Gunnison City Council approves $180K irrigation filter, raises waste fees and discusses sister-city partnerships
By Coleen Ogden and Robert Stevens
GUNNISON— The City Council approved a $184,918 irrigation filter contract and increases to waste-collection and landfill fees at its Wednesday, Nov. 4, meeting.
Rates and irrigation
Under Resolution 2026-10, the monthly city collection fee for a primary garbage cart will rise from $15.65 to $16. The fee for each additional cart will increase from $2.50 to $5.50, while the county landfill charge will go from $3.60 to $4.60. For a household with one garbage cart, the two changes will add $1.35 to the monthly bill.
City Administrator Dennis Marker said the city’s new five-year contract with White Sanitation includes charges that vary with fuel costs. Mayor Mike Wanner said county landfill officials were considering higher fees but had not set the amount, prompting the council to approve the additional $1 charge in anticipation of increased costs.
The council also accepted the low bid from HP Excavating to install a filter where irrigation water leaves the city pond. The work was initially estimated at $150,000. The filter is expected to remove debris before it enters the pressurized irrigation system, although officials said it would not remove all weeds.
Marker’s report said the project would remain within the broader irrigation metering budget, financed through a funding package consisting of a 70 percent federal grant and 30 percent state loan. Officials said no additional rate increase was necessary for the filter.
Other approved fee changes established a $500 rental rate for the entire city park, separate from bowery rentals, which do not give renters exclusive use of the playground. The dividing time for half-day park rentals changed from 2 to 3 p.m. The city also discontinued grave openings on city-recognized holidays and added Mayfield to communities whose residents are exempt from library patron fees.
Dog park and sister-city proposals
Gunnison resident Vern Miller proposed using about an acre of city-owned land near the Riverwalk and 100 East for a fenced dog park. His proposal includes clearing debris, installing chain-link fencing, providing waste-bag stations and trash containers, and possibly adding seating. Miller offered to contribute $1,000 toward materials and help with the work.
“I can donate $1,000 to help with the material expense,” Miller told the council.
Wanner and Marker said the idea could be considered during budget discussions in February or March. The city has also discussed longer-term improvements to the property, including walking trails, benches and other park amenities. No dog park was approved.
On another community proposal, Marker outlined sister-city partnerships suggested by his brother, Travis Marker, an attorney involved with the Gunnison Main Street effort.
Prospects include Goshen, New Hampshire, birthplace of Capt. John Williams Gunnison; Gunnison, Colorado, whose Main Street organization has expressed interest in a connection; and communities in Denmark and France with local historical or business ties.
Members also discussed possible cultural exchanges and student pen pals. The council agreed to explore the idea but approved no agreement or funding.
Other council business
During public comment, resident Sam Roach asked the city to address an unimproved stretch of Veterans Way near his home and an apartment complex. Roach and his wife said they had paid to improve the road to their property and raised concerns about muddy conditions and children’s safety.
Wanner disclosed that his business partner owns adjacent property that may be developed. City staff will review costs and potential road work. The council took no action because the matter was not on its agenda.
Police Chief Jason Adamson reported October calls for service were about 37 percent above average. The department issued 47 citations and 35 warnings and made eight arrests. County Attorney Kevin Daniels introduced himself as Gunnison’s justice court prosecutor and told council members they could contact him with questions.
Marker separately reported that funding partners had cleared the city’s park improvement project to begin design work. The city hopes to seek bids by January and have pickleball courts ready by July 4, 2027.
Steven Saulter, who helps organize the city’s Independence Day fireworks, said the expanded 250th-anniversary display cost about $19,500 this year. He suggested reviewing what a $15,000 to $16,000 show would provide next year.
He also discussed purchasing a large LED video wall, estimated at $10,000 to $18,000, rather than renting one for nearly $6,000. Neither expenditure was approved.
Council member Kim Pickett reported nearly $10,000 in donations toward new Christmas displays, with about $26,000 worth of decorations and lights expected. He said the city’s eventual contribution should be under $5,000.
The city is also considering decorative lighting along Main Street. Gunnison’s light parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m., followed by Centerfield’s tree lighting Monday, Nov. 30.