Council discusses stances on state legislature

Tuesday’s city council meeting was dominated by discussion regarding state legislation and the city’s stance on bills that could affect Gunnison. 

Councilor Matt Schwartz gave an overview of potential state budget cuts, as the state budget is $800 million short this year. He noted concern about the disconnect between proposed legislation and local governments. 

City Manager Amanda Wilson presented the Colorado Municipal League’s stances to council on bills that would potentially affect the valley, starting with House Bill 26-1071. The bill proposed the implementation of a local government vehicle identification system, or cameras on interstate highways. Chief Costello stated his neutrality, as the bill would not necessarily affect Gunnison. “If someone’s going to get a ticket in the City of Gunnison, I want it to be from a person,” Costello said.. Council proposed neutrality. 

Senate Bill 26-024 proposes state and local regulation on unmanned aircrafts, or drones. The bill gives authorization to an individual to operate for recreational purposes, and limits authority of local government. The implementation of this bill would remove autonomy from local governments.

“Decisions about our community shouldn’t be made for us,” said councilor Schwartz, adding that the legislators consist mainly of Front Range residents who may have little perspective on small-town matters. The police department recently got council approval to receive state funding for their own drone to be used for search and rescue purposes. The council unanimously supported the opposition of this bill.  

House Bill 26-1001 proposed housing developments on qualifying properties, labeled as "housing opportunities made easier.” In reality, as council Schwartz pointed out, this bill strips cities of their autonomy in terms of zoning codes and regulation. Councilors discussed the wording of the bill, unsure of its focused, yet broad language. Council was split, but ultimately discussed opposition to the bill. 

After the proposed bills were thoroughly discussed, council members noted other bills they’d like to discuss at meetings moving forward, including; 26-1007, 26-070, 26-1130, 26-1190, 26-1140, 26-1095, 26-112, and 26-100. Those bills can be accessed at https://leg.colorado.gov/bills.