Craig City Council’s Jan. 28 meeting featured discussion on key community issues including transitions to the city’s economic base, updates on the Meadowwood housing proposal and the water department overcoming difficult working conditions to address water line issues. 

Following the meeting being called to order by Mayor Chris Nichols, Craig Police Chief Mike Cochran swore-in Lieutenant Anthony Fandel. Cochran praised Fandel for his service and commitment, noting that the promotion was “well-deserved.”

City Manager Peter Brixius provided updates on several projects, including an employee compensation and classification study, which will be completed in late February. Brixius noted that City Clerk and Human Resources Director Katie Carmody has been a key figure in the completion of the study, which will guide budget planning and decisions surrounding employee pay and benefits in the future.

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“We weren’t that far off, really, when you look at our comparison to average salaries and compensation,” said Brixius. 

Community Development Director and Building Official Marlin Eckhoff presented findings from the Meadows Apartments Zoning and Physical/Environmental Impact Assessment to the chamber. The housing project, located at 235 Mack Lane, has created passionate dialogue between city officials and community members, and aims to address a growing demand for rental properties within the city limits. 

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“From a zoning standpoint, it meets all the criteria there without needing to be rezoned,” Eckhoff said.

He also noted that there is ample capacity in the city’s infrastructure and public utility grid to support the expansion and that traffic impact studies validated that local roads can accommodate additional residents without issue.

“It has plenty of capacity on Mack Lane even if (traffic numbers) were to double or triple right now,” said Eckhoff regarding the conclusions of the traffic report, which was prepared by Skip Hudson of Turnkey Consulting. 

The report generated skepticism later in the meeting from public commenters regarding the true nature of rental demand in Craig and the potential impacts of such a project. 

As with prior meetings, a key focus throughout the evening was the ongoing transition in the energy sector due to the imminent closure of power generation facilities and mines. City officials continue to meet with representatives from Tri-State, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the area through backstop payments and funding initiatives to help offset economic changes from the closure of coal-fired plants.

Brixius and Nichols then updated the community on further developments regarding Tri-State’s preferred portfolio selections, which includes a possible natural gas power generation facility within Moffat County.

Brixius noted that the Colowyo mine is on schedule to be closed by the end of the year.

Council Member Randy Looper presented committee reports related to the Downtown Business Association, which is hosting the Taste of Chocolate in Craig this Saturday. He also presented information from meetings regarding the Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority, the Colorado Municipal League and other groups. 

Councilor Derek Duran provided updates from the Economic Development Advisory Committee, noting the board’s focus on filling a vacancy with a representative from the agricultural or healthcare sectors. He also covered EDAC efforts to submit a formal letter to the IRS requesting policy adjustments for coal workers seeking early retirement fund withdrawals. Duran also updated the council on ongoing talks with the county regarding the Moffat County Courthouse transition.

Councilwoman Michelle Gottschall attended several meetings, including the Moffat County School District Accountability Committee meeting, where a financial update was presented. She also noted that the Suicide Prevention Coalition’s first meeting was occuring on Jan. 30. 

Mayor Nichols presented information from the Northwest Colorado Development Council. He also noted that three local firefighters were beginning a year of training to gain necessary certifications. Additionally, he shared reflections about how he and the council could increase the depth of their discussions, and their dialogue with the community, through shifts in practices and procedures.

Nichols closed his report by noting that there will be a State of the Community address on Feb. 26. 

Public comment resulted in residents voicing concerns about short-term rentals as well as the necessity of additional housing projects, such as the Meadows apartment complex, within Craig.

One speaker expressed apprehension about new short-term rental properties in older neighborhoods, arguing they are “businesses, just like hotels” and could alter the character of the community. Another speaker questioned the need for the Meadowwood development, citing the presence of “for-rent and for-sale signs” around town.

Water and Wastewater Director Carl Ray provided updates on specifics related to the city’s water infrastructure. Ray and his department have been tirelessly at work in recent months as cold temperatures and aging pipes have caused disruptions in water service.

Despite difficult working conditions, the department has labored, often around the clock and in sub-zero temperatures, to address the breaks as quickly as possible, overcoming what Mayor Nichols called “miserable conditions.” Ray explained the freeze and thaw cycles have been a contributing factor in recent water line failures. 

The next city council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 11.