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Taking the reins from Konnie Billgren, the new Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce Director introduced himself to Rangely’s Board of Trustees Tuesday. Richard Smith, who has a BA in public administration, moved to Rangely in April from Mesquite, Nevada, where he was employed by Eureka Casino Resort. Smith brings years of experience as a commissioner and chairman for the Historic Preservation Commission for Black Hawk, Colorado. Smith is excited to work with the local government, businesses, and residents.
Rangely Police Chief Ti Hamblin listed the Communication Division taking 1,084 calls for service in April. There were 44 calls for 911 services and 10 911 misdials. The patrol division responded to 266 incident calls for various crimes occurring or occurred; 32 resulted in cases, 23 were traffic contacts, and there were 211 incidents.
Town Manager Lisa Piering stated they are refocusing on investors interested in the vacant motels in town. Town officials had a meeting with RBC Economic Development and Smith (Chamber). They discussed how they intend on marketing the community in a cohesive manner. Piering pointed out the new Town of Rangely website, including the new logo, and said Town Marketing Coordinator Jeannie Caldwell is the driving force behind that website, which is a clear improvement in design and functionality. The website can be found at https://townofrangely.colorado.gov/https://townofrangely.colorado.gov/. Caldwell and Smith met today to finish up an article that will be placed in the Out There Colorado publication.
The town is investigating available grants for signage at Hefley Park. Several restaurants were able to open at 30% occupancy. The town will be assisting restaurant owners as needed. They will also be planning for events like the 4th of July celebration and Septemberfest. Piering suggested setting a deadline to cancel if health and safety issues arise.
Rally Colorado organizers were in Rangely Tuesday going over the race course. That event is scheduled to take place in August. There will be a graduating senior parade/Cruisin’ Main event this Friday, May 15. Line up begins at 6:45 p.m. at the Rangely Fire Hall. Wrapping up, Piering told trustees that Centurylink and Charter are currently in town doing some work upgrading lines; they are using current utility easements.
The agenda packet included a letter titled Congressional Priorities COVID 4th bill from Senator Bennet. This proposed package includes at least $100 billion for rental assistance to support low-income renters and people who have lost substantial income in order to avoid eviction and any increase in homelessness. Additionally, he requests and supports $2,000 direct payments for every American – including all adults, children and non-child dependents – up to an income limit; $425 million for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and some funding to expand community mental health services; $35 billion directed toward higher education institutions to address imminent revenue gaps, enable the continued remote education of students, and to prevent large scale furloughs, just to name a few. The 15-page document was sent to House Speaker Pelosi and House Leader Schumer on April 27, 2020.
Also in the board packet was Rio Blanco County’s Application for Variance to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Within the variance is the guideline for our local restaurants allowing them to open to indoor dining, limiting the number of clients to 30% of the restaurant’s fire code capacity.
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By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
