Apr 21 Montrose City Council Recap: Leadership Transition, Infrastructure Investments, and Community Updates

The Montrose City Council’s April 21 meeting covered a wide range of city business, from leadership changes and infrastructure investments to community recognition and financial updates. The session marked a transition point for council leadership while advancing several key projects shaping the city’s growth and services.

Earth Week and Arbor Day Proclamations

Council opened the meeting with proclamations recognizing Earth Week (April 19–25) and Arbor Day (April 24), highlighting the importance of environmental stewardship across the community.

City staff shared details on local events tied to the week, including sustainability education efforts, trail work opportunities, and an Earth Action Celebration. Residents were encouraged to participate and take steps toward protecting natural resources and supporting Montrose’s urban forestry efforts.

Youth City Council Recognized

Members of the Youth City Council were recognized for their contributions, including graduating seniors who have participated in community initiatives and civic engagement efforts.

Youth leaders shared updates on recent activities like a nonprofit expo and community cleanup efforts. Outgoing members reflected on their experience, emphasizing the program’s role in building leadership skills and encouraging long-term civic involvement.

New Mayor and Council Leadership Selected

A central moment in the meeting was the transition of council leadership following the April municipal election.

Newly elected members were sworn in, and the council selected Michael J. Badagliacco as mayor and Ed Ulibarri as mayor pro tem for the 2026–2027 term. The mayor is selected annually by council members, rather than through a direct public vote.

In remarks following the selection, Badagliacco emphasized the importance of community participation and noted that public engagement is essential to maintaining strong local governance.

Outgoing Leaders Honored for Service

Council recognized several outgoing leaders, including former mayor Dave Frank and longtime council members Judy Ann Files and Doug Glaspell.

Their service included leadership on major city initiatives such as the Public Safety Complex and ongoing infrastructure projects. Officials highlighted their lasting contributions to Montrose’s development and community priorities.

Land Use and Development Approvals

Council approved several development-related items during the meeting:

• A right-of-way vacation near North Cascade Avenue and Weldon Road to align outdated parcel layouts
• Annexation and zoning of a 1.23-acre property for residential development
• Final plat approval for Bridges at Black Canyon Filing No. 11, creating 14 new residential lots

City staff noted these actions support planned growth within existing service areas and align with long-term development strategies.

Infrastructure Projects Move Forward

A significant portion of the meeting focused on infrastructure investments, with council approving multiple funding items:

• $2.6 million contract for the 2026 street maintenance program
• $240,000 for sidewalk improvements and trip hazard mitigation
• $229,200 reimbursement for replacement of aging water lines along Miami Road

City officials emphasized that replacing older infrastructure, particularly aging water lines, is critical to maintaining reliability and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Public Safety and Operations Investments

Additional approvals included:

• $300,000 for pavement markings and roadway striping across the city
• $59,147 for new Taser 10 devices for the Montrose Police Department

Police officials noted the new devices are part of a broader effort to expand less-lethal options and improve accountability through integration with body camera systems.

Sales Tax Update Shows Mixed Trends

City staff presented a financial update showing modest growth in retail sales tax collections but declines in construction-related revenue.

Year-to-date totals showed slight decreases overall, with officials noting that seasonal factors and slower winter construction activity likely contributed to the trend.

Community Events and Economic Activity

Council members also highlighted upcoming events and their economic impact, including a regional fly-fishing film event expected to draw visitors to Montrose.

Officials noted that tourism-related activity continues to play a role in supporting local businesses and broader community investments.

Looking Ahead

The April 21 meeting reflected both continuity and change, with new leadership stepping into key roles while ongoing projects continue to move forward. Council members emphasized the importance of public participation and encouraged residents to stay engaged in local decision-making.

Watch the Full Meeting

For those who want to dive deeper into the discussion, including full presentations, council deliberations, and public comments, the complete meeting recording is available below.