MEEKER | The number of short-term rentals permitted in Meeker increased to seven last week with the approval of a permit for 119 4th St., owned by Evie Griffin. The town has a maximum of 20 short-term rentals allowed. Trustee Chris Lockwood asked Griffin why she wanted to go with the short-term rental option instead of a regular rental property. Griffin said if she rents the property 10 nights per month she can double what she would make from a standard rental, “with less impact to the neighborhood.” The Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District wanted to verify that rental parking would not encroach on the parking at Town Park. Other than that, no comments were received from the public.
Trustees also heard an update from Matt Solomon, representing the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI). That group sent out a survey earlier this year about energy options and perceptions in Northwest Colorado.
“Nuclear was the elephant in the room,” Solomon said. 88.5% of 450 respondents to the first survey were in support of nuclear energy, with 100% of millennials supporting nuclear energy as an option.
“That shows there is interest and there’s a community up here that’s engaged and wants to be actively involved,” Solomon said, noting that there is bipartisan interest in options for nuclear energy development.
NCEI launched a second survey last week in an effort to begin developing the concept of an “energy hub” in the region.
Town Manager Mandi Etheridge provided updates from the Meeker Police Department, which just passed a state audit “with flying colors.”
The public works department evaluated some of the new downtown lights that had stopped working. Malfunctioning photo cells that were still under warranty were replaced, and new wire run, with assistance from White River Electric, to a section of lights that weren’t working.
Public Works is inventorying the town’s lead or copper water service lines, in compliance with a rule revision from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment that goes into effect Oct. 16, 2024. Sunrise Engineering from Vernal has been contracted with the CDPHE to assist in verifying the updated service line inventory.
Mayor Travis Day asked about progress on the Circle Park renovation project plan, which is nearing deadline. Etheridge said she hoped to hear something this week. Day also asked about the status of the highway banner and poles installed on 7th and Market. The banner had to come down when it was noticed that the poles were bending and moving. Etheridge said Chamber Director Stephanie Hanson is still waiting to hear back from SGM and Associates on an alternative to the existing pole situation.