MEEKER | In the first official Board of Trustees meeting for 2021, the town reviewed a proposed assessment and design of the White River corridor through town, completed in conjunction with the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District and SWCA Environmental Consulting out of Broomfield, Colorado.
The study reviews river corridor conditions through the downtown corridor, including Circle Park, and addresses river bank instability, ice jam formation, and general improvement of river conditions.
Researching the potential for grant funding to cover some of the expenses for the proposed improvements is underway.
The light posts in downtown Meeker were originally installed in 1987, and repainted in the early 2000s. Town Manager Lisa Cook said 10 of the posts in the downtown corridor are rusted and will need to be replaced.
“That’s something you don’t want to hear on the first Monday of the year,” Cook said.
White River Electric Association is researching replacement costs and will assist with removal of the rusted posts.
In a work session following the regular meeting, trustees discussed the possibility of changing the town’s code as it relates to allowing large animals and livestock in town. Animal control and code enforcement officer Laurel Haney said she’s been hearing more complaints from neighbors, particularly in the summer months when flies become a nuisance, and has new residents calling to ask what the code says.
The board discussed the possibilities of changing the code to include stipulations on property size, grandfathering in current property owners with livestock, considering a “fair clause” for raising animals specifically for 4-H projects or the county fair, and asked whether the number of chickens or rabbits on a lot should also be considered.
“I hate saying no to all,” said Trustee Travis Day. “That’s one more step to moving away from agriculture.”
Currently, the code allows for two large animals per lot. In surrounding areas, only New Castle and Buena Vista still allow large animals to be housed in town.
The board directed staff to come up with some options for further discussion. The matter will require a public hearing before any ordinances are changed or added.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
