The Salida City Council (SCC) met for a work session on March 4, during which they interviewed three candidates for city prosecutor, and then heard staff reports from each city department. Finally, Parks and Recreation Director Diesel Post outlined a new process for special event permits.
The SCC held their regular meeting on March 5, beginning with two Resolutions: 2024-21, approving the hire and employment terms of City Planner Kristi Jefferson as City Clerk, and 2024-22, approving the hire and employment terms of Lisa Scanga as City Prosecutor.
Mayor Dan Shore swears in Kristi Jefferson as new City Clerk. Photo by Merrell Bergin
The SCC then returned to a discussion of the F Street closure, a return prompted by Mayor Pro-Tem Justin Critelli at the February 20 regular meeting. City Administrator Christy Doon went over discussion points from previous sessions, and said that staff was there to answer questions “about whatever we are doing.”
Critelli said that he had questions about timelines and time restraints: “We need a year of postponement [till 2025] to figure out ‘things’. Why is it a year and not two or three months?”
“There’s a bit of logistical stuff involved,” said Doon: “There was no budgeting for [F Street improvements] this year. The budget for 2025 could include expenses for it – that’s the staff side of it.”
“We’ve only ever approved [the closure] a month or so beforehand – I think we can do things pretty fast,” Critelli responded. “Why bother having a survey if it isn’t going to inform our decision? The results seem pretty positive that there are some issues, but let’s address them.”
“It’s a stretch to say that a survey is a vote of the people,” argued Mayor Dan Shore: “Lots of elderly people don’t take online surveys but do vote.”
In further council discussion, Shore continued to push for putting off an F Street closure until next year, and in the meantime convening a task force, similar to the one he had convened to discuss downtown parking, with Critelli pushing for going ahead with the closure this year: “Right now the discussion is all about ‘give us a year’ – I need something more than that to take back to my constituents. We cannot just discredit the survey results. If we need to figure out issues, we need to address it now – and we already know what the issues are.”
Some of those issues, which were brought up by other SCC members, include handicapped access, including parking, and public safety concerns, such as access for fire and police vehicles.
Member Suzanne Fontana asked about the concrete barriers used to block off the street: “Was there ever any thought of putting gates up instead of concrete barriers? Something that would be easier to put up and take down for parades and such.”
“From a safety standpoint it’s important that it be safety-rated – something that would stop a car,” replied Public Works Director David Lady: “There are bollards we have looked into – but they are pricey – over $200,000.”
Fontana also asked whether handicapped access parking spots could possibly be leased during the closure, citing private lots behind F Street businesses. Member Dominique Naccarato also had questions about ADA accessibility, as well as police and fire access: “Those are the two big issues that need to be addressed – we have no choice but to listen to those people who say there’s an access problem.”
Member Alisa Pappenfort suggested that the city close only two blocks of F Street, from Sackett to Second Street, and then keep F Street open to vehicle traffic in 2025 while the city worked on planned improvements.
“If we want staff to prioritize F Street [this year], what do we want them to de-prioritize if we focus on this?” Naccarato asked.
“Staff has been waiting for Council to make the decision,” said Doon: “We are here to brainstorm with you and create what you direct us to. We asked Council to give us enough time to put a plan together – staff did not make the timeline. The first decision that needs to get made is whether it’s going to be two blocks closed or three blocks closed – then staff can go downtown and look to see where ADA parking would be available.
“If Council does decide to do this, we need a resolution to come back with next meeting.”
After further discussion, Shore asked, “Do we call for a motion?” “You need a resolution if you want to close the road,” Doon replied: “You don’t need any resolution to keep it open. You need to give us the parameters – time for closure, what you want us to do to prepare.”
“Let’s build the motion,” said Pappenfort: “Move the stage, no flower baskets, pedestrian signage on the way, tree lighting is cheap, it would add some pizazz – then open to traffic next year while the sidewalk stuff is going on. Staff would have to go identify more ADA parking.”
“I just need to have duration addressed as well – Memorial Day to Labor Day?” asked Doon.
“If we just close a small section, where would the parade route go?” asked Fontana. “We could move the barriers for the parade,” Doon said: “F Street businesses would have to agree that they would take things out of the right of way for the parade.”
Critelli proposed a motion to reinstate the F Street closure with the lowest financial impacts possible “as stated”. City Attorney Nina Wilson asked for an amendment to the motion to direct staff to draft a resolution for a future council meeting for a closure of F Street from Sackett to Second Streets between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Critelli made the motion, with Pappenfort seconding. The motion carried 4-1, with Naccarato voting Nay.
In other business, the SCC approved an amplified sound permit for the High! Side Bar and Grill for the Monarch Ski Benefit party on March 29, and then Resolution 2024-23, announcing the vacancy for the Ward 3 seat resigned by Harald Kasper last month. Doon laid out a schedule for candidate interviews at the SCC work session on March 18, with a decision to be announced at the March 19 regular meeting, and a deadline for application on March 14.
After Council reports, the SCC voted to go into Executive Session for legal counsel on Salida water rights and establishing negotiation parameters with the Salida School District concerning a property at 627 Oak Street.
I thought it was decided to leave F street open. It is the most important street in Salida. It is the parade route. It was closed to aid in social distancing during Covid… and many other arguments against the closure that have been driven into the ground at this point. Let’s move on. Help keep Salida functional not funky.
Bruce Hayes, Salida CO