RANGELY | At Rangely’s Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 8, the agenda was led with Call to Order, Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation led by Trustee Tim Webber.
The Council approved the minutes of May 25, 2021. No public input.
Public hearings including a reading of Ordinance 695 within section 9.04 of the Rangely Municipal Code and receiving guidance on the regulation of tobacco products. Police Chief Ti Hamblin and Jr. /Sr. High School Principal Crandel Mergelman provided detailed advice regarding how this ordinance will support their joint efforts to enforce the school’s current policy on tobacco, particularly vapes. The council approved this ordinance.
COMMISSIONER’S REPORT
Commissioner Ty Gates joined via telephone to provide the Commissioners’ report. He shared that the Town of Rangely’s application for Congressionally Directed Spending was approved. Advertisement for a part-time 4-H coordinator/administrator was approved. Gates shared that applications for firework funding from the recreation department and Septemberfest were tabled due to another plan on the table that would serve more effectively.
Commissioner Gates shared a potential project through Colorado West Regional Mental Health and grant funding to build an addiction treatment center in Rio Blanco County. The project is in the works to represent several counties, including Larimer, which holds significant influence due to population and funding. Commissioner Gates encourages the public to support the project for the economic and social health benefits to the rural, northwest corner of Colorado. Currently, anyone in need of inpatient services depends on transport from Rangely Police Department, consequently extending resources and delaying necessary care for the patient. Trustee Keely Ellis noted a lawsuit surrounding the transportation issue. Commissioner Gates stated that the primary challenge will be housing for the necessary construction and medical staff. Gates shared that the Attorney General and contractor for the treatment center have been supportive and helpful in addressing challenges as they arise.
SUPERVISOR REPORT
Rangely Police Chief Ti Hamblin provided a status update and said crime reports are increasing. Hamblin asks that citizens be diligent as the summer months approach and increased summer traffic from out of town brings potential for risk.
Hamblin said Corp. Jesse Leech and Officer Daniel Conner are leaving the Rangely Police Department. Lt. Stubblefield is currently on break from retirement and supporting the force. Hamblin reminded the council that there are several positions open.
Trustee Luke Geer asked Hamblin to encourage use of helmets for children riding ATVs, OHVs, etc. Chief Hamblin reported a decline in accidents indicating that drivers are practicing responsible driving.
TOWN MANAGER REPORT
Town Manager Lisa Piering confirmed that the application for Cogency Power is moving forward; including discussions for funding and logistics. Discussion and action to request Congressionally Directed Spending for 2022 for the Cogency Energy Project was approved by the Board.
Piering updated the Board regarding fogging/pest abatement citing a delay in the shipping of pesticide to the contractor. Additionally, the Town of Rangely’s fogger has served its duty and the purchase of a new one was approved in the check register.
The cementing project in front of the town government building is finished. The project included features to improve accessibility for wheelchair users.
Town Manager Lisa Piering shared that Public Works has several water line projects lined up.
NEW BUSINESS
New business submitted to the Council for action include:
- May 2021 Check register – Approved.
- Purchase order with the State of Colorado for the Town of Rangely to continue operating as the fiscal agent for the Dinosaur Welcome Center $70,860 – Approved.
- Resolution 2021-04 – a resolution to oppose 2022 Ballot Initiative 16, entitled “Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation” (PAUSE) – Approved.
- Request for Congressionally Directed Spending for 2022 in the amount of $5.8M, designated for the Cogency Energy Project. Motion approved with positive reports of hope and eager integrity by both parties, Cogency Power and Town of Rangely.
- Request to Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for the total allocations for each Non Entitlement Unit of the American Rescue Plan Recovery Funds totaling $568,804.50 – Approved. Town of Rangely is prepared to receive funds and reports that the total is unconfirmed.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
- Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) offers online short programs and skill training courses.
- Alive after Five July 2021 – A Main Street/TREAD event will be held in Veteran’s Park on Thursday, July 22, 2021. There is no cost to be a vendor. Vendor forms, special applications and rules/regulations are available on the Town of Rangely, Colorado Facebook page. They can be submitted to [email protected] or dropped off at Town Hall.
- Rangely Freedom Walk will be held Thursday, June 24 at 6 p.m. in Veteran’s Park.
- There is a vacancy on the Community Garden Board.
- Rio Blanco County continues to recommend Respect Each Other regulations. COVID-19 Cases and hospitalizations are currently up, with nine cases and three hospitalizations. Vaccines are available for the general public ages 12+. Please call to schedule your appointment. Meeker 970-878-9520 and Rangely 970-878-9525.
By KATIE KING | Special to The Herald Times
