Meeker trustees review housing assessment report, begin discussing possible options

MEEKER | Meeker trustees met for a work session to review recommendations from a comprehensive housing assessment conducted over the last year on the town’s behalf by Ayres Associates.

The 45-page report outlines the current housing situation in Meeker, current and future needs, and potential strategies for addressing housing issues.

Ayres representatives said Meeker is in a tough, but not unique situation. “You’re in an inverted market, and the cost to build housing is much higher than what your market can afford to buy. And then you know that’s compounded with higher interest rates…that raises the cost of purchasing a mortgage…so making it even more unaffordable to most of your working class or employees in the town. It’s a tough situation to be in.”

The assessment supports renovation of existing older houses, creating senior housing, and engaging in public-private partnerships to facilitate development, among other ideas. The town is planning additional workshops to determine the next steps to take. 

In the regular meeting, trustees heard from Teresia Reed, representing the America 250-Colorado 150 team that is planning celebrations in 2026 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood. 

Trustees approved special events liquor licenses to the Meeker Lions Club for the Pioneers Dinner and Dance, the Meeker Mustang Trainers Dinner, the Meeker Mustang Makeover, and the Meeker Classic Jammin’ Lamb event. They also agreed to change the way special event liquor licenses are handled in accordance with legislation passed in 2012. The change would make approval of repeat licenses an administrative level, as there is no longer a requirement to have a public hearing. The property involved with the license would continue to be posted prior to the approval of the license in case a member of the public had concerns or objections New applications would still come before the board, and trustees would be notified of approvals on recurring special event liquor licenses monthly. 

“It kind of streamlines the process,” said Town Clerk Lisa Cook, noting that in her more than 20 years of experience with special event liquor licenses, there has never been a public concern.

The board also approved:

• An $8,000 sponsorship to the Rio Blanco County Historical Society, an increase from the $6,000 requested.

• A temporary construction easement agreement between Cemetery District and the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Parks District during the Circle Park project.

• An extraterritorial water agreement with Colby 2023, LLC for water service and water tap purchase at 340 E. Market St. on the north side of Hwy. 13. 

• An energy/mineral assistance impact fund grant application for the Garfield Street water line replacement project. The first phase of the project has been completed, using American Rescue Plan Act funding received in 2021. The remainder of the project involves replacement of 4,200 linear feet of 100-year-old, four or six inch cast iron water line along Garfield Street between Third and 13th streets. If the grant is awarded, it will be matched by remaining ARPA funding and capital reserves. 

Town Administrator Mandi Etheridge said Melissa Fellows has been hired as the town’s new community service officer, replacing Laurel Haney who is retiring. Fellows begins work Monday, Aug. 19.