MEEKER | Meeker residents who own property with water service lines of indeterminate material have been asked to self-report on their water service lines via a form mailed out with the October water bills. The request comes through the Town from the Colorado health department, which is requiring an inventory of all lead and copper water service lines.
Approximately 500 users in the Town’s water supply system are affected by the new annual requirement. The form can be mailed back, dropped off at Town Hall, or submitted electronically using the QR code on the form.
At this time, there “are no punitive actions” planned by the state if a water line remains unknown in the system, however, Town Administrator Mandi Etheridge said, “The understanding is that eventually the state will require the town to come to your property, ‘pothole’ in front of your house where your service line goes into your house, determine that it’s lead, copper or otherwise, and report back to the state.” She added that even at that point, there is no clear definition from the state as to who will be responsible for changing out those lines. There is also no clear plan as to what the state intends to do with the inventories.
“We hope that people will give a positive response to these [forms],” Etheridge said, noting that residents who’ve been contacted and have questions can reach out to Jak Kilduff in the town’s water department.
Etheridge also updated the board on upcoming repairs to sign lighting at Town Hall and at the west end entrance signs, and completion of repairs and improvements to the Third Street facilities.
The Circle Park project is moving slowly forward, Etheridge said, and the board discussed scheduling a special meeting to review the additional design and documentation before it goes before the board.
In regular business during the Oct. 1 meeting, the board approved a fermented malt beverage liquor license transfer to Meeker Grocery LLC dba Watts Ranch Market/Clark’s Market.
The board also approved a resolution that updates the Town’s personnel policy and procedures and purchasing policy. The resolution adds a floating holiday to the annual calendar to be set by the board, and allows for sick leave and funeral leave to be extended beyond the employee’s immediate family to the employee’s “network of support,” and updates requirements for setting out bids over $25,000, and specifies policies for sale items (equipment).
Trustee Tiffany Jehorek opposed the extension of funeral and sick leave beyond immediate family members.
Town Administrator Mandi Etheridge said the change is “a benefit to working for the town of Meeker…you don’t have to use your vacation time for something that isn’t vacation.” Adding that if the policy was abused, she expects department heads would have a conversation with the employee about their attendance.
After discussion, the board approved the resolution without the proposed changes to the funeral leave policy.