Monte Vista council appoints two members, adopts ordinance banning graywater systems and approves routine resolutions

Monte Vista City Council on Jan. 8 swore in new and returning officials, approved several routine governance measures and adopted an ordinance prohibiting graywater treatment systems within the city.

The council moved to fill two vacancies created by recent changes and a resignation read into the record. Councilor Watson read a formal resignation letter stating he was stepping down "to focus on personal health matters," and asked that the Jan. 8 meeting serve as his final meeting. After discussion the council voted to appoint a candidate identified in the record as Victor (motion carried) to serve the remaining two years of the seat and appointed John Caleb Bradshaw to a four-year council term; Bradshaw took the oath of office at the meeting.

In governance business the council unanimously approved Resolution 2026-01, setting regular meeting dates and public posting places; Resolution 2026-02, establishing limited electronic participation consistent with the Monte Vista municipal code and Colorado open meetings law; Resolution 2026-03, adopting the 2026 Colorado municipal records retention schedule; and Resolution 2026-04, adopting a city policy governing public records requests under the Colorado Open Records Act (CRS 24-72-201 through 24-72-206). Mayor and councilors approved each resolution by voice vote.

On ordinance business, council adopted Ordinance 9-36 on second reading to prohibit the use and installation of graywater treatment systems within Monte Vista. The presenter said the city is "opting out" because it currently lacks the infrastructure to support graywater systems and cited state legislation that authorizes graywater except where a municipality chooses to prohibit it locally.

Council approved the contract for city attorney Brad Crowell, with an editorial correction to the liability insurance notation discussed at the dais. After the vote Crowell updated council on his first week in office, saying he had reviewed resolutions and standard operating procedures and was examining code changes to improve enforcement and court efficiency.

Staff provided information for council and the public: Public works reported active and upcoming projects including the MMOF-funded sidewalk from Sky High to Alta Station, an upcoming wastewater plant pre-bid meeting and ongoing alley punch-list work; the director also warned of fleet limitations and the planned procurement of a replacement bucket truck. Rob Vance, who represents Monte Vista on the SLV Regional Solid Waste Authority board, said costs and regulatory testing will require a 5% fee increase across residential and compacted trash starting this year.

City clerk reported two recent liquor-license violations, noting Baldo's Mexican Restaurant will face a five-day suspension of its city liquor license to mirror a state suspension scheduled Jan. 23–27. The clerk said the municipal process for that suspension does not require a separate liquor authority hearing.

During citizen comments residents welcomed new officials, praised community events such as a Kids Connection house-lighting fundraiser and raised general concerns about local drug use and business conditions. A regional representative for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced himself and offered federal-office support for grant applications and constituent services.

The council recessed the meeting to Jan. 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

Votes at a glance
- Agenda modification to add vote for new council member: approved (voice vote).
- Consent agenda (minutes and accounts payable): approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 2026-01 (meeting dates/posting places): adopted (voice vote).
- Resolution 2026-02 (electronic participation): adopted (voice vote).
- Resolution 2026-03 (records retention schedule): adopted (voice vote).
- Resolution 2026-04 (public records/CORA policy): adopted (voice vote).
- Ordinance 9-36 (prohibit graywater systems) — adopted on second reading (voice vote).
- City attorney contract (Brad Crowell) — approved (voice vote).
- Appointments: Victor (two-year term) — appointed; John Caleb Bradshaw (four-year term) — appointed and sworn in.

Quotes
- On resigning, Councilor Watson read part of his letter: "Please accept this letter as my formal resignation... I have decided to step away from my public duties in order to focus on personal health matters."
- Police chief (newly sworn): "I'm really excited about being here," and described plans for a 70-day operational assessment and a public meet-and-greet.
- City clerk on the house-lighting contest: first-place prize includes "a $50 credit on their water bill."
- Public works director (landfill): the Solid Waste Authority board "is going to be having the 5% increase across the board" for residential fees this year.

Why it matters
The council took a routine governance-oriented set of actions that nonetheless affect city operations and residents: filling two seats restores council capacity, the graywater ordinance establishes local control over an emerging water-reuse policy, the CORA policy clarifies how the city will handle public-records requests, and the landfill fee increase will affect household waste costs. The city attorney and judge appointments and the new police chief's early work indicate administrative changes that may affect enforcement and court operations going forward.

What’s next
Council recessed to Jan. 15, 2026; the wastewater plant pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13 and staff indicated further policy and ordinance proposals will be brought forward as code reviews and operational plans are developed.