Snow removal complaints

MEEKER I Water Street residents and property owners addressed Meeker’s trustees Tuesday with complaints about how the town’s public works department is handling snow removal, including the practice of plowing snow across driveways. 

Beverly Prosence and her daughter, Annie Long, said during the February 23 storm, Prosence’s driveway was blocked with snow left behind by the plow. She shoveled herself out, only to find her driveway blocked again the next morning.

“What is the goal of public works in regard to helping residents maintain a good quality of life?” Prosence asked. “Should residents be required to dig themselves out or hire someone?”

Long was also dissatisfied with what she described as an unprofessional response from staff at the town shop and a request to remove a dumpster that has been in place for more than 45 years with approval from a prior town board. “Is the previous ruling no longer binding?” She asked. 

The residents presented the board with a notebook of comments from their neighboring residents and asked trustees to consider the concerns listed. Mayor Kent Borchard said the board would review the comments and add the matter to the agenda at a future meeting. The town’s snow removal policy can be found here: https://www.townofmeeker.org/snow-plowing-removal/ 

In the regular meeting, trustees approved a special event liquor permit for the Lions Club at the Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation annual banquet March 26, 2022, at the 4-H building.

Trustees also approved, with minor changes, an extraterritorial water agreement for Trail & Hitch Tiny Home Hotel and RV Park. Four Points Funding, the property owners, will be responsible to run water mains to the property, tapping in to the town’s water system. 

Four Points Funding also owns the Trailhead Cabins and Lodging on Market Street, and have applied for a tavern liquor license where Outfitters Restaurant was previously located. A public hearing for the license was set for April 19. 

One bid was received for the crack seal project from Rocky Mountain Asphalt out of Steamboat Springs for $32,000. 

Town staff asked the board to consider applying a specific clause in the town’s purchasing policy to go ahead with the purchase of computer equipment for police patrol vehicles. Former Meeker Police Officer Yates had applied for a federal grant prior to his departure. The grant was awarded for $48K. The town has a quote from a company in hand, and asked to go ahead with that company.

After some discussion about not setting a precedent, and agreeing this is a unique situation, the board agreed to apply the clause and go forward with the purchase. The grant will cover almost all of the expense.

Trustees also gave approval for town staff to move forward with a GOCO (Great Outdoors Colorado) grant application for the next phase of the Circle Park project in conjunction with the Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District, which is also applying for a grant. 

Town Manager Mandi Etheridge announced that Carly Thomson has been hired to fill the new community development director role beginning in April. Thomson was one of three “highly qualified” candidates who applied for the job. 

Trustees also discussed the RBC Commissioners 2-1 vote to defund the county’s voting machines, which are also used for town elections. Trustees directed staff to send a letter to the BoCC opposing the plan. 

By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com