Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Greeley City Council met on September 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:11 PM for a regular meeting that included proclamations, a fall update from the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), public comments on a variety of issues, and public hearings on a dynamic braking devices ordinance and the issuance of certificates of participation (COPs) for the Downtown Civic Campus.
UNC's interim president (not named in transcript) reported that the College of Osteopathic Medicine has 78 inaugural students. Fall 2026 enrollment is about 8,000 (6,000 undergraduate, 2,000 graduate). The Hispanic/Latino student population reached a record 30%. 43% of undergraduates are first-generation and 37% are minoritized; overall retention is 84% (a record). UNC faces headwinds in higher education including a 5% enrollment dip and budget shortfall, prompting a 'UNC Forward' initiative. A presidential search is ongoing with finalists expected in December.
Chief Adam Turk corrected a statistic from the September 8 work session: motor vehicle thefts actually decreased 35% from 2024 to 2025, not 58% as previously stated.
Flock Cameras and Surveillance - Numerous speakers (Zachary Lipkowski, Spencer Millan, Andy, Anthony Johnson, Sonia, Bobby Schilling, Cara O'Neill, Amber Lee Gregor, et al.) opposed automated license plate readers (ALPRs), citing constitutional violations, potential for errors, and low effectiveness.
Data Center and Catalyst Project - Multiple residents opposed the proposed data center, citing water usage, noise, property values, and lack of benefit (Louise Wilson, Jeremiah Galcine, Kathy Hash, Christine Kaufman, Rhonda Solis, Mary Metzger, Alexandra Lavalle). Jeff Kennedy (virtual) spoke in favor, noting economic benefits and AI investment.
Other Topics - Alan Jost discussed the HOME Act and asked for a study before implementing changes. Lisa Burnell noted that Hispanic Heritage Month was not recognized and called for broader recognition. Jim Reisburg promoted the Week Without Driving campaign. Mary Metzger and Alexandra Lavalle urged the council to address homelessness and lift the camping ban.
Downtown Civic Campus Public Hearing - Several speakers expressed support: Rhonda Solis (private resident), Jeff Kurtley (Director of Facilities, Greeley-Evans School District 6), Bianca Fisher (Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority), and Matt Ort (DDA board member). They emphasized strong partnerships and the project's potential. Opponents Bob Locke and Jeff Kennedy (virtual) argued the city cannot afford the project without a tax increase and called for a public vote. Tiffany Simmons (virtual) also urged reconsideration.
Dynamic Braking Devices Ordinance (Second Reading) - Chief Turk presented an amendment to reduce the penalty from a misdemeanor to a misdemeanor infraction, allowing fine payment without court appearance. The conduct remains unlawful, and the emergency exception remains. The council adopted the ordinance without opposition (7-0).
Downtown Civic Campus COPs (Second Reading) - Deputy City Manager/CFO Alina Portis outlined the $95 million certificate issuance to finance a new city hall and plaza. Maximum lease payments are $163 million over 20 years, with estimated annual payments of $8.4 million starting in 2032, funded by food tax revenues. The current interest rate is 4.8%. The parking garage ($29 million) is not included; the city has a $10 million commitment. Councilmembers debated fiscal responsibility, existing debt from the West Greeley project, and the need to delay until after the November ballot initiative. The motion passed with four votes in favor (Huddleston, DeBoutez, Rudy, Hall) and two opposed (McDonald, Roth); Councilmember Olson was not recorded voting.
Appointments to Boards and Commissions - The council approved Manny Puente (Housing for All Advisory Board), Jeff Carlson (Planning Commission), and Daniel Knopf (Union Colony Civic Center Advisory Board) for three-year terms (7-0).
Councilmembers announced office hours, offered condolences to the Greeley Fire Department for the loss of a firefighter, and shared community engagement activities. Councilmember Roth defended his integrity in response to public criticism.
Items 10-16 were approved unanimously, including approval of prior meeting minutes, a memorandum of understanding for the JAG program grant, a contract for a housing needs assessment, an affordable housing commitment under Proposition 123, first readings for an alley vacation, and two local improvement district financing ordinances for sewer and non-potable water infrastructure.
We are now live. I call the meeting of the Greeley City Council to order this 15th day of September 2026. I welcome everyone joining us in person, virtually viewing live streaming on GTB 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 under God and indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Roll call, please. Councilmember Huddleston. Present. Councilmember DeBeaudy, present. Mayor Proto McDonald. Present. Councilmember Olsen. Councilmember Rudy. Present. Councilman Roth. Here. Mayor Hall. Present. Let the record reflect all seven members of Council are in attendance. Item four is approval of the agenda, Mr. McGroom. Are there any changes? No, sir. Very good. I do have one recognition. It's National Public Lands Day Proclamation. Diana Frick, Justin Sharten, and any of the Natural Airs and Trails staff. Okay, National Public Lands Day, whereas National Public Lands Day is historically the nation's largest single-day environmental stewardship volunteer effort and celebration. And whereas natural areas are recognized for their significant positive impacts to Greeley residents, quality of life, and whereas the City of Greeley encourages all residents to join in the care and celebration of our public lands. And whereas National Public Lands Day provides an opportunity for the people of the United States to connect with and steward their local natural areas. And whereas 2026 marks the 32nd annual National Public Lands Day celebration. Now therefore I Dale Hall by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Greeley to hereby proclaim September 26, 2026 as National Public Lands Day in the City of Greeley, and encourage all residents to engage in a celebration and stewardship of Greeley Natural Areas. The official seal of the City of Greeley this 15th day of September 2026. Diana, would you like to say something for us? Thank you, Mayor, Council. Thank you for recognizing the importance of public lands and the work that goes into protecting these special places for our community. On behalf of this staff that works every day to do that work, I'm proud to accept this proclamation and especially proud of the work that they do. Tonight though, I don't want to talk. Diana, thank you for this recognition for honoring a lifetime of service to our community. It has been a challenging, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling career. After graduating from UNC, I spent 18 years with the forestry division. During that time, I helped launch programs such as the Giving Tree, which has touched the lives of more than 20,000 young people. I also helped plant thousands of trees and new parks and contributed to the 1993 Natural Resources and Wildlife Master Plan, Greeley's first effort to recognize the value of some of our natural assets. In 1994, I joined the community development department where I served for 22 years.