
Wildfire Resiliency Code. A number of meetings, work sessions, forums and trainings were
held between September of 2024 and December of 2025 with the assistance of the Sneffels
Energy Board.
Speaking from the audience Charles Mueller stated he was concerned with the proposal
which mandated fifty percent of energy generation needed to made on site and “forcing
purchasing of green energy”. The Building Inspector explained to the Council this
requirement is no longer in the proposed changes.
The Planner reviewed the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code which establishes minimum
requirements for “structural hardening” with the goal of safeguarding life, property protection
and reducing the potential spread of fire. Adam Johnson, a fire professional based out of
Montrose Colorado addressed a concern that had been raised pertaining to treatment of
recycled wood products to be used as building materials to meet requirements and standards
for hardening.
There were questions from the Council. The Planner noted the regulations would become
effective July 1
st
and will apply to building permits after that date.
ACTION:
Councilmember Montague moved to approve on second reading Ordinance No. 03-2026
Amending Chapter 6 of the Ridgway Municipal Code to Update Building Regulations and Adopt,
By Reference, the 2024 Low Energy Carbon Code, the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code,
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May 13, 2026
Page 6
and Certain 2024 International Council Code Books and Amendments Thereto. Councilor
Greenwood seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
- Second Reading of Ordinance No. 02-2026 Amending Chapter 15 of the Ridgway Municipal
Code Concerning Vehicle Idling Restrictions
Staff Report dated 5-6-26 from the Town Manager presenting for second reading an
ordinance creating restrictions related to idling of vehicles.
Manager Neill reported at the previous meeting the proposed ordinance passed four to one
and would designate all of the historic business zoning district as an idle free zone. The
regulations would prohibit vehicle idling on public property or rights-of-ways in the zoning
district for two minutes or more within any one-hour period of time, with an exemption for
emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles.
There were comments by the Council and questions to the Marshal who responded by noting
concerns regarding calls from the public regarding enforcement.
SPEAKING FROM THE AUDIENCE:
Antonio Mendoz spoke in favor of the ordinance and stated “I think it doesn’t go far enough”
and noted it should also apply to commercial vehicles. “if you don’t create a rule for everyone,
then don’t create the rule”.
Hansa Devi supported adoption of the ordinance noting health issues from exhaust from
idling vehicles.
Jake Niece supported the ordinance noting “we want less emissions in the air” and stated
“you arrived at a compromised ordinance” “I wish it went further”.
Howard Greene noted there would need to be education and signage to assist with
enforcement issues.
Val Szwarc stated “I am very concerned about emissions from idling vehicles”.
There were comments from the Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved, with Councilor Kroger seconding, to approve on second
reading Ordinance No. 02-2026 Amending Chapter 15 of the Ridgway Municipal Code
Concerning Vehicle Idling Restrictions. On a call for the vote the motion failed with
Councilors Grambley, Greenwood, Montague and Scoville voting no.
POLICY MATTERS
- Work Session regarding proposed Ordinance No. 04-2026 Establishing Section 7-13
“Community Housing Regulations” of the Ridgway Municipal Code and Amending Section 7-
9-2 “General Definitions” to Define Community Housing
Staff Report dated 5-7-26 from Planner Angie Kemp presenting background on a proposed
ordinance establishing Community Housing Regulations.
Planner Kemp explained the proposed Community Housing Regulations is a version of an
Inclusionary Zoning Policy. Ridgway Municipal Code Section 7-13 and the Community
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May 13, 2026
Page 7
Housing Guidelines would take an incremental approach to inclusionary housing
requirements in an effort to support the development of housing that serves the local
workforce or retirees.
The Planner shared a chart of key dates associated with development of the text amendment
and a slides depicting details, including a change in the compliance calculations to make the
regulations more favorable to smaller developments. She reviewed the policy design and
utilizing best practices from Inclusionaryhousing.org. It was noted the Area Median Income
would allow for a “range of households to likely be served”. To be eligible to participate a
resident must be owner occupied nine out of twelve months, with one member working or
retired from working in Ouray County. She emphasized this is just one tool, and other housing
affordability solutions should also be considered.
Housing Administrator Eva Henson noted inclusionary zoning is the best practices approach
to an incremental approach by requiring developments to provide affordable housing within
a development, pay a fee in lieu, donate land or build on another site.
- Revocable Electric Vehicle Charging Station License Agreement with Helios Charging, Inc.
The Town Manager reported at the last meeting staff was directed to prepare an agreement
allowing Helios Charging, Inc. to install and maintain a Level 3 Electric Vehicle Charging
Parking Lot adjacent to the Visitors Center, off Racecourse Road in the Fairgrounds. He
noted the agreement requires a twenty percent share of the licensees net revenue for fees
collected for electric vehicle charging.
Daniel Benhammou with Helios Charging explained originally an agreement was signed with
Ouray County for placement at the fairground entrance off Highway 550, which would have
required construction of a pit toilet. He asked what situation would work best for the Town to
meet the requirement for restroom facilities. The Town Manager suggested a vault pit
restroom. There was discussion by the Council and it was agreed a vaulted restroom should
be placed with 24 hour access to the public. Mr. Benhammou stated he would partner with
the Town and share costs for on-going maintenance of the facility. It was noted by Council
the agreement does not address dark sky regulations. The Town Manager noted staff will
place language into the agreement regarding installation of a vault restroom and compliance
with all regulations, including outdoor lighting regulations.
ACTION:
Mayor Pro Tem Lakin moved to approve the Revocable Electric Vehicle Station License
Agreement with Helios Charging with the conditions as discussed regarding the vault restroom
and dark sky regulations. Councilor Grambley seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
- Resurfacing of the Athletic Park tennis courts
Town Manager Staff Report dated 5-8-26 presenting quotes for resurfacing of the Athletic
Park tennis courts.
Manager Neill reported three bids were received to resurface the tennis courts in the Athletic
Park. Staff is recommending accepting the lowest