RANGELY | At the Rangely Town Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, trustee Alisa Granger reported on the public safety committee meeting held Sept. 21 with Police Chief Ti Hamblin. The main agenda item was the town’s OHV ordinance. Golf carts have been added to the list of vehicles approved to drive on roads within the city limits. A helmet requirement for 18 years old and under will be going to the board for a vote.
Ellis attended an Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado meeting last week and shared with the board about upcoming state legislation and ballot initiatives reviewed during the meeting and how those will fiscally impact the state, specifically the Western Slope.
Robie attended the Rio Blanco Board of County Commissioners meeting in Meeker and gave an overview of the discussion of budgetary items including consolidating positions within the county to save money.
During the supervisor’s report Gas Department Supervisor Kelli Neiberger reported an increase in gas usage for the month of September. Financially she says the department will be on track in 2020 unless there is an unusually warm November and December. Neiberger thanked the board for their support of the Rangely Emergency Dispatch Center, telling them how vital their expertise of the town is to her operations. Neiberger reports that they are using the new meter reading software which has been challenging. Approximately $22,000 worth of meter reading equipment will need to be purchased next year for their current system to continue to function past December 2021. Of that, $11,000 in funding will come out of the gas department and $11,000 from utilities. She intends on ordering the equipment by spring 2021.
The Town of Rangely Gas Department received a 2019 American Public Gas Association Safety Award. Her department resumed periodic meter changes which they had ceased doing during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic because of the need to enter residents’ homes. A study is being done to determine the financial feasibility for the Town of Dinosaur to install a natural gas system. The Town of Rangely Gas Department may need to play a critical role should the project become reality. She sees this as a good opportunity for the town to boost their income for years to come with them possibly installing, maintaining gas services systems in Dinosaur, and providing operator qualification. She reported that residents at White River Village will soon have a new covered smoking area away from doors and windows.
During new business, the August 2020 financial summary was moved for approval by Hacking, seconded by Shaffer, and approved unanimously.
Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director McKenzie Webber was appointed to the vacant position of the RDA/RDC Board.
Prior to adjourning the meeting, Mayor Andy Shaffer presented departing Trustee Tyson Hacking with a token of the town’s appreciation for his service to the community. Hacking, who is relocating with his employer to Oklahoma, was just into his second term on the Rangely Town Board of Trustees and had served as a trustee for nearly five years.
Special to the Herald Times
