MEEKER | The Meeker Board of Trustees addressed several business items at its recent meeting, including short-term rental requests, street maintenance bids and park management updates.
New town administrator Margie Joy was officially appointed and sworn in at the start of the meeting, and outgoing administrator Mandi Etheridge received a commendation for her service to the community.
Trustees approved a request from Sabrina and Daniel Ferguson to expand their existing short-term rental license to include both structures on their property.
The Fergusons were originally approved in October 2025 to operate a short-term rental in an accessory dwelling unit at 925 7th St. They requested that the license be extended to include their primary residence.
Town staff recommended issuing a separate license number for the primary residence because the two buildings have different addresses and could potentially be rented to separate parties. Trustees discussed whether the town’s short-term rental regulations required the property to operate under a single license since both structures sit on the same parcel.
Ultimately, the board approved extending the license to cover both addresses.
Trustees also considered a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 970 6th St.
During public participation, resident Michael Lani proposed installing stepping-stone pavers along a muddy section of trail near the Circle Park trailhead leading to the Meeker Cemetery.
Lani said a natural spring and irrigation seep create muddy conditions that can be hazardous for pedestrians. He offered to coordinate volunteers and donated materials to install about 25 pavers.
Trustees expressed interest but said the proposal will require further review due to possible utility conflicts, maintenance needs and liability considerations.
In the manager’s report, staff said parks are a priority as the town prepares to assume more direct management responsibilities. Work is underway on a transition plan addressing park reservations, signage and communication updates.
The Meeker Recreation Center has confirmed it will only use Paintbrush Park for its programs, simplifying coordination during the transition.
Trustees discussed creating a more formal volunteer program for town parks and projects. Board member Chris Lockwood noted volunteers already help with projects at Ute Park and through the MAMBA group, but the town will need to review legal and liability considerations before formalizing a program.
Trustees also approved a $36,000 bid from Superior Asphalt for crack sealing on town streets and authorized purchasing a new backhoe from Wagner Equipment of Grand Junction for $135,465.
The board discussed revisiting the dog park concept, concerns related to Robert Street, and addressing traffic management at 3rd and Main streets. In her weekly update, Joy said the town is looking at visibility, speed, and traffic volume, and said residents and drivers may notice police officers in the area tracking speeds.
The board agreed to move its March 17 meeting to March 24 to accommodate spring break schedules.
Trustees also scheduled a workshop April 7 at 6:30 p.m. to review issues related to the proposed intergovernmental agreement with the county regarding library appointments and governance before holding a joint meeting with commissioners.
Meeker’s Board of Trustees presented former Town Manager (and former mayor, and former trustee) Mandi Etheridge with an award for her service to the community. Etheridge has been replaced by Margie Joy. (Left to right) Trustee Chris Lockwood, Trustee Jeff Madison, Mayor Travis Day, Etheridge, Trustee Jessica Browning, Trustee Amanda Smith and Trustee Charles Day. Not pictured: Trustee Kathleen Sizemore. NIKI TURNER PHOTO
