RANGELY | At last week’s Rangely Development Authority and Rangely Development Corporation meeting the boards learned about a new business coming to Rangely and listened to ongoing project updates.
Bobbie and Dan Fiscus approached the RDA about a new business they are opening on Main Street which will include both recreational rentals such as paddleboards as well as small engine and bike repair and knife sharpening. Fiscus said they were still discussing other options including a potential tattoo parlor and e-bikes. They expect the business will provide one full-time and two part-time positions. The Fiscus’ were seeking financial assistance for start up funds, which they estimated at $40,000, from the RDA. They hope to open on April 2. Tim Webber described the business as “exciting” and asked for more time to review the project and available avenues for funding.
Webber updated the group on the potential project with F&D LLC, an aviation operator. According to Webber, Todd Ficken, owner of F&D, felt that Rangely was not ready to bring in his business. Webber urged the Town to consider investing in infrastructure at the airport, making it easier to attract aviation businesses and the grow the CNCC flight program.
Kelby Bosshardt with Better City provided updates on both call center and avionics industry development. Last year Better City conducted a workforce survey with 51 participants which determined that there are more women interested in new employment opportunities in the community. The survey analysis also confirmed that a call center could be a good fit for Rangely. Town Manager Peter Brixius asked for a timeline on when recruiting a call center could potentially begin. Bosshardt said providing that timeline was difficult and that they had been primarily focused on gathering data.
Bosshardt provided the RDA with a list of equipment that CNCC would need acquire to attract the avionics industry which totaled around $30,000.
Dan Fiscus, speaking for the Rangely Museum, provided an update on the planning project they have undertaken in concert with the Dominguez Archaeological Research Group. Last year the RDC gave the museum $17,500 to kick start the process of developing a five-year plan and eventually a repository at the Rangely Museum. Fiscus said they are on schedule for the planning process and expect the five-year plan to be completed sometime in April.
The museum is currently prioritizing projects and is hoping to start a $200,000 Canyon Pintado project later this summer. The project would include reassessing artifacts and creating a digital map. They are also exploring a Ute Indian Battle of 1887 site just outside of Rangely. Fiscus is hopeful they can bring in archaeologist Doug Scott, who he described as, “the nation’s best conflict archaeologist.” The museum will be seeking various grants for the projects.
