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Gunnison City Council approves sewer-lagoon treatment, awards contracts and adopts utility rule changes
Summary
At its April 15 meeting the Gunnison City Council approved a contract to treat sewer lagoons, awarded weed‑control and irrigation water leases, adopted a utility-billing ordinance and passed an interlocal fire-agreement update; one councilor abstained on a contract tied to a family member.
Gunnison — The Gunnison City Council on April 15 approved a series of routine contracts and ordinances, including a treatment plan for the city’s sewer lagoons, the 2026 weed‑control contract and changes to utility-billing procedures.
Engineer Garrick Willden of Jones & DeMille Engineering told the council that efforts to dry and clean cell #1 at the sewer lagoons have overloaded cell #2 and recommended injecting a proprietary material from Wastewater Innovations to restore oxygen levels and bacterial health. The council approved the contract covering a $4,000 one-time setup and shock-treatment fee and a $4,000 monthly service fee; the private development Centerfield will participate in covering the application costs through an existing sewer-credit arrangement.
The council also awarded the 2026 Weed Control Services contract to Pickett Farms for $3,305 after Administrator Dennis Marker reviewed bids. Councilor Kim Pickett disclosed a potential conflict of interest because his son submitted a bid; Pickett abstained from the roll-call vote. The Gunnison City Water Lease for the 2026 irrigation season was awarded to Diamond Farm ($8,500 for 112 acre‑feet) and to Clark Bown ($4,500 for 36 shares).
On regulatory issues, Manager Marker said Ordinance 2026‑02 adds a shutoff process for customers with leaks; the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call. The council also approved Resolution 2026‑04 to amend the Gunnison Valley Fire Department interlocal agreement so the Fire Board will act as joint administrator while the city remains the financial agent.
Other routine business included approval of meeting minutes, bills for the period ending April 10, 2026 totaling $337,408.63, and a short-term occupancy extension for a local developer subject to a signed agreement and receipts for completed landscaping.
Votes at a glance
• Sewer lagoons treatment contract with Wastewater Innovations — Motion: R. Peterson; Second: D. Childs. Vote: Nielson Yes; Pickett Yes; Peterson Yes; Childs Yes; Hill Yes. Outcome: Approved.
• 2026 Weed Control Services — Award to Pickett Farms ($3,305). Motion: B. Nielson; Second: D. Childs. Vote: Nielson Yes; Pickett Abstain; Peterson Yes; Childs Yes; Hill Yes. Outcome: Approved (Pickett abstained due to potential conflict).
• Gunnison City Water Lease (2026 irrigation season) — Awards: Diamond Farm ($8,500 for 112 acre‑feet) and Clark Bown ($4,500 for 36 shares). Motion: K. Pickett; Second: D. Childs. Vote: Nielson Yes; Pickett Yes; Peterson Yes; Childs Yes; Hill Yes. Outcome: Approved.
• UDOT pedestrian crossing agreement at 100 S. Main — City cost: $3,500 for powder-coating poles. Motion: K. Pickett; Second: D. Childs. Outcome: Approved.
• Resolution 2026‑04 (Gunnison Valley Fire Department interlocal agreement amendments) — Motion: K. Pickett; Second: D. Childs. Outcome: Approved.
• Ordinance 2026‑02 (utility billing and enforcement procedures) — Motion: K. Pickett; Second: D. Childs. Outcome: Adopted.
• Approval of minutes and bills totaling $337,408.63 — Motion: K. Pickett; Second: D. Childs. Outcome: Approved.
The council recorded no public comments during the meeting and adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The council will consider budget items and other agenda items at future meetings.
