July was mildly eventful for Rangely’s Board of Trustees, although without any major decisions. Trustees heard updates from Don Reed, Lisa Piering and Trustee Don Davidson. Several members of the public addressed the board. On July 12, Bill Dyer addressed the Board to bring awareness to television utility struggles at White River Apartments. At the July 25 meeting, Town Manager Piering reported that the town was able to get a tech over to the apartments and solve the issue. The core of the problem was a previous resident with a private connection that was disruptive to the community connection. This has now been rectified.
Additionally, at the July 25 meeting, trustees met Robin Hanrahan — an urban developer who recently relocated to Rangely from Jefferson County. She holds an AICP certification in planning and is looking forward to collaborating with the Town through her company — Built Form Lab. Jan Zuber introduced herself as a new Rio Blanco County Pioneers Association member. They are holding a dinner/dance on Aug. 20 in Meeker and invited the Town of Rangely to attend. Zuber was hopeful that future events could be held in Rangely. The association’s goal is to unite Rio Blanco families and their history to help tell their stories.
Piering offered a report that included brief updates on weed control, mosquito abatement and other maintenance items. The RDA/RDC meeting focused on reviewing the SWOT analysis and evaluating where they expect to move forward. The community outreach meeting focused on CNCC and the changes being made to grow the scope of the college’s abilities. County commissioners are meeting at the Town Hall in Rangely now. Piering highlighted Rangely District Hospital and Rangely’s character when describing that the AC went down during a commissioner’s meeting and the hospital donated their unit for town use. Trustee Kyle Wren, who also serves as Rangely District Hospital CEO, offered their help anytime it is needed. During the commissioner’s meeting, they approved the opioid settlement and toured facilities. Piering hopes to increase the awareness of the commissioner’s meetings and that more citizens will attend to hear and be involved in the happenings. Piering also reported that housing development will be a top priority as Rangely has limited housing options.
A brief discussion was had about dumping grasses, weeds, and wood refuse. The current dumping location is overwhelmed and creates an environmental hazard as these are combustible materials. Piering gave a brief description about the June financial summary, which the Board voted to approve.
Trustee Davidson gave the council a report on Senate Bill 21-260. The act creates new sources of dedicated funding and new state enterprises to enable the planning, funding, development, construction, maintenance, and supervision of a sustainable transportation system by preserving, improving, and expanding existing transportation infrastructure, developing the modern infrastructure needed to support the widespread adoption of electric motor vehicles and mitigating adverse environmental and health impacts of the transportation system. Davidson shared his concerns that the bill supports advances on the Front Range but at the expense of people and businesses on the Western Slope. This bill includes a delivery fee increase of $0.275 that was “deceptively written” and “has no end.” The Board held a short discussion and considered a resolution to protect local businesses from the fee and hefty costs incurred. Davidson carefully highlighted the difference between a fee and a tax — the latter being the more accurate name for this expense, according to Davidson.
Supervisor Don Reed shared updates from the water treatment plant. The roofing damage incurred from wind earlier in the season has been repaired and roof material upgraded to account for a higher wind factor — up to 90mph. This upgrade was included in the warranty and should last the plant for many years into the future.
There was good news on the water situation. Water flow is about three times what it has been in the last few years. This is good news locally because there should be no water restrictions this year. Nationally, it will mean updated protections on Western Slope water from the 1922 Colorado River Compact that divides water resources into seven states along the basin. Reed urged the council to ensure they are informed about the Compact and the impact that changes will have on local resources. Reed continued his report to include power stabilization goals in conjunction with Moon Lake Electrical Association. Engineering has begun on the Half Turn Pipeline project and raw water bulk system. Reed offered kudos to Emily Peterson for her dedication to accurately completing things. The supervisor report was concluded with the consumer confidence report that showed two violations for failure to report on time, which does not reflect operations but reporting to the state.
The next Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Aug. 9, 2022.
By KATIE KING | Special to The Herald Times