Meeker

Day takes mayoral seat, new trustees sworn in

Meeker Town Clerk Lisa Cook officiated the swearing in of three new town trustees and a new mayor. Joining the board are Charles Day, Kathleen Sizemore, Travis Day as mayor, and Jessica Browning. Trustees and staff celebrated with outgoing mayor Kent Borchard and outgoing trustee Melissa Kindall. Trustee Wendy Gutierrez is also ending her service on the board, but was not present for the meeting.

MEEKER | Meeker’s newest elected trustees, Kathleen Sizemore, Charles Day and Jessica Browning swore their oaths of office Tuesday, April 16 during the board’s regular meeting. Following eight years as trustee, including one term as mayor pro-tem, Travis Day stepped into the position of mayor, following Kent Borchard’s term. 

Borchard praised the board’s effective collaboration and decision-making during his four-year tenure. “I am very proud of this board,” Borchard said, noting their many respectful and productive discussions thanks to trustees’ efforts to stay well-informed and prepared for meetings. He expressed hope that the new board would continue a focus on unfinished projects like the river corridor development at Circle Park and plans to address housing shortages in Meeker. Former Trustees Wendy Gutierrez and Melissa Kindall also ended their terms as of Tuesday.

During regular business, the board elected Trustee Chris Lockwood as mayor pro-tem, and filed an application with the state water court to reaffirm their intent to maintain reasonable diligence for conditional water rights on four wells which provide the Town’s municipal water supply 

Town Manager Mandi Etheridge also recognized the service and dedication of the outgoing trustees and mayor, and outlined a training schedule to ensure new board members are well-prepared to take on their roles. Planned training will include mini-sessions prior to regular meetings and a full-board orientation with Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) regional manager Dana Hlavac.

By LUCAS TURNER | [email protected]