RBC | Old business took up the greater part of a lengthy Meeker Board of Trustees meeting on May 19, specifically continued discussion around the imminent takeover of responsibilities for care and maintenance of seven town-owned park properties on June 1 and ongoing negotiations with property owners in Sanderson Hills subdivision regarding the use of Robert Street, an unfinished connecting street between Sanderson and Sage Hills subdivision.
Discussion about the parks (see the press release from the Town of Meeker on Page 8) ranged from answering public inquiries about hiring park staff and the decision to handle the maintenance in-house, to concerns from the public about the current condition of the parks being sub-par. Public Works Supervisor Jak Kilduff said they anticipate a “big learning curve” during the first year but are ready to get started.
Trustees asked about the possibility of resurrecting the kid’s bike rodeo in an effort to improve safety training and information for kids on bikes as summer kicks off. Town Manager Margie Joy said she hasn’t heard any discussion about the bike rodeo, but reported that the police chief and community development director Carly Thomson were working on some educational social media posts about bike safety, scooter safety, and new drivers.
Thomson shared an article about data centers with the board to “start the conversation” about whether the town’s zoning and policies are prepared to accommodate data centers.
Town Clerk Lisa Cook, speaking on behalf of incoming Town Clerk Dannie Massey, who was attending a middle school band concert along with several other staff members, said the notice for weed cutting would be published May 28, with a June compliance date (see ad on Page 5).
Joy updated the board about progress to the emergency access route along Robert Street to Sanderson Street, noting that prep work has begun and adjacent landowners have been notified. When complete, the project will create a gated emergency access road, unpaved, between Robert Street and Sanderson Street, providing an additional way into and out of Sage Hills.
Trustees also clarified information discussion in the development of the emergency plan regarding price controls, “because in emergency situations people tend to take advantage of it.” Joy said there is a state law in regards to price controls and price gouging. With that clarification, the board approved the emergency plan, outlining roles and responsibilities, as a resolution on the record.
Thomson provided background on the Meeker Housing Partnership, which started with a housing needs assessment in 2023 and has culminated in the creation of a nonprofit private/public partnership board. The board will have five to nine members who reside in eastern Rio Blanco County. Trustees approved a resolution to establish the Partnership, appointing trustee Jessica Browning as the governmental representative.
In other business, trustees approved:
• A variance extension for 314 Garfield Street.
• Approved a bid for street repairs to DRC Construction $571,040, as per recommendation from staff, noting concerns from trustees about last year’s Garfield Street project.
In the Town Manager’s report:
• The Board of County Commissioners does not want to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Meeker and the Library Board, stating they feel the state statute is adequate. However, they do agree with the town’s proposal on how to realign the staggered terms for board members, and have indicated willingness for a workshop. Trustees agreed to revisit the topic in February of 2028, when the next joint board appointment is due.
• Joy said town staff planned a walkthrough with the rec district of the park properties to review conditions, document what is working and what isn’t, review certifications of equipment, service, etc., and noted that the rec district has agreed to leave their security cameras in place until June 30.
