Cortez, CO

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a major site plan for a specific property. The body will also review a draft resolution and report on recently issued permits.

• Public hearing for Resolution No. 6, Series 2026: Major Site Plan for 127 N. Market St
• Review of draft Resolution No. 7, Series 2026
• Report on permits issued from 4/16 through 7/15/2026

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session to review a draft presentation of the Water System Master Plan. The meeting also includes interviews for the Airport Advisory Committee.

• Water System Master Plan Draft Presentation
• Airport Advisory Committee interviews for Bernard Karwick, Chris Caciagli, and Brian Lyons

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council will discuss a proposed voter authorization for a Lodger's Tax increase and an intergovernmental agreement for the 2026 General Election. The body will also consider budget amendments and the purchase of a new truck for the Street Division.

• Ordinance No. 1375: Proposed 4% increase in the City's Lodger's Tax for the Nov 3, 2026 election
• Resolution No. 13: Agreement with Montezuma County Clerk and Recorder for the 2026 General Election
• Purchase of a new 1-ton dually truck for the City Street Division to replace Unit #992
• Ordinance No. 1372: Second reading of an amendment to the 2026 Budget
• Renewal of Medical Marijuana Center license for Durango Organics, LLP (DBA DO Cortez) at 1013 East Main Street

City Council Work Session

The City Council will conduct interviews for the Airport Advisory Committee. The session also includes a discussion regarding the intended purpose and use of Lodger's Tax.

• Airport Advisory Committee interviews: Eddy Lewis, John Hernandez, David Bostrom, and Robert Wright
• Discussion on Lodger's Tax intended purpose/use
• Teen Court information presented by Judge Beth Padilla

City Council reached a consensus to propose increasing the lodger's tax to 6% and directed staff to refine ballot language with a TABOR attorney. The council also reviewed a new Teen Court program and interviewed four applicants for the Airport Advisory Committee.

• Directed staff to refine ballot language for a proposed 6% lodger's tax increase
• Scheduled first Teen Court session for August 17
• Interviewed four Airport Advisory Committee applicants; decisions deferred to next meeting
• Tabled Empire Building project pending staff capacity

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider several liquor license renewals and new applications. The agenda also includes various municipal contracts for airport maintenance, park master planning, and recreation center repairs.

• Awarding the 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for $193,000
• Awarding the 2026 Recreation Center Hardwood Floors Repair Project to Sport Court of the Rockies LLC for $55,422
• Considering a competitive quote to replace the Airport leach field with Ramco Developments, LLC
• Public hearing for a new Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Pitchers on Main LLC
• Public hearing for a Tavern Liquor License renewal for Sierra's LLC, DBA Patron

City Council denied the tavern liquor license renewal for Sierra’s LLC (DBA Patron) due to tax delinquency and conduct issues. The council also approved a new liquor license for Pitchers on Main LLC and authorized funding for airport expansion and repair projects.

• Denied tavern liquor license renewal for Sierra’s LLC DBA Patron (5-2)
• Approved new hotel and restaurant liquor license for Pitchers on Main LLC (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance No. 1369 to implement Charter changes regarding council compensation and meeting locations (7-0)
• Approved CDOT Aeronautics Grant Resolution for South Apron Expansion Project (7-0)
• Awarded Airport Leach Field Replacement Project to Ramco Developments, LLC for $47,375 (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including multiple liquor license renewals and special event permits (7-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The commission will hold a public hearing regarding Land Use Code Revisions under Resolution No. 5, Series 2026. Members will also receive an overview of the City of Cortez Comprehensive Plan and SB24-174 requirements.

• Public hearing for Resolution No. 5, Series 2026, Land Use Code Revisions
• Overview of the City of Cortez Comprehensive Plan and SB24-174 requirements
• Discussion on upgrading the Comprehensive Plan
• Call for volunteers for Historical Preservation Board and Board of Adjustment vacancies

City Council Regular Meeting

The scheduled regular meeting of the Cortez City Council for June 23, 2026, has been canceled.

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider a $294,000 budget amendment for park and golf course irrigation. Other items include a memorandum of understanding for affordable multifamily rental housing on West 7th Street and various building code amendments.

• $294,000 budget amendment for city water to irrigate parks and the golf course
• Memorandum of Understanding with Evergreen Redevelopment West LLC for affordable housing on West 7th Street
• Conditional Use Permit for a permanent accessory structure at 1626 Rolling Road
• Amendment to City Code to implement Charter changes from the April 7, 2026 election
• Adoption of 2024 ICC, 2023 NFPA, and 2023 Colorado Model Electric/Solar Ready codes

City Council approved a budget amendment to use potable water for irrigation during a drought and adopted updated building, fire, and energy codes. Council also granted a conditional use permit for an oversized accessory structure at 1626 Rolling Road. Several liquor license renewals and special event permits were approved.

• Approved $294,000 budget amendment for potable water irrigation (7-0)
• Adopted 2024 ICC, 2023 NFPA 70, and 2023 Colorado Electric/Solar Ready codes with waiver process (5-2)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for accessory structure at 1626 Rolling Road (5-1, 1 recused)
• Approved special event permits for Fundamental Needs Inc. July 3-4 celebration (7-0)
• Approved liquor license renewals for Tequila’s, Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurant, and West Slope Liquors (7-0)
• Approved liquor sales room application for DuWest Wines LLC (7-0)
• Approved change in premises for El Campestre Mexican Restaurant LLC (7-0)

City Council Work Session

The City Council will conduct interviews for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Advisory Board and the Planning & Zoning Commission. The session also includes a discussion regarding the lodgers tax.

• Interview of Neco Escoe for the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Advisory Board
• Interview of Bruce Burkett for the Planning & Zoning Commission
• Lodgers Tax discussion

City Council discussed increasing the current 2% lodger's tax and broadening its allowable uses. Staff was directed to provide ordinance language and timing for a potential November ballot question. No formal votes were taken on the tax increase.

• Directed staff to return with ordinance language and timing for a potential lodger's tax ballot question

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hear a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy presented by Laura Lewis Marchino of Region 9. The council will also conduct interviews for applicants seeking positions on several city boards and committees.

• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy presentation by Laura Lewis Marchino
• Historic Preservation Board applicant interviews
• Library Advisory Board applicant interview
• Planning & Zoning Commission applicant interview
• Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board applicant interviews

The Cortez City Council held a work session with no formal votes or decisions. Region 9 presented its economic development strategy, reporting $320,000 in gap-financing loans supporting 85 jobs and a ten-to-one return on Cortez's dues. The council interviewed applicants for the Historic Preservation Board, Library Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board; no appointments were made.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the work session
• Heard Region 9 presentation on economic development strategy
• Interviewed applicants for Historic Preservation Board, Library Advisory Board, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Advisory Board

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider several items including a budget amendment for water irrigation and the adoption of updated building codes. The agenda also includes road repaving projects, vehicle purchases, and various liquor license approvals.

• Ordinance 1366: E-Cargo Bike Grant Award for Police Department fleet expansion
• Ordinance 1367: Adoption of 2024 ICC, 2023 NFPA, and 2023 Colorado Model Electric/Solar Ready codes
• 2026 Micro-surfacing Project bid award to A-1 Chipseal Company
• Repaving of East Montezuma Avenue from North Washington Street to North Market Street
• Budget Amendment: $294,000 for potable water irrigation of City parks and golf course

The Cortez City Council approved on first reading a new building code package (Ordinance 1367) adopting 2024 ICC codes, 2023 NFPA 70, and the 2023 Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code, with a second reading set for June 9. The council also awarded a $147,840 micro-surfacing contract to A-1 Chipseal Company, approved a $205,450 partnership with the Cortez Sanitation District to repave a portion of East Montezuma Avenue, and accepted a proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in a 5-2 vote. Other actions included approving a $48,770 purchase of a used transit van, a $294,000 budget amendment for park irrigation water, and several board appointments.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1367 adopting 2024 ICC codes, 2023 NFPA 70, and 2023 Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (6-1)
• Awarded 2026 Micro-surfacing Project to A-1 Chipseal Company at $147,840 (7-0)
• Approved partnership with Cortez Sanitation District to repave west-bound lane of East Montezuma Avenue for $205,450 (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 2019 Ford Transit T350XL van from Davey Coach Sales for $48,770 (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1368 appropriating $294,000 for potable water to irrigate parks and golf course (7-0)
• Accepted proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month (5-2)
• Approved appointments: Richard Landreth to Planning & Zoning, Abel Berrada to Library Advisory Board, Linda Towle and Jennifer Dimond to Historic Preservation Board (7-0)
• Approved canceling June 23, 2026 council meeting for CML conference (7-0)

City Council Work Session

The City Council will hold a work session featuring CIRSA Councilmember Training presented by Sam Light. The meeting also includes a period for Council General Discussion.

• CIRSA Councilmember Training presented by Sam Light
• Council General Discussion

The Cortez City Council held a work session featuring a training presentation by Sam Light from the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRSA), the city's insurance carrier. The training covered council responsibilities, including fiduciary duties, transparency, ethics, and decision-making distinctions. No substantive decisions were made; the session was informational only.

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider several public hearings regarding accessory structures and encroachment permits. Additionally, the council will discuss a letter of support for HomesFund and a potential lease of surplus municipal water to the Dolores Water Conservancy District.

• Conditional Use Permit for an accessory structure at 1626 Rolling Road
• Conditional Use Permit for an accessory structure at 525 South Market Street
• Encroachment Permit application for 906 North Market Street
• Appropriation of Housing Planning Grant Program funds into the FY2026 budget
• Ordinance to accept a Colorado Energy Office E-Cargo Bike Grant for the Police Department

The Cortez City Council continued the conditional use permit hearing for a 1,600 sq. ft. detached garage at 1626 Rolling Road to June 9, 2026, requiring additional site plans and renderings. The council also continued a permit for 525 South Market Street due to square footage discrepancies, approved an encroachment permit for 906 North Market, and approved a $33,750 state grant appropriation for a housing planning grant. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Continued conditional use permit for 1,600 sq. ft. garage at 1626 Rolling Road to June 9 (6-0, Osborn recused)
• Continued conditional use permit for garage addition at 525 South Market Street to May 26 (7-0)
• Approved encroachment permit for rock retaining wall at 906 North Market (7-0)
• Appropriated $33,750 HPLN grant into 2026 budget (7-0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign letter of support for HomesFund grant application (7-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance accepting $23,500 E-Cargo Bike Grant (6-0, Osborn recused)
• Authorized City Manager to negotiate and sign surplus water lease with Dolores Water Conservancy District (7-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings regarding an encroachment permit and two conditional use applications for accessory structures. Additionally, the body will review a cash-in-lieu land dedication study to recommend fee schedule amendments to the City Council.

• Encroachment Permit application for 906 North Market Street
• Conditional Use Application for an accessory structure at 1626 Rolling Road
• Conditional Use Permit application for an accessory structure at 525 South Market Street
• Review of the 2026 Cash-in-lieu Dedication Study

City Council Work Session

The scheduled work session for the Cortez City Council on April 28, 2026, was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

City Council Regular Meeting

Cortez City Council will swear in five newly elected members, select a mayor and mayor pro tempore, and receive a briefing on water supply conditions affecting local services. The council will consider awarding an airport apron expansion contract to improve local airfield capacity, appropriate Housing Planning Grant Program funds for the 2026 budget, and approve a Microsoft software licensing agreement with Colorado. A public hearing addresses transferring a retail marijuana license at LivWell on East Main Street, while routine business licenses are processed via the consent agenda.

• Ordinance No. 1365 appropriates Housing Planning Grant Program funds into the 2026 operating budget
• Apron Expansion Project contractor award recommendation for the Cortez airport
• Public hearing on transferring a retail marijuana license from Pharmacann Inc to Vireo Health of Mile High LLC at LivWell, 1819 East Main Street
• Resolution No. 8 authorizes participation in Microsoft Corporation’s Volume Licensing Agreement with Colorado
• Consent agenda includes liquor and marijuana license renewals for businesses on West Main Street, South Broadway, Patton Street, and a special event permit for the Chamber of Commerce

The April 28, 2026 meeting saw the swearing-in of newly elected council members and the election of Dennis Spruell as mayor and Bill Lewis as mayor pro tem. The council approved a consent agenda, a retail marijuana license transfer, a Microsoft licensing agreement, an airport apron construction contract, and a grant appropriation ordinance on first reading. A ballot measure on term limits failed in the April 27 election.

• Elected Dennis Spruell as Mayor and Bill Lewis as Mayor Pro Tem (secret ballot)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and special event permit (7-0)
• Approved transfer of retail marijuana store license to Vireo Health of Mile High LLC (6-0, Wolf recused)
• Approved Resolution No. 8 for Microsoft Volume Licensing Agreement (7-0)
• Awarded $1,527,055.28 airport apron expansion contract to Elevated Excavating (7-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 1365 appropriating $33,750 HPLN grant (7-0)
• Scheduled City Council retreat for May 28, 2026 (7-0)
• Appointed Wolf and West to attend CML conference, Spruell as alternate (7-0)

City Council Work Session

The City Council will conduct public arts youth interviews and an executive session. The meeting also includes a general discussion period.

• Public Arts Youth Interviews: Will Blair
• Public Arts Youth Interviews: Ava Anderson
• Executive Session

The City Council interviewed two applicants for a youth position on the Public Arts Committee and then held an executive session to discuss strategy for selecting a developer-builder for a housing project on West 7th Street. No formal decisions were made during the meeting; the executive session was for discussion only.

• Interviewed Will Blair for youth Public Arts Committee position (no vote)
• Interviewed Ava Anderson for youth Public Arts Committee position (no vote)
• Moved into executive session to discuss housing developer selection (6-0, Keefauver absent)
• No formal action taken during executive session

City Council Regular Meeting

The City Council will consider ordinances regarding compensation for the City Manager and City Attorney, as well as the creation of an airport advisory committee. Additional business includes a fuel system decommission bid, a vehicle purchase, and special event permits.

• Ordinance No. 1362: Employment agreement and compensation for City Manager Drew Sanders
• Ordinance No. 1363: Employment agreement and compensation for City Attorney J. Patrick Coleman
• Ordinance No. 1364: Creation of an airport advisory committee
• Bid award for the 2026 Service Center Upper Yard Fuel delivery System Decommission to Advanced Petroleum Repair, LLC
• Purchase of a new 1-ton pickup truck for the City Street Division

The Cortez City Council approved second readings of ordinances setting compensation for City Manager Drew Sanders at $191,776 and City Attorney Patrick Coleman at $174,342, both effective April 13, 2026. The council also created an airport advisory committee, awarded a $38,215 bid to Advanced Petroleum Repair LLC for the 2026 Service Center Upper Yard Fuel Delivery System Decommission, and tabled a vehicle purchase for the City Street Division to resubmit for bids. All votes were 6-0 with Mayor Medina absent.

• Approved Ordinance 1362 setting City Manager salary at $191,776 (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1363 setting City Attorney salary at $174,342 (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1364 creating airport advisory committee (6-0)
• Awarded fuel system decommission bid to Advanced Petroleum Repair LLC at $38,215 (6-0)
• Tabled City Street Division vehicle purchase to resubmit for bids (6-0)
• Appointed Will Blair as youth member and Ava Anderson as alternate to Public Arts Committee (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and special event permits (6-0)

City Council Work Session

The scheduled City Council Work Session/Special Meeting for March 24, 2026, has been canceled. No other agenda items are listed for this session.

City Council Regular Meeting

The Cortez City Council will consider several items, including the adoption of Ordinance No. 1361 to implement the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. The council will also review and vote on multiple contract awards for infrastructure projects and employment agreements for senior officials. Additional routine items on the consent agenda involve liquor license renewals and special event permits.

• Adopt Ordinance No. 1361, Series 2026 – 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
• Award 2026 Concrete Cost-Share Project to Candelaria Construction, Inc.
• Award 2026 Service Center Roof Replacement Project to PRQ Topline LLC (d/b/a Topline Installers)
• Approve Harrison Street Waterline Project estimate from RAMCO Developments, L.L.C.
• Adopt Ordinance No. 1362, Series 2026 – employment agreement and compensation for City Manager Drew Sanders

The Cortez City Council approved the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on second reading, awarded contracts for the 2026 Concrete Cost-Share Project and Service Center Roof Replacement, and accepted an estimate for the Harrison Street Waterline Project. The council also advanced three ordinances on first reading: updating the city manager's and city attorney's employment agreements with new compensation, and creating an Airport Advisory Committee. All votes were unanimous among the five present members, with two members absent.

• Approved Ordinance 1361 adopting the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (5-0)
• Awarded 2026 Concrete Cost-Share Project bid to Candelaria Construction Inc. for $268,513 (5-0)
• Awarded 2026 Service Center Roof Replacement Project to PRQ Topline LLC (5-0)
• Accepted Harrison Street Waterline Project estimate from RAMCO Developments for $42,260 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1362 setting City Manager salary at $191,776 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1363 setting City Attorney salary at $174,342 (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1364 creating an Airport Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and special event permits (5-0)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Cortez City Council will consider second readings for two ordinances amending previous measures and a third ordinance amending the 2026 budget. The council will also consider adopting the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resilency Code and awarding contracts for golf course maintenance.

• Approval of meeting minutes and expenditure list
• Renewal of liquor store license at 530 North Broadway
• Renewal of retail marijuana licenses at 1020 South Broadway
• Ordinance amending the 2026 adopted budget
• Award of Golf Cart Path Project to JRG Concrete and Construction LLC for $41,856

The Cortez City Council approved several ordinances and contracts, including adopting the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code on first reading, amending the 2026 budget, and awarding a golf cart path project. It also appointed election judges for the April 7 municipal election. All votes were unanimous (6-0) with Mayor Medina absent.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, expenditures, and liquor/marijuana license renewals (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1357 amending historic designation for 245 East Montezuma Ave (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1358 amending historic designation for 410 East Empire St (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1360 amending 2026 budget (6-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1361 adopting Wildfire Resiliency Code on first reading, set hearing for March 24 (6-0)
• Awarded $41,856 golf cart path contract to JRG Concrete (6-0)
• Designated sole source and awarded $61,754 reel grinder bid to Colorado Golf and Turf (6-0)
• Appointed Susan Maxwell, Beth Wetherill, Cindy Clare, Laura Bierbower as election judges (6-0)

City Council Work Session

The Cortez City Council will hold a work session/ special meeting. The primary item is an executive session to discuss employment contracts for City Manager Drew Sanders and City Attorney Patrick Coleman. The council will also hold general discussion and receive informational reports including the 2025 annual statistical report from Cortez Public Library and minutes from the Montezuma County Board of Commissioners.

• Executive session to discuss employment contracts of City Manager Drew Sanders and City Attorney Patrick Coleman
• Council general discussion at 7:15 p.m.
• Cortez Public Library Annual Statistical Report for 2025
• Meeting minutes from Montezuma County Board of Commissioners, February 17, 2026

The City Council held a special meeting and unanimously voted to enter executive session to discuss employment contracts for City Manager Drew Sanders and City Attorney Patrick Coleman. No formal action was taken during the session, and the meeting adjourned shortly after resuming in open session.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for employment contract discussions (7-0)

City Council Work Session

The Cortez City Council will hold a work session on February 24, 2026, beginning with an executive session for a personnel matter followed by a general discussion. The session includes a review of minutes from the Montezuma County Board of Commissioners.

• Executive session for personnel matter
• Council General Discussion at 7:10 p.m.
• Review of Montezuma County Board of Commissioners minutes

The City Council held a special meeting that consisted solely of an executive session to conduct the annual performance review of City Attorney Patrick Coleman. No formal actions, policies, or decisions were made during the session, and the meeting adjourned immediately after.

• Moved into executive session for annual performance review of City Attorney Patrick Coleman (7-0)
• No formal action taken during executive session

City Council Regular Meeting

The Cortez City Council will hold public hearings on second readings of two ordinances: one to refund a portion of Family Recreation Center sales tax revenue collected from 2022-2025 under TABOR, and another to approve a 40-year land lease with Cortez Real Estate Holding Company for a private hangar at the airport. The council will also hear first readings of ordinances amending a previous budget ordinance and the 2026 adopted budget, and consider an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Dolores for waste and recycling services.

• Second reading of Ordinance 1359 to refund a portion of Family Recreation Center sales tax revenue collected 2022-2025
• Second reading of Ordinance 1356 for a 40-year land lease with Cortez Real Estate Holding Company for a private hangar at the airport
• Public hearing on a conditional use permit for religious land use and parking deviation at 28 East Montezuma Street
• First reading of Ordinance 1360 amending the 2026 adopted budget
• Intergovernmental agreement with Town of Dolores for waste and recycling services

The Cortez City Council approved a TABOR-required refund of excess Family Recreation Center sales tax revenue collected from 2022-2025 by establishing a city sales tax holiday from October 18 through December 31, 2026. The council also approved a 40-year airport hangar land lease, a conditional use permit for a church, and several administrative items including budget amendments and intergovernmental agreements.

• Approved Ordinance 1359 (TABOR sales tax refund via tax holiday) (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1356 (40-year land lease for airport hangar) (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 5 (conditional use permit for religious use at 28 E. Montezuma St.) (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 7 (correcting CLG grant description) (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1357 (first reading, correcting historic designation legal description) (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1358 (first reading, correcting historic designation legal description) (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 1360 (first reading, 2026 budget amendment) (7-0)
• Approved IGA with Town of Dolores for waste/recycling services (7-0)

City Council Work Session

This work session is primarily procedural: an executive session for a personnel matter (not open to the public), followed by general council discussion at 7:15 p.m., and receipt of minutes from Montezuma County Board of Commissioners meetings. No votes or public action items are listed.

• Executive session for personnel matter (closed to public)
• Council general discussion open to public at 7:15 p.m.
• Receipt of Montezuma County Board of Commissioners minutes from Jan 20 and 27, 2026

The City Council held a work session that consisted entirely of an executive session to conduct the annual performance review of City Manager Drew Sanders. No formal policy, position, resolution, or other action was adopted during the session. The meeting was adjourned immediately after the closed session ended.

• Held executive session for annual performance review of City Manager Drew Sanders (5-0, two absent)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Cortez City Council will meet to approve routine agenda items, including the renewal of liquor licenses and the minutes from the previous meeting. The council will also consider a TABOR refund ordinance, a 40-year airport hangar lease, and the purchase of the Empire Electric Building.

• TABOR refund ordinance for Family Recreation Center sales tax revenue
• 40-year land lease for private hangar at Cortez Municipal Airport
• Purchase of Empire Electric Building at 801 N. Broadway
• Renewal of Destination Grill liquor license at 2121 East Main Street
• Request for $50,000 Local Planning Capacity grant for affordable housing

The Cortez City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1359, which establishes a sales tax holiday from October 18 to December 31, 2026, to refund $2,850,958 in over-collected Family Recreation Center sales tax revenue from 2022-2025. The council also approved first readings for a 40-year airport hangar lease and a resolution authorizing the purchase of the Empire Electric Building. All votes were unanimous (5-0) with two members absent.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1359 (TABOR refund via sales tax holiday) (5-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1356 (40-year hangar lease to Cortez Real Estate Holding Company) (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 6 authorizing purchase of Empire Electric Building at 801 N. Broadway (5-0)
• Authorized staff to prepare IGA with Town of Dolores for waste/recycling services (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign $50,000 LPC grant request letter to DOLA (5-0)
• Accepted bid for Schwarze A7 Tornado street sweeper at $388,310 with financing (5-0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign letter of support for Montezuma County recycling transfer station grant (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and expenditure list (5-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Cortez Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Resolution 1, Series 2026. The commission will also approve minutes from the 10/07/2025 meeting. Additional discussion will cover administrative approvals, Montezuma County planning and zoning applications, and permits issued between 9/16/2025 and 1/15/2026. No unfinished or new business items are listed.

• Public hearing on Resolution 1, Series 2026
• Approval of minutes from 10/07/2025
• Administrative approvals
• Montezuma County Planning & Zoning applications
• Review of permits issued 9/16/2025 – 1/15/2026

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-0 to recommend City Council approve a Conditional Use Permit and special exception for St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church at 28 East Montezuma Street, reducing required off-street parking from 125 to 20 spaces. The commission also approved the agenda and October 7, 2025 minutes, and discussed virtual participation and a comprehensive plan update. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda for February 3, 2026 (3-0)
• Approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit and parking exception for St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church (3-0)

City Council Work Session

This work session includes interviews with three applicants for the Public Arts Committee, followed by general council discussion. The meeting also receives minutes from the Montezuma Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 6, 2026. The agenda is primarily procedural with no major ordinances or financial decisions.

• Public Arts Committee interview of Malinda Mascarenas
• Public Arts Committee interview of Tanner Besse
• Public Arts Committee interview of Barnabas Kane
• Council general discussion (7:15 p.m.)
• Receipt of Montezuma BOCC minutes from January 6, 2026

The Cortez City Council held a work session on January 27, 2026, primarily to interview applicants for the Public Arts Committee. No formal decisions or votes were made during the session. The council also discussed upcoming community events, including a candidate forum and a film screening.

• Interviewed Public Arts Committee applicants Malinda Mascarenas and Barnabas Kane (no vote)
• Noted applicant Tanner Besse was absent (no action)
• Discussed League of Women Voters candidate forum on March 11 (no action)
• Discussed screening of 'Place at the Table' on January 29 (no action)

City Council Regular Meeting

The Cortez City Council will hold public hearings on second readings of three ordinances: one authorizing ballot issues to amend the City Charter, and two approving historic designations for properties at 245 East Montezuma and 410 East Empire Street. Other business includes a Highway Users Tax Fund report, appointments to the Public Arts Committee, and a resolution authorizing a mail ballot election for April 7, 2026.

• Ordinance No. 1353 – second reading to place charter amendment questions on a ballot
• Ordinance No. 1354 – second reading for historic designation of 245 East Montezuma
• Ordinance No. 1355 – second reading for historic designation of 410 East Empire Street
• Resolution No. 3 – authorizing a mail ballot election on April 7, 2026
• Consideration of two appointments to the Public Arts Committee

The Cortez City Council approved Ordinance No. 1353, placing four City Charter amendment questions on the April 7, 2026 ballot, with amendments clarifying a two-year separation between council terms and delaying pay increases until after the next election. The council also approved historic designations for two properties, authorized a mail-ballot election, and made appointments to the Public Arts Committee.

• Approved Ordinance No. 1353 placing 4 charter amendment questions on April 7, 2026 ballot (7-0)
• Approved historic designation for 245 East Montezuma Ave (Helen Duncan home) (7-0)
• Approved historic designation for 410 East Empire St buildings (7-0)
• Authorized Mayor to sign 2025 Highway Users Tax Fund Report (7-0)
• Appointed Malinda Mascarenas and Barnabas Kane to Public Arts Committee (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 3 authorizing mail-ballot election on April 7, 2026 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 4 designating public notice posting locations (7-0)
• Held executive session on City Manager's employment contract; no formal action taken

City Council Work Session

The work session scheduled for January 13, 2026, has been canceled; no business will be conducted. The agenda included only informational minutes from Montezuma County commission meetings, but no action was taken.