BOCC Minutes July 1, 2025

PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

MONTEZUMA COUNTY, COLORADO

July 1, 2025

STATE OF COLORADO           )

                                                     ) ss.

COUNTY OF MONTEZUMA   )

At a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners, Montezuma County, Colorado, held on Tuesday July 1, 2025, at the Montezuma County Administration building in Cortez, Colorado, there were present:

Jim Candelaria, Chairman

Kent Lindsay, Vice Chairman,

Gerald Koppenhafer, Commissioner of Deeds

Travis Anderson, County Administrator,

Stephen Tarnowski, County Attorney, (Absent)

Kim Percell, County Clerk,

CHAIRMAN CANDELARIA opened the meeting of July 1, 2025, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: Commissioner Koppenhafer moved to approve the Proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners of Montezuma County, for Tuesday, June 24, 2025 as presented.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindsay and carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Public comment was made by Allen Maez.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

RESOLUTION #8-2025 Fire Ban: A resolution reinstating the ban on open fires and the use of fireworks was presented for approval.  Commissioner Koppenhafer moved to approve, Resolution #8-2025, a resolution reinstating the ban on open fires and the use of fireworks, effective 6:00 a.m., Wednesday July 2, 2025.  The Commissioners agreed during this time to include a waiver of fees for green waste at the Landfill.  Seconded by Commissioner Lindsay and carried.  (See attached)

AGREEMENT: At the Monday Workshop, Sheriff Steven Nowlin met with the Commissioners to present for approval, the Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement between the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and the USDA, Forest Service San Juan National Forest.  Commissioner Koppenhafer moved to approve the Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement between the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office and the USDA, Forest Service San Juan National Forest as presented.  Second by Commissioner Lindsay and carried. (See attached)    

LETTER OF SUPPORT: During the Monday Workshop, Shak Powers from Region 9,  met with the Commissioners to request a letter of support, addressed to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, HPLN Selection Committee, related to the Housing Planning Grant Program, application.  Commissioner Koppenhafer moved to sign the letter on behalf of Montezuma County, to confirm our support for Southwest Colorado’s grant application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, for the HPLN Program.  Second by Commissioner Lindsay and carried. (See attached)

RACETRACK LEASE ADDENDUM: During the Monday Workshop Fairgrounds Manager Justin McGuire presented for discussion the Addendum to Racetrack Lease to add “B&B Investments, LLC” as a tenant.   Commissioner Koppenhafer moved to approve the addendum to the Racetrack Lease to add “B&B Investments, LLC” as a tenant, along with Brace Motor Sports.   Second by Commissioner Lindsay and carried. (See attached)

COUNTY ATTORNEY REPORT: Attorney, Stephen Tarnowski was absent.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: Administrator Anderson, no report. 

COUNTY CLERK & RECORDER: County Clerk, Kim Percell, no report.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER REPORT: Topics within the Commissioners reports included:

Commissioner Lindsay mentioned constituent conversations, expressed gratitude of service to the resigning La Plata County Commissioner, Clyde Church and that the retirement of Cortez City Clerk, Linda Smith.  He also discussed a current available position within the Clerk’s office and reported that the Landfill was closed today due to high winds.

Commissioner Koppenhafer no report given.

Commissioner Candelaria discussed the recently held meeting at Cortez City Hall, related to the Transportation Plan and public propaganda. 

MOTION TO ADJOURN: Commissioner Lindsay moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Koppenhafer and carried.

CORRESPONDENCE: The following correspondence was read and noted: The June 25 Emergency Management Situation Report

ADJOURNED: 9:14 a.m.

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Clerk        July 1, 2025                                                Chairman