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City Council Workshop and Regular Meeting - Media
Published: Jun 17, 2026
Thomas Klein Appointed as New Rifle Chief of Police
The City Council approved the appointment of Thomas Klein as the new Chief of Police for the City of Rifle. City Manager Patrick Waller recommended Mr. Klein after a thorough vetting process involving 16 applicants. The process included a meet and greet, public open house, staff panel interview, and a council panel interview with a presentation. Mr. Klein has prior experience in Rifle and is expected to transition smoothly into the role. The appointment is effective pending background checks, with a targeted start date at the end of July.
Rifle Officials Urge Extreme Caution Amidst High Fire Danger and Fireworks Ban
Councilmember Chris Bornholt discussed the increasing fire danger in the region due to dry conditions, which are expected to worsen. Stage One fire restrictions are in place, and fireworks use and sale have been banned county-wide outside of municipalities. He emphasized the rapid spread of fires, citing an incident where a fire moved approximately 150 yards in 2.5 to 3 minutes. He warned of potential Stage Two restrictions next week and highlighted that individuals are liable for damages caused by fires they start, regardless of legality. Property mitigation, such as removing flammable trees near structures, was stressed as crucial. The recent fire at Willow Creek apartments, which started from a tree, resulted in the loss of seven homes. He urged residents to be cautious with activities that could start fires and to prepare for them, especially with the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Councilor Chris Bornholt Appointed to RREDC Board
The City Council approved the appointment of Chris Bornholt to serve on the Rifle Regional Economic Development Corporation (RREDC) Board. Councilor Marsh nominated Councilor Bornholt, and Councilor Roberts seconded the motion. Councilor Gressley recused himself from the vote. The RREDC is noted to have exciting initiatives underway, and Councilor Bornholt is expected to be a valuable addition to the board.
Rifle City Council Approves Optional Garage Requirement for New Homes on First Reading
The City Council reviewed an amendment to Chapter 16 of the Rifle Municipal Code regarding garage requirements for new single-family homes. The current code is interpreted as requiring two parking spaces per dwelling unit, with one being in a garage, and includes specific minimum dimensions for garages that do not align with modern vehicle sizes. The proposed amendment removes the mandatory 'one in garage' requirement, making the inclusion of a garage optional for developers and homeowners. It also removes the specific garage dimension requirements, allowing the private market to determine suitable sizes. The ordinance still mandates two off-street parking spaces, which can be a driveway or other suitable area. This change is intended to provide more flexibility for builders, especially on smaller lots, and to accommodate varying homeowner financial situations. The amendment was approved on first reading.
Construction Updates Signal Traffic Impacts Across Rifle
The City Manager provided updates on various construction projects impacting traffic. 16th Street (Penwell project) is scheduled for paving on June 18th and 19th, with property owners notified. Modified closures on 7th Street are planned for June 22nd and 23rd to patch temporary surfaces, maintaining at least one lane of traffic. Work will then move north on Graham Mesa. The Graham Mesa intersection closure is being scheduled around the Boost Camp off-week. Thurden Park will open 2nd Street by the end of the week, but traffic conditions will change starting June 27th due to Excel replacing natural gas pipelines. The White River closure at the 16th Street intersection is anticipated mainly for Tuesday, June 23rd, for a water line tie-in, with repaving at the end of the project. Railroad Avenue will be closed for the 'Third Thursday' event on June 18th. Communication efforts include text/email notifications with maps, social media posts, and variable message boards, though residents noted some signs were misleading. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to traffic notifications via the city website.
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Rifle City Council • Jun 17, 2026
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