Rangely council responds to Narcan questions

RANGELY | The Rangely Town Council met Feb. 28 and approved several equipment purchases and heard community concerns.
During the public input portion of the evening Beth Wiley approached the council requesting that access to the recordings of town council and RDA meetings be added to the town’s website so community members who cannot attend meetings can still access the audio. Town Manager Peter Brixius informed her that the town is currently working on it and hopes to eventually offer live streaming.
Wiley also asked what action or follow up discussion was occurring following comments made last month by Police Chief Wilczek regarding the department’s decision not to carry the medication Narcan, which is used for those suffering from a drug overdose. Mayor Pro Tem Andy Shaffer said they “are still looking into it.” Concerns include legal aspects, drug side effects and risk. As far as the specific comments made by the chief, Brixius said the chief felt that his comments were “mischaracterized” and he “really is a caring person.” Wiley, who said she had listened to the audio from the meeting, disagreed that the comments were mischaracterized but stated that she greatly respects Wilczek and hopes people will reach out to speak with him.
Resident Oakley Hopkins also spoke, encouraging the council to pursue obtaining Dark Skies status, which she believes could bring in tourism. Shaffer told her that the council is still looking into the Dark Skies Initiative.
Individual purchases typically only come before the council for approval when they are either not included in that year’s budget or if once the time of purchase comes the cost exceeds what was originally budgeted. The council approved the purchase of a walk-behind concrete saw which was included in the 2017 budget for $6,000 but will actually cost $196 more. Additionally, they approved a purchase agreement for a skid steer loader at a cost of approximately $46,663.
The council looked at and discussed the new signs which will soon be appearing around Rangely. The signs will welcome visitors and direct them to commonly sought areas, such as the Rock Crawling Park. The new slogan for Rangely will be “Way Outside of Ordinary.” A portion of the signs were paid for by county and Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado grants.
The Chamber of Commerce is planning an informational open house for all interested community members on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rec Center. Topics covered will include the Dinosaur Open Hang Gliding Event, the Wolf Creek Water Storage Project and this summer’s planned Chevron Shut In which will bring a large number of temporary workers to the community.
The board was informed that the Rangely Planning and Zoning Board currently has a vacancy. Those interested in serving should contact Brixius.
The Rangely Town Council will meet again on March 14 at 7 p.m.