RECAP: August 18th City Council Meeting
For the full recording of the meeting: https://greeleyco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3340/media
Big items to note:
- Civic clerk portal was down for the meeting so people could only join through zoom.
- One speaker called on the City to honor ADA and allow more time for virtual audience to speak as many are not able to raise their hand or are not called on to speak. The staff member in charge of the zoom this week, allowed ample time that has been provided.
- There were 34 people who spoke during public input, the big topics were the sales tax increase proposal, flock cameras, and budget cuts to the trail and natural area and museum departments. There was a lot of clapping which appeared really frustrating for the mayor as this is not allowed.
- The Mayor of Windsor and one of their town board members both spoke during the public hearing for the GWIP property annexations requesting Greeley please not proceed and requesting that Greeley be a good neighbor as they have been in the past. The annexation passed 7-0
Para subtítulos en español: https://youtu.be/moSMRTq9lbI
* Citizen Input
- Spencer Milne – spoke about Flock cameras and that fact that there was no vote to approve and in 2 years, it has cost the city $166k. Discussed that it isn’t just public safety as it creates a database, and the contract gives full access no warrant needed to Flock and any law enforcement agency. Noted there has already been documented misuse, and shared concerns that this past June, Alex Porter (former GPD) was arrested for stalking and may have accessed Flock to aid him, we don’t know as you have to intentionally search into this to find it. Already, there have been 90 municipalities who have canceled, called on Greeley to do the same.
- Kevin Freestone – spoke about flock, and how it violates the 4ᵗʰ amendment, as well as the fact that instead of having to have cause before investigating, flock allows law enforcement to “investigate” first and find a crime or alleged crime, called for city to end contract.
- Kathy Hasch (whose name Hall mispronounced again, despite her speaking at least 10 times over the past year) – discussed that Catalyst has saddled the city with debt and stated that the February vote is
not the cause. Shared she has attended meetings beginning with the 2024 first meeting, and accused city of trying to confuse residents by repeatedly changing the name used for the project. Stated the debt is not tax payer debt as council didn’t listen to tax payers.
- Pam Bricker – stated that there isn’t always enough positive and took time to thank Councilmember DeBoutez. She encouraged chambers to clap for Deb and was told by Hall this was not allowed and it needed to stop.
- Soraya Mauer – shared her personal story with depression and the positive impact on her mental health that being able to be on and photograph our trails and natural areas have had on her. Also shared that bio diversity greater in natural areas and asked that council keep in mind what our trails and natural areas do for our residents when deciding budget cuts.
- C. J. Mauer- mom of previous speaker, stated that trails need saved, and the positive impact they have had on her, her family and others. Also shared concerns that already nature and wildlife are decreasing w/ development
- Chris Johnson- called out council for continuing to not look at or give respect to residents as a whole and thanked Brian for continuing to make warm eye contact. Then discussed Cascadia & Flock and their similarities as the city avoided a vote on both. Discussed lack of privacy due to flock that is guaranteed by constitution and challenged the city to let flock go to a vote, except they know it wouldn’t pass. Called out council for “running for the people” while campaigning and yet not asking the people before making decision.
- Ripley Kasdorf- stated he plays hockey in Greeley at the Ice Haus (great venue) as part of an adult’s league and that their ice time has been pushed back to an even later time, which will lead to a loss of revenue for the city, as many of the adults can’t stay up that late during the week, and asked council to consider looking into other options that don’t involve pushing their ice time.
- Ulli Lipitlaw - advocated for trails and natural areas, and that they “keep things wild”. She noted that they were at the top of priority list for residents and yet their department is treated like a "reward child"/after thought. Shared that 17/20 municipalities locally that have dedicated trails and natural areas have a natural are tax, but Greeley isn’t one of them. She also called out the council as only Huddleston and DeBoutez have taken her up on her offer to tour Arroyos del Sol.
- Dan Ganskow- stated in the 80’s he moved to Greeley because of the openness and later the trails/natural areas He has volunteered w/ trails and has found them to be well maintained and safe and something that benefit our souls.
- Tom Phankluch – shared he was a member of the West Greeley oversight committee and that the committee’s recommendation was to move forward with finding a partner and doing the tax. Discussed the need for resources for deferred maintenance, and that despite being the 8/10 largest city in Colorado, it is 10 out of 10 for sales tax rate.
- Mary Metzger- discussed consent with a definition and the act that the city has not sought our consent with project, and even when Catalyst was voted down, the city continues to push forward. Called out the council for the fact that they can’t make a decision for us and then say we consented. Then discussed the woman who died in the fire and her boyfriend who was injured and questioned where the council’s urgency for human life is by prioritizing housing for all. Stated that homeless pay taxes also through sales tax and yet aren’t being served.
- Tiffany- I spoke about the time line for Catalyst and the money spent despite petitions and elections, calling on the council to take responsibility and quit blaming voters, with how much could have been saved had they not continued to spend (https://youtu.be/gPlANPB0X9w)
- David Simmons- 13 year old who spoke about the value of museums and the fact that the city making museum admission free at the beginning of the year only to then propose cutting them because they don’t make any money is concerning. Discussed how much he likes Centennial Village and encouraged everyone to have the bravery like Rattlesnake Kate and like he was harnessing to speak to council. Asked the museums be saved.
- Bill Gillard – stated that much of what he wanted to say had been said. Called on council to quit blaming everyone else including residents, the county and the former city manager who they gave 3 raises and a bonus to so “he must not have been doing that bad of a job”. Asked that the tax measure not include both projects.
- Jessica Duke- shared that while she lives in Foco, she is an ecology professor at UNC. Discussed proposed budget cuts to natural areas and trails, and the impact these will have on our community as well as the students who partner with our natural areas team to collect data, as the students will lose real world experience and the city will lose conservation partnership
- Kenneth Howell- discussed the proposed city bus route shift at 11th St/54ᵗʰ Ave which is set to be moved to 10ᵗʰ St. Shared that the bus stop is currently at ECA , SSA office and Action Behavior Center that serves kids with autism and that there are no speed bumps, no school zone speeds, etc which needs addressed and that the students need options. Also shared that he was on the board that recommended MERGE in 2018 and he wishes he knew then what he knows now as he wouldn’t have.
- Donna Handren- a descendent of the Meeker family, shared the passion by those who preserve our
museums, the positive impact of them and the fact that making the changes proposed are also against ordinance obligations
- Kaching Valentinis- discussed flock cameras, and not appreciating the surveillance. Stated they won't proactively stop crime, that the community was not asked, and that they could be used against any citizen. Called on council to find another solution, leave flock contract.
- Jim Riesberg- stated it is wrong for City to seek new partner for Catalyst as Trib article said they’re doing ant that the City should remove themselves and let Lind find new partner. Shared that there should be no new sales tax especially as the city ignored voters and they all swore there not be any tax related to the project. Also stated that 7 weeks is rushed to make this decision and have the vote, usually there is a year or more.
- Peggy Sue Squires- stated she went back and forth about whether to attend meeting and prays that the council actually listen to the speakers and quit looking down. Encouraged attendance at
Aug 28ᵗʰ Greeley night Challenged council that there is a lot a good “here” (in the room and in Greeley) and to quit putting theirr ideals over others
- Mary Monohan- stated that April 15ᵗʰ, 2025 there was record attendance, shared a quote from Hall when he stated it’s a representative democracy and so council gets to make decisions for the people and the people don’t have time to understand everything anyway. Stated this is condescending, and that council is still ignoring people. Stated that adding Civic Campus to the sales tax is a means of not being honest to hide that they know Catalyst alone won’t pass.
- Andy – stated he is a domicile not resident. Discussed that Weld County didn't listen about AI data center or justice center and now Greeley is adding sales tax and it’s wrong. Also shared concerns around flock as it is surveillance, not security
- Nicole Riner- shared she is disappointed by sales tax for a project that has been thrice defeated (2 petitions, I ballot), and that it's not uniting to add civic campus. Called out council for continuing to ignore the people.
- Steve Teets-called again on city to fix brakes on city buses as well as curbs and roads and to stop Catalasyst. Challenged that he gave information to council about both months ago and there has not been follow up or feedback. Questioned why the people get punished when the city decides to over spend and that the budget should be based on the needs of the community.
- Kris Simmons- challenged that virtual comment is broken and not ADA compliant as there is not adequate time to raise hand and speak, called for change. Called on council to reject the sales tax and that based on Taxpayer Bill of Rights they can’t put a vital need with an unpopular project for one tax. Stated that Greeley PD is great and can do their job with flock and for the city to deflock.
- Jesse Mangen- identified himself as active member of Weld County Young Republican and his parents
as owners of the Natural Academy of Healing Arts. Shared that already $1.5M has been spent for RTIC, and it costs $700k each year to keep running. Shared that flock is surveillance and our kids shouldn't grow up in surveillance state. Called on city to end flock contract.
- Chris Bowles-stated he was museum manager until last week and that there are things that the council wasn’t shown during budget presentation on museums. Stated that one thing hidden was the presentation said that there would be 11 positions terminated and “part time and seasonal reductions” that equates to another 10 people without a job. Also stated that there was an alternative proposal put together by his team but that the department did not include this in the presentation to council. Also questioned how people could be told in April they wouldn’t have a job if the decision hadn’t been made yet.
- Alyssa Milne- shared that flock is a risk. Called it surveillance and asked council to consider what happens if one of their enemies were to have access. Challenged that we can’t overlook people’s rights just to make a job easier.
- Alex – discussed the unhoused woman who died and her partner who was badly burned. Called out that when it has been criminalized to live outdoors, and people don’t have options, what is supposed to happen. Challenged that the unhoused are not a problem to be swept away, and that capitalism causes it while punishing poverty. Stated we need housing and to treat the poor as human. Also stated that flock is not for public safety.
- Brandon Wark-asked council to reconsider the sales tax, as people already can’t afford to live. Stated that the city messed up and instead of just owning it, is now putting it on residents.
- Kimber Watson- stated that Mayor Hall hasn’t listened since he got on council in 2017. Stated that people can't afford food and now they are wanting a tax. Challenged council to finally listen to the people.
- Jeff Kennedy -stated he was a member of the oversight committee and wanted to address the misconception about the sales tax. Stated that while we shouldn't have to pay for it, one way or another we will have to. Stated he never liked the project but if we don’t approve the tax we can’t pay the debt and it will cause a loss of more cuts to city services.
**One community member who spoke, walked up and asked the council as someone new to this, what the process is after the meeting? How will council follow up? Etc.
Hall told him to sit down that most things are already looked into by the city.
*Reports by Councilmembers:
Olson- stated he is following up Bus Service and route changes and that Bret Namer is working with school district to find options.
DeBoutez- Has to miss this week’s office hours but next one will be Wed Sept 2ⁿᵈ 9am at Margies
McDonald- shared that she attended the opening of Chiropractor Board of Examiners building following remodel and that all chiropractors across the nation will go through our building. Thanked them for staying in Greeley.
Discussed that Oct 15ᵗʰ is Weld Project Connect which provides free services for anyone, and that volunteers can still sign up to be navigator
Attended Fire Department’s 'push in" of new equipment
Stated she was accepted to Water Literate Leaders Program w/ will Jones and Diana Frick
Stated that a community member told her she would be more accessible with office hours so she will look to begin these.
Huddleston- next office hours will be this Sat 10am u/Cauldron Espresso (inside the Armory)
Rudy- shared that Monster Day this Saturday and encouraged people to attend with hopes it won’t actually be the last and Introduced his exchange student
Roth- next Friday will be UNC’s first ever night game and encouraged public to attend. Go Bears!
*Pulled Consent Agenda Items
- Item 12: Resolution authorizing the city to apply for a grant with DOLA provided by the Model Cities Initiative (MCI) grant program pulled by McDonald
She asked if the grant is to pay for positions, what happens when the grant runs out and Chief Turk reported there is no plan yet.
Passed 7-0
*Regular Agenda:
- Item 14: Public Hearing and second reading for the GWIP annexations (passed 7-0)
-BROE the developer spoke and stated that the reason to annex to Greeley is for Greely’s water. Olson and McDonald both asked BROE if they were in any way pressured by Greeley to annex and they said no.
- Public Hearing:
- Windsor Mayor Julie Cline- discussed that what it means to be good neighbors, and that Windsor has requested sit downs that have amounted to no resolution. Challenged council to listen to citizens, and that bullying is not regionalism. Asked that the city pause annexation and also consider long term what outcome is best for people in region
- Ron Steinbach- Windsor Town Board, stated that the towns used to be good neighbors, and that BROE was pressured bye the city of Greeley, as were other unincorporated property owners that if they wanted to have Greeley water, they had to annex. Stated that the city has no plan beyond annexation for infrastructure and that Windsor borders 99% of the property, there is no answer about sewer, and that all development Greeley decides to do will affect Windsor, asked Greeley to defer their decision.
- Greg Fleebe – asked the city not to spit in eye of Windsor. Shared that as former City of Greeley long range planner that annexing this property isn’t okay and that the high intensity industrial zoning will affect Windsor residents. Discussed concerns around Global AI annexation and that we need to quit trying to grow so quickly. (ran out of time)
- Bill Gillard- stated he believes the annexation is great idea, and will help Greeley not be a bedroom community and we have a need for industrial zoning.
- Mary Metzger-gave her time to Greg to finish who stated that the developer is defying county code and the zoning is incompatible (though Global AI was part of this annexation), and that the annexation doesn’t honor Greeley’s planning intention
- Rhonda Solis- former D6 school board member who got to see and be a part of a lot of collaboration and isn’t seeing a lot of people coming to the table in this decision. Asked for a pause and for Council to take the opportunity to start doing things differently and to work with our neighbors.
- Jeff Kennedy – shared that Kodak had good jobs and called to Windsor "where have you been for blue collared workers", and that they haven’t done anything with the properties since. Stated that Al is new
oil and gas (the thing people don’t want) and oil and gas turned out to be big for our area.
Huddleston stated that he is excited for the annexation and that we need this opportunity to bring industrial jobs back to Greeley.
DeBoutez spoke to Windsor folks and stated she is committed to being a good neighbor with the decisions they make with the property moving forward.
- Item 15: Public hearing and second reading to designate the zoning for the GWIP annexations to High Intensity Industrial and Conservation Districts (passed 7-0)
- Item 16: Public hearing and second reading to annex Arroyos del Sol (passed 7-0)
Public Hearing:
- Windsor Mayor Julie Cline – Stated she isn’t against the annexation and that Windsor contributed $250k to the purchase because they believe in it and asked that Greeley maintain this open space as a separation between communities
- Steve Teets – questioned why Greeley keeps annexing and asked them to stop
- Item 17: Public hearing and second reading to designate the zoning for Arroyos del Sol as a Conservation District (passed 7-0)
Public Hearing:
- Bill Gillard – echoed the importance of keeping this as an open space separator of communities
- Item 18: Resolution for the City to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Weld County for the November election and allowing the City Clerk to sign the IGA (passed 7-0)
- Huddleston shared that listening to last meeting, it was not what he believes they had initially discussed as it sounded like Civic Campus was now dependent on the sales tax vote and he believed the cost would be more nominal. Mayor Hall cut him off stating that they’re just voting on being able to propose a ballot measure and this wasn’t the time. Huddleston clarified that he was explaining based off of the last meeting he is only voting yes to this as he believes there is a good faith effort by the council and that what came up isn’t representative of that.
- Deboutez stated that when it comes time for the ballot measure, if it included Civic Campus, she will vote no.
- Item 19: Appointments to Boards and Commissions
- Planning Commission – Justin Yeater reappointed