The Salida City Council approved Emergency Ordinance 2026-04 on January 6, granting an option to ground lease city-owned property at Scott Street to Northpointe Development II Corporation for the Eastside Senior Living Apartments. The emergency designation allows the ordinance to take effect immediately rather than waiting 30 days, meeting critical funding and development deadlines for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit senior housing project.
The ground lease structure allows Northpointe to develop affordable senior apartments while the city retains ownership of the underlying property. Staff explained the lease facilitates financing for the project while maintaining city control over the land. Council also approved a park improvement agreement requiring Northpointe to make specific improvements as part of the development.
The city committed more than $71,000 in support for the project through fee waivers approved on the consent agenda. Council Member Suzanne Fontana highlighted the waived water and wastewater connection fees totaling $71,000 plus waivers for school siting fees, housing fees, and open space dedication requirements, calling them evidence of the city’s commitment to housing as a priority. All actions related to the project passed unanimously with no public comment.
Tourism Board Reorganization
Chaffee County has reorganized its Visitors Bureau into the Chaffee County Destination Management Council (DMC), marking a significant shift in regional tourism governance. The county recently completed an RFP process and contracted with Destination IQ to provide director of operations services for the restructured organization.
The DMC will have 11 voting members representing tourism, lodging-related businesses, chamber of commerce, regional economic development organizations, and local governments from each jurisdiction where lodging taxes are collected. Council designated Sara Law, Sustainability Coordinator and Public Information Officer, as Salida’s representative for a three-year term. Law has been attending all visitors bureau meetings and has led the city’s involvement in the reorganization process.
The DMC’s primary responsibilities include advising on lodging tax revenue use for tourism marketing and advertising, supporting sustainable tourism growth, and aligning tourism strategies with municipal and county goals while ensuring tourism efforts protect quality of life for residents.
Board Restructuring and Appointments
Three ordinances restructuring city boards passed first reading with second readings scheduled for January 20. The most significant change renames the Public Art Commission to the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission with up to nine council-appointed members. Council clarified that while county residents can apply and be appointed, no seats are specifically designated for county representation. Another ordinance amends the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) Advisory Board duties.
Council reappointed Melanie Gade to the Sustainability Committee and reappointed four Tree Board members for two-year terms: Marilyn Moore, Michelle Putz, Josef Bartels, and Kris Chestasky.
Other Business
Council approved a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License for Lago Trattoria, LLC at 148 West First Street following background check clearance. Mayor Justin Critelli proclaimed January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, encouraging residents to participate in service activities.
Council approved routine resolutions designating public notice posting locations and first reading of an ordinance for a Tenderfoot Communications Site Lease with Smiling J LLC d/b/a Hilltop Broadband. Sara Law noted that Extended Producer Responsibility regulations may eventually enable a public cardboard drop-off site, though residential recycling will be prioritized first. No citizens attended public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
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