Councilor Matt Schwartz opened Tuesday’s City Council meeting addressing the proposed legislative bills that have come up since the start of the year. Schwartz summarized the proposed, including a bill for animal care facility holding times, at-home casino-style gambling, THC drinks being sold in licensed liquor stores and a collection of hospitality based bills.
Mayor Diego Plata then steered the meeting toward Councilor Audrey Zahradka, who informed the room that the Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation meeting earlier in the month agreed to partially or fully fund all 10 proposed projects.
When the councilors finished their updates, city manager Amanda Wilson introduced Police Chief Sam Costello to the podium. The chief provided an update on the new municipal codes and their effect on parking. He reminded the council that ads have been run since December informing constituents of the changes, and mailers had been sent to all city addresses.
“We’re seeing real positive results,” he mentioned, saying any concern has been overwhelmed by support, and they will begin handing out warnings with QR codes that will direct community members to the municipal codes website to make sure everyone is informed.
Town water superintendent Nick Hill stepped up to provide employee recognition to Tyler Lee and Nolan Ferguson, who have both received high level operator certifications. Councilor Loren Ahonen praised Hill for taking the time to recognize the two men.
Arlie Landry, the creative district director, stepped up to the podium. In her three minutes of allotted time, she reminded council members how important having a creative district is to a city, especially one that relies heavily on tourism.
“It signals to visitors that we are a creative community,” she said. She pleaded to have more economic representation for the art district in economic planning, even proposing a community poet laureate, and other community based artists be implemented.
Gunnison Trails executive director Tim Coogler spoke next. He proposed improvements to Hartman’s Hurricane Trail, a trail unknown to most patrons, as it is extreme terrain and relatively unmaintained. Coogler hopes to rebuild with machines this summer, making the trail more progressive, but in the same footprint. He also mentioned the addition of a kid’s loop close to the park, and the hope to add between 15 and 20 more miles of trail on BLM land this summer. The additional trails require environmental review, which requires potential fundraising, as the public land employees have dwindled due to federal budget cuts. “Hartman’s is this magical place. We have some of the kindest and most generous trail users, and maintaining takes an army,” said Coogler, making sure to praise the partners and supporters of the Gunnison Trails.
It was then announced that Norris Design will be hosting a community outreach event Feb. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Rec Center to discuss the veterans memorial at American Legion Park.
City Engineer Carly McGowan stepped to the podium to discuss the joint funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey. This funding will help to provide new stream gauges and water quality testing. McGowan presented, stating the greater watershed district will benefit. The funding covers four to six yearly water quality samples, and in-flow monitoring downstream of the water treatment plant. The council unanimously approved the funding, granting $38,278 to be allocated to the project.
Police Chief Costello stepped back up to brief the council on the police department’s 2025 annual statistics. He began by reminding constituents that the department is two officers short, but they are working to swiftly resolve that issue. In 2025, there were a total of 6,872 calls to the police department. This means that all seven officers on call would have personally responded to 525 calls.
There were 303 arrests, 189 traffic citations, 298 traffic warnings issued and 112 parking violations. Along with these numbers, Chief Costello also shared that Gunnison police officers soar over national averages of crime clearance, with a 78% clearance rate in the city. He also went over the department’s technology advancement needs, mentioning the outdated gear they still use. Costello recognized the Gunnison officers, mentioning the hardships that 2025 brought to the department.
Councilor Ahonen asked the chief about the staffing shortage and its effect on 24/7 coverage. The chief sighed and admitted that there are very brief time periods in the day where there are no officers on call, but that will be resolved as soon as possible.
Costello closed his statements by proposing the purchase of a drone for the station.
“We can’t just fly it over your house and take pictures of your yard,” he said with a laugh. The drone, he proposed, would be used for search and rescue purposes primarily and will only be operated by FAA certified officers. The department will implement a public interface where all images and footage can be accessed. The council unanimously approved the $11,000 proposal.
The meeting came to a close with city attorney Kathy Fogo presenting “Municipal Land Use Liability and Basics of Quasi-Judicial Decision Making” to council members. The presentation aimed to help councilors understand the difference between legislative authority and quasi-judicial authority in order to maintain community trust.
Mayor Plata adjourned the meeting at 7:07.
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