County, Features

County Beat: January 16, 2020

RBC | County Planner Leif Joy updated the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners Tuesday on current projects during a work session prior to the first meeting of the new year. The Sleepy Cat Minor Subdivision off CR 8 is “ready for signatures,” Joy said.

Joy also told the commissioners there’s “some oil and gas stuff happening downriver” and preliminary planning for a new solar farm is underway as well.

“It’s a big rascal,” Joy said, indicating the footprint for the solar farm may be close to 1,000 acres. Asked who the solar farm owner is, Joy said it’s a third-party company and he doesn’t know the owner. “It’s similar to the one approved two years ago. I’m not sure who they’ll be selling power to.”

Nita Smith of Community Counts updated the commissioners on the organization’s continued efforts to supply members with up-to-date information about industry activities. According to the Community Counts website, their mission is to “offer residents a timely resource for open and respectful dialogue when they have issues, concerns or questions relating to the energy and extraction industries operating in Garfield, Mesa and Rio Blanco Counties.”

Representing the Meeker Lions Club, Dale Smith shared the club’s plan to replace playground equipment at the school administration building’s playground on Sixth Street. The Lions Club installed equipment on the playground 25-30 years ago, Smith explained, when the building housed the kindergarten and preschool classes. Last fall it was determined that the equipment was now unsafe and needed to be removed.

The Lions Club has done the ground and drainage work to prepare for replacing the playground equipment, and is seeking funding and public input as to what residents would like to see installed there. Comments can be submitted to the club’s Facebook group page.

The playground space is popular with residents because it’s well-shaded.

The commissioners said they want to wait until the fall grant cycle before considering donating to the project, and suggested that the project should fall under the auspices of the recreation district.

Smith said the rec district has “agreed to give guidance” in regards to inspecting the equipment, but the property belongs to the school district. The school district doesn’t have the funds to replace the equipment, but they have signed a letter promising to inspect and maintain any new equipment installed.

The total cost for the project is estimated at $25,000 to $30,000. The club has raised about $5,000 so far that’s been set aside, and has some contractors who’ve agreed to do in-kind work for installation.

“The community is behind this. We need to get the funding,” Smith said.

Money raised by the Lions Club is “100% given back out.” Club overhead is covered by membership dues. Smith said the club hopes to raise the funds by Sept. 1.

In the regular commissioners’ meeting, the board approved or appointed:

A final version of bylaws for the Columbine Park Advisory Board

Rector as board chair and Si Woodruff as chair pro temp.

Woodruff as the e-911 board member for 2020, alternate to the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, and the county’s representative to the Northwest Workforce group.

Gary Moyer as AGNC representative.

Rector as county investment policy committee member and representative to the Northwest Colorado Transporation Planning Commission.

Appointed Laura Smith as representative to the County Health Pool; Todd Starr as county attorney; Janae Stanworth as budget and finance director; Dave Morlan as road and bridge director; and Barbara Bofinger as Department of Human Services director.

Approved a liquor permit for the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council’s Galapagos Dinner and Silent Auction on Feb. 8

Approved a $500 contribution to the CNCC Aerospace Summit which will be used to sponsor food for the event next week in Denver, where CNCC will be meeting with aerospace industry representatives about the possibility of combining or facilitating cooperative projects with the college.

The board discussed a possible waiver of landfill fees for specific projects, specifically property owner Melinda Parker’s request for a waiver for the demolition of apartments she owns. While Woodruff said he feels projects like Parker’s should be supported, Rector and Moyer were concerned about setting precedents for “special considerations” and said commercial landfill fees were reduced from $58 to $40 a ton as of Jan. 1, 2020.

“That’s where I’d just as soon stay,” Rector said.

Opened bids for panels at Columbine Park, with Meeker General Mercantile’s bid coming in below Rangely True Value by approximately $500. The commissioners will award the winning bid next week after review.

Approved a $48,000 contract with Visual Lease Services for oil and gas property evaluation.

Approved a $24,720 agreement with ValueWest for commercial property reappraisal in 2021 for the assessor’s office.

Approved a cooperative service agreement/work and financial plan with USDA wildlife services not to exceed $15,016 to continue mitigation of nuisance wildlife.

Approved a service agreement for a printer/scanner for the building department not to exceed $1,540.

Approved the Rangely airport maintenance and remarking project in an amount not to exceed $39,250.

Approved a request for reimbursement for the Rangely Airport from federal and state grants totaling $18,191 and a request for reimbursement for the Meeker Airport/Coulter Field totaling $11,734.

Approved a change order for the agreement for services with Dave Stewart for building inspections increasing the not to exceed amount by $4,000 to a total of $8,465.

Approved a contract that will “get us on the state Centurylink contract to get state pricing,” according to Stanworth, a move that will cut telecommunication bills with Centurylink “approximately in half.”

The board approved four resolutions Tuesday: the multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan; designated “any state bank or any national bank defined as an eligible public depository and any investment pool trust fund” as depositories of Rio Blanco County funds; designated the Rio Blanco Herald Times as the official newspaper for county publications required by state law; and established administrative office hours for 2020.

During public comment, Mona Avey asked about comments made during the last BoCC meeting in Rangely about funding for the senior nutrition programs (White River Roundup and Chuckwagon) wherein it was suggested that contracting with local restaurants for the meal program might be more cost-effective. Commissioners Rector and Moyer said they fielded numerous calls from concerned residents after that meeting.

“We’re looking into some other avenues for facilitating that program, but your programs are safe,” Rector said. “Right now nothing’s going to change.”

“The Chuckwagon program is safe,” Moyer said. “I don’t think any of us are looking at doing away with that program. As an elected official it’s the responsible thing to do to look at the costs. We’re just trying to be fiscally responsible.”

Wildlife Services officer Justin Ewing said U.S. Fish and Wildlife will conduct a consultation to determine possible restrictions in the area where a pack of wolves has been confirmed in northwest Colorado. Because wolves are on the endangered species list, U.S. Fish and Wildlife will come up with an area with rules to govern “how we do business as an agency plus how private landowners do business with their livestock,” Ewing said. Until wolves are delisted from the Endangered Species list they are federally protected.

The next BoCC meeting will be Jan. 21 in Rangely at 11 a.m.

By Niki Turner | [email protected]

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@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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