RBC | The Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners held their regular monthly meeting last week at the Historic Courthouse in Meeker, with all three commissioners in attendance.
The meeting opened with a public comment period. The sole speaker was Wendy Gillard of Rangely, who commended the board for its efforts, specifically praising Commissioner Callie Scritchfield for her work at the state level. Gillard acknowledged Scritchfield’s public comments and letters opposing recent legislation.
Gillard also raised concerns about the county’s approach to disability accommodations, reminding the board that “a disability is not a choice.”
“People have real needs and those people need accommodations. We have blind and deaf people in our community — taxpayers,” Gillard said. “If they listened or watched the livestream a few weeks ago, how do you think they felt when they read or listened to how appalled the board is that they must accommodate their disabilities?”
She went on to advocate for virtual access to meetings, particularly for the elderly, those with disabilities, and working residents unable to attend during regular business hours. She also questioned why not all county commissioner meeting recordings remained available on YouTube.
“You wish that you had more community members active in the board meetings, and I think the board makes it very difficult for that to happen,” she said.
Following public comment, the board approved the meeting agenda, which was amended to include a comment on a Bureau of Land Management lease and an appointment to the Northwest Greater Sage-Grouse Planning Region (GPR).
The commissioners heard from Eric Jaquez, Operations Administrator for the county, regarding a $279,491 LAN Replacement Project and accompanying security system upgrades.
“These are major investments in county infrastructure and safety,” Jaquez said.
The board also discussed the Meeker Golf Course (MGC) Minor Subdivision, presented by Leif Joy, who explained that the project involves dividing an 8.86-acre parcel from a 74.9-acre property. Joy said the subdivision complies with state statutes and had received no objections from referral agencies.
“At the planning commission meeting on March 27, there was a unanimous 5–0 vote in favor,” Joy said.
Commissioners moved on to ratify a letter opposing changes to Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and expressed support for a resolution from the Nevada Wildlife Federation, which declares a state of emergency due to noncompliance with the 1971 Free-Roaming Wild Horses and Burros Act.
Commissioner Scritchfield provided context, referencing her decade of involvement with conservation districts.
“We were extremely involved in trying to make sure the feds follow the act,” she said. “If they do, we’d all be fine. Still have horses on the range, no horses in holding, and horses available for adoption. That’s the effort here.”
The regular meeting concluded with a presentation from Jonathan Lambert of Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who updated the board on the Lake Avery Dam repair project.
Lambert explained that the lake was drained in the fall to avoid safety hazards related to ice and fluctuating water levels. Currently, water is flowing directly through the dam, with the goal of drying out the site for construction to begin by late June or early July.
“Right now, we’re matching inflow with outflow so the lake stays empty,” Lambert said. “Our ultimate goal is to completely dry the site to allow construction to start.”
Lambert added that the project, which includes repairing the outlet pipe, relining the pipe, fixing the head gate, and reconstructing the downstream side of the dam, is scheduled to wrap up by next year.
“We found cracks in the outlet pipe and leaks in the head gate,” he said. “This repair will make the dam safer and more efficient long term.”
Commissioners also had three work sessions scheduled to be livestreamed last Tuesday that are no longer available for viewing, along with the livestream of the regular meeting.
Commissioners held an additional meeting on April 15, but will not have a meeting in Rangely this month. The next Rio Blanco County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Meeker.
