Grand Junction City Council Workshop - February 2, 2026

The Grand Junction City Council met in workshop session on Feb. 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fire Department Training Room, 625 Ute Avenue, and via GoToWebinar. All seven councilmembers and city staff attended. No formal votes were taken; direction was by consensus. The workshop adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Colorado Mesa University and Stadium Update

• City Manager Mike Bennett and CMU President John Marshall presented the third public update on a proposed Lincoln Park Stadium partnership. The city currently subsidizes football stadium operations by approximately $301,172 after revenue in the 2026 budget.
• Under the proposal, CMU would lease the football stadium and Lincoln Park Barn, build a new football facility between the barn and the stadium, continue paying the annual user fee ($36,705/yr) and PIAB participation ($14,000), pay $300,000/yr in new lease revenue, and cover 50% of field replacement costs and 80% of field maintenance.
• The city would eliminate its roughly $300,000 annual operational subsidy. CMU would gain operational control, sponsorship rights, concessions revenue, and naming rights opportunities. CMU projected the facility investment at about $7 million and noted the lease would run in 25-year increments.
• Usage would preserve District 51 games and activities, keep public track access outside scheduled events, and shift barn community programming to the new Community Recreation Center. CMU practice use would expand but not displace high school usage.
• Council discussion included questions about naming rights, concessions, barn preservation, and community engagement. Councilmember Scott Beilfuss raised concerns about public process and the value of the deal; Mayor Kennedy and Councilmember Anna Stout stressed the city-CMU relationship and noted CMU would invest in city-owned property. The mayor stated at least six councilmembers were supportive of continuing.
• Direction: Council generally supported drafting a formal agreement for future public consideration, with details to be brought to a public council meeting.

Water Enterprise Loan to Fund Waterline Replacement and Tank Lining Projects

• Utilities Director Randi Kim presented financing options for 2026 capital water projects: four waterline replacements, CDOT-related coordination, and water tank recoating. The agenda lists total estimated cost at $5 million; staff presented financing for approximately $4.6 million.
• The Water Fund lacks sufficient reserves. Staff evaluated a State Revolving Fund loan (lower interest, 20-year term, federal requirements such as Davis-Bacon and American Iron and Steel sourcing) and a private loan through Flagstar (10-year term, streamlined administration, debt coverage of 2.05).
• The CDOT-managed project is not eligible for the State Revolving Fund because a third party manages it, so using SRF would require dual financing and additional compliance.
• Staff recommended the Flagstar private loan. Council consensus supported that recommendation, with first reading scheduled for Feb. 18 and second reading for Mar. 4.

Process for Hiring City Attorney

• City Manager Bennett led a process discussion for permanently filling the city attorney position, which reports to City Council. Interim City Attorney Jeremiah Boies was acknowledged for his performance.
• Council consensus favored a national external search and use of a professional recruitment firm through an RFP, with transparent public process. Council discussion noted the position is distinct from assistant city attorney hires.
• Next steps: hold an executive session to set recruitment criteria, compensation parameters, and RFP scope; HR and Procurement will assist. The executive session is targeted for late February or March. The anticipated search timeline is about 3-6 months once initiated.

Orchard Mesa Pool Next Steps

• Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou reviewed the pool history: it was built in 1983 through a partnership among School District 51, Mesa County, and the city. Mesa County issued $800,000 to the school district and withdrew as a partner; the remaining agreement was signed by the city and school district (minutes date it Sept. 25, 2025, though the raw transcript references September 2024).
• The agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2026, obligates the city for all operational costs, and required demolition of the gym/band/locker room areas. School District 51 still owns the property. Demolition escrow includes $200,000 from the city and $407,000 from the school district.
• A 2023 engineering/operations study concluded the facility is at the end of its useful life. Estimated system-replacement renovation is $5.7-$6.2 million (2023 dollars); demolition is estimated at $905,000; land value after demolition is $240,000.
• The 2026 projected subsidy is about $441,000, and attendance has trended downward. About three-quarters of users live outside Orchard Mesa. After the Community Recreation Center opens, projected use would fall to about 14,000 visits/year, or 39/day. Staff also compared projected subsidy per user: about $3.12 for the CRC and $8.60 for Lincoln Park Pool.
• The agenda presented four options: continue operations with an extension (A), close when the CRC opens (B), issue an RFP for a partner to take over ownership/operation (C), or ask voters about forming a Title 32 special district (D). Staff stressed these were starting points and could be blended.
• Council discussion focused on preserving an Orchard Mesa amenity, equity and access, high per-visit subsidy, public-private partnerships, special district/recreation district concepts, and voter input. No final decision was made.
• Direction: staff will explore RFP/partnership options, evaluate special district feasibility with Mesa County, discuss a possible agreement extension with School District 51, and return with more information at the first March workshop.

City Council Communication

• Council discussed a Commission on Arts and Culture request for clarification on the public art fund and review of bylaws; staff will provide an answer.
• Council discussed the volunteer appointment and interview process and planned to place it on a future workshop agenda.
• Council discussed the need for a future conversation about the timing of the mayor and mayor pro tem transition given the change in election timing.

Next Workshop Topics

• City Manager Bennett previewed an upcoming joint workshop with Mesa County. Agenda items included human services and public health partnerships, Grand Valley Transit and future funding, and joint Japanese beetle efforts.

Other Business

• Interview teams were assigned for Downtown Development Authority and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board openings. DDA interviews were expected in early March; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board interviews in early April.
• Council discussed the upcoming geothermal energy conference in Grand Junction and the city's role as a sponsor.
• Staff noted requests for letters of support for FEMA funding from Representative Rick Taggart and for keeping the Grand Junction Uranium Disposal Site open beyond 2031 from Senator Hickenlooper. The uranium site letter was added to the Feb. 4, 2026 regular meeting.
• Council discussed the HOME Act and related state legislation; any testimony would be identified as not necessarily representing a city council position.

Key Outcomes

• Directed staff to draft a formal CMU-Lincoln Park stadium and barn agreement for a future public council decision.
• Provided consensus for pursuing the Flagstar private water enterprise loan, with ordinance readings on Feb. 18 and Mar. 4.
• Directed a national external city attorney search through a recruitment firm; executive session to be scheduled by late February or March.
• Directed staff to analyze Orchard Mesa Pool RFP options and special district feasibility, discuss extending the agreement with School District 51, and return in March.
• Assigned interview teams and noted upcoming letters of support. The workshop adjourned at 9:00 p.m.