Town of Rangely report

RANGELY I Town of Rangely trustees met Tuesday evening and discussed the following.

GAS DEPARTMENT

Rangely resident, business owner and former town board member Brad Casto voiced concerns about recent gas price increases. Gas Superintendent Kelli Neiberger provided further clarification on what led to the cost increases (read more on PAGE 8A). Casto expressed that he didn’t think it was fair to some of the people who can’t afford a major increase. Town Manager Lisa Piering responded, “We have told everyone we would work with them on payment plans,” and reiterated that providers from around the state would also be passing on a percentage of the cost to customers in various ways.

POLICE UPDATE

Rangely Police Chief Ti Hamblin shared a supervisor report with the board, noting an increase in “serious crime” including “sexual assault type cases” he said were taking a lot of time and resources to manage. Hamblin discussed recent personnel changes including the resignation of the dispatch supervisor/record manager. He also mentioned that Officer Connor has returned to work three months earlier than expected after a work-related injury last year. Hamblin noted the department is also in the process of hiring an additional officer. Another personnel change for the department is the loss of part-time dispatcher Tracy Cook, who resigned Tuesday according to Hamblin. The board commended the department for their role in the March 5 drug bust, where law enforcement seized approximately 1.9 pounds of methamphetamine and other items from a residence in Rangely (see more on PAGE 1A). Hamblin said he couldn’t disclose any details, but said “there’s more coming, and we hope to continue with that type of work.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Town Manager Lisa Piering noted two upcoming events. First is the CNCC Foundation Dinner on March 27, and the Rangely OHV Adventure Rally (ROAR) from April 30 to May 2. Piering also mentioned discussions about the potential for a community garden but said nothing was set in stone yet.

Public works has begun using street sweepers for some dust control, Piering noted that work could increase in the next few weeks.

The Town also submitted final applications for multiple grants to help fund a water line replacement project, street overlays and more.

Piering said the town and CNCC had met with a group called “Cogency” about “proprietary energy technologies.” She said there was a potential for partnership with CNCC that could hopefully bring new educational opportunities and new jobs to the area.

Piering also commented on the gas price increases, noting that if the town was able to get “relief” they would pass it on to customers.