At the regular meeting Tuesday, Town of Meeker trustees approved a liquor license for the annual Meeker Chamber of Commerce dinner, to be held at the Hugus Building on Dec. 3.
Trustees also authorized a mail-in ballot election for April 2022.
“With the mail-in ballot, the [voter] participation rate has greatly increased over a polling place,” said Town Clerk Lisa Cook. “It’s also less expensive.”
Voters can still come to Town Hall to cast a ballot if they choose. Completed ballots can be returned to the front desk or dropbox at Town Hall, the dropbox at the courthouse, or mailed.
In addition, the board authorized Cook to appoint election judges and election personnel as needed. “Generally it ends up just being election judges,” Cook said.
Trustees approved a $1,000 donation to Pioneers Healthcare Foundation for the annual Jingle Mingle event, this year to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 in conjunction with the Parade of Lights. Trustees expressed their appreciation for the foundation’s work in the community. Trustees approved the 2022 holiday schedule for town staff, opting not to include the latest Federal holiday—Juneteenth—at this time.
Town Manager Mandi Etheridge said they interviewed applicants to fill Kathy Sizemore’s position at the Meeker Police Department when she retires at the end of the year.
Etheridge also outlined additional insurance coverage for the police department called “medical benefits to detainees.” For an additional $3,000 a year, the insurance rider will add coverage for individuals in custody. “If something happens — a car accident, or a seizure — while they [detainees] are in our custody between here and Craig, we will have medical coverage,” Etheridge explained.
Etheridge told the board two members of staff were out for a week due to COVID-related concerns. “We’re taking the necessary precautions,” she said.
Mayor Borchard said COVID numbers are “not getting better, it’s getting worse.”
Before adjourning to a workshop to further discuss Phase 2 of the Circle Park project, Trustee Wendy Gutierrez said VFW member Rob Baughman spoke with her about the possibility of naming the Circle Park Bridge and the 10th St. Bridge after two World War II veterans who passed away this year. The board will discuss the idea at a future meeting.
By Niki Turner | [email protected]
