In between budget workshops, the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners met last Thursday for a work session with Dave Murray, president of the Wagon Wheel OHV Club, and a regular meeting regarding the future ownership of the Fairfield Center apartment complex.
Murray raised the question of who is responsible for maintenance on the stretch of trail along Hwy. 13 on the east side of Meeker.
Initially developed in 2014-15 using grant funding, the 1.2 mile connector trail is the county’s responsibility, according to facilities director Eric Jaquez. Improved communication between the OHV Club and the county was agreed upon as a solution for maintenance needs.
Murray also asked about the information kiosks along the trail that were paid for through grant funding. The kiosks, which are beginning to degrade, are not part of an identified maintenance plan, but there are available opportunities for grant funding to replace or repair the kiosks.
County staff temporarily closed the connector trail this week for needed repairs.
In the regular meeting, the board discussed changing the county’s annual lease for the Fairfield Apartments to a month-to-month plan that will provide flexibility for the county moving forward with plans for the complex. Residents of the apartment complex asked what the change means for them.
County Attorney Don Steerman said the decision to change the lease has nothing to do with the tenants, adding that the Meeker Colorado Civic Improvement Corporation (MCCIC) — the entity responsible for overseeing the apartments, which are used for low-cost senior housing — is not the best mechanism for the county to operate the complex.
The apartments, for which there is a waiting list of seniors, face ADA compliance issues and ongoing maintenance and repairs, including the need to replace two aging boilers.
“To bring it up to code and compliance, we [the county] can’t afford to do that,” Commissioner Ty Gates told MCCIC board members, and the way the organizational structure is set provides no options for accessing grant funding.
MCCIC board members were concerned that the complex would fall under federal control or be opened up as general housing. Commissioners assured them they are not looking to change the intended use of the complex or to disrupt current residents, but are looking for ways to “make it better” and reduce liability risk to the county.
Due to space limitations, recaps of the budget meetings will be published in next week’s paper.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
