Council approves licensing code update, Lower Park Avenue outreach contract and ignition-source resolution; Mine Bench housing RFP returns in September
July 14, 2022, 2:30 p.m. · City Council Chambers, 445 Marsac Avenue
On July 14, 2022 the council, with Council Member Max Doilney excused, approved all action items 4-0, including Title 4 licensing changes, a $60,000 public involvement contract for the Lower Park Avenue project and a resolution ratifying the fireworks and ignition-source ban. In a work session members questioned the draft request for proposals for housing at 7700 Marsac Avenue (Mine Bench), and staff will bring it back in September.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item Work · Development
Mine Bench (7700 Marsac Avenue) work plan and RFP update
Discussed
The 29.07-acre property includes Area A (11.2 acres), which staff considered best for housing, and Area B (6.5 acres). The RFP would seek affordable rental housing with a ground lease and net-zero construction. Rubell worried net-zero requirements could push costs above affordable levels, opposed Area A for steep slopes and wanted a longer RFP period; Dickey preferred a three-month open period and keeping both areas open and said the waterfall provisions would exclude Old Town; Gerber said staff was on the right track; Toly agreed on the waterfall concerns. The item returns in September; no vote.
- Acres: 29.07 (Area A 11.2, Area B 6.5)
Item II.1 · Appointment
Historic Preservation Board appointments
Approved · 4-0
Council appointed seven members to staggered terms beginning July 2022 on the planning director's recommendation.
Item III.1 · Other
Resolution 14-2022: McPolin Barn Centennial Month
Approved · 4-0
Declares August 2022 McPolin Barn Centennial Month. Friends of the Farm speakers reviewed the barn's history, including a $1 million investment in 2016 for steel beams, alarms and fire suppression.
Item VII · Contract
Consent agenda: grazing leases, inspection contract, self-insurance payment, stairs design amendment
Approved · 4-0
Items were grazing leases with Gillmor Ranching LLC at $10 each for city property along SR 248 and Clark Ranch Open Space; an Epic Engineering inspection contract for private developments; a $223,251.53 self-insurance payment for a settlement; and an amendment with Alliance Engineering for the 9th and 10th Street Stairs.
- Fee$10 to Gillmor Ranching LLC
- Contract$225,000 to Epic Engineering
- Payment$223,252
- Change order$24,000 to Alliance Engineering, Inc.
Item VIII.1 · Public safety
Resolution 15-2022: prohibiting ignition sources
Approved · 4-0
Ratifies the ordinance passed weeks earlier banning fireworks and certain open flames. Staff said outdoor wood-burning fire pits are banned but permits may be granted.
Item IX.1 · City code
Ordinance 2022-23: Title 4 general licensing amendments
Approved · 4-0
Aligns the code with state law: updates food truck rules under H.B. 146, raises single-event alcohol permits from 12 to 24 a year under S.B. 176, renames the alcohol control department and removes vending machine licensing.
Item IX.2 · Contract
Avenue Consultants public involvement for Lower Park Avenue project
Approved · 4-0
Outreach starts in August; design and utility relocation are planned for 2023 and construction in 2024. Staff said the project is major and warrants outside help. Rubell asked that collected data identify its source.
- Contract$60,000 to Avenue Consultants
Item IX.3 · City code
Ordinance 2022-24: Title 2, Chapter 3 council procedures
Approved · 4-0
Deletes sections covered by state code, which sets a quorum at three voting members, so a mayor and two council members meeting do not constitute a quorum. Rubell suggested reevaluating liaison assignments; the mayor suggested the September retreat.
What residents said
Condominium building defectsAffordable housing needMine Bench slopes and cost
Central Park Condos homeowners association members raised building flaws and asked the city to confirm structural soundness. One speaker called the need for affordable housing dire.