RANGELY | At Rangely’s regular town board meeting Jan. 22, Don Reed informed the board Deserado Mine is out of compliance due to its certified operator leaving and asked the water department if it could help with their wastewater management. The water department is sending two employees to help get them back into compliance. Reed mentioned it could be up to one year of assistance for Deserado staff before obtaining wastewater management certification. Deserado will be billed for services rendered.
Regarding the police-involved shooting, nothing new has been released. Currently, two different investigations are underway, criminal and internal. Lisa Piering said interim Chief Ti Hamblin and Dispatch Supervisor Mercy McAlister have done an outstanding job working to keep everything running during this short-staffed time. Six interviews for dispatchers took place in hopes of getting the department fully staffed.
Kelli Neiberger, supervisor for the Town of Rangely Gas Department, makes sure the employee trainings covers everything required but also makes sure training is given that is beneficial and necessary to keep employees safe and informed. Piering said Neiberger does a great job, making sure she is ahead of the curve and keeps gas prices fairly consistent for customers.
Chromebooks have been purchased for the council. The town is working toward reducing the amount of paper they use and going totally electronic. This is the first step in an ongoing plan. The town has worked to reduce insurance costs and received a refund from Better City. Piering received a scholarship to help pay for hotels and food along with her training. She also wanted to share that department supervisors have worked tirelessly on keeping under budget and have been quite successful.
Board member Trey Robie asked the board if curious if the Colorado Department of Transportation reimbursed the town for cleaning Main Street during snow events. He was told because it is part of the main highway and CDOT informs Rangely on what they can do and not do, research will be needed to find out if that is a possibility.
Piering and Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce Director Konnie Billgren are having meetings with the college to discuss ways the town can support the college. The college is integral to Rangely and its students and faculty need to be shown they are welcome here. Ron Granger, CNCC president, works hard to bring students to both campuses.
This article has been updated from the original version to note that the reason Deserado Mine is out of compliance with its wastewater management is due to its certified operator leaving.
By Brittny Campos | Special to the Herald Times
