Greeley City Council Regular Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Greeley City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a proclamation for Youth Arts Month, the "What's Great About Greeley" report, extensive public comment (largely focused on the Cascadia project and calls for transparency), approval of consent agenda items, a presentation on the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) project, board appointments, and a motion to enter executive session for collective bargaining negotiations.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council Work Session Proceedings of January 27, 2026.
• Adopted a resolution authorizing a groundwater production lease agreement with the State Board of Land Commissioners.
• Introduced and set a public hearing (March 3, 2026) for ordinances on: (1) acquisition of real property via purchase or eminent domain for Boyd Lake water pipeline relocation (item 11, pulled by Councilmember Butler but later approved unanimously), (2) amending the graywater code, (3) salary increase for the City Attorney, and (4) salary increase for the Presiding Municipal Judge.
• Item 11 was pulled by Councilmember Butler who deemed it premature given pending funding decisions; after discussion, it passed 7-0 with a public hearing scheduled for March 3, 2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Evan Peterson – Opposed the Cascadia project, stating hard-earned tax dollars are being siphoned to developers and called for a pause.
• Tiffany Simmons – Criticized timing of the Hotel and Leisure Advisors feasibility report (due Oct 1, 2025, but released after the election) and the delayed comprehensive financial model. Cited a lawsuit against community members by developer Martin Lind and alleged lack of transparency, including closed-door trips and Greeley Forward as a front. Urged release of financials before the special election.
• Bill Gillard – Supported the Cascadia concept but condemned council’s lack of transparency and hidden information. Wanted clear financial facts and liability details before the vote.
• Mary Metzger – Expressed feeling unheard; said council is more receptive to developers than constituents. Questioned school transportation adequacy for new developments and requested a community benefit agreement. Invited council to a meeting on February 23 at Farr Library.
• Steve Teats – Announced the Night of Remembrance event (Feb 19 at Lincoln Park) and highlighted a homeless death during the recent cold front. Urged more housing solutions and warned that large projects may increase homelessness.
• Todd Lotion – Complained about a dangerous four-way stop in Cedar Woods where his daughter was hit by a semi; criticized council for prioritizing money over safety. Also opposed Cascadia, questioning financing and potential tax increases.
• Rhonda Salise – Detailed the dismissed lawsuit by Martin Lind against Greeley Deserves Better, citing undisclosed trips, use of city resources to promote the project, and efforts to block a ballot measure. Time expired before finishing.
• Robert Stack – Addressed loss of trust in the council, particularly members from the prior council (Mayor Hall, McDonald, Olson). Urged better communication and warned the division will not end with the election.
• Jennifer Andrews – Expressed cautious support for development but requested a binding community benefit agreement. Outlined specific asks: state-registered apprenticeships, best-value contracting, community input on infrastructure, child care support, and affordable housing. Hosted a public meeting on Feb 23.
• No virtual speakers.

Discussion Items

• Sign Code Initiative (Councilmember Butler) – Proposed directing staff to review sign code regarding parkways (area between sidewalk and curb). Sought language explicitly allowing residents to place signs there. Council gave consensus for staff to bring options to a work session.
• Election Transparency Initiative (Councilmember McDonald) – Requested daily ballot count updates and easier access to voter lists without requiring a formal CORA request. City staff agreed to provide daily ballot counts starting immediately and to expedite the pending voter list request (due by Feb 20) with redactions as required by law. Council consensus supported this approach.
• Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Presentation – Steve Yonkin (Interim Deputy Public Works Director) presented the $8 million federal grant (with $2 million city match) for 128 quick-build safety projects across the city. Countermeasures include chicanes, rapid flashing beacons, mini roundabouts, speed humps, curb extensions, and centerline hardening. Projects target the high-injury network; between 2014 and 2023 there were 69 fatalities and 269 severe injuries. Additional benefits include improved access to jobs and food. Potential impacts include up to 1,500 parking spaces. Public outreach begins with a Speak Up Greeley page, workshops, and pop-up events. Construction is expected mostly in 2026, with some areas postponed to early 2027. Council questions addressed state highways (limited quick-build options), data on previous installations, and specifics on the 14th Avenue and 8th Street lane reconfiguration.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda items approved, with item 11 (eminent domain) approved separately 7-0 and public hearing set for March 3, 2026.
• SS4A project to proceed with public engagement; council received the presentation.
• Board Appointments approved: Wendy Young (CTAB), Kimberly Spencer and Robert Lind (Golf Course Advisory), Justin Watada (Island Grove Advisory), Daniela Hernandez and Greg McIntosh (Parks and Recreation Advisory) – all for three-year terms.
• Executive Session – Motion carried 7-0 to enter executive session for legal advice and strategy regarding 2026 Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 888) collective bargaining negotiations.
• Motion to Authorize City Attorney – Carried 7-0 to prepare necessary documents reflecting actions taken at this and previous meetings.
• Meeting recessed to executive session at 7:33 PM.

Other Business

• The February 23 meeting (5:30 PM at Farr Library) organized by community members to discuss a community benefit agreement was noted in public comments.