Cañon City meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Pool tax ballot measure tops Cañon City Council agenda; recent meetings yield no decisions

No formal decisions have been published from Cañon City government meetings over the past two weeks, as all recent agendas were discussion-only. The most consequential item on the horizon is a City Council vote scheduled for Aug. 17 on a resolution calling a special election to ask voters to retain a 0.30% sales and use tax for a community recreation pool.

Recent meetings

All meetings held Aug. 3–12 were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The City Council’s Aug. 3 agenda included authorization of a Glock handgun purchase from Safeware for up to $35,133.60, a first reading of Resolution 10 to allow retail sales of small recreational equipment and vehicles in the CB District, ratification of cash disbursements totaling $163,723.75 for July 17–31, and discussion of Clock Tower Plaza recommendations and the Citizen Champion Initiative.

Other recent discussions:

• **Economic Development Committee (Aug. 3):** Ideas for navigating a tough year; no specific proposals.
• **Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee (Aug. 4):** Macon Plaza play structure updates, public restroom challenges, and community resiliency next steps.
• **Community Meetings (Aug. 4):** Coffee with the Mayor with CityGate.
• **City Council joint meeting with the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District (Aug. 5):** Ballot language for a pool project and a revised pool project.
• **Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee (Aug. 6):** 2027 budget planning and Leo Review 2A.
• **City Council special meeting (Aug. 10):** Water quality, water bills, and water availability due to drought.
• **Community Meetings (Aug. 11 and 12):** 3rd Street Connector Open House and the Advancing Cañon City Economic & Development Summit.

Upcoming decisions

The Aug. 17 City Council meeting includes several items that could result in action:

• **Resolution 12, Series 2026:** Calling a special election to refer a ballot issue on retaining the 0.30% sales/use tax for a recreation pool.
• **Resolution 11, Series 2026:** Authorizing assignment of private activity bond allocation to Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
• **Ordinance 12, Series 2026:** Appointing Larry Dean Allen as Municipal Judge.
• **Bid 71-26:** 1000 Block South Alley Reconstruction & New Method Parking Lot to Arrowhead Excavating, not to exceed $199,675.20 plus 15% contingency.
• **Bid 88-26:** Point Alta Vista Railing Replacement to High Point Builders, not to exceed $27,510 plus 15% contingency.

The council will also discuss a natural play structure at Macon Plaza.

Also on Aug. 17, a special City Council meeting will feature open meetings law training for members; no decisions are scheduled.

Coming up

• **Aug. 25 – Public Art Committee (special):** Discussion of public art, with Council Members McCular and Worthington.
• **Aug. 26 – Water Committee (special):** Discussion of water matters, with Council Members Meloni and Toney.

All meetings are open to the public; check the city’s official agenda postings for times and locations.

Cañon City Council set to vote on $35,133 Glock purchase and downtown retail zoning; recent meeting outcomes pending

Cañon City Council's August 3 regular meeting tops this week's agenda, with votes scheduled on a $35,133.60 Glock handgun purchase, ratification of $163,723.75 in cash disbursements, and the first reading of a zoning resolution that could allow motorcycle and small recreational vehicle sales downtown. All recent meetings from the past two weeks remain agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published — so outcomes from those sessions are not yet confirmed.

City Council — August 3 (today)

The council is scheduled to act on several items:

• **Glock handgun purchase**: Authorization to buy handguns from Safeware for up to $35,133.60.
• **Resolution 10, Series 2026**: First reading of a resolution to approve a special review use for retail sales of small recreational equipment and vehicles in the CB Central Business District. This follows the Planning Commission's July 22 public hearing on Special Review Use Case No. SRU 2026-002, which concerned Royal Gorge Cycles LLC's proposal to open a motorcycle sales shop at 227 Main Street.
• **Cash disbursements**: Receive and ratify disbursements totaling $163,723.75 covering July 17–31, 2026.
• **Clock Tower Plaza**: Discussion of recommendations and a Citizen Champion Initiative.
• **Public Art Committee**: Consideration of adding members.
• **Minutes**: Approval of July 20 regular and special meeting minutes.

Recent Meetings — Agendas Only, Outcomes Pending

Because minutes have not been published for any of the following meetings, what follows reflects only what was scheduled for discussion or action, not what was decided.

City Council, July 20: A special meeting covered ditch maintenance. A separate agenda listed a public hearing for a Retail Fermented Beverage and Wine license for LaGree's Canon Market at 2765 E Main Street, the second reading of Ordinance 11, Series 2026 (police vehicle lease with U.S. Bancorp Government Leasing and Financing, Inc.), and several software renewals: Utility Meter Software with Ferguson Waterworks not to exceed $34,866.58; OpenMeeting Software with Open Meeting Technologies not to exceed $8,990; Investigations Software with Motorola Solutions not to exceed $7,248; and Mobility Software with Insight Public Sector not to exceed $7,063.82.

City Council, July 21: Discussion of ballot initiative presentations. No formal actions listed.

Historic Preservation Commission, July 22: Discussion of the Saving Places "On the Road" committee, a project archaeology workshop, and a CLG grant project update.

Planning Commission, July 22: Public hearing on SRU 2026-002 for Royal Gorge Cycles LLC at 227 Main Street, proposing retail sales of small recreational equipment and vehicles in the CB District.

Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee, July 22: Community resiliency brainstorming. No votes listed; a council majority may have been in attendance.

Joint Committee, July 23: The Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee and Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee met jointly at City Hall to discuss the way forward for Clocktower Plaza.

City Council, July 27: Special meeting with a discussion item titled "City/City/County Meeting."

City Council, July 28: Special community meeting on the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District.

Public Art Committee, July 28: Updates on the Bald Eagle Sculpture, Nick Zimbo Mural, and Clock Tower Plaza; review of banners for the 100, 200, and 800 blocks; and a community engagement report from James Lopez.

Water Committee, July 29: General discussion regarding water. No specific actions listed.

Royal Gorge Mountain Park Trails Committee, July 30: Interviews for a committee vacancy and discussion of the South Rim Trail.

Coming Up

• **August 3 — Economic Development Committee**: Discussion on navigating a tough year. No proposals listed.
• **August 4 — City Council (community meeting)**: Discussion of Coffee with the Mayor with CityGate.
• **August 4 — Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee**: Updates on the Macon Plaza play structure, public restroom challenges, and community resiliency next steps.
• **August 6 — Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee**: 2027 budget planning and Leo Review 2A.
• **August 11 — City Council (community meeting)**: Discussion of the 3rd Street Connector Open House.
• **August 12 — City Council (community meeting)**: Discussion of the Advancing Cañon City Economic & Development Summit.

Cañon City meetings: $20M Western Gateway evaluation, $700K water change order on agendas; minutes pending

Cañon City officials packed the first half of July with committee and council meetings covering water restrictions, a major riverfront project, and several contracts — though minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, so no outcomes can be confirmed. All items below reflect what agendas listed for discussion or action.

Western Gateway Project evaluation

A July 10 community meeting agenda included an evaluation of the Western Gateway Project, a beautification initiative tied to the Riverfront Initiative. The agenda listed an estimated total cost of approximately $20 million and included a scoring template covering eight factors to assess legal, financial, and operational risks. No decision was listed on the agenda.

City Council — July 6

The Council's July 6 agenda included a public hearing on a special review use for a recreational facility in the GC district, plus several financial items:

• Lease-purchase financing for police vehicles (Ordinance 11, Series 2026)
• Resolution for tax-exempt financing of capital improvements (Resolution 08, Series 2026)
• Change Order #2 for J.R. Engineering, water service line identification, up to $700,000
• Award of Bid 64-26 for PLC Upgrade at two pump stations to Rexel, $20,869.42

Minutes are not yet published, so whether these items were approved is not confirmed.

Water restrictions discussion

A special City Council meeting on July 9 was scheduled to discuss Stage 1 watering restrictions, including a voluntary 20–30% water use reduction and limits on outdoor watering. No formal action was listed on the agenda.

Committee activity

Several committees met during the week of July 6:

• **Board of Adjustment (July 7):** Cancelled due to a lack of items submitted for consideration.
• **Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee (July 8):** Scheduled a site visit to evaluate play structures at Macon Plaza and a discussion of public restroom vandalism and access solutions.
• **Royal Gorge Mountain Park Trails Committee (July 8):** Agenda included updates on the Royal Gorge Bridge contract and the Royal Loop project, plus committee timeline creation.
• **Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee (July 9):** Listed discussions on the Splash Pad opening, a capital update sheet, the budget process, and Clock Tower Plaza.
• **Library/Museum Advisory Board (July 9):** Scheduled review and approval of a Service and Support Animal Policy, plus updates on the 150/250 Colorado Day Celebration and building issues.
• **Ballot Study Committee (July 10):** Brief meeting on ballot study topics; no specific measures detailed.

Other council discussions

City Council held a July 12 discussion about a City Council Social. A July 14 community meeting agenda listed discussion of a Colorado Department of Corrections 250/150 All Staff BBQ at Territorial Prison, 275 US-50. A July 14 special meeting was scheduled for a discussion with the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District.

Coming up

• **July 20, 4:00 p.m. — City Council (special):** Discussion of ditch maintenance.
• **July 20 — City Council:** Public hearing for a Retail Fermented Beverage and Wine license for LaGree's Canon Market at 2765 E Main Street; second reading of Ordinance 11, Series 2026, for a police vehicle lease agreement with U.S. Bancorp Government Leasing and Financing, Inc.; and several software renewals, including Utility Meter Software with Ferguson Waterworks not to exceed $34,866.58, OpenMeeting Software with Open Meeting Technologies not to exceed $8,990, Investigations Software with Motorola Solutions not to exceed $7,248, and Mobility Software with Insight Public Sector not to exceed $7,063.82.
• **July 21 — City Council:** Discussion of ballot initiative presentations.
• **July 22 — Historic Preservation Commission:** Saving Places "On the Road" committee, project archaeology workshop, and CLG grant project update.
• **July 23 — Joint committee meeting:** Clocktower Plaza way forward discussion at City Hall.
• **July 27 — City Council (special):** Discussion of a City/City/County meeting.
• **July 29 — Water Committee:** Discussion regarding water.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are reflected by agenda documents only; minutes have not been published. Readers should consult the official Cañon City records for confirmed outcomes, votes, and dollar amounts.

Cañon City councils and committees weigh $700,000 water change order, $20M Western Gateway Project in busy two-week stretch

Cañon City officials packed a full schedule over the past two weeks, with City Council agendas featuring a $700,000 water service line change order, lease-purchase financing for police vehicles, and a public hearing on a recreational facility. A community meeting also outlined an estimated $20 million Western Gateway Project. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — July 6

The Council's regular meeting agenda included several financial items:

• **Public hearing** on a Special Review Use for a recreational facility in the GC district, with a resolution to approve.
• **Ordinance 11, Series 2026** — lease-purchase financing for police vehicles.
• **Resolution 08, Series 2026** — tax-exempt financing of capital improvements.
• **Change Order #2** for J.R. Engineering for water service line identification, up to $700,000.
• **Bid 64-26** award for a PLC upgrade at two pump stations to Rexel, in the amount of $20,869.42.

Because minutes are not yet available, it is not confirmed whether any of these items were approved.

City Council Special Meeting — July 9

Council scheduled a special meeting to discuss Stage 1 Watering Restrictions, which would involve a voluntary 20–30% water use reduction and limits on outdoor watering. No formal action was listed on the agenda; the discussion was the only item.

Western Gateway Project — July 10 Community Meeting

A community meeting agenda outlined the Western Gateway Project, a beautification initiative tied to the Riverfront Initiative. The agenda listed an estimated total cost of approximately $20 million and included a scoring template for an 8-factor evaluation covering legal, financial, and operational risks. No decisions were noted on the agenda.

Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee — July 9

This committee was set to discuss the Splash Pad opening, review a Capital Update Sheet, discuss the budget process, and talk about Clock Tower Plaza.

Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee — July 8

Members planned to evaluate play structures at Macon Plaza after a site visit and brainstorm solutions for public restroom access and vandalism.

Royal Gorge Mountain Park Trails Committee — July 8

The committee was scheduled to review the Royal Gorge Bridge contract status, get an update on the Royal Loop project, and establish a future timeline for the committee's work.

Library/Museum Advisory Board — July 9

The board agenda included review and approval of a new Service and Support Animal Policy, an update on the 150/250 Colorado Day Celebration, and discussion of library and museum building issues and project updates.

Ballot Study Committee — June 29 and July 10

Both meetings were described as procedural, focused on general ballot study topics. No specific measures or actions were listed on either agenda.

Board of Adjustment — July 7 (Cancelled)

The regular monthly meeting was cancelled due to a lack of items submitted for consideration.

Coming Up

• **July 14** — Community meeting to discuss a Colorado Department of Corrections 250/150 All Staff BBQ at Territorial Prison, 275 US-50.
• **July 14** — City Council special meeting at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion with the Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District. No actions listed.
• **July 23** — Joint meeting of the Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee and Finance, Budget, and Public Works Committee at City Hall to discuss the way forward for Clocktower Plaza.

All recent meeting summaries are based on agendas only; minutes have not been published. Readers can verify outcomes by checking the official meeting minutes once posted by the City of Cañon City.

Cañon City meeting roundup: No decisions confirmed as June minutes pending; Council set to weigh $700,000 water change order July 6

Most Cañon City advisory boards and commissions met in late June, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions, so no formal decisions can be confirmed from the public record this week. Agendas show what bodies planned to discuss; outcomes will be reportable once minutes are available.

Planning Commission — Snap Fitness special review (June 24)

The Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing on Special Review Use SRU 2026-001, an application by Snap Fitness 24/7 to operate a recreational facility in a General Commercial zone at 3215 US-50. The applicant is JSTN Legacy Wellness, LLC; the owner is Harder-Diesslin Development Group. The site was previously occupied by Big 5 Sporting Goods and has been vacant since early 2026. Staff analysis recommended approval, finding the use compatible with surrounding commercial properties and with adequate parking. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the April 22 and May 27 regular meetings. Because minutes are not yet published, the vote outcome is not confirmed.

Historic Preservation Commission — proposed 2027 budget (June 24)

The commission was set to discuss a proposed 2027 budget of $5,400, covering training, travel, programming, and supplies. Additional agenda items included a Design Guidelines update following Economic Development Committee review, a CLG Grant Project update from city staff, and discussion of the Saving Places "On the Road" opportunity. No decisions are confirmed.

Public Art Committee — vacancies and surveys (June 23)

The committee planned to select new members from letters of interest to fill open seats. It also scheduled review of mural survey results intended for Council action, discussion of banner survey results for the 100, 200, and 800 blocks, and a status update on the Bald Eagle project. Outcomes are not yet available.

Ballot Study Committee (June 22, June 29)

The committee met twice, with agendas listing only general discussion of a ballot study. No specific proposals, dollar amounts, or concrete actions were listed on either agenda.

City Council — Colorado Municipal League conference (June 22)

A special Council meeting was scheduled June 22–25, including travel time, for members to attend the Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference in Westminster, CO. No formal votes were listed.

Coming up

• **City Council — Monday, July 6:** Public hearing on a special review use for a recreational facility in the GC district; Ordinance 11, Series 2026 on lease-purchase financing for police vehicles; Resolution 08, Series 2026 on tax-exempt financing of capital improvements; Change Order #2 for J.R. Engineering for water service line identification up to $700,000; and award of Bid 64-26 for a PLC upgrade at two pump stations to Rexel for $20,869.42.
• **Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee — Wednesday, July 8:** Evaluation of play structures at Macon Plaza and discussion of public restroom access and vandalism solutions.
• **Royal Gorge Mountain Park Trails Committee — Wednesday, July 8:** Updates on the Royal Gorge Bridge contract and Royal Loop status, plus committee timeline creation.
• **Ballot Study Committee — Friday, July 10:** General ballot study discussion; no specific measures listed.
• **Community Meetings — Tuesday, July 14:** Discussion of a Colorado Department of Corrections staff BBQ at Territorial Prison, 275 US-50. No formal votes scheduled.

City Council to weigh $700K water line change order; planning board hears fitness center plan

The Cañon City Council will consider a $700,000 change order for water service line identification at its July 6 meeting, part of a larger agenda that includes lease-purchase financing for police vehicles and a resolution on tax-exempt financing for capital improvements. Meanwhile, the Planning Commission held a public hearing last week on a proposed Snap Fitness gym at a vacant storefront on U.S. 50, with city staff recommending approval.

Planning Commission hears Snap Fitness application

The Planning Commission met June 24 to consider Special Review Use SRU 2026-001, an application by JSTN Legacy Wellness, LLC to operate a Snap Fitness 24/7 recreational facility at 3215 US-50. The site, owned by Harder-Diesslin Development Group, formerly housed Big 5 Sporting Goods and has been vacant since early 2026. The property is zoned General Commercial. Staff analysis found the use compatible with surrounding commercial properties and noted adequate parking. The commission also approved minutes from its April 22 and May 27 meetings. Minutes of the June 24 meeting have not yet been published.

Historic Preservation Commission reviews $5,400 budget

On June 24, the Historic Preservation Commission discussed a proposed 2027 budget of $5,400. Funds would cover training, travel, programming and supplies. Members also received updates on design guidelines following an Economic Development Committee review and on the CLG Grant Project. They discussed the Saving Places ‘On the Road’ opportunity. No votes were taken; minutes are pending.

Public Art Committee fills vacancies

The Public Art Committee met June 23 to select new members from letters of interest to fill open seats. The committee reviewed survey results on city murals and banners for the 100, 200 and 800 blocks, with an eye toward future council action. They also checked on the Bald Eagle project’s status. Minutes are not yet available.

Other recent meetings

The Ballot Study Committee convened June 22 and June 29 to continue discussions on potential ballot measures, though no specific proposals have been released. The City Council attended the Colorado Municipal League Annual Conference in Westminster from June 22–25.

Coming up

The City Council meets July 6 with a full agenda. In addition to the $700,000 change order with J.R. Engineering for water service line identification, members will hold a public hearing on a special review use for a recreational facility in the GC district. They will vote on Ordinance 11, Series 2026 for lease-purchase financing of police vehicles, and on Resolution 08, Series 2026 for tax-exempt financing of capital improvements. The council will also award Bid 64-26 for a PLC upgrade at two pump stations to Rexel for $20,869.42.

The Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee meets July 8 for a site visit at Macon Plaza to evaluate play structures and discuss solutions for public restroom vandalism and access.

The Royal Gorge Mountain Park Trails Committee also meets July 8 to review the Royal Gorge Bridge contract status, the Royal Loop project, and to create a timeline for future work.

The Ballot Study Committee will meet again July 10.

On July 14, the city will host a community meeting at the Territorial Prison, 275 US-50, to discuss a staff barbecue with the Colorado Department of Corrections.