The Yuma City Council held its regular meeting, last week in Council Chambers at Yuma City Hall in downtown Yuma.
The meeting began with Councilman Dan Baucke explaining why he recused himself from the executive session held during the previous meeting. The purpose of the executive session was to discuss negotiations regarding leased city property.
Baucke said he recused himself because he has a long history with the golf course, and it is very dear to him. He said he feels it is not appropriate for the city to try to change the lease with the High Plains Recreation Board, so he recused himself because he is on the golf course’s side.
He recused himself again at last week’s meeting when the council again held an executive session for the same reason. No action was taken by the council after the executive session.
Six of the seven council members were in attendance at last week’s meeting. Besides Baucke, there was Mayor Ron Swehla, Mayor Pro-tem Marc Shay, Jerome Benish, Terri Frame, and Marylu Smith-Dischner. Councilman Tim McClung was absent.
There was no comment during a public hearing held prior to the second reading of an ordinance regarding an amendment to the grounds lease and purchase agreement with the Jeff Armstrong Memorial Foundation for certain city property. The second reading was passed on a 6-0 vote.
The council passed a resolution ratifying the city manager’s signature on the facilities use agreement with Yuma School District-1. The vote was 5-1, with Smith-Dischner voting against.
The council approved a letter of support for Yuma County Economic Development housing survey. City Manager Scott Moore said the city’s share will be approximately $2,900.
The Yuma Historic Preservation Commission is seeking a $5,000 grant from the Yuma Community Foundation. The council unanimously approved the commission moving forward with the grant application.
The city is seeking a Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grant for $200,000 for repairs at the Yuma Municipal Pool. The council approved pursuing the grant.
A fermented malt beverage license renewal for Family Dollar Stores of Colorado LLC was approved.
Moore informed the council a pump needs to be repaired at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Repairing the 18-year-old pump will cost approximately $10,250. He said a new pump would cost about $26,000. The council approved moving forward with repair.
Moore also updated the board regarding staff shortages in the Street Department.
