During a recent city council meeting, Longmont officials voted to place an open space sales tax extension on the November ballot, with a vote of 6 to 1, Councilor Crist opposing. The council discussed the wording of the ballot language, considering whether to use \"perpetuity\" or \"ongoing,\" and directed staff to finalize the appropriate language by the July 23 meeting.

Additionally, Councilor Martin proposed a motion to gather data on the costs of maintaining versus acquiring open space over a five-year period. This motion aims to provide the council with necessary information to potentially modify the ballot language before the final referral. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting also featured a special presentation honoring members of the Longmont community for their lifesaving actions in two critical incidents. Fire Chief Dan Higgins and Police Chief Jeff Satter recognized citizens who intervened during emergencies, including a cardiac arrest incident at the Longmont Recreation Center and a shooting that occurred in March 2024.

In the first incident, citizens including retired Boulder fire lieutenant John Zavala, Angie Banning, and Lori Decker provided immediate CPR and used an AED to revive Lars Soderholm, who collapsed while exercising. Soderholm was present at the meeting to thank his rescuers.

In the second incident, neighbors William Osborne and Carl Veach, along with a flight crew, provided critical assistance to a shooting victim, Nicole Elam, before she was transported to a hospital. The council presented awards to the individuals involved, acknowledging their bravery and quick response in life-threatening situations.