RANGELY I MARCH 8 MEETING:
Jon Templeton addressed the Rangely Board of Trustees regarding concerns brought to the board about mosquito abatement. It was suggested by a concerned citizen that a better way to manage mosquitos that would reduce the risk to helpful insects, particularly bees, be considered. Templeton, with support from Town Manager Lisa Piering, explained to the board that the methods suggested are already being employed. Current methods utilized include larvicides and adulticides — Vectobac, Altosid briquettes, and Evoluer Adulticide which is a permethrin base with a low volume sprayer. The rotation of products helps to reduce insecticide resistance by controlling mosquitoes at the larva and adult life stages. Templeton shared that a better method isn’t realistically feasible by his understanding and that these methods are not strong enough to kill a bee, even if it were to get into the machine and formulas. Templeton further shared his organization’s methods for spraying including using the briquettes in storm drains and other places with standing water and spraying the North/South sides of town. Mosquitoes typically begin their life cycle near the river and due to the White River being outside of town limits, the town does not provide abatement there. Trustee Don Davidson shared that members of the White River Emergency Preparedness (WRAP) group had expressed concerns to him with potential ideas for alternative methods. Davidson and Templeton came to an agreement to connect the concerned folks with him, in hopes of discussing education and communication.
Trustees approved the Rangely Elks Lodge 1907 Special Event permit for the OHV Rodeo at Columbine Park on April 30, 2022.
The board approved action to approve the application to AGNC for a mini-grant for $10,000 to complete the solar lighting of the Kennedy Drive Path and discussed and approved action for an application to AARP for $15,000 to match the AGNC grant to complete four additional lights on Kennedy Drive Path and to install three lights on S. White at the entrance of Pinyon Circle.
The application to Just Transition and Northwest Development Council was approved by the board to be amended as there are other grants and funding available. The Town plans to manage the funding available to best meet the town’s needs and priorities.
Town Manager Lisa Piering shared her update to include elected officials training in Meeker on March 15 and safety training for all departments. The Town is contracting with Networks Unlimited to assist in cyber security and management. The products offered are minimal cost and help add a layer of security for the town. Piering shared that Supervisor Don Reed would also be applying additional efforts as water treatment plants are under increased risk. The Pinyon Circle water line replacement project has been scaled down due to lesser issues and more efficient solutions found.
Informational items included a Coffee with a Cop meeting with a high turnout and beneficial conversations. Jeannie Caldwell submitted a short article from “The Surveyor” which published a highlight from the website HeidiTown.com that named Rangely “the friendliest little town.”
Mayor Andy Schaffer highlighted the Community Garden Board vacancies and offered Trustee Don Davidson to share updates regarding WRAP members who have previously expressed interest in volunteering. Davidson shared that Piering connected him with Janet Miller who also works with and utilizes the Community Garden to start the Town’s flowers before planting them in pots around town.
MARCH 22 MEETING
Chamber of Commerce Director McKenzie Webber addressed the board regarding the upcoming ROAR event scheduled for April 28-May 1. The event is one month away and 115 vehicles are registered. Webber estimates that to be about 300 people and alerted the Town to be prepared for the influx. Webber is still seeking volunteers and requests anyone interested to contact her with their shirt size, and she will put them to work. Volunteering includes a free ROAR registration. On Tuesday, March 29, students from the high school met at Town Hall to shadow members of the local government including Davidson and Schaffer.
Piering shared updates including RDA/RDC highlights in outdoor rec, cyber security, housing and approved a grant to assist Silver Sage RV Park with their Main Street façade. Trustee Keely Ellis shared that the Congressional Directed Spending was awarded but not yet dispersed. Piering noted that it is a “learn as you go” process. Ellis shared highlights from the AGNC meeting that included a presentation from the region 10 broadband coordinator suggesting ways to support local infrastructure connectivity with redundancy in the event that Denver’s service shuts down. Davidson said there may be a Department of Agriculture grant that could supplement the Congressional Spending grant.
The major discussion point of the March 22 town board meeting was a public hearing to consider allowing the closure of the alley south of Rangely Hardware Store between S. White Ave and S. Grand Ave. during closure hours of the business. Rangely Hardware Store owner Rodger Polley addressed the council to share his concerns. Discussions have occurred in several other meetings, including the planning and zoning board meeting. Polley’s primary concern is the security of the store which includes property on both sides of the alley. A locked fence gate on both sides of the alley is Polley’s desired goal. The Town considered the safety of all and the permanence of the motion. Davidson asked if the fence and alley would be transferable property in the event Polley moves his business. The town had three options: vote to vacate, not to vacate and create an agreement of closure, or take no action. Polley offered several other reasons that this benefits Rangely Hardware Store. Ellis shared concerns from the County Attorney regarding emergency access and if there would be an impact on either party with the proposed fence. Polley informed the council that the fence would be a simple padlock style and honestly, anyone who really needed to get through could do so. The board thoroughly considered Polley’s position and the available options both during the public hearing and the new business discussion and action portion of the agenda. Schaffer worried about the precedence for shutting off public access to a public street to accommodate business owners. After long consideration, Trustee Tim Webber motioned to execute option two, for the Town to not vacate and create an agreement of closure between the Town of Rangely and Rangely Hardware Store. Trustee Trey Robie seconded that motion and the matter was closed.
Piering shared an update from Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding several concerns including the old Sinclair/Shell gas station where the tanks need care and work. Piering is hopeful that if the property sells, the Town could work with the new owners to remove the tanks. An additional matter of concern was asbestos-containing housing the Town has condemned but does not own. CDPHE offered mitigation tips. Portable housing was also discussed and links into an economic development discussion Piering will have with Christine Rambo of the Northwest Colorado Development Council. Mayor Andy Schaffer asked about the ability to expedite the building process and the flexibility in selling at cost value vs market value. The board shared comments but as the topic is a work in progress, no decision needed to be made. Rambo was in town holding some focus groups to help improve available services.
Grand County, Utah Commissioners voted against the Book Cliffs Highway.
Webber has been visiting different board meetings as a face of the Town’s Board of Trustees, including the Junior College Board meeting that introduced the new airport manager and new aviation programs underway. Webber and Piering noted that a joint meeting between Rangely and Meeker organized by Meeker Town Manager Mandi Etheridge was progressive and may happen more often as the Boards are run more similar than not.
Emily Peterson addressed the Board on behalf of the water department with updates on the Head Works Building Project with most excavation completed and concrete being poured. There have been some difficulties and work is still in progress. Peterson honored the crew for being flexible in mitigating the issues and working around the challenges. Piering highlighted the work Peterson and Jocelyn Mullen have done managing this project.
The Board discussed and took action to approve the grant application to CDPHE for Active People, Healthy Colorado to complete the solar lighting of the Kennedy Drive Path in the amount of $5,000, in lieu of the AARP grant previously applied for that will likely not be awarded.
By KATIE KING | Special to The Herald Times
