RANGELY | At the Town of Rangely Board meeting June 13, trustees heard a presentation from Raquel Petersen concerning the Rangely District Hospital (RDH) Foundation Panther Den Preschool and Child Care Grant. Petersen is the new Foundation and Marketing Director at Rangely District Hospital.
According to Petersen, the Foundation desires to assist parents with childcare, increasing earning potential and contributing to the local economy. An additional childcare facility would create earning opportunities in child care and professional development for possible partners, including the Rangely School District, Rangely District Hospital and Colorado Northwestern Community College.
The first “community needs assessment” demonstrated that 250 new jobs are being created for openings in the next five years. With an additional childcare facility, licensed childcare will be available to support those jobs, as the space of Giant Step only allows for 15 children. At this time, Giant Step is full — they must turn away any new referrals. Giant Step Board would continue operating the facility, and the additional facility would continue to serve as a 501(c)3 and not change any other entities’ standings.
Petersen described the state of Colorado initiative, “Executives Partnering to Invest in Children,” that offers grant programs and other opportunities to further childcare availability in Rangely. The current grant proposal that is in progress asks for a $200K match, which the Foundation is employing fundraising to accomplish. Petersen further described the potential of this program as there is not a contract solidification at this time.
The Foundation is conducting a community needs assessment during July and August 2023 to gather information from the workforce. The assessment is being conducted on social media now, and looking forward to an “every door direct” method for those who do not participate on social media. The planning and grant proposal will wrap up in August. The timeline suggests operating with grant funding in the spring/summer of 2024. Petersen concluded her presentation by asking the Board how they “envision setting new long-term commitments to invest in Rangely” and describing a formalized partnership between the entities. Some of the benefits include a tax initiative and guaranteed childcare slots. There was a question from another public member about funding from the different participating partners. Petersen invited them to the next RDH Foundation Board meeting. Mayor Andy Shaffer directed Petersen to the Rangely Development Authority/Rangely Development Corporation board meeting for the requested support.
Michael Dillon and Emily Templeton delivered supervisor reports from their respective departments: water treatment and wastewater. Dillon told the board that the river flow is above average at 2,300 cubic feet per second (CFS), which makes the water muddier than average. Above-average water flow can cause water treatment problems, but the plant is running smoothly.
The VFD water pump arrived, and Ducey’s Electric will install it. The DOVE Disinfection Program through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment fully implements the plant. Engineers for the raw water plant are expected to meet and offer their plan within the coming weeks. Dillon is hopeful that Janet Miller will be able to assist in beautifying the outer appearance of the treatment plant building.
The summer session of the environmental studies class from Colorado Northwestern Community College, taught by Dr. Mario Sullivan, will tour the facility and study the plant’s chemical processes. Templeton highlighted that the Headworks project continues to run smoothly with the generator delivery, which Ducey’s Electric and Moon Lake installed. Over the past couple of weeks, some recent odor issues around town were resolved by repairing the aerator at Pond A. The department will continue maintenance around town to prevent significant problems. Templeton looks forward to being able to jet and camera the entire system as new regulations come from the state, which will require video footage of 25% of the system to monitor intake and flow.
Kellie Neiberger from the gas department updated the board regarding their operations, including the valve protection survey. Gas prices continue to drop, and Neiberger is holding off on purchasing hedges until closer to fall. Building and grounds are trying to keep up with weeds and mowing. Employee training continues, including the extensive training of a new employee. John Templeton shared the current status of mosquito abatement. The weather is a significant factor in what options are available. Larvicide applications began in April and continue through the time of publication. On June 12, 2023, John found a new breeding ground and eliminated the live larvae within two days. The current larvicide application has a naturally occurring bacteria base. One thing that prevents an entirely successful application is that some breeding grounds are inaccessible or on private property. Templeton and Neiberger described how they discern the types of abatement used and the environmental risk. Neiberger explained that the risk of diseases from mosquitoes is higher than the risks of the abatement options they employ. The department aims to consider the concerns of all citizens in their decisions. Mayor Andy Shaffer invited all concerned citizens to attend a board meeting and talk with the officials.
Town Manager Lisa Piering updated the board regarding town activities focused on budget preparation. There will be some substantial salary increases in the next budget cycle, a disciplined review of capital projects, facilities evaluation, and any upgrades that will be necessary. Affordable housing is a high priority as all districts need housing options available to fulfill workforce recruitment.
By Katie Faye King
Special to the Herald Times
