On Tuesday, the Cortez City Council voted to approve neighborhood access to the Conquistador Golf Course, hoping to resolve a debate that has lasted several months.
The Golf Advisory Board began discussing possible private golf cart access to the east side of the course in March 2017, at the request of several membership holders who live on that side. City staff and golfers have been struggling then to come to an agreement that would allow them access to the course while limiting unauthorized access. On Tuesday, the council approved a resolution that will allow the neighborhood group East Conquistador Access LLC, to create and maintain an access on its members’ property, and the first reading of an ordinance that will prohibit access to the course from any entrance not approved by the city.
City Attorney Mike Green said he saw the two measures as a satisfactory end to a long debate. The project has been driven by residents like Keenan Lovett, who worked to identify property that could be used for an access, and A.J. Keesee, who donated property for the entrance.
“Shane and I had the easy job because we only had to argue with each other and come to an agreement,” Green said. “Mr. Lovett had to get a whole bunch of people in the neighborhood to come together and agree to get something done.”
The resolution passed unanimously, with Bob Archibeque absent.
The city also approved the first reading of an ordinance that requires all golfers to check in at the Golf Pro Shop before starting play, regardless of where they entered the course, and imposes penalties “up to and including” revocation of a course pass for those who enter through an unauthorized access. Green brought the same ordinance before the council in July 2017, but it was tabled after the homeowners who were working on the east access protested. On Tuesday, after approving those homeowners’ proposed access, the council passed its first reading unanimously. They will take a final vote on it during a public hearing on Feb. 13.
Other actionDuring the meeting, the council also:
Held a public hearing and OK’d wording for a ballot question that asks voters to extend and reduce the Cortez Recreation Center sales tax. Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation to receive funds for sidewalk ramps on Main Street.Approved minor amendments to the contract between the city and the Montezuma-Cortez School District for purchase of the old high school building.Approved an IGA with the Montezuma County Clerk’s Office to help organize the municipal election.Approved two measures establishing the town’s emergency plans.Re-appointed Tom Rennick to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Advisory Board.Approved a boundary adjustment for property on North Broadway belonging to Robinson Keith Pope.Approved a grant agreement with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs to pay for an internship program.