High Country Advocate Staff Reporter
Cañon City council members meeting Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, at 6 p.m. advances plat vacation, raises concerns about delayed staff aid, highlights nonprofit giving push
Cañon City council members moved forward with vacating a long‑stalled subdivision plat, pressed staff over delays in directing aid to SNAP‑eligible employees, and heard a public appeal to support local nonprofits during their latest regular meeting. The meeting also featured updates on planning for Western Gateway Park and a slate of upcoming community events leading into the holidays.
Land use and Red Hawk plat
Council opened a public hearing on a resolution declaring the city’s intent to vacate the Red Hawk Landing plat, a subdivision approval that is no longer moving ahead under its original plan. The resolution sets up a future decision to formally vacate the plat and clear the way for alternate development options the city believes will better match current priorities and conditions.
City planning staff explained that the action at this meeting was procedural but important, because it formally signals the city’s direction on the property to landowners, developers and nearby residents. Council members did not significantly debate the item from the dais, indicating general agreement with moving the vacation process along.
Questions over delayed staff support
During the administrator’s report, council members revisited a previous decision to provide one‑time financial support to city employees whose income and household size make them eligible for SNAP benefits. Councilors made clear they expected the money to reach affected staff during the holiday season and voiced disappointment that it had not yet been distributed.
Human resources staff reported that a follow‑up survey had been sent to employees identified as likely qualifying, and that the city was compiling responses to ensure the payments are correctly targeted. Staff said they would coordinate with the finance department and expressed hope that the funds could go out within days, with a goal of finishing the process by the end of the week. Council asked for an emailed update and a clear timeline so both members and employees know when to expect the assistance.
Public comment: nonprofits and Colorado Gives
In public comment, resident Jay Klinkerman urged the community to support local nonprofits participating in the Colorado Gives campaign. He highlighted Fremont360 as a way to find Fremont County organizations and stressed that 17 local nonprofits are currently eligible to receive donations through the statewide platform.
Klinkerman framed the giving campaign as a way for residents to keep their charitable dollars working close to home, pointing to the range of services those nonprofits provide in the community. Council members thanked him for the information, and his remarks provided one of the main glimpses into community priorities during the meeting.
Western Gateway Park and outreach
Staff used both the council and administrator reports to focus attention on the Western Gateway Park project, which will redevelop the former Clark Station property at the western entrance to town. The city is hosting a public open house at the chamber of commerce, giving residents a chance to review early concepts, hear about site constraints and share feedback.
Officials noted that the city is also holding monthly stakeholder meetings for people with a direct interest in the site, including nearby property owners and other partners. Council members asked how widely the event had been promoted, and staff said the city used its Facebook page, a press release and local media to encourage turnout for the open house.
Routine business and administrator pay
On the consent agenda, council approved minutes from a series of previous meetings, including a regular council session, a vision committee meeting, a joint session with the recreation district, an executive session and a trails policy committee meeting, along with recent cash disbursements. The consent items passed without amendment after staff summarized them for the record.
Later in the meeting, council adopted on first reading an ordinance setting the city administrator’s compensation for the coming year. Staff explained that, under the city charter, the administrator’s pay must be set by ordinance and that cost‑of‑living adjustments do not automatically apply to that position, requiring specific action by council.
The ordinance aligns the timing of the administrator’s cost‑of‑living adjustment with the first pay period in January and includes a one‑time bonus to be paid before the end of the year, reflecting council’s earlier direction. Council approved the ordinance on first reading with little discussion, reserving any final changes for the second reading if needed.
Looking ahead
Before adjourning, the mayor reviewed several upcoming city meetings and events, including a general government meeting, an Urban Renewal Authority session, and the city’s Christmas tree lighting in Macon Plaza. The mayor also noted that the next regular Cañon City Council meeting is scheduled for December 15.
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