During the regular meeting last night, City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 4813 which authorizes the Community Development Department to implement a formal permitting process for short-term rental properties.

Short-term rentals, also sometimes referred to as vacation rentals, are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. A dwelling unit that is rented in full or in part to a temporary occupant for fewer than thirty consecutive days is considered a short-term rental.

Up to this point, the Grand Junction Municipal Code (GJMC) only allowed short-term rentals in commercially zoned areas, not residentially zoned areas. Most short-term rentals have been operating in zone districts that disallow them. Because of the uniqueness of the type of property, most communities have found short-term rentals fall outside of the traditional definitions of ‘lodging’ and warrant their own unique definition and often their own standards as a result.

The City of Grand Junction’s permitting process was designed with an eye toward implementing standards and regulations related to guest safety and protection of the neighborhood environment. The requirement to permit a short-term rental will go into effect on September 16, 2018.  However, applications are available now and short-term rental operators are encouraged to submit their applications within the next 60 days whereby the City will be waiving the $150 registration fee. This waiver will expire on October 16. A fee of $10 for a sales tax license and $35 for building inspection will still be required.

A link to the application, all related forms and information can be found on the home page of the City’s website at www.gjcity.org under the Spotlight section or on the Community Development web page.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org 

For more detailed information on any of these items, read the full agendas and/or staff reports here:   http://grandjunctioncityco.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx  City Council meeting videos can also be found at the same link.

City Council will discuss the following items at this week’s workshop and meetings:

Monday, 8/13/18 – 5:00 p.m.    City Council Executive Session    Administration Conference Room, 2^nd Floor of City Hall

Executive session to discuss matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations, and/or instructing negotiators pursuant to sections 24-6-402 (4)(e) and 24-6-402 (4)(a) of Colorado’s Open Meetings Law relative to a possible lease or transfer of real property/interest in real property, the location of which will remain confidential as disclosure would compromise the purpose for which the executive session is authorized as allowed by and pursuant to section 24-6-402(4) of Colorado’s Open Meetings Law

Monday, 7/30/18 – 6:00 p.m.    City Council Workshop     City Hall Auditorium, 250 N. 5^th Street

1.Discussion Topics
~Expansion of Transportation Network and Infrastructure Needs Discussion
~First Responder Needs
2.Next Workshop Topics
3. Other Business

Wednesday, 8/15/18 – 6:00 p.m.    City Council Meeting   City Hall Auditorium, 250 N. 5^th Street

Presentations
Presentation of July Yard of the Month Winner

Regular Agenda
5ai. An Ordinance Amending Section 24.12.140, 24.12.160, 24.12.170, and 24.12.180 of the Greater Downtown Overlay (Title 24 of the Grand Junction Municipal Code) Regarding Design Guidelines and Standards in the Greater Downtown Transitional and Residential Area

5aii. An Ordinance Amending Section 21.04.030(h), 21.10.020, 21.04.010 and 21.06.050 (Title 21 of the Grand Junction Municipal Code) allowing and regulating Short-Term Rentals and incorporating Bed and Breakfasts as Short-Term Rentals

5bi. An Ordinance Rezoning the River Walk Subdivision from R-4 (Residential – 4 du/ac) to R-8 (Residential – 8 du/ac), Located at 3125 D Road

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org 

City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

Orchard Avenue and 7th Street, Storm Sewer Construction

• Orchard Avenue at 7th Street will be closed Monday and Tuesday
• Detour route will be in place
• Alternate route is advised.

7^th Street Reconstruction Project, North Avenue to Orchard Avenue

• Expect lane shifts, closures and delays
• All business and resident access will remain open
• Alternate route is advised
• Anticipated completion – September 2018.

2018 Asphalt Overlay Program

• Shoulder Work
  • W. Independent Avenue:  24 ¾ Road and Bogart Lane

Roadway Striping

• The following streets are scheduled to be striped this week (weather dependent):
  • South Camp Road: Monument Road to South Broadway
  • North Avenue: 1^st Street to 29 Road
  • Hwy 50: Pitkin Avenue to Unaweep Avenue
• Motorists should expect lane restrictions and delays
• Please avoid crossing wet paint.

Sewer and Water Line Replacement – City and Ute Water Project

Horizon Drive from G Road to I-70

• Expect lane shifts
• Business access will be maintained
• Area can become congested during rush hours – alternate route highly recommended
• Anticipated completion – September.

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Non-City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

Hwy 340 Bike/Pedestrian Facility Project between Kansas Avenue and Grand Vista Drive – CDOT Project

• Westbound shoulder closure with possible east and westbound one-lane alternating traffic
• Please be aware of the speed limit reduction and obey construction road signs
• Work hours will be Monday– Friday, 7am to 5pm
• For additional information please email co340sidewalk@gmail.com or call 970-639-0680
• Anticipated completion – October 2019.

Broadway and Redlands Parkway, Roundabout Construction – CDOT Project

• Please drive with caution through the new temporary roundabout configuration
• Expect lane restrictions and possible detours
• There is a 9-foot width restriction 24/7 for the duration of project (no semi-trailers allowed)
• Be aware of the 35 MPH speed limit leading up to the roundabout and 15 MPH going through the roundabout
• Work hours will be Monday– Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• For additional information please email redlandsroundabout@gmail.com or call 970-456-1361
• Anticipated completion – November 2018.

I-70 Exit 49 Grand Mesa Ramp Improvement Project – CDOT Project

• Westbound I-70 right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 49.5 & MP 48
• Eastbound I-70: right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 48 & MP 49.5
• Motorists will still have access to Exit 49
• Westbound I-70 Exit 49 on ramp will have a 14’ width restriction 24/7
• Westbound Exit 49 on ramp please yield before merging onto I-70
• Westbound speed limit is 35 MPH
• Eastbound speed limit is 50 MPH
• Work hours will be Monday – Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• For additional information please email grandmesaexit49@gmail.com or call 970-456-1481
• Anticipated completion – late September.
  

I-70 Bridge Maintenance Project Near DeBeque – CDOT Project

• Both west and eastbound I-70 traffic will be moved to two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of I-70, 24/7
• Speed limit will be reduced to 45 MPH through the work zone
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – October.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager   970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org

Grand Junction Parks and Recreation is hosting the 18^th Annual Western Colorado Senior Games, August 20-26, 2018. This week long athletic competition is open to participants aged 50+ and has 58 events to participate in. Senior Games is designed to bring our 50+ community together in a jovial and healthy manner, which benefits all who attend. The media is invited to any of the following events:

For more information on this event, please contact:
Lorie Gregor, Recreation Coordinator
970-254-3876
lorieg@gjcity.org

Please note all media inquiries will need to take place after August 14, 2018.

Grand Junction City Manager Greg Caton is hosting a series of informal coffees to interact with community members, gather feedback on City programs and services, and to answer questions.

The next coffee is scheduled for Friday, August 17 at Octopus Coffee, 759 Horizon Drive, at 9:30 a.m. Mayor Barbara Traylor Smith will be joining the City Manager for this session as will Police Chief Doug Shoemaker.

The sessions are open to the public and are an unstructured, drop-in format. More details here: http://bit.ly/2i6AQkR

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org

City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

7^th Street Reconstruction Project, North Avenue to Orchard Avenue

• Expect lane shifts, closures and delays
• All business and resident access will remain open
• Alternate route is advised
• Anticipated completion – September 2018.

2018 Asphalt Overlay Program
This week’s activities will consist of:

• Manhole and Shoulder Work
  • 7^th Street from Ute Avenue to Riverside Parkway
  • River Road from 24 Road to Persigo Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Expect rolling lane shifts and delays
• All business and resident access will remain open.

Roadway Striping

• The following streets are scheduled to be striped this week (weather dependent):
  • Ridge Drive: 15^th Street to 27 ½ Road
  • 27 Road: Horizon Drive to Patterson Road
  • Cortland Avenue: 27 ½ Road to 28 Road
  • 28 Road: Cortland Avenue to Patterson Road
• Motorists should expect lane restrictions and delays
• Please avoid crossing wet paint.

Sewer and Water Line Replacement – City and Ute Water Project

Horizon Drive from G Road to I-70

• Expect lane shifts
• Business access will be maintained
• Area can become congested during rush hours – alternate route highly recommended
• Anticipated completion – September.

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Non-City of Grand Junction Projects with Travel Restrictions

Orchard Avenue between 28 Road and 28 ½ Road, Power Line and Pole Replacement Project – Xcel Energy Project

• Expect intermittent lane shifts and possible traffic delays
• Anticipated completion – August 2018.

Hwy 340 Bike/Pedestrian Facility Project between Kansas Avenue and Grand Vista Drive – CDOT Project

• Westbound shoulder closure with possible east and westbound one-lane alternating traffic
• Please be aware of the speed limit reduction and obey construction road signs
• Work hours will be Monday– Friday, 7am to 5pm
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – October 2019.

Broadway and Redlands Parkway, Roundabout Construction – CDOT Project

• Please drive with caution through the new temporary roundabout configuration
• Expect lane restrictions and possible detours
• There is a 9-foot width restriction 24/7 for the duration of project (no semi-trailers allowed)
• Be aware of the 35 MPH speed limit leading up to the roundabout and 15 MPH going through the roundabout
• Work hours will be Monday– Friday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – November 2018.

I-70 Exit 49 Grand Mesa Ramp Improvement Project – CDOT Project

• Westbound I-70 right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 49.5 & MP 48
• Eastbound I-70: right lane closure and 14’ width restriction 24/7 between MP 48 & MP 49.5
• Motorists will still have access to Exit 49
• Westbound I-70 Exit 49 on ramp will have a 14’ width restriction 24/7
• Westbound Exit 49 on ramp please yield before merging onto I-70
• Westbound speed limit is 35 MPH
• Eastbound speed limit is 50 MPH
• Work hours will be Monday – Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – late September.
  

I-70 Bridge Maintenance Project Near DeBeque – CDOT Project

• Both west and eastbound I-70 traffic will be moved to two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes of I-70, 24/7
• Speed limit will be reduced to 45 MPH through the work zone
• For additional information please visit codot.gov, www.cotrip.org or call 511
• Anticipated completion – October.

21 ½ Road Utility Work between H Road and I Road – Private Development Project

• 21 ½ Road will be closed to thru traffic 24/7 between H Road and I Road
• Use 22 Road as the detour route
• All business and resident access will be maintained.

29 Road Between Orchard Avenue and Patterson Road – Utility Work/Private Development Project

• Road will closed in this section on Tuesday, 8/7
• Detour route will be in place
• Access for local residents will be maintained
• Access Graff Dairy from Patterson only.

31 1/2 Road and E Road – Clifton Water Project

• Intersection will be closed Monday, 8/6 through Wednesday, 8/8
• Detour route will be in place
• Access for local residents will be maintained.

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager   970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org

During tonight’s regular meeting, City Council heard a favorable presentation of the City’s 2017 Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR) from the City’s Auditor, Ty Holman of Haynie and Company. The CAFR is a detailed presentation of the City’s financial condition as of December 31, 2017.

The comprehensive report covers the City’s structure and services provided, independent audit results, budget process, economic factors that impact the City’s financial condition, a recap of major projects during the year, and a future outlook section.

Finance Director Jodi Romero notes, “The City of Grand Junction remains committed to providing high quality services and investing in the future of the community. The City’s goal is to provide critical services in the long term while maintaining a sound financial position. Priorities shaping the future are economic development, public safety, investments in infrastructure and planned growth and development. The City continues to foster strong community partnerships in the pursuit of these priorities.”

The independent auditor is contracted by and reports to the City Council. The City received an unqualified (“clean”) opinion that the December 31, 2017 financial statements are fairly presented in conformity with the General Accepted Accounting Principles and are free of material misstatement.

The Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides an overview of the City’s financial activities for 2017 and is followed by detailed financial statements including Statements of Net Position, Statements of Activities, Balance Sheets, Statements of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances for the many funds of the City’s operations, as well as notes to the financial statements.

The City’s net position (assets less liabilities) was $723 million at 12/31/2017 which is a $16 million and 2.3% increase over 2016 due to revenues exceeding expenses. This is a direct result of conservative budgeting, frugal spending, and an improving economy.

Government activities such as public safety, public works, parks and recreation accounted for 84% of the increase in net position.  Business-type activities such as water, sewer, and solid waste accounted for the remaining 16% of the increase in net position. The City invested over $17.6 million in capital projects in 2017. The General Fund’s unrestricted fund balance increased by 7% in 2017 over 2016.

The City has received the Government Finance Officers Association Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 33 consecutive years. This program was established by the GFOA in order to encourage state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. The award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The CAFR is a result of thousands of hours of staff time over a six-month period. The document is 172 pages and in conjunction with the financial information highlights one of the City’s and community’s noteworthy projects of the year in the Las Colonias Amphitheater. A copy of the CAFR can be found on the City’s website at this link: https://bit.ly/2K8lKov

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Contact:  Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager       970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org