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Residents urge council to restore DART funding, support Shepherd's Hand and slow charter changes
Summary
Multiple residents urged the council to correct a clerical error affecting DART grant funding, warned Shepherd's Hand (a local homelessness service) faces imminent funding shortfalls, and several speakers urged broader public involvement before any charter amendments are advanced to voters.
Residents used the council’s public‑comment period June 16 to press the council on several community issues: a clerical error tied to DART funding, operating shortfalls at Shepherd's Hand (a local provider for people experiencing homelessness), and concerns about proposed charter amendments.
Charles Vanderist said he learned a video projector the city received under a state arts grant is sitting unused in the city‑hall basement and that correcting a clerical error is necessary for the city to use DART‑related funds for projects such as a digital mural. "This was awarded under a state art grant ... this is a video projector ... that will be put to use for a digital mural," Vanderist said, urging the council to fix the paperwork.
Dennis Vanderwist, a longtime local businessman, called the DART issue "just a clerical error" and said the funding had previously been approved by the city; council indicated the item will be on the July 7 agenda because an absent member must be present for full consideration.
Jennifer Jones outlined financial pressure on Shepherd's Hand, saying the organization had "approximately two months of operating funds remaining" and reporting five grants totaling $24,000 obtained since January; she asked the council to attend a July 1 fundraising work session and recommended a dedicated grant writer or fundraiser to stabilize the nonprofit.
On charter changes, Tony Hogue cited Delta’s recent charter‑commission process as a publicly engaged model, while Ryan Sed criticized Montrose’s approach as dominated by a small minority and complained it was being "rammed" on to voters; Mayor Michael Badako and Councilor Jay David Reid responded that citizen involvement would be part of the drafting process and that a vote had not yet occurred.
Those public comments prompted council members to reiterate the need for public engagement and noted next steps for scheduling and outreach rather than immediate policy changes.
