RANGELY | Enefit American Oil Support
The council approved a letter of support for the Final Environmental Impact Statement from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s office to extend utility lines across BLM in multiple locations to carry natural gas, electricity, water and product for Enefit’s proposed oil shale project. The letter states, “We not only find the request by Enefit to extend utilities to the site acceptable, but we believe that the economic benefit to a depressed area dealing with the downturn in the extractions industry to be a major benefit derived from the extension of these utilities.” The Council is hopeful that the project, which sits near Evacuation Creek on the state line, could provide an economic boost to Rangely.
Wolf Reintroduction Opposition
Resolution 2018-05 unanimously passed council vote. The resolution supports the 2004 Colorado Wolf Management Working Group Recommendations for Wolf Management in Colorado and opposes the reintroduction of wolves. It describes agriculture and big game hunting as economically significant to the town and states that wolf reintroduction would threaten those industries.
The resolution also calls for delisting satellite wolf populations and allowing for state management of wolf populations.
Natural Gas Right-of-Way Approval
An application for renewal of a 30-year grant of right-of-way for the natural gas pipeline adjacent to Highway 64 from Highway 139 to Gillam Road and the natural gas pipeline for the La Mesa Subdivision and CNCC was quickly and unanimously approved. It comes with a $440 monitoring fee and an approximate $1,300 right-of-way fee.
Potential Water Shortage
Don Reed of the Utilities Department said they are drafting an execution plan should a town water shortage require mitigation. The plan would have to be approved by the Town Council.
“Do some rain dances, maybe we’ll be OK,” said Reed. No details about what those plans might be were mentioned.
Town Manager Update
Town Manager Peter Brixius said they are still working on the Building Department draft intergovernmental agreement with the county. The goal is to develop a process where the town and county share a building inspector. They are currently working off a Mesa County format where the practice is already in use.
Utility and paving work in the Tanglewood neighborhood has begun.
The town is moving forward with prairie dog control with a county contract, which Brixius said will reduce costs.
Sales taxes are up, about $30,000 above April’s numbers. Brixius commended Chamber of Commerce Director Konnie Billgren for her work which he believes has helped those numbers.
Code Enforcement Concerns
Mayor Andy Shaffer complimented the town’s code enforcement officer, saying she has dealt with concerns well. He said that code enforcement efforts have been up and so have complaints.
“Everybody has a different thought on how things should look,” he said. Councilman Billgren mentioned fire concerns when weeds are allowed to grow out of control.
