La Junta, CO

City Council

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority will hold a regular meeting to review financial statements, hear reports on local projects, and take action on a Spark Grant application from Sangre de Cristo Community Care. The board will also receive information on an Economic Development Summit and discuss upcoming work sessions.

• Action on Spark Grant application from Sangre de Cristo Community Care
• Financial statements for July 2026
• Reports on Plaza Building, Copper Kitchen, and Chestnut Apartments
• Information on Economic Development Summit
• Discussion of September work sessions

City Council

The La Junta City Council is holding a regular meeting with a proclamation declaring La Junta a Purple Heart City, employee service awards, and informational updates from local organizations. The agenda includes routine reports and a consent agenda, with no major legislative actions listed.

• Proclamation declaring La Junta a Purple Heart City
• Employee service awards: Anthony Aguilar (5 years), Marilyn Schleich (5 years), Thomas Mascarenas (35 years)
• Informational updates from Kitchen of Kindness, YEEHAW, and AVRMC (Ron Hogan)
• Consent agenda: approval of August 3, 2026 meeting minutes

Board of Utilities

The La Junta Board of Utilities is holding a regular meeting with routine items: approving minutes, receiving reports from ARPA, water/wastewater, electric, and sanitation departments, and considering a letter of interest from Zach Miner to fill a board vacancy. No major policy decisions or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Consideration of Zach Miner's letter of interest for board vacancy (action item)
• Reports from ARPA, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments
• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2026 regular meeting

City Council

The La Junta City Council will meet to conduct a second reading of an ordinance regarding short-term rental marketplaces. The proposed rule would require these marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes for hosts within the city.

• Second reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1688 regarding short-term rental lodging taxes
• Action on a Conflict of Interest Document

The La Junta City Council approved an ordinance on second reading requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts. The council also approved the consent agenda. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and discussion.

• Approved consent agenda including July 20, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Passed ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1688 requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes (5-0)

Urban Renewal Authority

The Urban Renewal Authority will meet to take action on the second round of 2026 Spark Grants and a revised Spark Grant application. The board will also consider a revised Blight/Safety Policy and an Early Settlers Day booth.

• Revised Blight/Safety Policy
• Second round of 2026 Spark Grants
• Revised Spark Grant application
• Early Settlers Day Booth
• Reports on Plaza Building and Copper Kitchen

City Council

The La Junta City Council will consider a citizen complaint alleging issues with the disclosure of a city manager application, conflict of interest, exclusion of council members, and involvement of the mayor and city manager in a March 2026 incident. Additionally, the council will hold a first reading on an ordinance requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes. Other items include consent agenda approval, first-quarter financials, and employee service awards.

• Citizen complaint with possible action on city manager application disclosure, conflict of interest, and March 2026 incident
• First reading of ordinance requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes
• Consent agenda includes DBA change from Loaf N Jug No 13 to Cumberland Farms #750013 at 918 W. 3rd Street (liquor license)
• First-quarter 2026 financial report from Director of Finance
• Employee service awards for Cindy Leyba (5 years) and Issac Vasquez (5 years)

The City Council approved a consent agenda including a liquor license trade name change and passed the first reading of an ordinance requiring short-term rental platforms to remit lodging taxes. The council also reviewed several citizen complaints and determined that no further action was necessary regarding allegations involving the mayor, city manager, and city attorney.

• Approved consent agenda including July 6 minutes and Mini Mart, Inc. trade name change (7-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance requiring short-term rental platforms to remit lodging taxes (7-0)
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding city manager application disclosure; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding city attorney and city manager conflict of interest; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding exclusion of Council Member Rikhof; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding Mayor's involvement in March 2026 incident; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding City Manager's involvement in March 2026 incident; no further action taken

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities will meet to review minutes from June 9, 2026, and receive departmental reports. The agenda consists of procedural items and updates from utility divisions.

• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electric Department, and Sanitation

The Board of Utilities approved the June 9, 2026 minutes as published (4-0). The meeting was primarily informational, with reports on the 2025 audit, ARPA financials, water/wastewater operations, electric department activities, and sanitation. No substantive policy decisions or votes were taken beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June 9, 2026 minutes as published (4-0)

Historic Preservation Board

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board will hold a regular meeting with standard procedural items including approval of previous minutes and financial statements. Under new business, the board will hear director comments on declaring a vacancy, an update on the CLG Subgrant Program for fiscal year 2026, a designation certificate, progress on the Northeast La Junta Survey, and an upcoming October community engagement event. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are indicated in the agenda.

• Declare vacancy on board
• CLG Subgrant Program FY2026 update
• Designation certificate discussion
• Northeast La Junta Survey progress report
• October community engagement event planning

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board approved the April 13, 2026 meeting minutes as published (4-0). The board discussed a resignation creating two vacancies, the CLG sub-grant for a Preservation Plan, and plans for an October community engagement event. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April 13, 2026 minutes as published (4-0)
• Declared vacancy following Nancy Bennett's resignation (discussed)
• Discussed CLG sub-grant for Preservation Plan (no action)
• Discussed October 24 community engagement event (no action)

City Council

The City Council will review the 2025 audit and 2026 financial statements. The body will also discuss parking concerns at Brick & Tile Park and hear a presentation from American Legion Post 9.

• 2025 Audit Presentation
• Review of 2026 Financial Statements
• Special Events Permit for Early Settlers Day on August 1, 2026, at Santa Fe Plaza
• Discussion of Brick & Tile Park parking lot concerns
• Executive session regarding a staff member complaint and workforce analysis contract

The City Council voted 7-0 to enter executive session to discuss a personnel complaint against the City Manager and to determine positions on negotiations. The complaint, submitted by a citizen, included allegations about transparency, conflict of interest, retaliation, and a public safety breach. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes and a special events permit for Early Settlers Day.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for personnel matter and negotiations strategy, 7-0.
• Approved consent agenda including June 15, 2026 minutes and Early Settlers Day special events permit, 7-0.

City Council

The La Junta City Council will consider appointing a member to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors. The body will also act on a contract for an interim city attorney and a special events permit for a parish bazaar.

• Special Events Permit for Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish 104th Annual Bazaar at 202 Lincoln Avenue
• Appointment to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors
• Contract for Interim City Attorney

The La Junta City Council appointed Rob Pickering to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and approved a five-month contract for Clayton Buchner as interim city attorney. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and a special events permit. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included informational updates from state legislators and city staff.

• Appointed Rob Pickering to AVRMC Board of Directors (7-0)
• Approved contract for interim City Attorney Clayton Buchner (7-0)
• Approved June 15, 2026 consent agenda (6-0)

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities is meeting to approve previous minutes, hear departmental reports (ARPA, water/wastewater, electric, sanitation), and receive comments from the city manager and governing body. No specific ordinances, contracts, or rate changes are on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from the May 12, 2026 regular meeting

The La Junta Board of Utilities met on June 9, 2026, and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports from the ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments, plus comments from board members. A vacancy on the board was noted, and a work session on industrial park incentives was proposed.

• Approved May 12, 2026 minutes (4-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hold its regular meeting on June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The council will consider a second reading of an ordinance authorizing a $2 million loan agreement with the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for water system improvements, including lead service line replacements. Additional actions include appointing members to the La Junta Capital, Inc. Board and adopting amended bylaws for the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC).

• Second reading of ordinance authorizing $2M loan for water system improvements and lead service line replacements
• Appointment of members to the La Junta Capital, Inc. Board
• Adoption of amended and restated bylaws for Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC)
• Presentation by DeBourgh Manufacturing on city-related matters
• Regular meeting minutes from May 18, 2026, for approval

The council approved five interim members for the La Junta Capital, Inc. economic development board, with one council member voting no and the mayor abstaining. It also passed a water system improvement financing ordinance on second reading and accepted amended AVRMC hospital bylaws, both unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved interim La Junta Capital board members (5-1, Ayala abstained)
• Passed water system improvement loan ordinance on second reading (7-0)
• Accepted AVRMC amended and restated bylaws (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May 18 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hold a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, with items including second readings of ordinances on shipping container regulations and a business registration requirement. New business includes a second amendment to the AVRMC consolidation agreement, a resolution declaring a Stage II water shortage with Level A water restrictions, and a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a loan agreement for water system improvements including lead service line replacements. The council will also hear citizen participation and various reports.

• Second reading of ordinance to add definition of 'shipping container (Conex box)' and amend zoning code
• Second reading of ordinance establishing a business registration requirement within the city
• AVRMC Consolidation Agreement - Second Amendment
• Resolution declaring a Stage II Water Shortage and implementing Level A water restrictions
• First reading of ordinance authorizing loan agreement with Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for water system improvements and lead service line replacements

The council voted 3-3 to fail the second reading of the business registration ordinance (Ordinance 1700) after amendments were proposed. A Stage II water shortage was declared, and a water infrastructure loan ordinance passed on first reading. The AVRMC consolidation agreement amendment was approved.

• Business registration ordinance (Ordinance 1700) failed on second reading (3-3, Ochoa absent)
• Adopted Resolution R-12-2026 declaring Stage II water shortage with watering restrictions (6-0)
• Approved AVRMC Consolidation Agreement – Second Amendment (6-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance authorizing water system improvement loan (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May 4, 2026 minutes (6-0)
• Passed second reading of shipping container ordinance (6-0)

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities will vote on three resolutions: recommending a Stage II water shortage declaration with Level A restrictions, authorizing a loan for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project, and amending outside-city water service policies during shortages. Reports from department heads and citizen comments are also scheduled.

• Resolution recommending approval of a Loan Agreement and Governmental Agency Bond with Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for the Drinking Water Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Project
• Resolution recommending the City Council declare a Stage II Water Shortage and implement Stage II, Level A Water Restrictions
• Resolution amending Section 19 of the Policies of the Board of Utilities Commissioners concerning outside-city-limits water service during declared water shortage conditions

The Board of Utilities approved three resolutions: a $15 million loan for lead service line replacement, a Stage II water shortage declaration with odd/even watering restrictions, and a policy change requiring board approval for outside-city water service during shortages. All votes were 5-0. Commissioner Mike Bourget announced he will resign because his home sale will move him outside city limits.

• Approved Resolution RUB-3-2026 recommending $6.245M principal forgiveness and $8.715M loan at 1.7% for 30 years for lead service line replacement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RUB-4-2026 recommending Stage II Level A water restrictions with odd/even watering days (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RUB-5-2026 amending policy to require board approval for outside-city water service during shortages (5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 14, 2026 as published (5-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hear a housing needs assessment presentation and vote on several ordinances, including amending zoning to regulate shipping containers and establishing a business registration requirement. The council will also consider a resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property for affordable housing development and an amendment to the city manager's employment agreement.

• Housing Needs Assessment presentation by Matrix Design Group
• Resolution authorizing sale of city-owned property for affordable housing development (action)
• First reading of ordinance to add definition of 'shipping container (conex box)' and amend Title 17 zoning code
• First reading of ordinance establishing a business registration requirement (Chapter 5.12)
• Amendment No. 1 to City Manager Employment Agreement (action)

The La Junta City Council approved the sale of city-owned property at 618 Colorado Avenue and 1220 Rice Avenue for affordable housing development. The council also passed first readings of ordinances to regulate shipping containers and establish a business registration requirement. All other agenda items, including the consent agenda and city manager contract amendment, were approved unanimously.

• Adopted Resolution R-11-2026 authorizing sale of 618 Colorado Ave and 1220 Rice Ave for affordable housing (7-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance to regulate shipping containers (Conex boxes) in residential areas (7-0)
• Passed first reading of business registration ordinance with amendments (6-1, Copley opposed)
• Approved Amendment No. 1 to City Manager employment agreement (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including April 20, 2026 minutes (7-0)

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority will hold a regular meeting on April 23, 2026. The board is scheduled to take action on five Spark Grant applications from local businesses and organizations, review March 2026 financial statements, and hear reports on the Plaza Building and Promenade projects. Director comments will address vacant lots on Bradish Avenue and a downtown beautification project.

• Spark Grant applications: Wild Roots Kava Co., Mattress by Appointment, Ark Valley Animal Hospital, Copper Kitchen, Ruiz Arts LLC (action item)
• March 2026 financial statement review
• Reports on Plaza Building (Bennett/Mason) and Promenade (Fleischacker)
• Director comments on vacant lots on Bradish Avenue
• Downtown Beautification Project discussion

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority approved all five Spark Grant applications for storefront improvements, with three board members abstaining from each vote due to conflicts of interest. The board also approved the March financial statements and minutes, and directed the director to send a letter to SBT guaranteeing payment for the Elks Lodge project.

• Approved Wild Roots Kava Co. Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Mattress by Appointment Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Ark Valley Animal Hospital Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Copper Kitchen Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Ruiz Arts LLC Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved March 2026 financial statements
• Approved March 26, 2026 minutes with corrections
• Directed URA director to send letter to SBT guaranteeing payment for Elks Lodge project