Montrose council approves easement payments, waste contract and new utility policies

The City of Montrose council on Monday approved a series of consent and policy items affecting city operations and public utilities, voting unanimously on each measure.

The council approved payments for permanent easement settlements after staff and councilors discussed the packet amount and the figure cited during the motion. The chair noted the packet showed a total of "$36,006.20," and a council member subsequently moved to approve easement amounts “in total for $36,628.” The motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call voice vote.

Staff presented a proposed renewal of the city's waste-management contract and said the document "has been reviewed by both our city attorney, Sam Ketchum, and the waste management attorney," and "both have agreed that the contract is okay to move ahead with." A council member moved to approve the contract and the motion passed 4-0.

Councilors also approved a memorandum of understanding to allocate a small election-related fund (referred to in the meeting as the "voter account") from the Secretary of State through the county to cities. Staff said the city "average[s] a couple $100 a year" from that funding stream and recommended letting the county keep and manage the funds to avoid recurring administrative paperwork. The MOU was described in the meeting as a one-time arrangement to permit the county to administer those small reimbursements going forward; the council approved the measure unanimously.

A package of utility policies was discussed and adopted. Staff explained the public utility shutoff policy was rewritten from a list of bullet points into a formal policy and added a clarification that if a meter or shutoff is obstructed or altered by the renter or owner such that staff cannot access it, the shutoff fee still applies. Council asked about state wintertime restrictions on water shutoffs; staff said the city expects to remain compliant and described how the city’s meters allow a minimal drip that preserves basic access to water for essential needs. The updated shutoff policy passed 4-0.

Separately, the council approved a policy to suspend online and digital payment privileges for accounts with three or more returned payments; staff said affected customers would be required to pay in person, by cash or cashier’s check (not by personal check). Councilors approved that policy 4-0.

The council also adopted an updated water utility account policy to align formatting and procedures across documents. During discussion, councilors asked about notices to renters when landlords are delinquent; staff said communication with landlords has improved, that a single city contact has been established for problem properties, and that renters retain the option of paying and then seeking reimbursement from landlords. The policy passed unanimously.

Councilors approved a temporary one-day on-sale liquor license for Jackie B's Kitchen and Cocktails to serve alcoholic beverages at the Pork Chop Dinner and Music in the Park on Aug. 1 from 5 to 10 p.m.; that motion also passed 4-0.

The meeting concluded with schedule announcements for upcoming Planning & Zoning, EDA and Park & Rec meetings and a motion to adjourn. The council adjourned at 07:48.

What happens next: Items approved at the meeting take effect according to the ordinances and administrative processes described in the meeting packet; the council will next meet on Monday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Montrose Community Center.