Commissioners met Tuesday in Meeker at 10 a.m. for a regular meeting and went directly into executive session to receive legal advice on specific legal questions regarding conservation easements, county road policies, and 1041 regulations regarding wind and solar; and determining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiations and instructing negotiators regarding airport leases.
1041 regulations are a land use tool established in Colorado in 1974 which allow local governments “to maintain their control over particular development projects.” The regulations address areas of state interest such as mineral resource and natural hazard areas, and areas containing historical, natural or archaeological resources, as well as activities in those areas that are of state interest, including water and sewage treatment systems, solid waste disposal sites and airport site selection, among others. 1041 regulations have been applied in several Colorado counties to address local regulations surrounding the development of wind and solar energy projects.
On a busy agenda, commissioners:
– Approved renewed passthrough funding agreements with the United States Geological Society for for operation and maintenance of streamflow gaging stations and water quality sampling sites on Piceance Creek, Corral Gulch, Yellow Creek and the White River.
– Approved a letter of support for the Colorado River Drought Task Force.
– Renewed an agreement with the Town of Rangely to provide building inspections within the town limits.
– Accepted an award to fund toxicology testing fees associated with forensic toxicology testing related to overdose deaths or suspected opioid overdose.
– Accepted a renewed agreement with Phil Vaughan Construction Management Inc. (PCI) for 2024 Building Plan Review on an as-needed basis at the same dollar amount. The agreement provides back-up inspections and reviews on more complex commercial building projects.
– Accepted a memorandum of understanding for Colorado Works, a program administered by the Department of Human Services, to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.
– Accepted an award and approved a contract for the Rio Blanco County CR4 Bridge Rehabilitation Project. According to Road and Bridge Director Scott Marsh, the project could commence in February or March of 2024.
– Approved the purchase of a landfill shredder including attachments to be purchased in 2024. The shredder is expected to improve recycling capabilities for metal and will be a “great addition to the landfill,” said landfill manager Cory Silva. A link to videos of the shredder in operation was expected to be added to the county’s YouTube channel.
– Approved an agreement with Neal Christensen, CPA, to provide training for the Department of Human Services. According to County Attorney Don Steerman, Christensen provides training on accounting procedures on an as-needed basis and will help provide cross-training for staff.
– Approved a letter to the Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission opposing an amendment that would allow for the purchase of natural resources on the stock exchange. According to Commissioner Doug Overton, multiple counties are sending letters in opposition.
– Approved an Amendment to the Master Fee Schedule to include plumbing inspection fees based on a cost evaluation of the project. Building Inspector Matt Franks said plumbing inspection fees will be based on the same calculation as building permit fees.
Following commissioner and staff updates, the board reconvened the executive session to complete the previous discussion before starting work sessions.
WORK SESSIONS
According to White River Conservancy District executive director Alden Vanden Brink, the Wolf Creek Reservoir project planning with the Bureau of Land Management is nearing the final step before it enters the federal process.
Vanden Brink said they’ve spent about 75% of the $1.8 million budgeted for this year, with change orders from contractors adding to the cost. The District is seeking additional funding and community partners, “using your funds as leverage,” Vanden Brink said, referring to the $4 million in Colorado Civic Improvement Trust Fund grant given to the District.
The second and final work session for the day centered on questions about the 2024 budget. Commissioners acknowledged that the county’s employees are their “greatest asset,” and said they intend to create a plan to increase wages for staff.
