On Tuesday, Heather Fross, the current executive director of Moffat County United Way, introduced Kate Nowak and Jennifer Bruen to Craig City Council.

The United Way organizations of Moffat and Routt counties will be merging to form the United Way of the Yampa Valley, with Nowak serving as executive director while Bruen fills the role of associate director.

The introductions came as Craig City Council met for its second regular meeting of the month this week. Mayor Derek Duran brought the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with council members Chris Nichols, Vicki Huyser, Jesse James Jackson, Randy Looper and Tom Kleinschnitz in attendance. Council member Paul James was absent.

Following approval of the consent agenda, City Council heard the presentation from United Way in which Fross discussed the Human Resource Council’s impact within the community.

She then introduced officers from Moffat County High School’s Youth United Way/Key Club. The officers shared information about their recent campaigns and community outreach. Mayor Duran took note of the group’s accomplishments, sharing that “we see (the results) on the street; we see the dollars going to work” in our own community.

Council members concurred and thanked the group for their efforts.

Fross then introduced Nowak and Bruen, and Nowak took questions from City Council regarding the allocation of donations and resources.

Council members noted their hope that Moffat County is still afforded adequate representation and resources, and that donations intended for Moffat County remain in the county.

Craig City Manager Peter Brixius then updated the group on current and future meetings and projects, including the recent aerospace summit, the search for finance director applicants and the 8th Street Redevelopment Project.

In other business, Nichols provided a report on the Colorado Space & Business Roundtable. He said that “one of (the city’s) highest priorities needs to be on repurposing our assets” to best benefit the Craig community. He praised the tour by Trapper Mine and expressed hope that Tri-State will follow suit.

Nichols also touched on recent police department lieutenant interviews, the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado economic summit, possible renewable energy studies, population projections and the City Economic Development Committee’s business plan contest.

Council member Jackson reported on his recent interactions with Moffat County School District Superintendent Jill Hafey and the schools. He noted that school is back in session and reminded drivers to be cognizant of student pedestrian traffic.

He also shared that high school sports’ schedules and Bulldog Academy applications are both available on MCSD’s website.

Council member Looper provided an update from the recent Chamber of Commerce meeting. Of note was that Chamber’s decision to officially donate the Marcia Car to the city. Looper also provided an update on the new mural being constructed at the former drive-in location, with work slated to begin in September.

Council member Kleinschnitz discussed the small business roundtable with U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colorado, and the Moffat County Commissioners meeting. He also reminded the group of the upcoming Fall Fest hosted by the Downtown Business Association, which will be Sept. 16.

During the public hearing, City Council discussed ordinances to increase permit fees to $25, require 72 hours’ notice prior to commencement over any work under the provisions of Chapter 12 and clarify liability responsibilities to include the maintenance of all required traffic control devices.

City Council also approved two resolutions. The first approved the Intergovernmental
Agreement between the city and Moffat County for the 2023 coordinated
election. The second authorized a bridge loan from the city to the Craig Housing Authority.

Also approved was a letter of support for a grant application submitted by the Yampa Valley Regional Airport to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-Airport Terminals Program to help fund the design and construction of their planned airport terminal expansion project.

City Council heard staff reports — including water and wastewater reports — for the month of July and a Road & Bridge/Solid Waste update.

City Council meetings are open to the public and streamed live through Facebook. Recordings of the meetings can also be viewed on the city of Craig’s Facebook page. The next City Council meeting will be Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m.