News Flash

City of Durango News Flash

Posted on: May 16, 2023

Council appoints new members to boards and commission

Durango, CO: Councilors filled nearly all open positions on various City of Durango Boards and Commissions, as well as chose councilor liaisons for boards Tuesday night.

“Thank you all. Your willingness to serve in those capacities is going to be really great coverage," said Mayor Melissa Youssef.

There are still open seats on the Local Licensing Board and the Retirement Board. All spots on the recently formed Financial Advisory Board were filled.

Councilors held two regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesday: A study session at 2:15 p.m. and a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 949 East Second Ave.

At the study session, council:

Received an update from Community Development staff on a variety of process improvements and code amendments which are being undertaken to enhance customer service, improve employee engagement, and achieve Strategic Plan goals. Part of staff's work plan for 2023 includes standardizing incentives for affordable housing projects, expediting project review and creating better definitions of commercial and mixed-use projects. Staff will also ask councilors if it is possible to modify the approval process to see whether any project approvals can be shifted from council to the planning commission or be done administratively.
Council and staff discussed how to move forward with a financing plan and project delivery for the next phase of the Durango-La Plata County Airport terminal project. The first phase of the terminal project broke ground in April. The design process for the second phase will take place over the next year, while the first phase is completed. Cost estimates for the second phase of the terminal development project are $26 million, with all project costs funded through airport revenue and available federal grants. “We’re really trying to take this in an incremental sort of fashion so that it’s totally supportable by the airport and doesn’t race away from demand,” said Aviation Director Tony Vicari.
Received an update on projects related to downtown connectivity which includes the MidTown Safety and Connectivity Improvement Project that proposes a two-way protected cycle track along East Second Avenue from Rotary to 13th Street and completed sidewalk, and the Camino Crossing Project that proposes an underpass of Camino del Rio near 12th Street.

At the regular meeting, councilors:

Received an update from the Powerhouse Science Center on its strategic plan, including the center's 2023 major initiatives including, in part, childcare partnerships, exhibit planning, and campus improvements. “I love the vision of filling the early education gap that we’re experiencing here,” said Councilor Jessika Buell. Since 2011the Powerhouse Science Center has welcomed 228,832 visitors.
Discuss the appointment of council liaisons to boards and commissions, as well as appoint candidates to various City of Durango Boards and Commissions.
Held an executive session to receive legal advice regarding potential litigation related to the theft of a City of Durango Transit vehicle. No action was taken.

City Council meetings may be attended in person at City Hall, 949 East 2nd Ave., or virtually. Meeting links for virtual meetings are at DurangoGov.org/Zoom. Meetings are televised live on YouTube, via Zoom and on the city's website (click on "Live Media"). An email link for public comment is located at DurangoGov.org/meetings at the top of the page as well as on the agenda itself under Public Participation. Comments must be submitted no later than noon on the Monday preceding the meeting. If comment by email is not possible, comments may also be placed in the drop box located in front of City Hall no later than noon on the Monday preceding the meeting. All written comments will be provided to the Council for review. Written comments may be read into the record and/or attached to the minutes of the meeting at the direction/discretion of Council. Email comments should be directed to: PublicComment@durangogov.org.

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