Cañon City Council formed a special pool construction subcommittee with less than two months remaining to meet 2026 construction deadlines at their February 16 meeting, approving $44,710 in technology and infrastructure contracts and advancing plans for a Mayor’s Youth Council. The pool subcommittee has already begun meeting with the recreation district and city staff to develop a construction plan after voters approved sales tax and bond measures for a replacement pool. Council approved four technology contracts including $16,000 for ESRI GIS software amid cost escalation concerns, $10,000 for high head pump repairs, $9,710 for CivicPlus records request software, and $9,000 for InfoTech project management systems. Cañon City High School senior JD Garner proposed creating a 15-30 member youth advisory council, and Mayor Phil Lund confirmed the school board and Superintendent Adam Hartman are working to advance the initiative. The board approved a Bureau of Land Management memorandum keeping locally found fossils at the Royal Gorge Regional History Museum, launched the annual cleanup program with 200 free trash vouchers, and referred the state-mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code to committee.
Pool Construction Deadline
Council members described the pool timeline as a monumental task requiring a cohesive, realistic plan to begin construction this year. Citizen volunteers have already scheduled meetings with the recreation district and city administration, with the first pool subcommittee meeting set for February 17.
Youth Council Proposal
Garner addressed council during public comment, arguing youth are leaving Cañon City at a rapid pace due to lack of representation. He proposed a 15-30 member high school advisory council that would advise on community growth without voting power, and submitted a written essay to the mayor.
Mayor Lund said he had read Garner’s essay and met with the school board last Tuesday night. Superintendent Hartman is now exchanging emails with the mayor, and school board members appeared favorable to the concept.
Technology Contracts and Cost Concerns
Council approved four technology contracts totaling $44,710 through the consent agenda, with the largest being $16,000 for ESRI GIS software. Council members expressed concern about double-digit cost increases in the GIS contract between years.
City staff clarified the escalating costs were part of ESRI’s original contract model rather than continuing increases, and the city has alternative plans to control future expenses.
BLM Fossil Repository Agreement
Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Land Management allowing fossils and archaeological collections found locally to remain at the Royal Gorge Regional History Museum. Council members praised museum staff for meeting federal repository standards, noting previously local fossils were sent to Washington, D.C., or Denver and were inaccessible to residents.
Committee Structures and Community Events
Council members established three-tier citizen volunteer committees for budget, finance, and public works, each with a primary council member, secondary council member, and volunteer lead.
The first Public Safety and Quality of Life Committee meeting was set for February 18, featuring a certified crime prevention program presentation. The Western Gateway Project will hold its second open house February 19 at the Chamber building, presenting three design strategies for the former Black Hills/Clark Station property. A council member reported receiving correspondence from North Orchard residents with concerns about street reconstruction, traffic, and lack of curb and gutter.
Employee Recognition and Cleanup Program
Council recognized Information Technology Manager Aleizja Owens for 10 years of service, with City Administrator Stevens praising Owens’ oversight of the city’s two-person technology team and role recovering funds during a contract payment breach last year. Susanne Rave was recognized for five years as a permit technician in the Building Department.
The annual Cañon City Proud Cleanup program runs March 16 through April 30, providing 200 free trash vouchers for up to 500 pounds of household debris at Twin Enviro Apex Waste Solutions.
Consent Agenda and Other Business
Council Member Amy Schmisseur motioned to approve the consent agenda with the removal of a professional services agreement with Otis Elevator, which staff said would return at a later meeting. Council Member Pamela Simmons seconded, and the motion passed by majority vote. The consent agenda included approval of minutes from the February 2 regular session and executive sessions on January 26 and February 2, the traffic control schedule update, the December budget summary, and cash disbursement reports.
Mayor Lund reported on the recent council retreat addressing 50 percent council turnover. Cañon City Forward Talks will be held February 26 at 7 p.m. at the Steeple Event Center, focusing on tourism and the local economy.
A council member announced Cañon City was awarded the USRA Nationals, a national rafting competition scheduled for late June. Council referred the state-mandated Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code to the Economic Development Committee for review. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:35 p.m.
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