La Junta, CO

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hear a presentation on the 2027 budget, conduct a semi-annual review of the city manager, and consider a temporary ordinance allowing golf carts and low-speed vehicles during the Tarantula Fest. The consent agenda includes several special event permits and a liquor license renewal. The meeting also includes a proclamation for 9/11 and informational items on utility billing and a sewage spill.

• 2027 Budget presentation
• Temporary ordinance for golf carts/UTVs during Tarantula Fest
• Special events permits for 9/11 Gala, Tarantula Fest, Hall of Fame Dinner, Monster Bash, Holiday Craft Show
• Liquor license renewal for Asian Cafe, 414 W. 1st Street
• City Manager Semi-Annual Review

Board of Utilities

The La Junta Board of Utilities will hold a regular meeting with routine items including the oath of office for a new commissioner, approval of previous minutes, and informational reports. The main discussion item is a presentation on second-cycle utility billing, which may affect how residents are billed. Department reports and citizen participation are also scheduled.

• Oath of office for newly appointed commissioner Zach Miner
• Approval of August 11, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Information item: Second Cycle Utility Billing by Aliza Libby
• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments

City Council

The La Junta City Council approved a resolution authorizing the conveyance of city-owned property at 322 Harriet Avenue to Otero College. The property, described as a junk property costing about $2,500 per year to maintain, will be rehabbed by Otero College construction management students as part of the Copper Grant. The motion carried 5-0, with Council Member Copley abstaining and Pantoya absent. The council also voted 6-0 to enter executive session for the City Manager's semi-annual review.

• Approved resolution authorizing conveyance of 322 Harriet Ave to Otero College (5-0, Copley abstained)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for City Manager semi-annual review (6-0)

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority will hold a regular meeting to review financial statements, hear reports on local projects, and take action on a Spark Grant application from Sangre de Cristo Community Care. The board will also receive information on an Economic Development Summit and discuss upcoming work sessions.

• Action on Spark Grant application from Sangre de Cristo Community Care
• Financial statements for July 2026
• Reports on Plaza Building, Copper Kitchen, and Chestnut Apartments
• Information on Economic Development Summit
• Discussion of September work sessions

City Council

The La Junta City Council is holding a regular meeting with a proclamation declaring La Junta a Purple Heart City, employee service awards, and informational updates from local organizations. The agenda includes routine reports and a consent agenda, with no major legislative actions listed.

• Proclamation declaring La Junta a Purple Heart City
• Employee service awards: Anthony Aguilar (5 years), Marilyn Schleich (5 years), Thomas Mascarenas (35 years)
• Informational updates from Kitchen of Kindness, YEEHAW, and AVRMC (Ron Hogan)
• Consent agenda: approval of August 3, 2026 meeting minutes

Board of Utilities

The La Junta Board of Utilities is holding a regular meeting with routine items: approving minutes, receiving reports from ARPA, water/wastewater, electric, and sanitation departments, and considering a letter of interest from Zach Miner to fill a board vacancy. No major policy decisions or financial actions are on the agenda.

• Consideration of Zach Miner's letter of interest for board vacancy (action item)
• Reports from ARPA, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments
• Approval of minutes from July 14, 2026 regular meeting

The La Junta Board of Utilities approved the minutes from the previous regular meeting and appointed Zach Miner to fill a board vacancy. The board also heard operational reports from the ARPA Board, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Electric Department, and Sanitation.

• Approved July 14, 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Accepted Zach Miner's letter of interest and appointed him to the board (4-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will meet to conduct a second reading of an ordinance regarding short-term rental marketplaces. The proposed rule would require these marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes for hosts within the city.

• Second reading of an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1688 regarding short-term rental lodging taxes
• Action on a Conflict of Interest Document

The La Junta City Council approved an ordinance on second reading requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes on behalf of hosts. The council also approved the consent agenda. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of reports and discussion.

• Approved consent agenda including July 20, 2026 minutes (5-0)
• Passed ordinance amending Ordinance No. 1688 requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes (5-0)

Urban Renewal Authority

The Urban Renewal Authority will meet to take action on the second round of 2026 Spark Grants and a revised Spark Grant application. The board will also consider a revised Blight/Safety Policy and an Early Settlers Day booth.

• Revised Blight/Safety Policy
• Second round of 2026 Spark Grants
• Revised Spark Grant application
• Early Settlers Day Booth
• Reports on Plaza Building and Copper Kitchen

City Council

The La Junta City Council will consider a citizen complaint alleging issues with the disclosure of a city manager application, conflict of interest, exclusion of council members, and involvement of the mayor and city manager in a March 2026 incident. Additionally, the council will hold a first reading on an ordinance requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes. Other items include consent agenda approval, first-quarter financials, and employee service awards.

• Citizen complaint with possible action on city manager application disclosure, conflict of interest, and March 2026 incident
• First reading of ordinance requiring short-term rental marketplaces to collect and remit lodging taxes
• Consent agenda includes DBA change from Loaf N Jug No 13 to Cumberland Farms #750013 at 918 W. 3rd Street (liquor license)
• First-quarter 2026 financial report from Director of Finance
• Employee service awards for Cindy Leyba (5 years) and Issac Vasquez (5 years)

The City Council approved a consent agenda including a liquor license trade name change and passed the first reading of an ordinance requiring short-term rental platforms to remit lodging taxes. The council also reviewed several citizen complaints and determined that no further action was necessary regarding allegations involving the mayor, city manager, and city attorney.

• Approved consent agenda including July 6 minutes and Mini Mart, Inc. trade name change (7-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance requiring short-term rental platforms to remit lodging taxes (7-0)
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding city manager application disclosure; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding city attorney and city manager conflict of interest; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding exclusion of Council Member Rikhof; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding Mayor's involvement in March 2026 incident; no further action taken
• Resolved citizen complaint regarding City Manager's involvement in March 2026 incident; no further action taken

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities will meet to review minutes from June 9, 2026, and receive departmental reports. The agenda consists of procedural items and updates from utility divisions.

• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electric Department, and Sanitation

The Board of Utilities approved the June 9, 2026 minutes as published (4-0). The meeting was primarily informational, with reports on the 2025 audit, ARPA financials, water/wastewater operations, electric department activities, and sanitation. No substantive policy decisions or votes were taken beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved June 9, 2026 minutes as published (4-0)

Historic Preservation Board

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board will hold a regular meeting with standard procedural items including approval of previous minutes and financial statements. Under new business, the board will hear director comments on declaring a vacancy, an update on the CLG Subgrant Program for fiscal year 2026, a designation certificate, progress on the Northeast La Junta Survey, and an upcoming October community engagement event. No specific decisions or dollar amounts are indicated in the agenda.

• Declare vacancy on board
• CLG Subgrant Program FY2026 update
• Designation certificate discussion
• Northeast La Junta Survey progress report
• October community engagement event planning

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board approved the April 13, 2026 meeting minutes as published (4-0). The board discussed a resignation creating two vacancies, the CLG sub-grant for a Preservation Plan, and plans for an October community engagement event. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved April 13, 2026 minutes as published (4-0)
• Declared vacancy following Nancy Bennett's resignation (discussed)
• Discussed CLG sub-grant for Preservation Plan (no action)
• Discussed October 24 community engagement event (no action)

City Council

The City Council will review the 2025 audit and 2026 financial statements. The body will also discuss parking concerns at Brick & Tile Park and hear a presentation from American Legion Post 9.

• 2025 Audit Presentation
• Review of 2026 Financial Statements
• Special Events Permit for Early Settlers Day on August 1, 2026, at Santa Fe Plaza
• Discussion of Brick & Tile Park parking lot concerns
• Executive session regarding a staff member complaint and workforce analysis contract

The City Council voted 7-0 to enter executive session to discuss a personnel complaint against the City Manager and to determine positions on negotiations. The complaint, submitted by a citizen, included allegations about transparency, conflict of interest, retaliation, and a public safety breach. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes and a special events permit for Early Settlers Day.

• Approved motion to enter executive session for personnel matter and negotiations strategy, 7-0.
• Approved consent agenda including June 15, 2026 minutes and Early Settlers Day special events permit, 7-0.

City Council

The La Junta City Council will consider appointing a member to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors. The body will also act on a contract for an interim city attorney and a special events permit for a parish bazaar.

• Special Events Permit for Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish 104th Annual Bazaar at 202 Lincoln Avenue
• Appointment to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors
• Contract for Interim City Attorney

The La Junta City Council appointed Rob Pickering to the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and approved a five-month contract for Clayton Buchner as interim city attorney. The council also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes and a special events permit. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included informational updates from state legislators and city staff.

• Appointed Rob Pickering to AVRMC Board of Directors (7-0)
• Approved contract for interim City Attorney Clayton Buchner (7-0)
• Approved June 15, 2026 consent agenda (6-0)

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities is meeting to approve previous minutes, hear departmental reports (ARPA, water/wastewater, electric, sanitation), and receive comments from the city manager and governing body. No specific ordinances, contracts, or rate changes are on the agenda. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from the May 12, 2026 regular meeting

The La Junta Board of Utilities met on June 9, 2026, and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted of reports from the ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments, plus comments from board members. A vacancy on the board was noted, and a work session on industrial park incentives was proposed.

• Approved May 12, 2026 minutes (4-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hold its regular meeting on June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The council will consider a second reading of an ordinance authorizing a $2 million loan agreement with the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for water system improvements, including lead service line replacements. Additional actions include appointing members to the La Junta Capital, Inc. Board and adopting amended bylaws for the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC).

• Second reading of ordinance authorizing $2M loan for water system improvements and lead service line replacements
• Appointment of members to the La Junta Capital, Inc. Board
• Adoption of amended and restated bylaws for Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center (AVRMC)
• Presentation by DeBourgh Manufacturing on city-related matters
• Regular meeting minutes from May 18, 2026, for approval

The council approved five interim members for the La Junta Capital, Inc. economic development board, with one council member voting no and the mayor abstaining. It also passed a water system improvement financing ordinance on second reading and accepted amended AVRMC hospital bylaws, both unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved interim La Junta Capital board members (5-1, Ayala abstained)
• Passed water system improvement loan ordinance on second reading (7-0)
• Accepted AVRMC amended and restated bylaws (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May 18 minutes (7-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hold a regular meeting on May 18, 2026, with items including second readings of ordinances on shipping container regulations and a business registration requirement. New business includes a second amendment to the AVRMC consolidation agreement, a resolution declaring a Stage II water shortage with Level A water restrictions, and a first reading of an ordinance authorizing a loan agreement for water system improvements including lead service line replacements. The council will also hear citizen participation and various reports.

• Second reading of ordinance to add definition of 'shipping container (Conex box)' and amend zoning code
• Second reading of ordinance establishing a business registration requirement within the city
• AVRMC Consolidation Agreement - Second Amendment
• Resolution declaring a Stage II Water Shortage and implementing Level A water restrictions
• First reading of ordinance authorizing loan agreement with Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for water system improvements and lead service line replacements

The council voted 3-3 to fail the second reading of the business registration ordinance (Ordinance 1700) after amendments were proposed. A Stage II water shortage was declared, and a water infrastructure loan ordinance passed on first reading. The AVRMC consolidation agreement amendment was approved.

• Business registration ordinance (Ordinance 1700) failed on second reading (3-3, Ochoa absent)
• Adopted Resolution R-12-2026 declaring Stage II water shortage with watering restrictions (6-0)
• Approved AVRMC Consolidation Agreement – Second Amendment (6-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance authorizing water system improvement loan (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including May 4, 2026 minutes (6-0)
• Passed second reading of shipping container ordinance (6-0)

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities will vote on three resolutions: recommending a Stage II water shortage declaration with Level A restrictions, authorizing a loan for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project, and amending outside-city water service policies during shortages. Reports from department heads and citizen comments are also scheduled.

• Resolution recommending approval of a Loan Agreement and Governmental Agency Bond with Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority for the Drinking Water Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Project
• Resolution recommending the City Council declare a Stage II Water Shortage and implement Stage II, Level A Water Restrictions
• Resolution amending Section 19 of the Policies of the Board of Utilities Commissioners concerning outside-city-limits water service during declared water shortage conditions

The Board of Utilities approved three resolutions: a $15 million loan for lead service line replacement, a Stage II water shortage declaration with odd/even watering restrictions, and a policy change requiring board approval for outside-city water service during shortages. All votes were 5-0. Commissioner Mike Bourget announced he will resign because his home sale will move him outside city limits.

• Approved Resolution RUB-3-2026 recommending $6.245M principal forgiveness and $8.715M loan at 1.7% for 30 years for lead service line replacement (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RUB-4-2026 recommending Stage II Level A water restrictions with odd/even watering days (5-0)
• Approved Resolution RUB-5-2026 amending policy to require board approval for outside-city water service during shortages (5-0)
• Approved minutes of April 14, 2026 as published (5-0)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hear a housing needs assessment presentation and vote on several ordinances, including amending zoning to regulate shipping containers and establishing a business registration requirement. The council will also consider a resolution authorizing the sale of city-owned property for affordable housing development and an amendment to the city manager's employment agreement.

• Housing Needs Assessment presentation by Matrix Design Group
• Resolution authorizing sale of city-owned property for affordable housing development (action)
• First reading of ordinance to add definition of 'shipping container (conex box)' and amend Title 17 zoning code
• First reading of ordinance establishing a business registration requirement (Chapter 5.12)
• Amendment No. 1 to City Manager Employment Agreement (action)

The La Junta City Council approved the sale of city-owned property at 618 Colorado Avenue and 1220 Rice Avenue for affordable housing development. The council also passed first readings of ordinances to regulate shipping containers and establish a business registration requirement. All other agenda items, including the consent agenda and city manager contract amendment, were approved unanimously.

• Adopted Resolution R-11-2026 authorizing sale of 618 Colorado Ave and 1220 Rice Ave for affordable housing (7-0)
• Passed first reading of ordinance to regulate shipping containers (Conex boxes) in residential areas (7-0)
• Passed first reading of business registration ordinance with amendments (6-1, Copley opposed)
• Approved Amendment No. 1 to City Manager employment agreement (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including April 20, 2026 minutes (7-0)

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority will hold a regular meeting on April 23, 2026. The board is scheduled to take action on five Spark Grant applications from local businesses and organizations, review March 2026 financial statements, and hear reports on the Plaza Building and Promenade projects. Director comments will address vacant lots on Bradish Avenue and a downtown beautification project.

• Spark Grant applications: Wild Roots Kava Co., Mattress by Appointment, Ark Valley Animal Hospital, Copper Kitchen, Ruiz Arts LLC (action item)
• March 2026 financial statement review
• Reports on Plaza Building (Bennett/Mason) and Promenade (Fleischacker)
• Director comments on vacant lots on Bradish Avenue
• Downtown Beautification Project discussion

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority approved all five Spark Grant applications for storefront improvements, with three board members abstaining from each vote due to conflicts of interest. The board also approved the March financial statements and minutes, and directed the director to send a letter to SBT guaranteeing payment for the Elks Lodge project.

• Approved Wild Roots Kava Co. Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Mattress by Appointment Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Ark Valley Animal Hospital Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Copper Kitchen Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved Ruiz Arts LLC Spark Grant (Johnson, Lindner, Saucedo abstained)
• Approved March 2026 financial statements
• Approved March 26, 2026 minutes with corrections
• Directed URA director to send letter to SBT guaranteeing payment for Elks Lodge project

City Council

The La Junta City Council is meeting to consider two local landmark applications, approve a special events permit, and renew a liquor license. The agenda also includes proclamations, employee service awards, and informational presentations. Most items are routine, but the landmark designations require action.

• Local Landmark Application for 902 Belleview Avenue (action)
• Local Landmark Application for 322 Santa Fe Avenue (action)
• Special Events Permit for Annual Brew Fest, June 12, 2026, Santa Fe Plaza
• Hotel & Restaurant Liquor License renewal for Boss Hogg's Saloon & Restaurant, 808 E. 3rd Street
• Employee service awards: Jesse Singleton (5 years), James Armendariz (40 years)

Board of Utilities

The La Junta Board of Utilities is holding a regular meeting on April 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes, citizen participation, and reports from various departments (ARPA, Water & Wastewater, Electric, Sanitation). No specific decisions or proposals are listed; the meeting appears to be routine with reports and comments.

• Approval of minutes from March 10, 2026 regular meeting
• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater, Electric, and Sanitation departments
• Citizen participation with 5-minute time limit

Historic Preservation Board

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board will hold a regular meeting with roll call, citizen participation, and approval of prior minutes and financial statements. The main actions are considering historic site designations for 322 Santa Fe Avenue and 902 Belleview Avenue, a board member letter of interest from Robert Fowler, and a public outreach budget for April 25, 2026. Reports include the 2024 Northeast La Junta Cultural Resource Survey and director comments on grant and preservation programs.

• Historic site designation application for 322 Santa Fe Avenue
• Historic site designation application for 902 Belleview Avenue
• Board member letter of interest from Robert Fowler
• Public outreach budget for April 25, 2026
• 2024 Northeast La Junta Cultural Resource Survey report

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board approved historic designation applications for 322 Santa Fe Avenue and 902 Belleview Avenue, and accepted Robert Fowler as a new board member. The board also approved a $500 budget for an April 25 outreach event and authorized funds for board members to attend a preservation conference in June. All votes were unanimous, with two members absent.

• Approved historic designation for 322 Santa Fe Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved historic designation for 902 Belleview Avenue (unanimous)
• Accepted Robert Fowler to serve on the board (unanimous)
• Approved $500 budget for April 25 public outreach event (unanimous)
• Authorized HPAB funds for board member registration for CPI On the Road in Buena Vista (unanimous)
• Accepted February 9, 2026 minutes as published (unanimous)
• Accepted first quarter 2026 financial statement (unanimous)

General

The La Junta City Council will hold a regular meeting with several action items, including second readings of ordinances for supplemental electric fund appropriations, a sales tax rebate incentive for Auggie's Grocery LLC, and amendments to council and city manager governance. The council will also consider an incentive funding letter from SECRHA and hold an executive session for the city manager's one-year review.

• Second reading: ordinance for supplemental appropriations to the Electric Fund for 2026
• Second reading: economic development agreement with Auggie's Grocery LLC for sales tax rebate incentive
• Second reading: ordinance amending Chapter 2.04 and 2.08 on council procedure and city manager governance
• Special events permit for Otero Museum Association's Annual Wine Tasting, April 24, 2026, at 706 W. 3rd Street
• Tavern liquor license renewals for Red Dog Revisited (709 E. 3rd Street) and Strike & Play (2420 San Juan Avenue)

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority is holding its regular meeting to review financial statements, hear reports on the Plaza Building and Promenade, and consider a Spark Grant application from Wild Roots Kava Co. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and citizen participation.

• Spark Grant application from Wild Roots Kava Co
• Report on Plaza Building
• Report on Promenade
• February 2026 financial statements
• Minutes of February 26, 2026 meeting

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority tabled a Spark Grant application from Wild Roots Kava Co. due to unclear details and a possible conflict of interest, and discussed a grant request from the Elks Lodge for repairs, but took no final action on it. The board also heard updates on the Plaza Building and Promenade projects, and discussed future work session topics.

• Tabled Wild Roots Kava Co. Spark Grant application
• Approved February 2026 minutes with corrections
• Noted $1,044.94 interest received in February 2026
• Discussed Elks Lodge grant request, no vote taken
• Discussed formal bid process for vacant lots on 16th and 18th Streets

Board of Utilities

The Board of Utilities Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to approve the minutes from the February 10, 2026 meeting, hear citizen comments on non-agenda items, and receive reports from the ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electric, and Sanitation departments. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items listed beyond the minutes approval.

• Approval of minutes from February 10, 2026 regular meeting
• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electric, and Sanitation departments

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority held a regular meeting to discuss project updates, approve financial statements, and elect officers for 2026. Members approved the new Spark Grant Program, which will award up to $5,000 per applicant to active businesses for storefront improvements like awnings or façade repairs. The board also discussed TIF district expansion possibilities and reviewed project statuses, including the Plaza Building and Thyme Square.

• Spark Grant Program approved with $5,000 per applicant for up to 10 businesses annually
• Elks Lodge funding request for $16,836.66 tabled pending additional bids
• Plaza Building project delayed by insurance and inspection issues
• Thyme Square roof project completed with 20-year warranty
• Officers elected: Ben Mason as Chair, Toni Madrid as Vice Chair, Marty Fleischacker as Treasurer

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority is holding a regular meeting to approve the minutes from January 22, 2026, review the January 2026 financial statements, and receive project updates on the Plaza Building and the Promenade. The agenda also includes citizen participation and comments from the director and governing body. No major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Approval of minutes from January 22, 2026 regular meeting
• Review of January 2026 financial statements
• Project update: Plaza Building (Bennett/Mason)
• Project update: Promenade (Fleischacker)

City Council

The La Junta City Council will hold second readings and votes on four ordinances, including creating a new chapter on gambling devices, prohibiting gambling and simulated gambling devices, adopting administrative closure of premises for unlawful activity, and public nuisance abatement. They will also consider a first reading of a budget amendment for the water fund and make board appointments.

• Second reading: ordinance creating Chapter 9.10 'Gambling Devices'
• Second reading: ordinance prohibiting gambling and simulated gambling devices, with penalties and seizure authority
• Second reading: ordinance on administrative closure of premises engaged in unlawful activity
• Second reading: ordinance adopting Chapter 8.14 'Public Nuisance Abatement, Injunctions, and Related Remedies'
• First reading: ordinance amending 2026 budget for Water Fund with supplemental appropriation

Board of Utilities

The La Junta Board of Utilities Commissioners will meet on February 10, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss routine reports from utility departments and recommend amending the 2026 Water Fund budget to the City Council.

• Resolution recommending amendment of the 2026 Water Fund budget (Tom Seaba)
• Reports from ARPA Board, Water & Wastewater Treatment, Electric Department, and Sanitation

The Board of Utilities Commissioners approved Resolution No. RUB-1-2026, recommending that City Council amend the 2026 Water Fund budget to fund replacement and upgrade of headgates at Holbrook Farms. The work is required by the ditch company before the next irrigation season, and the contract was awarded to Habitat Construction as the lower bidder. The board also approved the January 13, 2026 minutes and administered the oath of office to new Commissioner CaSandra Thomas.

• Approved Resolution No. RUB-1-2026 recommending 2026 Water Fund budget amendment for Holbrook Farms headgate replacement (5-0)
• Approved minutes of January 13, 2026 meeting as published (5-0)
• Administered oath of office to newly appointed Commissioner CaSandra Thomas

Historic Preservation Board

The La Junta Historic Preservation Board will hold its regular meeting to decide on officer elections for 2026, review a historic site designation application, and consider increasing board membership. The board will also receive reports on community outreach and historic surveys.

• Election of 2026 officers (Chairman and Vice-Chairman)
• Review of application for historic site designation for Rikhof property
• Consideration to increase board membership by two appointed members
• Reports on America 250 – Colorado 150 Community Outreach and 2022/2024 historic surveys

City Council

The La Junta City Council will meet to conduct routine business and vote on several ordinances and license renewals. The meeting includes a public hearing for a new liquor license application, a vote on annexation and lien releases, and first readings of new ordinances related to gambling and public nuisance abatement.

• Renewal of liquor licenses for Wal-Mart #1384 at 6 Conley Road and LJ Liquor LLC at 302 E. 1st Street
• New liquor license application hearing for Auggie’s Market at 315 W. 2nd Street (March 16, 2026)
• Resolution accepting annexation petition for review by Planning Commission
• First readings of ordinances creating new chapters on gambling devices and public nuisance abatement
• Resolution authorizing release of judgment lien for 1010 Raton Avenue

Urban Renewal Authority

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority will hold its regular meeting to consider a funding application from the La Junta Elks Lodge #701, elect officers for 2026, and discuss the Spark Grant Program. The board will also review minutes, financial statements, and project updates for the Plaza Building, Thyme Square, and T.O.'s Building.

• Funding application from La Junta Elks Lodge #701
• Election of officers for 2026 (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer)
• Discussion of Spark Grant Program
• Project updates: Plaza Building, Thyme Square, T.O.'s Building
• Approval of December 2025 financial statements

The La Junta Urban Renewal Authority approved the creation of a Spark Grant program, which will provide $5,000 grants to up to 10 active businesses per year for storefront improvements. The board tabled the Elks Lodge funding application for $16,836.66 until a second bid is obtained. Officers for 2026 were elected, and the December financial statements were approved.

• Approved Spark Grant program (8-0)
• Tabled Elks Lodge funding application until second bid secured
• Elected Ben Mason as Chairman (8-0)
• Elected Toni Madrid as Vice Chairperson (8-0)
• Elected Marty Fleischacker as Treasurer (8-0)
• Approved December 16, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Approved December financial statements (8-0)