Meeker URA continues its search for primary operator for Meeker Adventure Center

MEEKER | The Meeker Urban Renewal Authority (MURA) board met Tuesday prior to the regular town board meeting to review changes to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the Meeker Adventure Center. The initial RFQ generated 10 responses from interested local service providers but no responses from a primary operator for the center. The revised RFQ, which will be issued next week, is now directed specifically toward seeking a primary operator for the project.
In the regular meeting, the board heard an update from Meeker Chamber of Commerce Director Stephanie Kobald on the Chamber’s current projects. Kobald shared the design for new wayfinding signs to direct traffic off Market Street and into the downtown area and other amenities.
The board also opened bids for a used police vehicle. The highest bid was for $2,017 from Doc Watson.
The board also heard the presentation of the public draft of the proposed 2018 budget. The budget will be posted on the town’s website for public review prior to the public hearing Nov. 21, at which time the property tax mill levy will also be set.
In discussion, trustee Danny Conrado brought up concerns that the town is still fully funding the recycling center, despite an agreement in 2015 to begin “ratcheting down” the town’s support.
“I have concerns about funding a private business, and about the liability issue of the use of our equipment and building,” Conrado said. “The recycling center started with donations from two companies. When we brought in a for-profit business something changed.”
The board was divided on the role of the town with the recycling center, with some debate as to the value of the recycling center as opposed to the cost to the town.
“It’s a service. It costs money to do it. It’s not making money,” said town administrator Scott Meszaros.
The draft budget has approximately $40,000 earmarked for support of the recycling center. The board agreed to leave that number in the budget, but to reevaluate the contract with Overton Recycling before approval.
After the regular meeting the board went into a strategic planning workshop to determine the board’s top priorities for 2018.