The Bluff Town Council held a work session on September 8, 2026, to address several municipal issues, including a long-standing road dispute and the introduction of a new Emergency Services Coordinator. According to meeting minutes approved on September 15, 2026, officials discussed employee benefits, housing initiatives, and a proposed interlocal agreement with Monticello City.
During the public comment period, several residents expressed frustration regarding an illegal road closure on Six West going south from Larkspur that occurred on September 3, 2026. Residents Bev Kier, Joyce Martini, Lois Young, and Ginny Burns argued that the blocked route is a taxpayer-funded Class C road that residents use daily to access their homes. They urged the council to intervene and remove obstructions to prevent further liability and resolve the decades-old issue.
Nizhoni Begay was introduced as the new Emergency Services Coordinator, bringing a background in EMS, wildland fire, and volunteer structure fire. The council discussed core priorities for the role, including developing an official emergency alert plan, conducting defensible space inventories for wildfire mitigation, and supporting the Volunteer Fire Department with hands-on training. The council also agreed that the existing town siren should be incorporated into the emergency alert plan alongside text and door-to-door notifications.
The council reviewed several administrative updates, including a drafted employee benefits policy and a proposed interlocal agreement with Monticello City. The agreement would allow Bluff's Building Official to provide services to Monticello for an annual fee of $10,000, covering up to 24 visits and 66 hours of work. Additionally, the council discussed a housing consultant request for proposals, aiming to release the document before the end of the month to address housing priorities by year-end.
Regarding legal matters, Mayor Josh Ewing stated that the council is currently reviewing proposals for a new contract with a town attorney. He clarified that the current attorney is Chris McAnany from Grand Junction. The council also declined to move into an executive session to discuss litigation, determining that the legal requirements for imminent litigation could not be met in good faith at that time.
Upcoming community events include an Emergency Services Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser at the Bluff Fire Station on September 19, 2026, from 8-10 AM, and Community Clean Up Days on September 29 and 30, 2026. A Meet-the-Candidates Night is scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Bluff Community Center.
