Rangely

Rangely council talks police complaints, predator control

RANGELY | Tuesday the Rangely Town Council held a work session focused on the Rangely Police Department’s (RPD) process of handling complaints following by a regular meeting.

The work session began by reviewing the new Community Outreach Program the town and RPD are putting together. The program includes classes focused on topics such as officer and individual rights, use of force and patrol procedures and officer ride alongs. Attendees are welcome to attend as many of the meetings as possible, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the town council meeting. Applications to participate are available at Town Hall or on the RPD’s website. Police Chief Wilczek expressed excitement about the program.

The RPD is updating their comment and complaint process. The form will now be available in both English and Spanish and on the website. The process, which is still in draft, follows a new track. When a complaint is filed it will first go to the lieutenant who will investigate every complaint, which will then be reviewed by the chief and the town manager who will monitor the process. The complaints will be sealed from the officers involved and the complainant will be contacted by the department for resolution within 15 days. Complaints can be filed with the police department or the town manager.

The council discussed the possibility of complaints deemed “founded” or that lead to a written reprimand being placed in an officer’s personnel file.

Councilman Andy Key was pleased that the language on the draft complaint form has been toned down from scaring complainants away.

The department is updating their entire policy manual. Councilman Andy Shaffer encouraged the department to consider using LexiPol, a policy management company currently used by a variety of local municipal entities, who would provide updated policies aligned with state regulations and training emails for employees. Shaffer believed it would simplify and speed up the process. Chief Wilczek was concerned the policies would not be personalized enough. He expects the full policy manual to be updated in the next few months. Mayor Ann Brady suggested that the chief and town manager set a firm deadline for policy completion.

Chief Wilczek discussed recently filed complaints. Three complaints were determined unfounded, one resulted in a verbal reprimand.

The potential use of vehicle dash and body cameras were discussed. Fundraising and grants will be explored.

Once in their regular meeting the council approved a $500 donation to the CNCC Foundation dinner and dance.

Rio Blanco County Health Department Director Julie Drake discussed vaping with the council. She urged the council to consider implementing restrictions on vaping similar to those placed on cigarettes and prohibiting use in public places.

Several USDA Wildlife Specialists discussed local predator concerns. They were introduced by County Commissioner Si Woodruff who expressed support for bringing a larger predator control program to the county which could be funded with federal funds. Currently the Rio Blanco County Woolgrowers fund a USDA predator control position to work exclusively for their needs. If another local predator control position was brought in it would work county wide for livestock and wildlife depredation prevention. Justin Ewing, a USDA trapper, said that predator control can improve both livestock survival and fawn and elk populations.

Ewing discussed the concerns about wolf reintroduction which he described as having tremendous impact on the livestock and wildlife.

Councilman Andy Key talked about gerrymandering and the Fair Districts Colorado project which seeks to create a new redistricting process that would designate positions for independent voters, limiting partisan impacts. The council decided to withhold support for the project until more of the terms are clarified.

During public comment Linda Berry spoke in support of the RPD and questioned why the council felt empowered to tell the RPD how to do their jobs. 

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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.
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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
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4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
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6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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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.
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