Salida City Council unanimously corrected a municipal code error allocating 10 percent instead of 2 percent of sales tax revenue to the Economic Development Fund at their February 3 meeting. Council voted 6-0 to advance short-term rental ordinance changes to a February 17 public hearing following debate over residency requirements in the Mixed-Use Center zone. The consent agenda passed 6-0 after moving the short-term rental ordinance from consent to new business, approving January 20 minutes, the Elk’s Lodge liquor license for their February 14 Diamond Ball event, and the annual tree work plan. Council also proclaimed February as Black History Month.
Revenue Code Correction
City Administrator Christy Doon explained Ordinance 2026-05 corrects a clerical error in Section 4-3-50 of the municipal code. The Economic Development Fund receives up to 2 percent of proceeds from the city’s 3 percent sales tax based on voter approval, but the disposition of revenue section erroneously stated 10 percent.
Council approved the correction 6-0 on second reading with votes from Council Members Wayles Martin, Aaron Stephens, Joey Rovinsky, Shelley Schreiner, Alisa Pappenfort, and Suzanne Fontana. No public comment was received during the hearing.
Short-Term Rental Debate
Council Member Martin moved Ordinance 2026-06 from consent to new business, citing concerns about the Planning Commission’s recommendation to remove residency requirements for the Mixed-Use Center zone. Council members discussed the total cap decrease from 314 to 309 licenses, representing a 1.6 percent reduction.
Council members raised concerns about allowing outside investors to purchase properties for short-term rentals in the MC zone, arguing this could raise real estate prices citywide. Other council members countered that the city changed zoning on the Two Rivers Commons development mid-project, with the developer having worked with Community Development Director Bill Almquist when the area was zoned the same as downtown.
Council members also debated the relationship between short-term rental revenue and affordable housing funding. One perspective noted that more short-term rental revenue generates more affordable housing funds. Another view emphasized Salida’s tourism-driven economy and the sales tax revenue that visitors generate at local businesses.
The proposed ordinance maintains current caps of 99 licenses in MD zones, 75 in MN zones, 85 in residential areas, and 50 in MC zones. The changes also allow year-round applications instead of the current May 1 to June 1 window, spreading administrative workload throughout the year. Council voted 6-0 to set second reading and public hearing for February 17.
Committee and Board Updates
Council Member Pappenfort reported the Chaffee Housing Authority contributed 150 deed-restricted housing units to the county in 2025, including 17 units at Jane’s Place, 33 units at The Crossing in Buena Vista, and 20 units at the Flower Mill in Salida. The authority also supported acquisition of two mobile home parks and partnered on approximately 80 additional units with Chaffee Housing Trust.
Council Member Schreiner noted February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month and referenced a Mountain Mail article about sexual assault prevalence at Salida High School. Council Member Rovinsky recommended books for Black History Month including “The Assassination of Fred Hampton” by Jeffrey Haas and “Race Matters” by Dr. Cornel West.
Public Comment
Michael LeFever apologized for divisive comments made at the January 20 meeting opposing the South Arc neighborhood development at Vanderveer Ranch. LeFever said his concerns about preserving agricultural land were rooted in fears about food security but acknowledged the development’s intent to provide affordable housing for community workers.
Executive Session
Council entered executive session to conference with the city attorney regarding legal advice on the golf course property lease and related agreements under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 24-6-402. No action was taken following the executive session.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 17 at 6 PM at Salida City Hall.
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