The Cañon City Council’s first-ever open mic session dominated its January 20, 2026 meeting, with more than 20 residents addressing issues ranging from addiction recovery services to building department concerns during what Mayor Phil Lund called an effort to improve communication between citizens and city government. The session, which consumed the majority of the two-hour meeting, featured speakers from across the political spectrum offering contrasting visions for the city’s future. Council members unanimously approved funding agreements with four nonprofits totaling $36,750, passed an ordinance vacating the Redhawk Landing subdivision plat, and directed committees to study joining Pueblo’s regional building department. The meeting also featured recognition of Parks Director Rex Brady for 30 years of city service and the successful debut of a new electronic voting system. Mayor Pro Tem Amy Schmisseur reported progress on pool feasibility discussions with the recreation district, while library statistics showed the facility served over 57,000 visitors in 2025.
Open Mic Highlights Recurring Themes
Several topics emerged repeatedly throughout the open mic session, with addiction recovery services and building department concerns drawing the most passionate testimony.
Multiple residents called for expanded local treatment options, sharing personal stories of losing family members to addiction. Speakers included healthcare providers, counselors, and family members who emphasized the need for recovery services closer to home. DeeDee Clement, executive director of Loaves and Fishes Ministries, addressed the council on community support services.
Building and permitting processes drew criticism from multiple speakers. Michael McFee, president of Arrowhead Excavation, cited inconsistent enforcement of city specifications and lack of accountability. Alyssa Klugh, owner of Sacred Self Counseling, described ongoing disputes with the city over property and zoning issues. The concerns echoed Mayor Lund’s announcement that committees would study joining the Southern Colorado Building Department.
Both local party chairs addressed the council. Fremont County Democratic Party Chair Justin Kurth called for growth that benefits working families rather than consolidating wealth. Fremont County Republican Party Chairman Justin Scott called for less regulation and more freedom, including revisiting firearms and fence ordinances.
A Cañon City High School junior, the youngest speaker of the evening, advocated for a Mayor’s Youth Council similar to programs in Denver and other cities.
Community Organizations Promote Upcoming Events
Representatives from multiple community organizations addressed the council. Bob Stovall, Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance board chair, emphasized maintaining a business-friendly community while preserving local identity, announcing the chamber’s 138th annual banquet February 20th.
Cassie Grow, Cañon City Music and Blossom Festival board president, unveiled the 2026 theme “Stars Over the Rockies,” honoring Colorado’s 150th and the nation’s 250th anniversaries. The festival will feature a new drone show May 2nd, with 19 bands already registered for the parade.
A Royal Gorge Film Festival representative promoted the inaugural festival February 13-15 at Skyline Theater. Cathy Finney, Fremont Center for the Arts board president, and Dan Brown of Fremont Community Foundation also addressed the council on nonprofit initiatives.
Max Hanson, constituent services representative for Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, outlined federal resources available to residents. Assistant District Attorney Stacey Turner affirmed support for local law enforcement and crime victims.
Regional Building Department Study
Mayor Lund announced that Finance and Economic Development committees will study joining Pueblo’s Southern Colorado Building Department after touring the facility with Council Member Fred Toney. The regional department employs 23 experienced professionals but lost 38 percent of its business when Pueblo County declined to join.
Council members recommended evaluating the current building department internally before pursuing external alternatives. The study begins after citizen committee applications close January 30th.
Parks Director Honored for Three Decades
Parks Director Rex Brady received recognition for 30 years of service. Brady started as a parks crew leader in January 1996 and became director in July 2012, now overseeing 6,000 acres of mountain parks, 6,000 urban forest trees, and facilities including the Whitewater Park and rebuilt Centennial Park. He guided the department through the June 13, 2013 Royal Gorge Park fire that reduced staff from 14 to 6 employees.
Pool Feasibility and Library Statistics
Mayor Pro Tem Schmisseur reported that council representatives are working with the Cañon City Recreation District on pool feasibility, with a bond council meeting planned to determine financial options. Findings will be reported to both the council and recreation district board.
The Cañon City Public Library served over 57,000 visitors in 2025, providing 1,103 free notary services and issuing 1,016 new library cards. The museum served nearly 1,000 researchers while leading commemoration efforts for Colorado’s 150th anniversary.
Infrastructure and Development Updates
Public Works Director Leo Evans reported the Rhodes Avenue water main project is nearing completion after three years. The 24-inch water main has been reinstalled with paving scheduled for next week.
The Western Gateway Project advanced with a public open house scheduled February 19th. Urban renewal notices were sent January 8th regarding the Four Mile Ranch Urban Renewal Area.
Nonprofit Funding and Routine Business
The council unanimously approved funding agreements with the Golden Age Center, Fremont Center for the Arts, Humane Society of Fremont County, and Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance. Council members also voted 6-0 to pass Ordinance 1, Series 2026, vacating the Redhawk Landing subdivision plat.
Bridge Negotiations
A special council meeting is scheduled for later this week to finalize bridge contract negotiations. Council Member Toney recused himself due to a conflict of interest. The negotiating committee is reviewing a contract revision with City Attorney Kathryn Sellars.
The city is accepting committee applications through January 30th for three new standing committees targeting February 2nd implementation. Mayor Lund promoted the January 29th Cañon City Forward lecture on “What Makes Communities Successful” at the Steeple Events Center.
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