Council declines special meeting for Colorado Eagles lease; item moved to August business meeting

GREELEY, Colo. — The City Council voted 5-1 on Tuesday not to hold a special meeting July 22 to consider a proposed lease between the City of Greeley and the Colorado Eagles hockey organization, opting instead to put the item on the council’s August meeting.

Background: City staff explained the lease had been negotiated and that some pre-development funds tied to the related project included a milestone requiring that principal terms of the Eagles lease be agreed upon. Staff also told council that, while they planned to bring the lease to council for approval, it was not legally required to release certain funds once the primary terms were negotiated and agreed.

Council debate and vote: Councilor Butler asked whether approval must occur before certain dates; staff replied it was not legally required. Butler argued that holding the lease consideration during a regular council meeting would provide more opportunity for public input and reduce confusion. Councilor Butler moved to deny the special session; Councilor Debuti seconded. The roll-call vote was 5-1 in favor of denying the special meeting; Mayor Pro Tem Hall cast the lone nay.

Outcome and next steps: The council’s vote means staff may proceed with related administrative steps without a dedicated special session and that the Eagles lease will be scheduled for the next available ordinary meeting (council discussion indicated August 5 or August 6 options). Legal and staff indicated they would continue coordinating to avoid delaying pre-development expenditures tied to the agreement.

Vote: Motion to deny special meeting carried 5-1 (Ayes: Butler, Debuti, Olson, McDonald, Gates; Nay: Hall).