Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Greeley City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:09 PM. The meeting featured extensive public testimony on automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), the Catalyst/Cascadia project debt, and proposed budget cuts to museums and natural areas. The Council voted unanimously on several major actions, including the annexation of the Great Western Industrial Park (GWIP) and the Arroyos del Sol natural area, and approved a resolution preserving the option for a November 2026 ballot measure.
Automatic License Plate Readers (Flock Safety): Multiple speakers, including Spencer Milne, Kevin Freestone, Chris Johnson, Catching Valentinis, Alyssa Milne, Andy, and Jesse Mongan, opposed the ALPR contract. They cited the lack of a public vote, the $166,000 cost for 17 cameras and 2 audio detectors, Fourth Amendment concerns, potential for misuse by law enforcement, and called for the immediate termination of the contract and removal of all cameras.
Catalyst/Cascadia Project & Proposed Sales Tax: A significant number of speakers opposed the project and the proposed 0.5% sales tax increase to cover the debt. Jim Riesberg and Mary Monohan criticized the council for ignoring prior public votes. Tiffany Simmons presented a timeline of spending, suggesting earlier pauses could have saved millions (estimating $68.6 million spent by February). Jeff Kennedy, while against the project, supported a dedicated sales tax to avoid cutting other city services from the $90 million debt. Tom Pfankuch supported a sales tax increase, noting Greeley has the lowest combined rate among the ten largest Colorado cities. Brandon Wark and Evan Peterson spoke in opposition to the tax, stating it unfairly burdens lower-income residents.
Natural Areas, Trails & Museums: Speakers urged the council to maintain funding for natural areas and museums. Saria Mowrer and CJ Mowrer spoke about the mental health benefits of the natural areas. Ulli Limpitlaw noted that 17 of the 20 largest Colorado cities have a dedicated sales tax for natural areas, while Greeley does not. Dr. Chris Bowles, former museum manager, stated the proposed budget cuts violated the city's ordinance obligations and went against staff recommendations. David Simmons spoke about the educational value of the museums.
Great Western Industrial Park (GWIP) Annexation: Mayor of Windsor Julie Cline and Town Board member Ron Steinbach requested a pause for intergovernmental collaboration. Greg Flebbe, former Greeley planner, opposed the annexation, citing alleged outstanding violations and zoning incompatibilities. Bill Gillard and Jeff Kennedy supported the annexation for bringing industrial and blue-collar jobs.
Arroyos del Sol Annexation: Mayor Julie Cline spoke in support of the annexation if it preserved the shared community separator vision between Greeley and Windsor, noting Windsor contributed $250,000 towards the original purchase.
Other Issues: Ripley Casdorph requested addressing late start times for senior hockey leagues. Kenneth Howell requested safety improvements at bus stops on West 11th Street. Pam Bricker thanked Councilmember DeBoutez for her service.
Pulled Consent Item 12 – MCI Grant Program Authorization: Mayor Pro Tem McDonald expressed concern about the lack of a sustainability plan for hiring positions funded by the grant. Chief of Police Adam Turk acknowledged that no ongoing local funding source had been identified, stating the grant application is for up to $50 million. He noted that a potential public safety tax had not been ruled out. The resolution passed 7-0.
Items 14 & 15 – Great Western Industrial Park (GWIP) Annexation and Zoning: Don Threewitt presented the staff report for the 325.63-acre property. The Planning Commission recommended approval 4-1. The applicant, Mark Savala of BRO Real Estate Group, stated the primary driver for annexing into Greeley was access to water services. During council deliberation, Savala clarified that the property is not 99% surrounded by Windsor (closer to 50%) and that his firm is not associated with Global AI or open violations. Councilmember Huddleston expressed excitement for the job potential. Mayor Pro Tem McDonald noted that intergovernmental talks with Windsor had been unproductive. All 15 serial annexations and the I-H / C-D zoning ordinance passed unanimously (7-0).
Items 16 & 17 – Arroyos del Sol Annexation and Zoning: The Council approved the annexation and C-D (Conservation District) zoning for the 999.72-acre city-owned natural area. A clerical error in the zoning ordinance (which referenced "Kennison Annexation") was corrected. The motion to amend and approve the ordinances passed 7-0.
Item 18 – Resolution for 2026 Coordinated Election IGA: City Clerk Heidi Leatherwood presented the resolution. She clarified that approving the IGA preserves the option for a November ballot measure without a financial commitment, which is triggered only upon submitting ballot content by September 4th. The estimated cost is approx. $180,260 ($2.50/voter x 72,104 voters). Councilmember Huddleston conditioned his support on ensuring the Civic Campus COPs are not put at risk or delayed. Councilmember DeBoutez stated she would not support a ballot question that included the civic campus component. The resolution passed 7-0.
Initiatives from Councilmembers: Councilmember Rudy requested staff explore bus or shuttle coordination with UC Health at Highway 34 and 59th Avenue. Council reached consensus to direct staff on this matter.
The meeting is now live. I call the meeting of the Greeley City Council to order this 18th day of August 2026. I welcome everyone joining us in person, virtually viewing live stream and on GTV 8. Please stand and join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, one regard, indivisible, liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Councilmember Huddleston. Present. Councilmember DeButy. Present. Mayor Prote McDonald. Present. Council Member Olson. Present. Councilmember Rudy? Present. Councilmember Roth. Present. And Mayor Hoffman. Present. Let the record reflect all seven members of council are present. Approval of the agenda. Mr. McRumer, are there any changes to tonight's agenda? No, sir. Thank you. Item five is recognitions and proclamations. We don't have any. So we'll move on to uh what's great about Greeley. Councilmember DeBeauty, would you please share with us what's great about Greeley? Sure. In honor. Set against the front range of the Rocky Mountains, Greeley is a city of diversity and innovation. We're a city of ideas with a community culture of opportunity and a restless spirit that will challenge expectations. Greeley has much to be proud of, and at each council meeting, we intentionally showcase the stories that make Greeley a great place to live, work, and play. I'll begin with a quote. In always, we will transmit the city, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us. And by the way, there's a great exhibit at the Greeley History Museum about Mr. Fisk. He's a pretty interesting guy. Together, the 2026 inductees represents excellence and music, visual arts, arts leadership, and community support. And an induction ceremony will take place at the Union Colony Civic Center on October 22nd. The Hall of Fame recognizes artists, educators, organizations, and art leaders whose work has enriched the Greeley community since 1870.