Budget pressures and a fractured relationship between D51 and MVEA.
GJ City Council voted unanimously May 21 to censure City Council member Jason Nguyen. n City Council censures Nguyen
5
n Skatepark bathroom cleanup
City of GJ addresses concerns with increased service and oversight.
6
n Popular trail area gets pedestriancrossing signal
The City of GJ installed a High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK) signal at the location of the Monument Trail crossing on Monument Road. 10
n New CFO chosen for the City of GJ
Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett announced Jay Valentine was selected to be the city’s chief financial officer.
Gov. Jared
A New law addresses litigation exposure for builders of multi-family homes Kickstarting condo construction
Tim Harty The Business Times
new law aimed at reducing litigation exposure that Colorado building contractors face when building multi-family homes such as condominiums is being viewed primarily as a step in the right direction by Grand Valley stakeholders. But they don’t see it being an affordable-housing panacea.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed HB25-1272 into law on May 12 after it received resounding bipartisan support, passing 61-3 in the Colorado House and 31-4 in the Senate.
Now called The Colorado American Dream Act, the new law had strong support from the likes of the Colorado Association of Realtors, which heralded it on a fact sheet as introducing “fair and balanced reforms to construction litigation, ensuring that high-quality homes are built, problems are fixed and excessive costs that deter development can be reined in.”
For the Colorado General Assembly’s summarization of the law, see the Info Box accompanying this story on Page 9. To see the whole bill, go online to leg.colorado. gov/bills/hb25-1272.
At its core, the new law addresses lawsuits, especially the class-action variety on multi-family homes, where homeowners associations come into play. That litigation exposure and the cost to insure against it often are the first things a building contractor will cite for reasons it doesn’t build condominiums in Colorado.
Case in point, FCI Constructors President and CEO Shane Haas said multifamily home construction is less than 5 percent of the Grand Junction-based company’s projects, adding, “We steer clear of them because of the litigation exposure.”
these homeowners to, if there are defects, have them fixed, and yet at the same time not be so punitive as to just discourage the development community from even building these types of houses.”
GOOD START, BUT MORE NEEDED
Asked if the law will make a difference, Schwenke said it’s “wait and see,” but she ultimately believes it doesn’t do enough.
“I think it was a good attempt,” she said. “I think the opt-in provision – contractors do have a choice whether or not they want to opt into basically a proactive defense – that was good. I think raising the minimum number required for a class action with regard to attached housing, that was good.”
Schwenke said she has talked with builders who are hopeful, or, “I wanna say they’re hopeful, but they’re not jumping up and down for joy, I guess that’s the way to say it. … There’s hopefulness, and there’s skepticism around the bill at this point, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”
INCENTIVIZED BY WARRANTIES
The key way to reduce exposure is the law’s provision that a builder voluntarily can provide the home buyer a written warranty that: covers building defects up to six years for major structural defects; two years for plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling systems; and one year for workmanship and materials.
Then, in the event of a building defect, the homeowner, instead of suing, must first give the builder the chance to do the repair. If that doesn’t fix the problem, then the homeowner can sue the builder, and there is a two-year statute of limitation for the homeowner to be able to file suit.
As the principal of Schwenke Solutions and a governmental affairs consultant for the Grand Junction Area Realtors Association and the Housing and Building Association of Western Colorado, Diane Schwenke views the new law from the perspective of real estate agents and builders.
She said the intent of the legislation is to basically take away some of the risk of litigation that has been on the rise for attached homes, townhomes and condominiums, because the litigation has resulted in some enormous insurance claims. In turn the number of insurance providers for such homes have decreased, and without insurance or with cost-prohibitive insurance, many builders will seek projects other than multi-family.
“The intent of the bill,” she said, “was to basically try and balance out the rights of
Colorado House District 54 Rep. Matt Soper voted for the bill, and similar to Schwenke, he likes that the warranty aspect is voluntary. Also, like Schwenke, Soper thinks more still needs to be done.
“This is a step in the right direction and maybe even a leap in the right direction, but certainly if folks are calling this a silver bullet or the end-all to our housing crisis in Colorado, that is completely inaccurate,” he said. “This is moving forward towards trying to have more multifamily units come online.”
Grand Junction’s Randy Whetzell, chairman of the Colorado Association of Home Builders’ executive committee, is also of the mind more needs to be done to benefit builders to ultimately bring about more multifamily building projects.
However, he accepts the new law as a respectable, balanced starting point.
“I feel like it ended up in a pretty good place or the best that we could hope for, just given the litigious environment we’re in today,” Whetzell said. “It does offer good homeowner protections, but it’s not so overreaching that frankly a builder doesn’t wanna do business in Colorado anymore. I think it landed in a satisfactory spot.
“That was kind of the best I think we could hope for. With this evolution of it, the hope would be that we’ve addressed what those overall concerns are and kept it – I don’t wanna say soft, but maybe benign enough, because it is scary for a home builder to either go into a subdivision that they’re the primary builder or going into a big multifamily project, because there is so much exposure.
“I think this kept enough teeth out of it that it’s not gonna run guys off and discourage them from doing those kind of projects, but I think there’s enough teeth in it that it will discourage the guys that would be bad actors potentially in building a project.”
INSURANCE WILL BE TELL-TALE
Reducing the litigation exposure only makes a difference for builders if it allows them to get insurance that is more affordable for multi-family, new-construction projects or to get insurance at all.
See CONSTRUCTION on Page 9
Construction tools. Photo by Tim Harty.
Mesa County joins lawsuit regarding air-quality regulations
The Board of Mesa County Commissioners voted to join the West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association (WSCOGA) as a co-plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging recent revisions to Colorado’s air-quality regulations.
The lawsuit contests the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission’s Feb. 14 enactment of new greenhouse gas rules that could force the closure of local energy facilities.
The board formally approved participation in the lawsuit through a resolution during its May 20 public hearing.
According to a news release from Mesa County, the new regulations require oil and gas companies that operate pipelines, compressor stations and other midstream facilities to convert to electric power –an option that is costly and, in many cases, not feasible – or shut down.
“Mesa County supports clean air, but these new rules ignore the realities of our region,” said Cody Davis, chairman of the Mesa County Commission. “These one-sizefits-all mandates don’t work for western Colorado and could cost our communities jobs, tax revenues and economic stability.”
According to the news release, the commissioners noted the impacts of these regulations would fall hardest on rural counties like Mesa County, where energy jobs and the infrastructure that supports them are key parts of the local economy. They also raised concerns about unintended consequences, including the potential for higher emissions if local operators are forced to shut down, and oil and gas are transported from out-of-state sources instead.
“These new rules are intended to protect the environment, but ironically, they may do more harm than good, especially in rural communities like ours,” Davis said. “We have to pay attention to the unintended consequences.”
By joining the lawsuit, Mesa County aims to ensure the voices of Western Slope communities are represented in the legal challenge and to advocate for balanced regulations that protect the environment and the local economy.
F
District 51 and MVEA Deadlock: Budget pressures and a fractured relationship
Brandon Leuallen
The Business Times
During a packed and emotionally charged meeting last week, the Mesa County Valley School District 51 Board of Education heard more than an hour of public comment as it entered its first contract impasse with the Mesa Valley Education Association (MVEA) in more than 40 years.
Union members accused the school board of failing to communicate and failing to collaborate.
Board members countered that they typically have an empty room at board meetings, and they sat through months of committee meetings designed for collaboration before contract negotiations without receiving any proposals.
District’s Perspective: Budget Strains and Shrinking Enrollment
District 51 Finance Director Melanie Trujillo laid out the financial pressures bearing down on the district. She cited a $2.8 million increase in insurance costs this year, with another $1.4 million projected next year. On top of that and other cost increases, she mentioned possible funding losses from changes in student-count averaging in future years, because overall enrollment continues to decline.
According to Board President Andrea Haitz, the district previously had the lowest reserve-fund balance among comparable districts in the state, but it has since worked to rebuild it for one-time emergency costs, even while fiscal challenges remain severe. It’s something the district is working to maintain for potential economic shifts or enrollment drops to be able to give the district a soft landing if facing extreme challenges, including layoffs.
Several teachers criticized the board for not being present in the negotiating room. That practice was changed in 2021 when the board at that time decided to delegate contract negotiations to professional staff. That decision was supported by thenboard members Doug Levinson and Karie Sholtes, along with current members Haitz, Angela Lema and Will Jones.
Haitz explained the reasoning: Board members are not contract experts. She said most Colorado school districts use professional staff to handle negotiations, and District 51’s previous model of board-
member involvement was actually the exception. She said board members are involved in the process by viewing all negotiation sessions and providing input when needed.
Union members Concerns: Classrooms, Compensation, and Communication
MVEA President Amy Sue Javernick and union members advocated for smaller class sizes, improved safety protocols and salary-step increases.
Casey Cole, a former teacher and negotiations participant, criticized the board’s decision to stop paying half of the MVEA president’s salary, describing it as a break from long-standing tradition that has fueled distrust between the district and the union and contributed to the current impasse.
Teacher Kerry Hicks acknowledged progress on safety language in the master agreement. She also criticized the district’s offer of a one-time payment in place of the contractual step increase, calling it “a pay freeze that causes teachers to fall further behind financially.”
On class sizes, Hicks shared a personal story of managing 29 first-graders without timely support, calling the current system inadequate and unacceptable.
“There is a clear disconnect,” said Sean Henry, a district teacher. “We brought ideas and proposals to solve problems. What we got in return was silence or rejection.”
Middle school teacher Amber Shannon added, “We’re not just here to get raises; we’re here to make classrooms safe and manageable. I have 35 kids in a class and no support. That’s a failure of leadership.”
Veteran teacher Shelby Fredson voiced frustration at the board’s absence from talks, saying, “You’re making decisions that impact us without even hearing what we’re dealing with.”
Tracy Sack, another former negotiations team member, added, “If the board really wanted to solve problems, they’d be in the room with us. Instead, they’re hiding behind procedure.”
District 51 school psychologist Mo McDougall described increasing burnout and lack of support in her job.
“We asked for a small stipend to attract in-person psychologists. The district wouldn’t even consider it. Instead, they’re paying contractors more to do less for our kids,” she said.
Another teacher, Kelly McKay, said, “We’re not asking for luxury; we’re asking for support. The message we’re getting is that we don’t matter.”
A Dissenting Voice
Christy Anderson, a teacher and former MVEA member, offered a counternarrative regarding the board, reminding the room of previous pay increases.
“My pay has gone up 30 percent,”
Anderson said.
She accused the union of using the negotiation process as a political strategy. She said past boards that were financially backed by the union didn’t face this level of hostility when decisions didn’t go in the union’s favor.
Jones responded to criticism about not communicating, saying, “Most board meetings are empty. Now we’re being accused of not listening?”
He emphasized it’s difficult to be transparent and collaborative when few people show up or engage, noting that meaningful dialogue requires consistent involvement.
Haitz responded to the idea that the board was not collaborating, noting she and others sat through months of Educational Research and Proactive Collaboration committee meetings, waiting to hear proposals that never came.
“We didn’t get a single policy proposal on class size or safety until negotiations began,” she said.
Lema pointed to the scale of union requests and the district’s limited resources.
“We’re ranked 174 out of 178 districts in Colorado for funding. If someone knows how to change that, show me the way,” she said.
“Step increases alone cost $3.4 million,” Lema added. “We only received $1 million in additional funding this year. That’s not sustainable.”
“I don’t even want to talk about what happens if we don’t get that money the next year, because that means reductions. And nobody wants to go backwards.”
No standing room
The meeting drew a large crowd that resulted in dozens of attendees being unable to enter the building, as the district enforced a no-standing-room policy, citing safety concerns. That decision heightened tensions with the emotionally charged crowd outside, and its cheers and boos could be heard from within the boardroom.
Jessica Herns, who previously ran against board member José Luis Chávez, used her public-comment time to announce she’s running again for the District A seat. Applause erupted from the crowd outside.
Lema said the policy has been in place at recent meetings, and that overflow rooms were used in the past during winter months. Staff rotated attendees into the room to fill seats that opened. Some chose to stay outside. Staff also informed scheduled speakers that it was their turn to comment.
Moving forward
The district said impasse mediation will happen July 14. The budget has to be approved by June, but there can be an amendment if there is a fiscal agreement that requires it.
Andrea Haitz
Amy Sue Javernick
City Council censures Nguyen; Councilor issues public apology
Brandon Leuallen
The Business Times
The Grand Junction City Council voted unanimously May 21 to censure Council member Jason Nguyen, following public outcry over a social media comment that appeared to advocate for a boycott of local businesses opposed to a downtown transportation project. Nguyen issued a formal apology during the council meeting and seconded the motion to censure himself.
The controversy stemmed from a Facebook comment by Nguyen, reported by The Business Times, in which he suggested compiling a list of businesses that opposed the now-defeated Fourth and Fifth Streets pilot project.
“I’d suggest anyone who cares about safety not spend money at these places,” Nguyen wrote.
The comment triggered widespread criticism from the business community and the public, with calls for his resignation circulating online.
At the meeting, Nguyen addressed the issue during his council board report, using the time to read a prepared apology.
“First and foremost, I particularly regret what I said. It is not the right message regardless of whether or not I’m functioning as a council person or private citizen,” Nguyen said. “Politics is at its worst when everything is treated as a zerosum game … I briefly lost sight of that reality. I’m truly sorry for my comment and the false divisions it created. I will be better in the future, and I look forward to continuing to work for a stronger community and downtown.”
City Council then heard public comment and engaged in discussion about a resolution titled “A Resolution Regarding Communication and City Council Conduct,” which formally censured Nguyen for his remarks. The resolution acknowledged his “intemperate” language, affirmed his expression of regret and urged the public to accept his apology.
During the meeting, City Attorney John Shaver urged the council to adopt the resolution “as presented.”
Council member Robert Ballard made the motion to adopt the resolution, which Nguyen seconded. The measure passed unanimously, 7–0.
Before the vote, several community members spoke during public comment, including Niki Hunn, owner of Hunn Jewelers, one of the businesses that had publicly opposed the Fourth and Fifth Street pilot program. Hunn expressed concern about Nguyen’s remarks, which she felt targeted her for exercising her First Amendment rights.
“I’m actually one of the business owners that was asked to be boycotted, because I spoke up about Fourth and Fifth,” said Hunn, who then cited a Daily Sentinel poll in which 70.6 percent of respondents supported the council’s decision to end the pilot.
“Thank you to the four council members,” Hunn said, referring to those who voted to reverse the pilot program’s changes to Fourth and Fifth Streets. “No thank you to Jason for speaking out about my business. I don’t appreciate you.”
Former Mayor Abe Herman also addressed the council and emphasized the importance of accountability while commending Nguyen’s response.
“Jason’s response to this was a model,” Herman said. “He’s apologized; he’s owned it … What you do on council is greater than any one of us that comes and goes. And at this moment, showing grace and understanding for the mistakes that all of us have made online is a big thing to do.”
Council member Ben Van Dyke echoed those sentiments, urging accountability and grace.
“I felt very much like the downtown businesses when I initially heard this,” Van Dyke said. “But stepping back and recognizing how passionate Council member Nguyen is about this project and our community… sometimes we have to give our neighbors a little bit of leniency.”
Nguyen further addressed the issue during a nearly seven-minute segment on the Better Together podcast, where he admitted the post was written in a moment of frustration and as “retribution,” following the council’s vote to remove the bike lanes.
Jason Nguyen
Skatepark bathroom cleanup
City addressing concerns with increased service and oversight
Brandon Leuallen The Business Times
Concerns about restroom conditions at Emerson Park Skatepark have prompted action and transparency from the City of Grand Junction.
During a follow-up interview after The Business Times ran a story about skatepark bathroom complaints in its May 21 edition, Grand Junction Parks and Recreation Director Ken Sherbenou shared how the city is responding and what users can expect moving forward.
Sherbenou said the city is aware of the challenges and is actively working to address them. The two portable restrooms at the skatepark are serviced by Ready Services on a regular schedule on Tuesdays and Fridays.
In response to recent complaints, the city is working to increase the frequency of service from the contractor. In the meantime, city staff have stepped in to help fill the gaps, and communication with Ready Services has been stepped up to ensure standards are being met.
For behavioral issues, such as someone occupying a unit for an inordinate amount of time or vandalizing, Sherbenou recommended contacting the nonemergency dispatch line at 970-244-2677.
Park behavioral issues are addressed by the city’s municipal park ranger program, which includes 10 trained rangers who patrol busy parks such as Emerson. Rangers are equipped to enforce park rules, address low-level infractions and call police officers when necessary. They are often seen on e-bikes, wearing yellow vests, and are a key part of maintaining safety and comfort in public spaces.
Sherbenou addressed the current fencing around the grassy areas of the skatepark. He said the fencing is in place to protect newly seeded grass and is expected to come down by late June or early July.
Ken Sherbenou
Once the area is open, more programming and events will be scheduled at the park. A large skate competition is already being planned for September.
During such events, the city will bring in additional portable restrooms and increase servicing frequency to accommodate larger crowds.
Sherbenou also addressed why the city decided to use portable toilets at the new park. He said the cost of a permanent facility would have ranged from $300,000 to $500,000. By comparison, the protective enclosure around the portable restrooms cost about $15,000. The savings allowed the city to invest more money and leave more room for skate features.
“A permanent restroom would have significantly reduced the size of the skatepark and created long-term maintenance issues,” Sherbenou said. He added the restroom issues are partly a result of the skatepark’s popularity, meaning high visitor traffic is leading to heavy restroom use.
“We’re listening, adapting and committed to making Emerson the best it can be,” Sherbenou said.
Sherbenou emphasized the importance of frequent servicing, but he added, “Toilets are generally only as clean as the last person who used them.”
He said one unit was temporarily closed after a social media post revealed unsanitary conditions, which the city confirmed were caused by trash overflow.
Sherbenou encouraged residents to report facility issues, such as overflowing restrooms or units left in poor condition, by calling Parks and Recreation at 970-2543866 or emailing gjparksandrec@gjcity.org. F
area is open, programming will be the park. large skate is being planned September. such events, bring in portable frequency why the toilets at the permanent $300,000 protective restrooms allowed and leave would size of long-term said. issues are popularity, leading to adapting and the best it importance added, clean as the temporarily revealed the city overflow. residents to overflowing condition, by 970-254gjparksandrec@gjcity.org.
City of Grand Junction seeks proposals to address homelessness
The City of Grand Junction, in collaboration with Mesa County and key community leaders, released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Comprehensive Community Solutions for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness.
The request for proposals aims to identify and financially support organizations in delivering services aligned with the city’s strategic priorities on homelessness, the city said in a news release.
Interested organizations can access the solicitation documents at the city’s Purchasing Bids page at gjcity.org/purchasingbids or by calling 970-244-1545. Submissions are due by June 26 before 1 p.m.
The city is requesting proposals that serve a significant number of individuals or households and directly address one or more of the following community-identified needs:
• Shortage of affordable housing specific to unhoused individuals.
• Shelter and housing options for acute needs.
• Housing instability and displacement.
• Access to supportive services and basic needs.
• System improvement, coordination and collaboration.
Proposals are asked to include components such as: demonstration of relevant experience; detailed program descriptions; capital costs; and operational budgets.
Proposals must demonstrate a clear plan for operation and financial stability over a one-to-three-year period. Funding requests may range from a minimum of $75,000 as a one-time request to a maximum of $500,000 per year, for up to three years, which may be distributed across multiple projects or contracts.
According to the news release, this funding opportunity is part of the City of Grand Junction’s ongoing efforts to address a 60 percent increase in homelessness since 2019, driven in part by rising housing costs that have far outpaced wage growth.
In July 2024, the city adopted an Unhoused Strategy & Implementation Plan, a community-wide initiative aimed at closing critical service gaps and achieving “Functional Zero” homelessness.
To implement the plan, nine workgroups were established, each focusing on a strategic priority such as housing stability, outreach and public health. These groups comprise service providers, subject-matter experts, faith-based partners, community members and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.
According to the news release, plan implementation is jointly led by the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County and the Mesa County Collaborative for the Unhoused (MCCUH) fostering a coordinated response to homelessness.
More details about the city’s housing initiatives and strategies can be found online at gjcity.org or by contacting housing@gjcity.org.
Construction
Continued from Page 2
Grand Junction-based BOA Builders has been in business since 1982, and Charlie Gechter, who co-owns the company with his wife, Wendi, has seen firsthand how the insurance market has tightened for building multi-home developments.
“So many insurance companies left or will refuse to write a policy for a (general contractor) doing condos in Colorado,” Gechter said. “We haven’t necessarily had any problems with singlefamily homes or townhouses, but it’s getting worse and worse.”
If the new law doesn’t affect changes in the availability and cost of insurance, Gechter said it won’t lead to the new, affordable housing that the law’s supporters envision.
“It ultimately comes down to: If a general contractor like myself can’t get insurance, because there’s no insurance companies that will insure in Colorado, then it doesn’t matter. I still can’t build them,” he said.
Addressing the same issue, Schwenke said she’s not sure the new law is enough for the insurance industry to re-enter the market.
“We’re not sure if it’s gonna be enough to encourage home builders to actually go back into building townhomes in this state like they did 20 years ago,” she said.
Whetzell added, “The insurance is a really big piece” of what builders need in order to proceed with multi-family developments.
“There are a lot of insurance companies that just will not insure guys if they’re doing that kind of project, so it’s getting fewer and farther between, which companies that you can get to insure you,” he said. “And if they are finding them, it’s really, really expensive. So, when we’re talking about housing affordability or housing attainability ... all that stuff feeds into that.”
If more affordable insurance is required to get builders to take on multifamily homes again, then there’s an insurance conundrum, because insurance carriers will want to see claim frequency and claim payouts trend downward before they relent.
If neither side has incentive to act, there will be no action.
“I would expect that if this does not move the needle, we’ll know before the next (legislative) session begins.”
— Diane Schwenke
Matt Borg, owner of MB Insurance, 573 W. Crete Circle, Unit 205, in Grand Junction, said it’s difficult to offer thoughts on the new law, because “everything at this point is subjective,” and “what I would say is: It’s way too early to tell.”
And if insurance carriers do eventually act, he said, it will take time, more likely measured in years than months.
“There’s nothing that’s going to change overnight,” Borg said.
BACK TO THE LEGISLATURE?
If the Colorado American Dream Act doesn’t make a difference, perhaps the Colorado Legislature will need to tackle the issue again.
“I would expect that if this does not move the needle, we’ll know before the next (legislative) session begins,” Schwenke said. “We will see that there are not the kinds of projects in the pipeline that we had hoped to see to start to address our middle-house, our starter-home markets.
“If that is the case, then I think it is imperative that the parties come together and take another run at it. You know, this is the sausage being made, bring in the stakeholders, bring in the contractors, bring in the representatives for HOA and homeowner groups, and sit down around the table and really talk through some of what’s still holding us back and how can it be changed.”
Getting such talks to result in more substantial reform won’t be easy and perhaps isn’t possible, period, according to Soper.
He said the reason it’s extremely difficult to cut off class-action lawsuits against builders of multi-family homes is because Colorado has a really strong homeowners association lobby.
“It’s the HOAs that will act as a class when suing a general contractor, or subs for that matter,” Soper said.
So, a strong HOA lobby and a strong builders lobby don’t bode well for enacting sweeping changes for affordable multifamily developments.
“As long as we have these interests that have deep pockets, and they have a strong desire to protect their own turf, we’re gonna struggle to move beyond (small) steps in reform,” Soper said. “We can’t ever have a major, major reform, because these are big players in the policy arena, and they will work hard to push back on anything the legislature is attempting to do to where we can only have incremental change.”
COLORADO AMERICAN DREAM ACT
The Colorado General Assembly summarized HB25-1272, the Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing bill, which was signed into law May 12, with the following:
For construction of multifamily, attached housing of 2 or more units, the bill creates the multifamily construction incentive program. A builder may choose to participate in the program by:
• Providing a warranty that covers any defect and damage at no cost to the homeowner for specified periods;
• Having a third-party inspection performed on the property; and
• Recording a notice of election to participate in the program in the chain of title in the real property records.
For construction defects claims brought for the construction of housing for which the builder is a participant in the program, the bill:
• Requires a claimant to file a certificate of review with the complaint, if the complaint is against an architect or engineer;
• Limits actions to claims that have resulted in: Damage that substantially affects the functionality of a system or the safety of real or personal property, other than a condition that has not caused any substantial physical change; actual loss of the use of real or personal property; actual bodily injury or wrongful death; an unreasonable reduction in the capability of, or an actual failure of, a building component to perform an intended function or purpose; or an unreasonable risk of bodily injury or death to, or a threat to the life, health, or safety of, the occupants of the residential property;
• Establishes the statute of limitations at 8 years after the substantial completion of the improvement or deficiency or 6 years if the construction professional has provided a written warranty (professionals other than architects and engineers) or performed with reasonable care (architects and engineers); and
• Requires that a construction professional must send or deliver to the claimant an offer to settle the claim or a written response that identifies the standards that apply to the claim and explains why the defect does not require repair.
For all construction defect claims, the bill:
• Establishes a claimant’s duty to mitigate an alleged construction defect and specifies how a claimant may satisfy this duty and the consequences to a claimant that fails to satisfy this duty;
• Requires a construction professional who is the defendant in a construction defects action to submit specified information to the claimant;
• Prohibits an insurer from cancelling or denying a liability insurance policy issued to a construction professional based on the construction professional’s offer to repair or settle a construction defect claim;
• Tolls the statute of limitations or repose during a claimant’s mitigation of an alleged construction defect;
• Increases the amount of owners an executive board of a unit owners’ association (executive board) must obtain approval from before initiating a construction defect claim on behalf of the owners from a majority to 65 percent; and
• Requires an executive board that is successful in a construction defect claim to first use monetary damages received as a result of the claim to repair the construction defect.
The bill requires a local government to establish a fast-track approval process for an application for for-sale, multifamily condominium projects in order to qualify for assistance from the state affordable housing fund.
NOTE: To read the entire bill, go to leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1272
Diane Schwenke
Matt Soper
Randy Whetzell
Popular trail area gets pedestrian-crossing signal
The City of Grand Junction installed a High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk (HAWK) signal at the location of the Monument Trail crossing on Monument Road.
The HAWK will be the first of its kind in Grand Junction and Mesa County.
According to a news release from the city, the innovative signal represents a step forward in pedestrian safety and accessibility, aligning with the city’s long-term vision for a connected community through multi-modal travel and accessible outdoor recreation. The HAWK signal introduces pedestrian-first technology designed to reduce vehicle conflicts and improve visibility for all roadway users.
The HAWK signal is now operational and users can review the Federal Highway Administration Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon practices.
The city said this is how pedestrians use the signal:
• Pedestrian Activation: When a pedestrian wants to cross, they press a button or activate a sensor.
• Warning Phase: The HAWK signal will flash yellow, followed by a solid yellow, to alert drivers to slow down and prepare to stop.
• Stop Phase: Two solid red lights appear for drivers, indicating they must stop, and
a walking person symbol is displayed for pedestrians, indicating it’s safe to cross.
• Proceed Phase: After the pedestrian crosses, a flashing red light appears for drivers, signaling they can proceed after stopping and ensuring the crosswalk is clear.
The signal includes safety lighting that has minimal impact on the night sky. The HAWK signal, unlike standard traffic signals, remains dark until activated, minimizing unnecessary interruptions to traffic flow while still delivering clear priority to pedestrians when needed.
“This pedestrian signal represents the kind of modern technology and forwardthinking infrastructure that blends safety, innovation and awareness, which helps create streets and multimodal paths that serve all of the community,” Engineering and Transportation Director Trent Prall said. “The HAWK was selected as they are particularly useful for crosswalks that are not at intersections, as they can provide a safer way for pedestrians to cross busy streets without a full traffic signal and allow for efficient traffic flow by only stopping vehicles when activated.”
According to the news release, this type of signal has been implemented across the country, which has seen increased motorist compliance when compared to rapid flash beacons like those on 12th Street in Grand Junction.
The city also plans to install a HAWK signal for mid-block crossings in locations along the Four Canyons Parkway. F
The new pedestrian-crossing signal on Monument Road near Monument Trail.
Photo courtesy of the City of Grand Junction.
Trent Prall
displayed for cross. pedestrian appears for proceed after crosswalk is clear. lighting night sky. standard traffic activated, interruptions to delivering clear needed. represents the forwardblends safety, which helps paths that Engineering Trent Prall as they crosswalks that can provide cross busy signal and by only activated.” release, this implemented across increased compared to on 12th a HAWK locations
Grand Junction picks Valentine as Chief Financial Officer
Grand Junction City Manager Mike Bennett announced Jay Valentine was selected to be the city’s chief financial officer.
Valentine has been with the city for 26 years and was previously the general services director, leading diverse internal service and enterprise operations, including fleet services, facilities management, procurement, solid waste and recycling, golf courses and parking.
As the CFO, Valentine will oversee the city’s finance, information technology and general services departments. This role will be responsible for managing the city’s budget, ensuring the financial health of the organization and supporting long-term strategic planning.
“I am excited to announce Mr. Jay Valentine as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Grand Junction,” Bennett said in a news release.
“This announcement comes after a competitive recruitment process with over 25 capable applicants, and it was clear he was the most qualified with the needed and pertinent experience and the ability to hit the ground running.”
Bennett cited Valentine’s keen financial acumen and operational knowledge, adding, “Jay understands our organization from the inside out and is well-positioned to lead with both vision and practical experience.”
Over the course of his tenure, Valentine has held multiple leadership roles in
According to the news release, “He played a pivotal role in overseeing major capital projects for the city, helping to ensure their successful delivery within budgetary constraints. Valentine has also been a driving force for innovation, spearheading procedural enhancements and system upgrades.”
For example, Valentine led the implementation of the compressed natural biogas initiative, which powers select city vehicles and Grand Valley Transit buses using methane gas, a byproduct of the city’s wastewater treatment process. His efforts streamlined operations and contributed to long-term fiscal sustainability.
“This city has provided me with great professional experiences for over two decades, and I care deeply about its success and the people who live and work here,” Valentine said. “I’m honored and excited to take on this role as chief financial officer. My goal is to ensure that our financial practices not only support the services our community relies on today but also position us for a resilient and forward-thinking future.
“By overseeing finance, IT and general services, I have the opportunity to help align resources, technology and infrastructure in ways that create lasting value for our residents. I look forward to working with our team, City Council and the community to uphold transparency, foster innovation and make responsible, strategic decisions that reflect the priorities of the people we serve.”
The CFO will focus on ensuring fiscal responsibility, strengthening interdepartmental coordination, and advancing innovation through technology and operational efficiency. To learn more about City Services visit gjcity.org.
Jay Valentine
Officer
overseeing major budgetary spearheading natural biogas methane streamlined decades, Valentine goal is to relies on opportunity to help value for our community decisions that interdepartmental efficiency.
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Love after 65: 7 financial topics to discuss with a professional (Part 1)
spousal benefits. Reviewing your Social Security statements and running some claiming scenarios with a financial professional can help you decide the best time to claim benefits and ensure you get the most out of that income.
4. HEALTH CARE
Planning for health care costs in retirement is vital and will bring to light a few things you may not have considered when you were younger, such as: Medicare; and long-term care and cognitive decline.
Medicare options, such as Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap policies, need careful consideration, whether single or married. Each partner needs to evaluate the costs and benefits of available plans, especially if you plan to travel or move, because some policies limit coverage geographically.
Another factor to consider is that Medicare Part B premiums may increase based on joint income. If one of you is still working at Medicare’s enrollment age of 65 and eligible for your employer plan, you are not required to apply for Medicare; however, the employer’s plan must include drug benefits that Medicare recognizes as meeting their requirements.
According to Jae W. Oh, an education fellow at the Retirement Income Institute at the Alliance for Lifetime Income, many working individuals and their spouses opt to enroll in Medicare Part A (Hospital), which is free, and can be coordinated alongside an employersponsored health insurance plan. There are conditions that must be met, so be sure to check in with the Social Security Administration and your Human Resource department.
Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, so it can be wise to evaluate long-term care insurance options to protect your assets. And, while unpleasant, you’ll want to give some thought to the possibility of cognitive decline and how you can best prepare.
According to a study by the Alliance for Lifetime Income, 42 percent of individuals over age 65 worry about it, yet more than one-third don’t know what to do about it. Discussing this with your doctor, family and financial professional can help you and your partner plan for potential needs.
Disclaimer: The views, statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the adviser and not necessarily of Foundations or their affiliates. The content provided is for educational purposes only and include information and statistical data obtained from third-party sources that Foundations deems reliable but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness. All third-party information and statistical data contained herein is subject to change without notice. No investment, legal or tax advice is provided. Always consult with a professional.
spouse of a high earner who marries someone with a lower or no Social Security paycheck.
If you both have high career earnings, claiming benefits at age 70 can significantly increase your monthly payments vs. taking them right at age 62. A common strategy among couples is for one to claim benefits sooner, while the other begins at 70, providing immediate income while maximizing future benefits.
Consider factors like life expectancy, current income needs and the potential for
Barbara Traylor Smith, CFP, ChFC, CLU, can be seen on KREX Saturdays at 6 p.m. and KJCT Sundays at 8 a.m. or heard on KNZZ Saturdays at 8 a.m. She has been featured in Bloomberg Business Week, Entrepreneur and Fortune magazines. Contact her at 970-256-1748 or retirementoutfittersllc.com. Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
Power of positivity starts with one word: YES!
Paula Reece
When I think of positivity, I think of how important it has become in my life. I have learned that being positive is not the absence of things going wrong, because it doesn’t matter how positive you are, things will still go wrong, be upsetting and cause conflict. What I have learned is that being positive gives you a different path in which to look at things, other people and life’s events. The more your attitude remains positive during the “not-so-perfect” times, the easier it becomes in your everyday life.
Have you ever noticed that if you go into the grocery store, for example, and you are having a bad day, that it seems like everyone around you is crabby too? Attitudes are contagious. I was taught from a very young age to be nice to people I came in contact with, even if they were not. My Mom always said, “You don’t know what challenges they may be facing in their life.” I have always remembered that. It helps keep my attitude in check.
How does one go about thinking of positivity? The
word YES! This little word is mighty.
Often times we are asked to do something that we may not really have time for, or we don’t know how to do, and we risk failure.
Google’s former executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, said: “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to meeting new friends. Say yes to learning a new language, picking up a new sport. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means you will do something new, meet someone new and make a difference in your life, and likely in others’ lives as well.”
Saying “yes” to do something for ourselves seems to be the hardest. Why is it that we don’t take the time to put ourselves, our health and our happiness first?
I find this is quite true, especially in my life and career of reaching out to others who may not have figured out the importance of being healthy and fit. Not knowing how to exercise can make getting started quite scary, but making it part of your life comes with high rewards.
Using the word “yes” can do so much for us. It becomes an action word. Yes opens up conversation. It can open doors and opportunities. “Yes” takes commitment and work.
The best part is that you get to decide what things and
opportunities that you want to take on. Keep in mind that not everything that comes your way is something you want to say “yes” to. For example, don’t say “yes” to things that won’t improve your life and keep you from saying “yes” to the things that really do matter.
Here are some ideas to help stay on track to live a positive life:
• Everyday, practice being grateful for something in your life. It is important to be grateful for not only all the good stuff, big and little, but also the struggles that strengthen us.
• Use positive self-talk. We need to be our own best cheerleaders in life. It starts in the morning, when you first look in the mirror.
• Say something nice. Remember that your attitude is contagious, good or bad.
• Say “YES” to being positive.
F
Paula and Dale Reece own Crossroads Fitness Centers in Grand Junction with a downtown location at 225 N. Fifth St. and north location at 2768 Compass Drive. For more information, call (970) 242-8746 or visit the website crossroadsfitness.com.
Ending the pilot project was the right thing to do
And the city council needs to begin its takedown as soon as possible.
The people have spoken, and while none of the recent election losers, departing council members who approved the project or the two remaining on council who still desire to move onto pilot project 2.0 think the recent election wasn’t first and foremost about Fourth and Fifth Streets, allow us to help them with their continued, failed public outreach.
The last election was entirely about Fourth and Fifth Streets. Along with how the city council has been run the past several years while ignoring much of the citizenry.
And if the election didn’t convince our esteemed council members and former council members on the pilot-project side, perhaps the recent poll in their favorite “daily” publication showing 75 percent of respondents against the pilot project will get the message through. Then again, maybe not.
After all, Councilwoman Anna Stout wrote an editorial stating her concern for the loss of public trust, along with “democracy” as the left likes to parrot, in not having enough outreach with the public when it comes to taking votes on serious agenda items as the new city council just did in voting to end the pilot project.
But one must wonder when the daily’s recent poll shows such a high percentage of opposition along with The Business Times’ stories of interviews and surveys of downtown businesses that had similar percentages opposed to the project (while citing the same percentages from their clientele) just how Stout can continue to declare the project a success and something the people wanted?
All it takes to know how people feel is just ask the people some questions. That’s how we got our stories. And for a project “decades in the making,” we sure found a lot of folks the city never seemed to have talked to in opposition to the project before, during and after it came into being.
Ironically, the council sure seemed to come up with a lot of folks in support of the project while finding few, if any, detractors. Makes one wonder what research and expert input the past city council used or ignored to justify its implementing this experiment.
But that’s what happens when the success “goalposts” go from modality improvements to pedestrian safety to lowering the speed limits to making neighborhoods safer as the definition of success in fixing a problem that really didn’t exist.
After all, there must be dozens of ways to slow cars down and make neighborhoods and pedestrian traffic safer that don’t require bollards galore and eliminating the use of internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Unless the real goal is to eliminate the use of internal-combustion-engine vehicles.
But the real nail in the coffin of the pilot project came in The Business Times breaking the story in an op-ed about Councilman Jason Ngyuen calling for retaliation toward anyone speaking out against it.
Maybe that’s why those members of the city council couldn’t find anyone against it? Kind of paves the way for the old majority on city council to get its way, doesn’t it? After all, no one spoke out – well, a few did, but not on the record – because of this exact, real fear.
The fact is: This is exactly how the previous city council “conducted the public’s business” in making decisions that reflect not the entire city, but rather only one side – to counter-paraphrase Councilwoman Stout from her op-ed.
That, Councilwoman Stout, is how public trust is eroded.
We’d be remiss to not mention Mayor Abe Herman’s parting comments about his tenure on city council in claiming he’s most proud of finally getting voter approval for the recreation center and not in the success of the increase in public safety with the pilot project.
It appears even Abe is honest in admitting the voter-approved-overbudget-rec center, which is in desperate need of sponsorships to make up the deficit, is smarter to tout as his greatest achievement than shutting down access to downtown merchants and businesses – creating a labyrinth for even the best drivers to maneuver through as it eliminates sight lines and makes pedestrians less safe – and forcing into place a project no one knew about or saw until the pipe hit the fan.
After all, it wasn’t a pipe dream. It was a nightmare.
Of Fluffy and firearms, Colorado’s legislature takes a walk over our rights
Just when you thought Colorado couldn’t possibly need any more legislation, Gov. Jarod Polis shows up again and again on your Facebook wall signing into law another piece of recently passed legislation with smiling supporters in the background.
And Facebook users better get used to seeing these posts, because our state legislature passed 485 pieces of legislation this past session. I’d say block them, but it’s good to know the idiocy our democrat-dominated legislature passes – and just as important to know which laws Pontius Polis puts pen to paper in private.
We should be used to this by now, considering our legislature passed 527 pieces of legislation in 2024, 474 in 2023 and 503 in 2022. All of these more current years of legislative sessions show exponentially more bills passed than what occurred in the decade before.
But what else would you expect from a democrat-dominated gang in Denver after it discovered it had the power to declare who and what was essential and could shutter the entire state on a whim over a virus?
And now they celebrate their tyranny on Facebook. Well, most of it anyway.
Because the legislation signed with no fanfare is always the worst violation of our God-given rights, while the soft tyranny passed with Jared’s husband and cronies behind him shows just how badly democrats want to run every aspect of our lives in taking everything down to our fundamental, inalienable rights, while we own nothing and have no protection to possess or exercise those same fundamental, inalienable rights.
Which brings us to Fluffy and firearms.
Apparently in Colorado, you now not only have the right to own a pet (Hint: You’ve always had the right to own a pet), you now have the right to use Fido as fodder for lowering your rent.
According to Pontius Polis on HB251207, “We are laser-focused on saving Coloradans money on housing, and this new law ensures that families will not be forced to decide between beloved furry family members and housing. This bill strikes the right balance on making sure Colorado can continue to promote more housing now and keep families together with their pets.”
Only in Colorado are pets now leashed to affordable housing with the attitude of a Shih Tzu. Then again, perhaps I should have used the more accurate vernacular to spell out the activities of our legislature and call it what it is: An actual $#!t Zoo where the animals are in charge of the zookeepers.
And just to make sure Jared is keeping himself from being sent to the doghouse, he dragged out the old post and chain, First
Gentleman Marlon Reis with this ditty, “Our pets are more than just indoor animals. They are family. This new law honors that bond by keeping Colorado families together with their beloved pets when they search for housing.”
So much for a landlord’s rights when it comes to pet deposits – whether by check or defecation – when it comes to actually doing what they feel is best for them in owning property. They now join the rest of us serfs in owning nothing and liking it.
Speaking of property we have the inalienable right to own, our “lawmakers” (can’t we give them a different title, as they’ve totally abused this one in crafting so many laws that literally every person who has ever lived, died or will live in Colorado is in some way already a criminal until they aren’t under a new law they’ll pass to protect a favored constituency, that is, until they are again) have brought back Jim Crow under another violation and infringement of the Second Amendment known as Senate Bill 25-003.
This bill is such an affront to our constitutional rights that Pontius Polis had to sign it in private. This bill violates more than just the Second Amendment as it parallels those democrat, Jim Crow, golden oldies of the past of poll taxes and tests our leftist lawmakers loved so well. Heck, this bill is so blatantly unconstitutional, even Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher could be quoted in calling it out.
The new law requires residents to complete state-approved firearms training, score 90 percent on a written exam and obtain conditional approval from their sheriff’s office every five years in order to receive or renew a firearms permit. And here I thought democrats were all about the inalienable rights in our constitution.
As I recall, that same constitution says the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Which to democrats means one thing only: Infringe at will if it furthers the cause.
And JJ and our Mesa County Commission are right in calling out the state’s democrat majority (no Republicans voted for this) at the constitutional level, even threatening to join a lawsuit as one will surely be brought at the federal level. But in looking at how other Second Amendment lawsuits have fared over the decades, it will do little good for our rights as the infringement continues its slow creep into despotic (democrat) rule.
Truth be told, lawsuits don’t really work against democrat despotism as they’ll just come back with yet another law. The only way to show and be rid of unconstitutional legislation is to disobey the law. Period. But democrats also know Republicans will never do that.
They’re PRINOS, patriots and revolutionaries in name only.
In Christ and Freedom.
Craig Hall is owner and publisher of The Business Times. Reach him at 424-5133 or publisher@thebusinesstimes.com
Craig Hall
n WUFFSTOCK IS JUNE 7 AT BOTANICAL GARDENS
Funky bluegrass band Liver Down the River and local favorite Zac Grant will perform at Wüffstock at the Gardens, a dog-friendly concert benefiting Roice-Hurst Humane Society on June 7. The event takes place at Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, 655 Struthers Ave., and doors open at 3 p.m. Music begins at 4 p.m.
The event will feature: adoptable pets from Roice-Hurst Humane Society; food trucks, including Armando Tacos and Hunger Tech; and vendor booths. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket if desired.
Tickets cost $30 for adults and teens in advance; and they are $35 at the gate. Children under 13 years old and well-behaved, leashed dogs enter for free. Tickets are available at www.rhhumanesociety. org/wuffstock. All proceeds benefit the pets and programs at RoiceHurst Humane Society, a nonprofit animal shelter and adoption center that provides individualized care and adoption services for dogs and cats, as well as support programs for owned pets in Mesa and Delta Counties.
Wüffstock at the Gardens is sponsored at the gold level by St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, Mountain West Dermatology Aesthetics and Whitewater Building Materials; at the silver level by Republic Services, Dog Dynasty and Rocky Mountain Leashes; and at the bronze level by Shelter Insurance agents Kerry Phillips and Carrie Konakis, Home Loan Insurance, Renewal by Andersen, Humphrey RV and Primary Care Partners.
“Wüffstock is an excellent opportunity to spend an evening of quality time with your loved ones, canines included, while supporting pets and people in our community,” said Zebulon Miracle, CEO of Roice-Hurst. “With live music, local vendors and dozens of wagging tails, this event is a celebration of the human-animal bond and everything that makes this community special.”
n HAVE COFFEE WITH THE GJ CITY MANAGER ON MAY 29
The City of Grand Junction will host Coffee with the City Manager on May 29 at 7:30 a.m. at Fire Station 3, 580 25 1/2 Road. City Manager Mike Bennett will be joined by Mayor Cody Kennedy to share an overview of city services and city council.
These events are an opportunity for residents to have a conversation with the city manager and members of city staff to learn about city-related projects and become more familiar with local government. Residents are encouraged to attend the event for a cup of coffee and conversation. Questions about recent projects or initiatives are welcome.
City hosted events and information are posted to the City Calendar at GJCity.org.
n “GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY” EVENT IS JUNE 5
The City of Grand Junction will host a free, family-friendly “Get to Know Your City” event June 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Dos Rios Park Magpie Shelter
City staff will share information about projects, plans and new initiatives focused on city services. City Manager Mike Bennett and city staff will be available to answer questions and engage with community members.
Bennett said the event is a fun and informative way to kick off the summer season with a splash near the Dos Rios Splash Pad and the Bike Park at Dos Rios Park.
“There’s something for everyone at this event, whether you’re learning about city services, wanting more education on safe cycling or visiting the Touch-A-Truck stations,” Bennett said. “The Splash Pad, which opened near the end of the 2024 summer season, is now open and welcomes families to attend and enjoy the feature.”
“Get to Know Your City” events are planned throughout the year, and these events are open to all community members. For information or questions about the event, email communications@gjcity.org.
n MINERAL LEASE GRANT WORKSHOP IS JUNE 11
The Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District will host a grant workshop on June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of Home Loan State Bank.
The workshop is designed to guide applicants through the Mesa County Federal Mineral Lease District grant application process, and it is free to attend.
For any questions, please contact grant administrator Dusti Reimer at dusti@mesafml.org.
n GRAND JUNCTION TO HOST ‘TAKE PART IN ART’
Grand Junction Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture, will host the 10th annual Take Part in Art event June 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lincoln Park, 910 N. 12th St. The free event invites participants to explore local arts and culture organizations.
The event will feature hands-on arts and crafts activities, live performances by local musicians, giant games, prize drawings, food vendors and more. Attendees can pick up a Passport to Art to participate in art challenges and enter to win artistic prizes. There also will be opportunities to learn about arts and culture organizations in the area and how to get involved.
For more information, visit gjcity.org/arts or call Grand Junction Parks and Recreation at 970-254-3866.
n TAKE MEASURES TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES
The Grand River Mosquito Control District has worked to Fight the Bite or 43 years, trying to control the mosquito population in the Grand Valley, and it’s already at work trying to suppress this year’s population.
“We have 91 traps set throughout the valley and for the past three weeks we’ve had our 27 seasonal field technicians actively working to combat the larvae before the mosquitoes mature into flying adults,” said Tim Moore, district manager of GRMCD.
When it comes to fighting the bite, it’s important to remember the three D’s: drain, dress and defend. Many mosquito problems in neighborhoods are likely to come from water-filled containers that residents need to keep an eye on and frequently drain.
“Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a bottle cap full of water. That’s all they need to complete their life cycle,” Moore said.
The district recommends: disposing of any tires, which can breed thousands of mosquitoes; drilling holes in the bottom of recycling containers; clearing roof gutters of debris; cleaning pet water dishes regularly; checking and emptying children’s toys’ repairing leaky outdoor faucets; and changing the water in bird baths at least once per week.
“Encouraging your neighbors to also eliminate sources on their own property is critical to a community-wide control program. If we can eliminate their water source, we are able to stop them from breeding,” Moore said.
If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Studies have shown mosquitoes are more attracted to dark clothing and can even bite through tight-fitting clothes. It’s also important to apply a mosquito repellent to bare skin and to your clothing. Repellents with 10 to 30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.
For more information on the Grand River Mosquito Control District and fighting the bite, visit www.fightthebite.com.
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