Council approves routine financials, hears staff updates; interim police chief hired

Council approved routine business and heard several administrative updates at the meeting.

The council voted to approve the October financials after staff noted the finance director was unavailable due to medical issues and had provided a written summary. Staff and council discussed terms for the city‑attorney contract, including payment of Colorado Municipal League dues and a requested increase in professional liability insurance coverage; the attorney indicated he would obtain increased coverage if required.

City manager Gigi Dennis announced an accepted offer to hire an interim police chief, Charlie Shefflin, from Commerce City. Dennis said Shefflin will start Jan. 6 and extend through the Stampede period to provide continuity during the transition to a permanent chief.

Jesse Varner, assistant director for Kids Connection, reported a perfect health inspection, a recent fundraiser that yielded about $630 and roughly 60 toys for distribution, an AT&T Foundation award of $24,000 for operations next year, and an invitation to round two of a Caring for Colorado grant (deadline Feb. 5). "We also received funding through... the AT and T Foundation, for $24,000," Varner said.

Recreation staff reported grants including $6,800 for football equipment and a $30,000 grant from Lohr to replenish courts at Marsh Park. Planning staff summarized 41 building permits issued in the year and outlined 2026 priorities including code updates and bilingual guidance materials.

Council also moved to enter executive session to discuss personnel and liability matters under state law. Several members offered thanks and farewells to the retiring city attorney, who announced his retirement after 38 years.

No additional binding policy decisions were taken beyond the financial approval and the ordinance vote recorded separately.