Gunnison County delegates negotiation authority on amended affordable‑housing deed restriction

Laura Puckett Daniels, Chair of the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners, announced the board entered an executive session on May 19, 2026, to receive legal advice and discuss negotiating strategy regarding a proposed Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Deed Restriction.

The executive session was held pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes § 24‑6‑402(4)(b) and § 24‑6‑402(4)(e)(I). County Attorney Matthew Hoyt attested that the session was limited to the authorized topics and that the attorney‑client privilege applied, and no record of the session was kept, consistent with the statute.

After returning to open session at 10:35 a.m., the board moved and unanimously approved a direction to staff to undertake continued due diligence and delegated authority to County Manager Matthew Birnie to negotiate and execute the next steps related to the proposed Amended and Restated Affordable Housing Deed Restriction and any related documents. The motion was approved without recorded dissent; the minutes show the motion was moved by Commissioner Puckett Daniels and seconded by Commissioner Smith.

The minutes do not disclose specific terms discussed in the executive session. The delegation gives the county manager authority to conclude negotiations and sign documents on behalf of the county, subject to any conditions or reporting requirements the manager and staff determine appropriate. The board’s action preserves confidentiality around legal strategy while establishing a clear administrative path forward.

No additional details about the deed‑restriction terms, parties to the transaction, or timetable for completion were recorded in the minutes. The board’s action is a procedural step that enables staff to pursue negotiations; any final agreement or material contract will need to be returned to the board for formal action, unless the board has separately authorized otherwise.