Grand Junction City Council Workshop - March 2, 2026

This workshop was convened at 5:30 PM at the Fire Department Training Room and virtually. Mayor Cody Kennedy presided with Councilmembers Scott Beilfuss, Laurel Lutz (virtual), Jason Nguyen, Anna Stout (virtual 5:55–6:44 PM), Ben Van Dyke present; Councilmember Robert Ballard was absent. The workshop focused on three main discussion topics: Orchard Mesa Pool next steps, Boards and Commissions decision-making process, and the City Attorney hiring process. Council also provided updates, discussed future workshop topics, and expressed support for four proclamations.

Orchard Mesa Pool – Next Steps

• Background: The City’s agreement with School District 51 for the pool land and building expires December 31, 2026. The Community Recreation Center is expected to open in late 2026. Staff updated council following previous direction to explore cost verification, potential recreation district formation, and a public-private partnership via RFP.
• Cost Update: The 2024 study estimated rehabilitation at $5.7–$6.2 million; a high-level FCI review estimated $7.6–$8.1 million to bring the pool to long-term operational condition. 2026 net operating cost is budgeted at $476,543, not including unexpected repairs.
• Key Realities: The City does not own the land; an RFP cannot proceed without ownership, an option to purchase, or a formal extension from District 51. Mesa County would lead any recreation district process. If no action is taken, demolition will occur once the Community Recreation Center opens.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilmembers Beilfuss, Van Dyke, Lutz, and Nguyen expressed support for first engaging District 51 to determine willingness to extend the agreement, sell, or donate the property. They saw value in securing the land (adjacent to Eagle Rim Park) and exploring long-term options. Nguyen preferred an extension to preserve optionality.
  • Councilmember Stout argued the city must first determine a funding source for renovation (estimated $6 million) before pursuing ownership; she viewed the city’s role as operator/contractor rather than owner. She opposed taking on a liability without a plan.
  • Councilmember Beilfuss disagreed, emphasizing the land’s strategic value and potential for future community use beyond a pool.
• Direction to Staff: Engage District 51 to clarify willingness to convey property, extension possibilities, and timing. Return to council with concrete information before further decisions on an RFP or district formation.

Boards and Commissions Decision-Making Process

• City Clerk Selestina Sandoval reviewed the current appointment process: two council members plus board chair conduct interviews and recommend appointments for council ratification. Staff reports do not currently include selection rationale.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilmember Van Dyke proposed a brief workshop discussion prior to formal ratification to improve transparency. Supported by Stout and Lutz.
  • Lutz also suggested a short written rationale and raised the need to review board bylaws and the role of alternates (board-specific rather than uniform policy).
  • Interim City Attorney Boies noted that public discussion of selection rationale could discourage applicants. Stout countered that boards and commissions are already transparent due to recent recording policies.
• Direction: Implement workshop-level discussion of appointments before formal action; include a brief explanation of selection rationale. Consider future review of board bylaws and expectations.

City Attorney Hiring Process

• HR Director Shelley Caskey presented the draft scope of services and deliverables for an executive search firm RFP, following council’s direction to mirror the City Manager recruitment process.
• Council Feedback: Strong support for a structured, transparent recruitment emphasizing cultural alignment between the City Attorney and City Manager’s office. Van Dyke highlighted culture fit. Nguyen raised concern about ensuring a broad candidate pool to avoid limited options. The draft allows 3–5 finalists with flexibility for market conditions.
• Direction: Proceed with issuing the RFP as drafted; allow flexibility during recruitment to refine finalist pool size if needed.

Council Communication

• Museums of Western Colorado: Ongoing evaluation of the Whitman Building feasibility via Chamberlain Associates.
• Terminal Project: Coordination with CDOT underway; DDA considering acquisition of a parking lot at 6th & Colorado and a property swap with the city for parking capacity.
• Mesa County Libraries: Seeking to develop the vacant lot next to the downtown library for a Friends of the Library facility; DDA may participate.

Next Workshop Topics

• Ranked-Choice Voting: Councilmember Nguyen proposed a future discussion. Mayor Kennedy requested first consulting the County Clerk on audit feasibility.
• March 16 Workshop: Possibly canceled unless needed for Councilmember Ballard’s deployment discussion (if he can attend March 30 instead).
• March 30 Workshop: Scheduled items include: 7th Street conceptual improvements (multi-modal route), additional council-identified topics (GJ Auto Sales), and Ballard’s deployment discussion (if possible).

Other Business – Proclamations

Council expressed support for:

• Brain Injury Awareness Month (March 2026)
• National Donate Life Month (April 2026)
• Mesa County Libraries 125th Anniversary (July 2026)
• Global Love Day (social proclamation) Council requested that local representatives be invited to attend proclamation presentations.

Adjournment

The workshop was adjourned at 7:06 PM.