MEEKER | The Meeker Town Board of Trustees held a workshop session ahead of its regular meeting last week to discuss the future of Robert Street, a longstanding but undeveloped town road.
Town Manager Mandi Etheridge opened the work session by providing background on the street, which has been platted since 1978 but left untouched for 45 years. Etheridge said the street was officially dedicated to the town, making it public property, and noted it has appeared intermittently in the town’s capital planning.
Etheridge recommended that Robert Street be added to the town’s long-term capital improvement plan for a full road build-out. She cited a March memo asserting that if the town chooses to develop the road, it must adhere to the same standards it applies to developers.
“Anything less than that would be a breach of development standards,” Etheridge said.
She categorized staff considerations into three areas: high-level development, public welfare, and logistics. A key concern raised was whether using public funds for infrastructure in a subdivision constitutes a perceived investment in private development.
“If we are going to use government funds to support infrastructure, does that create a perceived investment?” she asked. “And if so, how do we address future requests from other developers?”
One solution from the discussion with staff, she noted, would be to balance that investment through land use regulations, possibly requiring developers to dedicate certain parcels or limit sale opportunities to ensure public benefit.
Mayor Travis Day urged a different perspective.
“We’re not looking to make a full-time access road,” Day said. “Maybe a wider bike path with emergency gates. If there’s an emergency, the gates can be opened for one-time traffic. We’re not opening the area for general development.”
Public Works Manager Tobey Willey raised liability concerns over how the road would be constructed.
“If I make this road a two-track and someone gets stuck, where are we at liability-wise?” Willey asked.
Mayor Day suggested a simple, minimal road capable of handling a fire truck, describing it as more of a trail with emergency access.
Town Attorney Melody Massih said legal exposure would be minimal as long as the town avoids creating dangerous conditions.
Trustee Charles Day supported dual access points for emergencies.
“If anything happens, trying to get people up and down that road now would be a nightmare,” he said.
Fire Chief Luke Pelloni echoed that sentiment, saying two access points are “always better.”
After the discussion, Etheridge outlined the next steps if the board pursues an emergency-only road. Mayor Day reiterated that the road should meet minimal standards suitable for emergency use and pedestrian access.
The board also discussed concerns about two homeowners near Robert Street who had moved dirt to improve access to their properties. Trustees agreed this violated town code and directed staff to talk with the two individuals first, and if they don’t cooperate then pursue enforcement action and get the attorney involved.
During the regular meeting that followed, the board approved the agenda and amended minutes from the previous meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Chris Lockwood requested a change regarding the use of the word “tannins” in the context of Source Water Protection.
In public comment, Deirdre Macnab of the White River Alliance thanked the board for using BTI for mosquito control and advocated against aerial spraying due to environmental concerns.
Willey reported that over 13 million gallons of water were pumped in March. He noted delays in the Garfield project due to pipe issues and ongoing fire hydrant delivery delays. The department remains understaffed but received one application for a seasonal position.
Police Chief Eddie Thompson was absent, but his report was included in the board packet. Etheridge shared that Officer Hetzel and K9 Dak were recently recertified in Narcan use.
The board heard a funding request for the Meeker Mustang Makeover from Deirdre Macnab, Treasurer JH Sheridan, and new Executive Director Joe Burtard, who joined the meeting remotely. They requested $5,000 in continued support for the growing program.
Burtard presented an overview of the event’s expanded plans and new initiatives, including:
• A redefined mission focusing on ethical training and public awareness
• Targeted marketing to boost tourism and business
• Increased media attention, including a New York documentary crew
• New branding to better represent the Meeker community
• Record participation, with 18 adult trainers this year
• Expanded youth engagement and professional mentorship
Key 2025 dates include:
April 26–27: Youth mentorship clinics
June 14–15: Onsite follow-up training
August 22–23: Main show and gala dinner
August 24: Cowboy church and buyer-trainer interaction
Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved the $5,000 donation from the town’s marketing and economic development fund.
During the final updates, Etheridge and Mayor Day shared brief remarks. No executive session was held, and the meeting was adjourned.
