RANGELY | On Tuesday, Jan. 14 the Town of Rangely Board of Trustees met and discussed the following items.
Public Hearings
A public hearing was scheduled regarding a request for Sewer Easement Vacation on the parcel located at 226 E. Main St. (the former Heritage Building Center lots), and creation of a larger utility easement.
Town Planner and Engineer Jocelyn Mullen presented information with Tom Gissen of Engineering Service Company. Gissen explained that his client, Dorsey Development, a New Orleans-based commercial real estate company known for developing in challenging markets, has expressed interest in the parcels. Dorsey Development has a 13-year relationship with Dollar General and have rolled out more than 100 of these retail stores in that time. The utility easement is proposed to increase from 5 feet to 15 feet and 25 feet in some areas. The proposed utility easement would be in line with industry standards. Gissen said that increasing the size of the easement would be a benefit for everyone. There will be one sewer line that will be abandoned and they’re working with Moon Lake Electric on the power lines that run across the parcels. The proposed easement is “necessary in order to move forward with the development of the property.”
Mullen said through this planning process she and the town attorney found that they needed to bring the sewer vacation before the town for review and approval and the creation of the larger secondary easement. Once they act on the proposed utility easement, Mullen can perform the rest of the review for the property development. Adjacent property owners were mailed letters inviting them to attend the public hearing. Napa Rangely Auto Parts owner Brad Casto and Giant Step Preschool Director Ingrid Reed were present at the hearing. Neither party opposed the proposed changes to the neighboring parcels’ utility easement. Gissen and Mullen had written support from Moon Lake Electric and Town of Rangely Utility Superintendent Don Reed prior to the meeting.
Supervisor Reports
Jeff LeBleu reported that the public works department have been rehabbing an apartment at White River Village. They hauled scrap to Vernal, Utah and scrap metal prices were very low, but the amount helped pay for the Town of Rangely Christmas party. His staff has been working on vehicle maintenance, machinery maintenance, plowing snow on Christmas day and snow removal. They finished plowing the roads on La Mesa Drive and were down a truck which slowed plowing progress for a while.
Town Manager Update
Lisa Piering reported three town trustee seats and the mayoral position will be up for grabs at the 2020 municipal election.
Jeannie Caldwell was hired for the marketing coordinator position and will be attending the NW Colorado Air & Space Coalition Denver Tour Jan 21-23 with Piering.
The town will update its human resource policies and employee safety training will begin in February. They are moving forward with a CDOT grant for the Kennedy Drive improvement project. Plans for the project include moving the walking path on Kennedy Drive 10 feet off the street, mechanically stabilizing the earth wall, repaving that section, and adding lighting and benches to the pathway. Piering reported that the town is seeking grants for employee development classes in 2020. With grant approval from DOLA and APCO International, consultants will be coming to Rangely to help determine how the Town of Rangely can keep its 911 services in the community.
New Business
– Approved the sewer easement vacation on the parcel located at 226 E. Main St. and creation of a larger utility easement modifying the two Heritage Building site parcels.
– Approved the special event permit for the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce Crab Crack on Feb. 8.
– Accepted Matt Billgren’s resignation as a trustee for the Town of Rangely effective Jan. 1. Jan. 27 is the deadline to submit a letter of intent to the Rangely Town Hall. The election will be held April 7 by mail ballot.
– Approved the agreement between Rio Blanco County and the Town of Rangely to provide building inspection services to the town. The town plans to schedule all building inspections on one day of the week to minimize expenses.
The next Rangely Town Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
