Greeley City Council Regular Meeting – December 2, 2025

The Greeley City Council met on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Center South, 1001 11th Avenue, with hybrid participation via Zoom. Mayor Dale Hall presided. The meeting included recognitions, public comment, consent agenda approval, a resolution calling for a special municipal election to repeal Ordinance 30, 2025 (the Cascadia/Catalyst PUD zoning), and a presentation on the city manager selection process. The council voted unanimously on key items, including the special election.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved consent agenda items 9–17 by a 7-0 vote at 7:09 PM. These included:
  • Resolution establishing the 2025 Downtown Development Authority Tax Levy (Item 9)
  • Resolution approving the 2026 Downtown Development Authority Budget (Item 10)
  • Resolutions authorizing forgiveness of Community Development Block Grant loans to High Plains (Item 11) and the Housing Authority of the City of Greeley (Item 12)
  • Resolution authorizing a settlement agreement with Taneah Perez (Item 13)
  • Resolution authorizing a professional services contract with Engineering Analytics, Inc. (Item 14)
  • Introduction and first reading of an ordinance codifying the fast-track review process for affordable housing (Item 15)
  • Introduction and first reading of an ordinance reauthorizing various city boards and commissions for three years (Item 16)
  • Introduction and first reading of an ordinance designating 1000 10th Street on the Greeley Historic Register (Item 17)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Twenty citizens spoke during the public input period, with the overwhelming majority expressing support for allowing a public vote on the Cascadia/Catalyst development and/or opposing the project itself. Key speakers:
  • Tiffany Simmons urged the council to listen to citizens and follow their own code of conduct.
  • Kathy Hasch described collecting petition signatures and asked for voter input, noting that many residents still lack basic information about Cascadia.
  • Peggy Sue Squires asked the council to listen and warned of potential recalls.
  • Steve Teets read a list of concerns including financial risk, lack of community support, and existing city priorities.
  • Bill Gillard questioned the council’s reading of the CBRE feasibility study, which he said concluded the project is not financially feasible.
  • Jeanne Lipman (League of Women Voters of Greeley Weld County) advocated for a special election, citing the League’s position on citizen voice in major decisions.
  • Evan Peterson detailed financial risks, including a moral obligation pledge, high occupancy assumptions (82.5%), and collateral on city buildings.
  • Connie Garcia spoke of volunteer efforts to gather petition signatures and called for a vote.
  • Christine Talbot invoked “no taxation without representation” and criticized the project’s high-risk financing.
  • Mary Metzger described the petition as a cry for dignity and criticized the council for ignoring community concerns.
  • Dave Munoz supported repealing the zoning ordinance and letting citizens vote.
  • Rachel Burdan cited the CBRE study’s conclusions that the water park and hotel may not be self-sustaining.
  • Claudia Milstead asked for the feasibility study to be explained in clear language and urged slowing down.
  • Robert Stack (Courthouse Steps) expressed concern about the project’s impact on downtown Greeley and water usage.
  • Jeri Shepherd asked the council to rethink the project, noting that taxpayers may be left with the burden.
  • Dennis Houston (representing Water Valley Company and Colorado Eagles) supported placing the issue on the ballot, stating the developer believes in democracy and informed voters.
  • Robin Stoneman thanked the council for the Home First program addressing homelessness and urged continued funding.
  • Pam Shaddock (former councilmember) cautioned about signed contracts and potential lawsuits, but saw the election as a chance to pause.
  • Joseph Kennedy noted the nearby Future Legends Stadium’s financial troubles and questioned the Eagles’ lease terms.

Discussion Items

• Resolution Calling a Special Municipal Election (Item 19): City Attorney Stacey Aurzada presented the resolution to submit a referendum to repeal Ordinance 30, 2025, which established PUD zoning for 833 acres in West Greeley for the Catalyst/Cascadia development. The special election would be held February 24, 2026, with an estimated cost of $350,000 (including election logistics and public information). Councilmember Butler asked about the date; Clerk Leatherwood determined February 24 was optimal. Councilmember DeBoutez inquired about adding additional ballot questions; staff noted it could be done by ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem McDonald acknowledged public concerns and said many council members are holding the developer and staff accountable. Councilmember Olson moved to adopt the resolution, seconded by Councilmember Rudy. The motion passed 7-0 at 7:20 PM. Consequently, Item 20 (first reading of ordinance repealing Ordinance 30) was not addressed.
• City Manager Selection Process Overview (Item 21): Human Resources Director Martha Lanaghen presented the process for hiring a new city manager. The city has engaged MGT, a national recruiting firm. The process includes four phases: planning, candidate screening, community engagement, and final selection. A proposed eight-member screening committee (Mayor, Acting City Manager, two city manager team members, two employees, two community representatives) was discussed. Councilmember Butler proposed adding a second councilmember; consensus was reached to include Mayor Pro Tem McDonald. Mayor Hall asked councilmembers to nominate community representatives before the next meeting. The recruitment timeline targets launching in January 2026, screening in February–March, community engagement in March–April, and final selection in April–May. The salary range is anticipated between $290,000 and $350,000 based on market analysis.
• Executive Session (Item 22): The council voted 7-0 to enter executive session at 7:45 PM to discuss performance expectations and goals for Acting City Manager Brian McBroom, as permitted under Colorado law. The session concluded at 8:31 PM; no formal action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved resolution calling a special municipal election on February 24, 2026, asking voters whether to repeal Ordinance 30, 2025 (Cascadia/Catalyst PUD zoning). Vote: 7-0.
• Approved consent agenda items 9–17 unanimously (7-0).
• Adjusted General Improvement District meeting time to begin at 6:00 PM (consensus) to improve public awareness.
• Added Mayor Pro Tem Melissa McDonald to the city manager screening committee.
• Council requested nominations for two community representatives for the screening committee by the next meeting.
• Authorized the City Attorney to prepare documents reflecting actions taken (Item 23), passed by voice vote, 7-0.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM; executive session followed.