Monte Vista council approves arena renaming, coordinates November election, appoints substitute judge and confirms library board pick

Monte Vista City Council members on the evening’s agenda approved four formal actions: renaming the Sky High Arena to honor Charlie Byrd, authorizing the city to participate in the county-coordinated November 4, 2025 election, appointing an alternate municipal judge, and confirming Mary Lynn Hawthorne to the Rio Grande County Library Board.

The votes were taken by roll call. Council recorded five aye votes to approve the arena renaming and the coordinated-election resolution and to appoint a substitute municipal judge. The library-board appointment passed with four yes votes and one abstention, according to the record.

The resolution to rename the Sky High Arena as the Charlie Byrd Arena was introduced by Brandon Rogers of the Sky High Stampede, who described a surprise presentation at the rodeo and asked the council to give its “blessing” to the dedication. The council moved and seconded the resolution and, after a roll call that recorded affirmative votes, the measure passed.

Separately, the council approved Resolution 2025-14 to coordinate the city’s municipal election with the Rio Grande County Clerk and Recorder for Nov. 4, 2025. The resolution notes that the ballot will include the mayor’s seat and two city council positions and authorizes the county to administer the election on the city’s behalf.

Council also approved Resolution 2025-15 appointing the Hon. James McDonald as a substitute/standby municipal judge for Monte Vista Municipal Court. The resolution cites provisions of the Monte Vista Municipal Code and Colorado Revised Statutes referenced during the reading and was adopted after members said the city needed reliable judicial coverage for matters such as bond hearings.

The council confirmed Mary Lynn Hawthorne’s appointment to the Rio Grande County Library Board after hearing a brief statement from Hawthorne about her background in education and long connection to the valley. The minutes show the motion carried with four yes votes and one abstention.

No litigation or other conditions tied to any of these items were recorded as part of the motions. Several council members and city staff spoke during the roll calls and introduction of the items; full excerpts of the meeting record are available in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2025-13 — Rename Sky High Arena to Charlie Byrd Arena: outcome — approved (roll-call ayes; tally recorded during roll call as five ayes). Motion moved and seconded; no amendments recorded. - Resolution 2025-14 — Coordinate municipal election with Rio Grande County (11/04/2025): outcome — approved (roll-call ayes; five ayes). Motion moved and seconded. - Resolution 2025-15 — Appoint James McDonald as substitute municipal judge: outcome — approved (roll-call ayes; five ayes). Motion moved and seconded. - Appointment — Mary Lynn Hawthorne to the Rio Grande County Library Board: outcome — approved (four yes, one abstain). Motion moved and seconded.

The council’s actions will be reflected in the city’s minutes and transmitted to the appropriate county and judicial offices for implementation.