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Watershed update and idling ordinance debate: Ridgway council asks staff to revise proposal
Summary
The council received the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership annual update and debated a proposed vehicle idling ordinance; the ordinance (two-minute limit) drew support for neighborhood air quality and opposition over diesel engine concerns and was returned to staff for revision.
The Ridgway Town Council heard an annual Rights of Nature update for the Uncompahgre River and a public hearing on a proposed vehicle idling ordinance on Dec. 10.
Tanya Ishikawa of the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presented the annual report on river health and outlined projects planned for 2027; the council agreed that Councilor Montague will serve as the council liaison for upcoming watershed projects. On the idling ordinance—presented by the town manager and drafted by the Sustainability Advisory Board—the proposed restriction would prohibit permitting a motor vehicle to idle more than two minutes within a one-hour period, with an exemption for emergency vehicles.
At the public hearing Tanya Ishikawa said idling affects outdoor dining: "sitting in outdoor eating spaces while vehicles are idling is not pleasant." Jeff Tunnicliff opposed the ordinance on technical grounds, arguing that a diesel engine "cannot warm to the necessary temperatures to lubricant engine pistons in under 20 minutes." Council discussion noted enforcement challenges and common local examples such as vehicles idling near the post office; the council voted to send the ordinance back to staff to revise language that addresses the concerns raised.
What’s next: Staff will revise the proposed idling ordinance to address enforcement and technical concerns and return it for further council review.
