By NIKI TURNER
MEEKER | At the June 18 regular meeting of the Meeker Board of Trustees, County Administrator Vicky Edwards introduced herself to the board in her new role, stating, “I’m looking forward to participating with the towns.”
Mayor Travis Day asked about scheduling a joint work session between the two towns and the county at some point in the near future, separate from the upcoming interagency update at the county on July 9.
Edwards also informed the board that due to excessive liability and damage to the grass, the bounce houses that have traditionally been installed on the courthouse lawn or at the fairgrounds will no longer be permitted on county property.
Public Works Superintendent Tobey Willey said water use is “just starting to ramp up,” with 14 million gallons pumped in May. Well over 20 million gallons are expected to be pumped in June.
The town has just conducted its water quality sanitary survey and should have results back within 30 days. The survey is required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment every 3-5 years.
The Meeker Police Department finally received its new patrol truck following many months of delays. Officer Wylie Hetzel and his new K9 unit will use the vehicle.
The PD had six arrests in May, picked up five dogs that were returned to their owners and had one dog relinquished, and left eight door hangers for code violations including two for storage of implements or machinery, two for dogs running at large, two for barking dogs, one for public nuisance and one for maintenance of animals.
Town Planner/Community Development Director Carly Thomson updated the board on current planning department projects and building department updates. She has spoken with the chamber board regarding the housing assessment and is researching the potential for a community ice skating rink with Uplift Meeker. The rink would be located where the basketball/pickleball court is at the courthouse in the winter months.
Town Clerk Lisa Cook said she is working with the town’s web designer for accessibility compliance on the website. During the 2021 Legislative Session, HB21-1110 was signed into law, which added language to Colorado statute related to persons with disabilities and to strengthen protections against discrimination based on disability. It requires ADA compliance for all documents, forms, etc., on government websites. Entities must show a “good faith effort” toward compliance by July 1, 2024, and have an ADA compliant site by July 2025.
In regular business, the board approved special event liquor licenses for Lions Club for Range Call events and the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council for Meekerpalooza and the White River Electric Association annual meeting and membership event in July.
Trustees awarded bids for the sale of a 2002 public works truck for $1,278 and an old street sweeper for $100.
Etheridge told trustees the May 16 theft of a town public works truck resulted in a property damage claim and the vehicle was determined to be a total loss.