Watt demonstrates the “power of one”

MEEKER – It just goes to show, one person still has the power to affect change in a community. Harry Watt, co-owner of the Blue Spruce Inn, stepped up to the planning commission and spoke up about his desire to see a change made to the town’s sign code.
Part of the Blue Spruce Inn’s recently installed sign includes a digital display message board. The town’s code did not permit such devices, so Watt requested a revision of the code.
After several discussions with the planning commission, the board of trustees, and a lot of legwork by Town Planner Anna Smith and Town Attorney Gerard Viscardi, Meeker’s board of trustees held a public hearing March 17.
The revision, which is compliant with Colorado Department of Transportation Restrictions, would limit the use of digital signs to Market Street’s highway commercial zone, allowing for no more than one sign per 1000 feet on the same side of the highway. The signs cannot have the appearance of movement—as in flashing, fading, dissolving, or animated Vegas-style signs. Advertising on the sign must be limited to that business at that location only. Other restrictions include size and nighttime light intensity.
Watt attended the public hearing. He was the only member of the public to do so.
In other business, Avis Loshbaugh was appointed the new manager of the Meeker Hotel and Cafe. Loshbaugh replaces Cindy Cunningham, who resigned. The town is required by state law to appoint a manager for the cafe and the V.F.W.
Loshbaugh, who owns and operates Avis’ Village Floral on Sixth Street, said, “The hotel and cafe are a vital part of our community and to have them not open in a very viable way is a blot on our community.”