Brighton council approves RRJ lobbying contract, minutes and names alternate planning commissioner

The Brighton Town Council on Jan. 14 voted to authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with RRJ Consulting for lobbying services in an amount not to exceed $60,000, approved minutes from two prior meetings, and appointed Brian Reynolds as an alternate member of the planning commission.

The council approved the RRJ consulting contract after a staff presentation that described a sliding‑scale retainer and recommended the firm for its legislative and agency experience. A roll‑call vote recorded ayes and no nays.

Votes at a glance

Authorize mayor to execute RRJ Consulting contract (agenda item): Motion: Authorize the mayor to enter into a contract with RRJ Consulting in an amount not to exceed $60,000. Outcome: Approved (voice and roll call). Vote record: Keith Zespan — Aye; Dan Knoop — Aye; Jeff Foster — Aye; Karen Kegley — Aye. Notes: Council members said the contract will be scaled to the town’s annual priorities and that funds will come from existing consulting budget lines in the Municipal Service District.

Approve minutes of December 10 and December 24 (agenda item): Motion: Move to approve the minutes (moved by Jeff Foster; seconded by Lisa (councilmember)). Outcome: Approved (voice vote: aye). Notes: Council recorded approval of minutes for both dates.

Appointment: Brian Reynolds, alternate planning commissioner (agenda item): Motion: Nomination of Brian Reynolds to serve as an alternate on the planning commission (moved by Mayor Dan). Outcome: Approved (voice vote: all in favor). Notes: Reynolds introduced himself briefly and said his door is open for planning commission concerns.

Why it matters: The RRJ contract establishes outside lobbying support the town says it will use selectively on legislative and agency matters affecting canyon communities. The contract authorization sets an upper spending limit; council members said yearly priorities will guide the level of work and expenses.