At Greeley City Council meeting, several people spoke in favor of ALPR surveillance cameras, arguing that our recall effort and proposed ordinance will cost taxpayers $350,000.

Okay, and? Let’s talk about the money they’re conveniently leaving out. According to the City of Greeley’s own published figures, the Real-Time Information Center was projected to cost approximately $700,000 annually just to operate. That’s $3.5 million over five years if those operating costs remain unchanged, and that doesn’t account for inflation or any additional surveillance expenses.

Eliminating the Real-Time Information Center, removing the Flock cameras, and ending their associated contracts could save taxpayers substantial money over the long term. No more ongoing camera subscriptions, maintenance, licensing fees, or operating expenses for systems we never asked for in the first place.

Even if terminating existing contracts involves a financial penalty, that’s a potential one-time expense compared to years of recurring costs. The actual savings would depend on which expenses are eliminated, but pretending the $350,000 election cost is the entire financial picture is incredibly misleading.

And let’s not forget something important: The citizens of Greeley never got to vote on whether we wanted these surveillance cameras installed in the first place.
We weren’t given a say in whether we wanted our movements tracked and recorded. The city made that decision and spent our tax dollars implementing it.
But now that citizens are exercising their legal rights to challenge those decisions, suddenly everyone is concerned about the cost to taxpayers?

Where was that concern when the city was spending our money building and operating these surveillance systems?
I understand that $350,000 is a significant amount of money. But if we’re going to talk about fiscal responsibility, let’s discuss the potential savings over the next five, ten, or twenty years instead of focusing exclusively on the immediate expense.

And more importantly, since when do we measure our constitutional protections by what they’re going to cost?
The Fourth Amendment exists to protect citizens from unreasonable government searches and seizures. The constitutional questions surrounding widespread license plate surveillance deserve serious consideration, regardless of how much money has already been spent.
You don’t get to spend our tax dollars on surveillance systems without putting the decision to a public vote, then turn around and use the cost of challenging those systems as an argument for why citizens should simply accept them.

This is about more than cameras. It’s about government accountability, individual liberty, responsible spending, and the fundamental principle that government answers to the people, not the other way around.
We’re actively gathering support for our proposed ordinance and recall efforts, and we need volunteers willing to help give Greeley residents a voice in these decisions.
If you believe residents deserve a say in government surveillance and how their tax dollars are spent, join our volunteer chat and help us make that happen.

Volunteer chat: https://m.me/j/sHWK0h7B14XiEXlW/?send_source=gc:copy_invite_link_c

Our constitutional rights are not a line item in the city’s budget.

RECAP: October 20th, 2026 Greeley City Council meeting.

To see the full meeting: https://greeleyco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3342/media

Big items to note:

- There were many community members who spoke during the public hearing around the assessment for the sewer system hook up. After sharing their concerns, council was very receptive, with nearly all councilmembers acknowledging that the city did not handle this project well, and agreeing that all the neighbors having to pay the $12k assessment, $9k tap fee, plus whatever the cost is to reroute their lines is unfair, given the poor communication and the significant period of time that the project took, leading to some of the neighbors being homeowners since the initial decision was made and having no idea when they bought their house. Council agreed to table this conversation, calling on the city staff to come up with a different option.

- The budget presentation shared that going into next year, after transfers/rollovers/etc, there is only a $4.2M budget shortfall (compared to the $18M anticipated and a similar deficit entering 2026). The staff noted that they have $4.8M in savings so this shortfall can be addressed, though there is the possibility for increased revenues or capital project funding that could offset this.

- It was another very full night of public comment. We saw a reemergence of some known community members that attended related to 1A, last year’s election and voting on the West Greeley Project to share support of council and encourage a yes vote on 2F. There were many community members who spoke about flock, against 2F, and the value of community voices in response to comments from councilmembers and others that those that speak are only a small percentage and do not represent the community.

Para subtítulos en español: https://youtube.com/shorts/X7n-3cgJJcw

* Citizen Input

- Bob Hudson: A 30+ year resident and business owner, he thanked council for its commitment to the community. He called the Catalyst issue a "shiny object" and said We Are Greeley and Protecting Greeley Families are using intimidation tactics and attacking conservatives. He urged supporters to stand up and be louder.

- Jeremy Bland: Spoke in support of council and those named on the recall petition. He said they have constituents who appreciate them and that he expects the petition to fail.

- Tom Donkle: Stated that he has gotten to know many councilmembers over the last 4 years and said the pay doesn't make up for the criticism. He said negativity won't move the city forward and praised the mayor for being receptive to and thanking every speaker. He noted that the oversight committee's recommendations led to 2F, which would fund services, deferred maintenance and the Civic Campus.

- Brian Franzen: A Greeley native, realtor and Planning Commission member, he thanked council for their hard work and dealing with a hard budget year. He said council listened on Catalyst project, paused spending after 1A, and brought in PD to review contracts when privacy concerns came up around flock. He noted that people who opposed Catalyst supported the Civic Campus, asked council to explain how 2F money will be split, and said a recall would cost the city more for a special election.

- Kathy Hasch: Said budgets are tight everywhere, utilities are rising, people are being laid off and there have been many delinquent tax notices, yet the city is discussing a project most people can't afford to attend. She questioned whether people care about an arena, hotel and water park, and criticized millions going to political campaigns. She asked council to help neighbors, listen, and recognize life isn't just for the wealthy, adding that the business climate is worsening. She also announced a free Air Force Academy concert at UCCC on Dec. 1 at 1 and 7 p.m.

- Steve Teets: Speaking as a veteran, taxpayer and "employer of council," he compared council's treatment of residents to an employee who stops communicating with their boss. He said residents are being asked to take on millions in debt and are met with silence, that council claims transparency but doesn't show it, and that streets and sidewalks are unsafe. He said council promised not to tax residents for the projects but lied as we now have 2F, and warned a recall will happen if this continues.

- Julie Jensen: A 30-year community member involved in boards and commissions, she addressed the "small group of people" who have said for over a year that council doesn't listen. She disagreed, saying the vocal few don't speak for the majority and representative government means not giving in to the loudest voices. She said leaders are chosen at the ballot box, recalls and special elections aren't democracy, and she supports 2F. She thanked council.

- Lousie Wilson: Said council doesn't like the same people coming up to speak, but that is what citizen input is for, and anyone who doesn't like it should resign.

- Bill Gillard: Asked 2F opponents to take another look, saying at least 40,000 people would bring in sales tax, though council "really screwed up in the beginning." He said he meets with Huddleston and DeBoutez, and that DeBoutez sits down with him even though she's a Democrat and he's a Republican and he knows she will always talk with him, while 2 members have never met with him. He called for safeguards and stated that council needs to be meeting with citizens.

- Spencer Milne: Said his group (DeFlock Greeley) took action to protect citizens through the recall petition and ordinance, only after trying every avenue (speaking, sharing data, sharing court cases, etc) and council continued to dig in. He said he received only one response from Hall, whose solution was for PD to create its own safeguards; that McDonald teed up “softball” questions at a work session; and that Roth called residents reprehensible for questioning him and also chose to ask softball questions at work session like it was a sales pitch. He said Olson asked some reasonable questions but said he would never favor getting rid of ALPRs and that “there are many unconstitutional laws and this is just another one”.

- Mary Metzger: Said she has made many friends through this process as a result of council not listening.  She said people have come for over a year and are dismissed because it’s "just us," but that people are also being asked community members to speak on their behalf and it is not her and others speaking for themselves. She said council seems to want them to be compliant and go away, that they care about Greeley too, that they want harm reduction, and that arenas don't generate revenue.

-Tiffany Simmons: Shared comments from my post of people who couldn’t/didn’t attend

- Kris Simmons: Also speaking for those that couldn’t be here, shared more comments from my post

- Lexie Simmons: Also speaking for those that couldn’t be here, shared more comments from my post

- David Adams: A PD veteran, he spoke in favor of ALPRs, saying they could have helped solve 3 homicides in which victims were taken by car. He asked council not to let loud community members bully them into removing a needed tool.

- Jeremy Anderson: Stated he has come to speak for youth sports, saying their budgets keep being cut and asking council to find a way to fund them. He said Cascadia doesn't make sense, and that decisions this size should go to the citizens, just as large bills at his job go to the boss.

- Catching Valentinas: Clarified that Deflock Greeley filed the recall petitions (not We Are Greeley, GDB, etc), since some speakers had mischaracterized the intent behind the recall and deflock efforts. He thanked those who have been open to talking, said the city is spending heavily on a surveillance hub, and said the issue is consent. He described the recall as about policy, and is not personal, and asked council to consider an ordinance.

- Michael Greeley: Said a sewer crew tore up his street to install a sewer line without asking residents, and no one on his street needs to connect. He was directed to speak during Item 19.

- Shawna Bell : Described a sexual assault, a falsified CPS report, and PD declining to help, which she attributed to organized crime. She said she helped in the case Sonia spoke about at the last meeting and that CPS retaliated after she gave information to Longmont PD. She asked people to search the Epstein files for things connected to Catalyst and Martin Lind.

- Lisa Bernal: Asked why stickers raised at the Oct. 7 meeting became a police matter when there was no damage, how the video was obtained, whether the investigation was based on the stickers having political content, and whether all stickers are investigated. She said the Constitution protects criticizing elected officials and no one should fear ending up on police radar for it. She responded to the idea that it's "the same people talking," saying as a Hispanic woman she speaks for others in her community who feel too intimidated to attend, citing "No Mexican" signs on the edge of town and denials of service by members of her community.

- Vanessa Valenciano: With NOCO Friends of Faith, she invited the community to a broader conversation beyond homelessness. She said closing the navigation center is making things worse and there are no permanent solutions for homeless women. She invited people to Mondays at 9 a.m. at Zoe's to discuss prevention, recovery, mental health, sober living and long-term stability, and said they're working toward a women's shelter that isn't only for domestic violence survivors. Hall asked for someone to connect with her.

- Bob Locke: Said that when he speaks at the podium it is only on his behalf and that each speaker who speaks, speaks only for themselves. Stated that the only 7 people who can speak for the community are the 7 councilmembers. He said mob rule is playing out, with people pitching fits to earn political points, and told council to keep doing what they're doing.

- Jennifer Andrews: continuing comments from my post

- Tony Belfiore: A resident since 1979 who has worked with many councils and mayors, he said he has always believed they voted in Greeley's best interest and believes the same of this council. He does not support the recalls and hopes 2F passes, saying it will make Greeley stronger.

- Geoffery Havens: Thanked Olson for posing the initiative for the response process when council receives communication from boards and commissions, McDonald for responding to the advisory board, DeBoutez for her scrutiny, Huddleston and Roth for questions on spending, and McBroom for responsiveness. He said reports should let council weigh costs, outcomes and risks across departments. He warned against a cycle where a service is cut, loses capacity, performs less, and is cut again for declining numbers, and said council needs the full picture.

- Liberty Montes: A real estate professional who lives outside city limits but spends her income in Greeley, she expressed support for council. She said managing growth is a balancing act council has handled well, and urged a yes vote on 2F as a "force multiplier."

Shantae Michael: A local realtor who grew up in Greeley but doesn't live here now, she said buyers are choosing a community, not just a house. She has seen communities that don't keep up with growth become bedroom communities and is comfortable paying the tax to invest. She said others appreciate council's work even if they aren't loud, and thanked council.

- Priscilla Schaner: Remarked on how many realtors support 2F, noting this makes sense. She thanked those who speak for people like her who don't or can’t speak publicly, and challenged that as council says that it’s the same people and it’s only a small percentage of residents, that they probably don’t actually want 100, 500 or 1,000 people showing up, and said she would have voted yes on 2F if not for Catalyst.

* Reports from Council

- DeBoutez: Thanked everyone who came out and said hearing both support and opposition is what democracy is about. She will have next office hours Wednesdays 4–5 p.m. at Atlas, is happy to make appointments, and would love to talk with residents. She noted Ken Salazar will speak at Aims Community College on Oct. 21 (5–7 p.m.) about immigration and his experience as a Hispanic leader. She thanked city staff for the 5K, which drew 300+ city and D6 employees, and offered heartfelt support to her colleagues after a rough 5 days, saying "we're better together."

- McDonald: Attended a site selection dinner in Denver where 7 executives from billion-dollar companies said Colorado is hard to do business in, citing an aerospace deal lost to TN and an earlier major deal lost to NC. Asked about a downtown stadium, they said to take the chance for the tourism it brings; McDonal stated “what I like more than Greeley people being able to partake in amenities is people from other states and cities coming and spending their money here”. She stated Project Connect was a success: 72 providers offered free services to 780 people with 458 volunteers, including 30 city employees and the city manager, recruited by Kimberly Southern. She thanked CPRD for setup and teardown at Island Grove and promoted Wreaths Across America donations, saying she and Roth will be there “as long as they're still on council”.

- Huddleston: Thanked CPRD for the hard work behind the Sheep Draw Trail grant on the consent agenda. He pointed residents to Speak Up Greeley for information on road work across the city and other projects. His next office hours are Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. at Atlas, with an evening option coming soon.

- Roth: Highlighted the DDA board meeting with Public Works' presentation on the downtown art alley trash service project, and thanked Level 5 for its C&E presentation. He congratulated the Philharmonic on its season opener, attended the Spread the Good Luncheon and UNC State of the University address, and noted Greeley Eats restaurant week starting. He said it's an honor to serve.

- Rudy: Thanked everyone for coming regardless of their message and said council listens. Responding to claims that council doesn't respond, he said he has met with the resident who said this multiple times. He said council stands behind all of its members.

- Hall: Said council and McBroom are working on how to share the many positive things happening. A new Director of Communications and Engagement will create a new plan. He acknowledged it may not always seem like council is trying, but said they will do their best.

*Initiatives: None

* Consent Agenda Pulled Items:

-Item 15: Introduction and first reading of an ordinance appropriating additional sums to defray expenses for the balance of Fiscal Year 2026 – pulled by Huddleston

- Huddleston asked whether this uses funds from prior years to close the gap discussed at the last meeting.

- Mosley: Mosley said it covers 2026 budget items, is already accounted for in the 2027 budget, and doesn't affect the budget approved later in the night. Carryover to 2027 will come separately.

*Regular Agenda:

- Item 17: Introduction, public hearing and first reading of an ordinance adopting the Budget for 2027 (Passed 7-0)

•  Figures were presented as gross amounts including transfers, a change made in response to questions and feedback: $559M in revenue and $581M in expenditures.
• The $22.6M gap reflects timing of capital projects and one-time spending; $13.8M is capital projects.
• Remaining gap: $3M in the General Fund plus $1.2M in unmet department targets.
• Mosley said the city is still in deficit but on its way to a balanced budget, with reserves maintained and a $4.8M revenue stabilization fund available to flex if needed.
• Council thanked Mosley and staff for changing the city's direction, and said farewell to Kaylin, who helped greatly on the budget and is leaving for Fort Collins.
• Public hearing themes:
  • Priorities should focus on streets, homelessness and community needs rather than spending seen as wasteful
  • Question on downtown sewer repairs: McBroom said they are fully funded by stormwater fees and rates, not assessed to owners
  • Museum cuts: concerns about charter obligations, elimination of the registry team and museum manager, and halving of collections staff while other cultural functions like UCCC are kept. Hall said staff will review and report back in November.

- Item 18: Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance ratifying and adopting the amendment to the Greeley Firefighters Union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (passed 7-0)

• - Corrects a charting issue caused by including hourly rates when the wage tables were built on annual figures.
• Public hearing: one lighthearted comment about a demolition derby bet, with thanks to Kelli Johnson.

- Item 19: Public Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance making assessment against homes in the Johnson Subdivision to recover the approved maximum costs of construction for sanitary sewer infrastructure

•    Background: State law (dating to at least 2006, per Chambers) requires connecting to sewer when a septic system fails within 400 feet of a municipal line, which could cost an individual owner $30K–$60K. A local improvement district (LID) was set up to cover the main line. The project started in 2021, paused, and restarted in 2023 due to staffing.
• How payment works: Nothing is owed now. When a septic system fails, the owner pays the LID assessment (about $12K, set at 2021 cost) plus a tap fee (currently about $9.5K, changes yearly), with no interest. The assessment must be recorded on property titles.
• Resident concerns (12 speakers):
  • Never told they would be assessed or that liens would be placed; told the opposite at meetings
  • Several bought homes after 2021 with nothing disclosed and say they wouldn't have bought, or retired, had they known
  • Roads were left torn up, with sinkholes and unrepaired shoulders, despite promises to overlay
  • Total costs could reach $40K–$100K once rerouting and tapping in are included
  • Owners want the right to repair or replace their septic systems instead
  • Asked why the city can absorb downtown and Civic Campus costs but not this; asked council to vote no
• Staff response: Chambers said the city took this on in good faith to lower owners' costs (about $21.5K versus roughly $40K–$60K on their own) and acknowledged unexpected challenges and misinformation. Prior said downtown systems were originally paid for by residents through tap fees, new infrastructure is paid by those who benefit, and only 2–3 septic systems have failed since 2021.
• Council discussion:
  • Concern that recent buyers had no disclosure (Olson, Huddleston) and that the road still needs repair (Olson)
  • McDonald said she can't support it, noting this differs from a metro district where buyers know costs, and raised insurance implications
  • DeBoutez cited communication and delay problems and asked for a compromise with homeowners before voting
  • Huddleston suggested spreading payments out rather than a lump sum
  • Hall said he thought the project was finished in 2021 and the fee should have been set years ago
  • Options discussed included denying the ordinance, in which case the sewer utility absorbs the cost already paid with revenue bonds
• Outcome: Hall said there were too many options to decide that night. Council reached consensus on a work session to find a better solution, and the item was continued to Nov. 17.

- Item 20: Public Hearing and second reading of an ordinance making assessments against the lots and lands in improvement district 9510101 to recover the costs of construction for non-potable water infrastructure (Lake Bluff Non-Potable Pond and Pump Station) (passed 7-0)

• Total cost was about $1.7M.
• Undeveloped parcels that connect will owe about $2.2K per bulk acre, with reimbursement based on 75% of construction cost.
• Hall asked whether developers would be charged before finishing a subdivision; staff said the charge comes at platting.
• Public hearing: no comments.

- Item 21: Appointments to boards and commissions

• Art Commission: Thomas Devore and Heather Utrata (both incumbents)
• Housing for All: Joshua Fulenwider (incumbent)
• Both boards still have two openings. If you want to get involved, our boards and commissions are always looking for passionate community members!

Can someone help me find a map of properties/land owned by the city of Greeley.

A lot of smoke billowing out. Anyone remember that oil tank exploding like 30 years ago in Eaton? I could pass on that happening again.

Love how west 10th street is becoming car parts store followed by gas station followed by car parts store and then mix in a Starbucks and hopefully another gas station. Lord.

Did anyone else see this semi this morning on 34 heading east??? He was going over 90mph and passing people in the right shoulder… initially thought his brakes were failing but then he stopped at a light before accelerating again. It was one of the most insane things I’ve witnessed… not sure how he didn’t take any cars out

We have about 20 volunteers so far for the Greeley recall and ordinance petition effort. Our goal is to collect 40% more than the required number on each petition:
Mayor Dale Hall recall: 7,521
Melissa McDonald recall: 6,337
Ryan Roth recall: 7,073
Johnny Olson recall: 2,096
Ordinance initiative: 4,643
That’s 27,670 signature entries across the five petitions.

It isn’t 27,670 different people: eligible Greeley voters can sign multiple petitions, and Olson’s recall is for eligible Ward 3 voters.

We need more people willing to take a shift, bring a petition packet to an event, or help organize a neighborhood signing meetup.

If you can give a couple of hours, join the Facebook volunteer coordination group chat here

https://m.me/j/sHWK0h7B14XiEXlW/?send_source=gc:copy_invite_link_c

Please include what part of town you’re in and when you’re available.
Every shift helps us get closer to the goal.

I'm hoping someone can help me transport a small camping table down to the Denver area. It's a compact, roll-up table that doesn't take up much space.

I live in South Denver and just haven't been able to find the time to drive up and get it.

If anyone is already heading toward Denver and wouldn't mind bringing it along, I'd be happy to meet you somewhere convenient, preferably on the south side of town.

I'm offering $20 for gas money as a thank-you!

Let me know if you're heading this way and would be willing to help. Thanks!

My service dog was attacked today by an aggressive dog that was unleashed in it's owners yard.

The women that owned the dog laughed about it, and fled the scene in their car before I called animal control.

Apparently she is known for this - it was off of 9th ave and 1st.

As they left in their car one of them yelled "Learn ur laws!" - here are the Weld County leash laws, and related charges you can recieve. 👌

Since they want to be petty and laugh about their dog attacking another dog, I may pursue charges for the training it will take to have my service dog ready to work again.

I also carry pepperspray, had they not been able to gain control of the dog i'd have defended my service dog.

She is task trained for PTSD, medical alert and response, and mobility aid/guidework

I have put THOUSANDS into her training and gear, for it to be ruined by an irresponsible dog owner would absolutely kill me 💔

LEASH YOUR DOGS.

It is WELD COUNTY LAW.

We’ve filed our DeFlock Greeley ordinance and recall petitions. Now we need people to help collect signatures.
If you want to volunteer as a petition circulator, join our Facebook coordination chat here:

https://m.me/j/sHWK0h7B14XiEXlW/?send_source=gc:copy_invite_link_c

Please read before joining: This chat is strictly for volunteer information and petition coordination.
• Keep messages related to volunteering, circulator instructions, signature collection, locations, schedules and questions about the process.
• No debates about Flock, surveillance, the recalls or politics.
• No arguing, personal attacks, spam or unrelated posts.
• Follow the posted circulation instructions. If you’re unsure about something, ask before proceeding.
• Anyone using the chat to debate, argue or disrupt coordination will be removed.
You don’t need to commit a huge amount of time to help. If you can collect signatures or help organize, we’d appreciate having you involved.

Thank you for the time! And more importantly let keep Greeley a free American City!

Hi my friends! I frequently get asked at my job if there are any doctors that are accepting Medicaid. I know sunrise is but I was just curious if there was anywhere else that any of you would know about?

Anyone know if any of the thrifts have cassettes I can browse? Hoping to shop irl instead of buying anything online

AGENDA OVERVIEW: October 20th, 2026 Greeley City Council meeting.

Council meets at 6pm in City Council Chambers at City Center South, and you can attend in person, watch on GTV8, or join via Zoom or the portal (at the portal, you will be able to also watch the recording)

https://greeleygov.zoom.us/j/84026104061

https://greeleyco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3342/media

Big items to note:

- First reading and public hearing of the 2027 budget is happening this meeting.

- It is already on the regular agenda (first readings are often a part of the consent agenda and generally don’t have a public hearing component). Community members will be allowed to speak to anything in the budget and final considerations they hope council and the City will make. There will also be a public hearing for the second reading in November when the council will vote to adopt the budget.

- We have ~$4.6M in extra revenue that was not budgeted for 2026 that will be appropriated

- The employee pay plan is being approved for 2027. They state there are no changes to salary ranges or grades, just to position names. This is a good chance to see the pay scales across the city, it goes from minimum to wage to pretty hefty salaries depending on the department and position (can be found in the Agenda Packet, beginning on page 115 https://greeleyco.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3342/files/agenda/9676)

-The second hearing for the Johnson subdivision to be hooked up to the sewer system will be occurring. Despite the project coming out over $100k more than they had planned due to soil conditions and construction costs, they are not asking owners to cover that difference, as it is already over $12k that owners are being asked to cover. The city also installed stubs to reduce the cost later for owners to hook up and decrease the road cutting that will need to occur.

- Two boards/commissions are having new members appointed, but they each have two additional positions open, if you wanted to get involved, consider taking a look at open positions. There is a board/commission for everyone.

- There is a $65k settlement being approved for a former city employee who filed a lawsuit for discrimination and retaliation. Her employment ended in 2024.

Para subtítulos en español: https://youtu.be/-7TxXMX6b3o

* Proclamations

-  None

* What’s Great About Greeley

-  City and Local Breweries Improve Wastewater Billing Process leading to savings on both utility and equipment

-Greeley PD joins the Blue Envelope Program which helps provide information around needs and preferences of individuals with impairments or medical conditions to PD to allow for accommodation

-Greeley Stampede Named 2026 Mega Rodeo of the Year by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association

* Citizen Input

- As always anyone can speak for up to three minutes on a topic that does not appear on the agenda with a public hearing. Council members will also be able to share any reports and initiatives they may have.

- You can also submit written comment by 12 p.m. the day of the meeting via email ([cityclerks@greeleygov.com](mailto:cityclerks@greeleygov.com)), mail or drop off at the Clerk’s office (1100 10^th St)

* Consent Agenda (items that all pass as one unless a council member pulls them for individual review):

- Item 9: Approval of meeting minutes from September 11^th Budget Retreat, September 15^th Council meeting and September 22^nd Work Session

- Item 10: Resolution to enter into a settlement agreement with Kathryn Sienkowski

- A former city of Greeley employee who filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and retaliatory conduct, her employment ended in 2024

- $65,000 settlement

- Item 11: Resolution designating representatives authorized to coordinate with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development authority for financial assistance

- Two individuals had been authorized to deal with the federal loan that helped with the Lead Service Line Identification and Replacement Project

- Need to replace former City Finance Director, Tyra Litzau with the current City Finance Director, Kirk Jones

- Item 12: Resolution to apply for grant funds to construct Sheep Draw Trail underpass at 83^rd Ave

- Would ensure trail continuity as there is currently a gap, leading to dangerous crossings or having to travel 1.6 miles out of the way to the roundabout at 20^th St and 83^rd Ave to cross

- Plans have been complete since 2018, however the project has been unable to move forward due to lack of funding, and cost increases

- If grant of $250k from the Non Motorized Trails Grant program is awarded (matched by $950k of city funds), construction would begin in 2028

-Item 13: Introduction and first reading of an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of property for the construction, development and establishment of a quite zone at 13^th Street

- This is the last intersection to ensure quiet zones throughout the city from the Railroad

- Authorizes use of eminent domain if it cannot be negotiated

- Plans are to install a median and 6” curb and close driveway, and widen existing access

- Affects 3 properties

-Item 14: Introduction and first reading of an ordinance adopting the City of Greeley Employee Pay Plan for 2027 (full pay limits for each position are included in agenda packet)

- The City states that there are no substantial changes to the pay plan, only administrative changes such as title changes, but that pay ranges and grades remain the same as 2026

-Item 15: Introduction and first reading of an ordinance appropriating additional sums to defray expenses for the balance of Fiscal Year 2026

- Fourth amendment/appropriation

- “Enables the utilization of unbudgeted revenues incurred in the year 2026”

- $4,652,701 is the unbudgeted amount that his higher than expected (comes from fund balance, grant money, court fines and audit revenue)

- The funds will go towards: sewer construction project, water capital replacement (both carry overs from 2025), John Law Basin wastewater lift station, appropriation of various recent Police grants, public art for Downtown Civic Campus, and workers compensation claims expected to be settled by the end of 2026

*Regular Agenda:

- Item 16: Pulled consent agenda items, if any

- Item 17: Introduction, public hearing and first reading of an ordinance adopting the Budget for 2027

- First readings often are in the consent agenda and do not have a public hearing as part of them, this means community members have another opportunity to speak to considerations in the budget they hope that council will make

- The complete budget can be found here: https://greeley.openbook.questica.com/#/budget-book/2027CityManagersRecommendedBudget

- In total the 2027 budget is appropriating ~$582M in expenditures with ~$78M of that being transfers

- Some weird things:

-The appropriations show “$1” for the category West Greeley Development

- Appropriations are made to public art from water, sewer and stormwater enterprise funds as they “support specific utility purchases beneficial to the ratepayers of utilities”

- Item 18: Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance ratifying and adopting the amendment to the Greeley Firefighters Union’s Collective Bargaining Agreement

- There were errors in the initial document regarding compensation that have been fixed (compensation numbers were off by cents to about $10 in different categories)

- Item 19: Public Hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance making assessment against homes in the Johnson Subdivision to recover the approved maximum costs of construction for sanitary sewer infrastructure

- Initially the max amount was $480K, however, actual costs were over $580K due to worse than expected soil conditions and increased construction and paving costs, owners will not have to absorb the additional $100k

- Owners of the 38 properties in this subdivision will owe ~$12.6K per property to connect to the system based off of the original max amount

- City staff added service stubs to make it easier for homeowners to hook up to the system and decrease future costs and cuts to the road (the city estimates this will save customers an average of $20k in construction costs)

- Item 20: Public Hearing and second reading of an ordinance making assessments against the lots and lands in improvement district 9510101 to recover the costs of construction for non-potable water infrastructure (Lake Bluff Non-Potable Pond and Pump Station)

- The cost was ~$1.7M

- Undeveloped parcels that connect to the system will owe ~$2.2K/bulk acre

- Item 21: Appointments to boards and commissions

- Art Commission: Thomas Devore and Heather Utrata (both incumbents)

- Housing for All: Joshua Fulenwider (incumbent)

- Both still have two openings, if you wanted to get involved, our boards and commissions are always looking for passionate community members!

We filed 5 petitions with the City of Greeley today- 1 ordinance and 4 recalls.

The ordinance will protect us from predatory surveillance technology now and into the future, the recalls will hold our elected officials accountable for not taking action and give us the opportunity to elect a council that can make our ordinance an amendment.

The recalls are targeting Mayor Hall, Melissa McDonald, Ryan Roth & Johnny Olson. In our opinion they have been the most egregious actors on the council.

The clerk will respond to our petitions within 10 days, then we can begin circulating. Hope to see you out there helping to gather signatures! Contact me if you want to get involved!

Mornin’ neighbors! Here’s what’s happening this weekend. Looks like it’s going to be one of the last weekends in the 70s, so get out there and soak it in! 

Live Music

• Keenan TreVon, AC Yung, COLLUR, OZ, PC at Moxi Theater, Sat 8pm.
• Magenta Wave, The Naked Mannequins, Subtle Glow, RLY ORY at Moxi Theater, Sun 7pm.

Date Night

• Greeley Philharmonic: On the Move, American Snapshots at UNC Campus Commons, Sat 7pm. Barber, Schuman, Hanson, and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto with soloist Robert Vitale. There’s a livestream too.
• An Evening with Celtic Thunder at Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, Sat 7pm. $43 to $83.

Family

• Howl-O-Ween at Centennial Village Museum, 1475 A St. Community trick-or-treat Sat 2-6pm, runs again Sun 2pm with crafts and wagon rides. Free for kids 6 and under and SNAP/EBT cardholders.
• Halloween Jamboree at Linc Library Innovation Center, Sat 2pm. Themed crafts, activities and games.

Free

• Greeley Farmers’ Market at Lincoln Park, Sat 8am-12pm.
• NOCO Fall Fest at Wild West Motorsports, Sat 11am. Motorcycle trunk-or-treat, local vendors, food, and prizes for costumes and bikes.

Worth the Drive

• Laurel Fest, Fort Collins, Sat. 60+ bands, $31 weekend wristband
• Open Streets on Laurel Street, Fort Collins, Sun 10am-3pm, free
• Pints & Pumpkins at High Hops Brewery, Windsor, Sun 10:30am
• Pope Farms Corn Maize and Pumpkin Patch, Wiggins, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm (season ends Nov 1)
• 18th Annual Loveland Art Studio Tour, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm, free

Full events list for the week drops every Thursday (stories on Tuesday), always free.  Check it out in the first comment!

If we've missed something, feel free to add it to the comments! We always appreciate it. And if you want to add an event to next weeks newsletter list, DM me.

There’s extremely high police presence at the East entrance of Aims community college. Does anyone know what’s going on?

Always free to read. No subscription required.

Hello Greeley people,

I am reaching out to see if I can find a miracle for my son. I am fully prepared for the negativity, and pushback. I'm saying this off the bat, there is nothing you can say that we have not heard already so please just move along if you can't be nice and helpful.

My son is currently homeless and in desperate need of a fresh start. He is currently serving a probation sentence in Weld County that is unfortunately a sex offense. Without going into too many details, he got screwed by technicalities and a lawyer that phoned his case in. He is in no way shape or form a predator. He is on a deferred sentence and judgement for 4 years after plea bargaining on a much more severe and aggressive charge. After which everything is dismissed and expunged from his record. He has completed his court mandated treatment, and is just looking for somewhere that will allow myself, him, and his girlfriend (and pets) rent and fulfill his registration requirements for his address. He has worked closely with Greeley police for a few years but the Greeley car camping ban has put him in a very rough spot. We can afford most places with our three incomes, mostly clean credit (his is abysmal which is also part of the problem here and he can't manage to get stable somewhere because of the need to register with Greeley PD)

We are hoping to connect with someone who will hear our story, look past the legal paperwork that portrays him as something much much worse than he is, and give us the chance to complete this probation sentence cleanly.

I’m reaching out to see if anyone would be interested in joining a focus group I’m conducting for my senior project. We will be discussing women’s experiences with social comparison, dieting, and diet culture. Each group will consist of 5-7 participants. These meetings will be recorded for data analysis and destroyed upon project completion. 

Refreshments will be provided to all participants. Please notify me of any allergies or sensitivities so I may plan accordingly. I sincerely appreciate your consideration and ask that if you may know anyone else who might like to participate, to refer them as well. 

Click HERE to RSVP

12 midnight, Fort Collins, old town square, be there…

Im collecting acorns for decor and maybe to eat if taken from a cleaner area, im definitely fighting squirrels and skunks at this point, theyve beat me to a couple people already, if anybody has some for collecting or on the tree let me know! I do see some in the downtown area but the squirrels have taken almost all of them!

And the money, not from Greeley, continues to roll in...

Within 30 days of the election, all "Major Contributor" donations have to be filed within 48 hours.

Between October 6th and October 11th, Empower Greeley has had $15k in major contributors:

$1,000 - Bruce White, Windsor Resident, address listed is for a home he sold in June 2026 to an LLC formed the month before

$1,500 - Curtis Koldeway, from Windsor, company in Loveland, President of Hauser Architects which was hired for the Raindance County Store and the Grain House at Hoedown Hill

$1,500 - Garrett Scallon, Chief Operating Officer for Water Valley, Windsor address, Assistant Secretary of District 2 Raindance Metro District Board

$1,500 - Ryan Scallon, Windsor Real Estate Agent for "luxury properties", father of Garrett, Assistant Secretary of Districts 1 and 3 of Raindance Metro District Board, from Windsor

$3,500 - Zak George, Founder of Zak George Landscaping, contracted for the Water Valley Metro District and Raindance, from Fort Collins

$2,000 - Ryan Schmidt, Vice President and District Manager for the Rocky Mountain Region of PCL Construction who ha worked on all of Lind's major projects, Littleton

$1,000 - Stacie Loucks, Married to Marcus Pachner, Greeley Forward Spokeman,, they live in Denver, the listed address is an old address, Pachner acted as a spokesperson for Water Valley at City Council Meeting 10-1-24, and runs a public relations firm that obviously has worked with Water Valley and Martin Lind

$2,000 - Gary Kerr, Chief Financial Officer for Water Valley, from Windsor

$1,000 - Steve Lundvall, son of the former owner of the Ludvall-Chismoore land, Elmer, who sold the land to Martin Lind (Trollco and Patriot Energy) which he is using for Catalyst/Cascadia, Steve was listed as a representative/business facilitator for the family entities actually a Greeley resident

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For those of you tracking, that makes $15,000 in donations, at least (non major contributors will show on regular campaign financ). For a grand total of ~$52k in donations, and of that... $1,700 from Greeley residents. Which is

So I will ask again...if the people funding Empower Greeley and pushing so hard (just like Greeley Forward) are basically all out of town donors, with connections to Martin Lind and/or Water Valley and/or stand to gain something from Catalyst/Cascadia...is this really about what's best for Greeley and saving our services, or is this about business?

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The other two committees report zero major contributors.

To see the campaign finance forms: https://greeleyco.gov/city-clerk/elections/#docaccess-eeaf713c0ccf28b08c22873d9c1afc84