Dolores trustees reject wildfire code on first reading
Every trustee voted no on Ordinance 593, which would have adopted the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code. The board also approved a lease resolution, accepted a trustee's resignation and filled a parks committee seat.
The Dolores Board of Trustees voted down a proposed wildfire building code on its first reading Monday night, with every trustee voting no. Minutes the town posted Tuesday record that Ordinance No. 593, which would have adopted the 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code, failed on a roll-call vote after the board raised concerns about insurance coverage, building and maintenance costs, and whether the code fits a small community.
Graphic: Cortez Current. Source: Town of Dolores Board of Trustees minutes, September 28, 2026
Trustee Linnea Peterson moved to approve the ordinance on first reading and Trustee Marie Roan seconded it. The minutes record that all trustees then voted nay and the motion failed. Under the ordinance’s own terms, the minutes say, failing on first reading keeps it from advancing unless the board reintroduces it. A second reading and public hearing had been set for October 12.
The Current reported on September 25 that the meeting packet listed the code as a first reading rather than a final vote, in Dolores trustees take first vote on wildfire code Monday.
During public comment, one resident urged the board not to adopt the code. Two other residents raised maintenance and standing water at the community center and asked the board to look at converting a generator.
What else the board did
- Resolution No. 720, a Comnet/Everest lease agreement, passed unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Curry moved and Trustee Josh Maule seconded.
- Resolution No. 721, covering the resignation of Trustee Peterson and the resulting vacancy, passed unanimously. Curry moved and Trustee Derek Beckman seconded. Peterson thanked the board and staff for the opportunity to serve. The town is now accepting applications for the seat.
- Resolution No. 722, appointing Leif Johnson to the Park/Playground Advisory Committee, passed unanimously. Peterson moved and Roan seconded.
- The consent agenda, which passed unanimously, included the September 14 minutes and approval of the Ryan Subdivision on Central Avenue.
Reports
Town Manager Leigh Reeves told the board the draft comprehensive plan is finished, a food pantry shed is being installed, a candidate has been identified for the vacant town attorney position, and a Bike and Skate Park event is coming up. Montezuma County Commissioner Jim Candelaria reported that the county’s public health director position is open, that an offer has been made for county administrator, that a payroll study has come back, and that chip seal and tree removal work is finished.
The Community Center Advisory Board asked for a maximum 2027 budget of $21,900 and reminded the board about the Stone Soup event.
The board added a board retreat and community engagement to future agendas and asked staff to bring back options on a Dolores Public Library matter at the next meeting. A workshop began at 5:30 p.m., the regular meeting was called to order at 5:54 p.m. by Mayor Chris Holkestad with all trustees present, and the meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m.
The minutes are posted on the Town of Dolores Town Board Meetings page.