By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
The Meeker Board of Trustees approved $10,000 in community support funding Tuesday while hearing updates on wildfire mitigation efforts, youth programs, grant opportunities and other town business.
Trustees unanimously approved $5,000 for YouthZone and $5,000 for the Meeker Veterans Community Center.
White River and Douglas Creek Conservation District Executive Director Vanessa Trout updated trustees on the Eastern Rio Blanco Resilience and Mitigation Program, funded through a $500,000 U.S. Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant.
The four-year program, created through Rio Blanco County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan, will provide 100 home site assessments, FireWise USA neighborhood programs, fuels mitigation, home hardening education and community chipping days.
Priority areas include Elk Creek Ranch, Sage Hills, Buford and the Ute-Papoose Creek area. Trout said the focus is reducing wildfire risk within the first 100 feet around homes.
Two in-town chipping days and one upriver event are planned this year through High Rise Tree Care, with assistance available for residents with mobility limitations.
Trustees encouraged volunteer partnerships through FFA, churches and community groups and suggested offering phone registration in addition to QR codes.
YouthZone director Jami Hayes outlined the organization’s juvenile justice and behavioral health services.
Hayes said Rio Blanco County referrals frequently involve assault and battery, a trend uncommon in other judicial districts. YouthZone recently secured state funding to expand rural services and hopes to hire a regional staff member serving Rio Blanco County.
Every referred youth receives screenings for substance abuse, depression and suicide risk, with additional services provided as needed.
Trustees approved $5,000 in discretionary funding after contributing $3,000 last year.
Representatives from the Meeker Veterans Community Center requested $5,000 to launch an annual fundraising golf tournament.
Former VFW Commander David Cole said renewed membership has created momentum for a sustainable fundraiser.
Dr. Kevin Borchard said proceeds would support veterans, their families and active-duty service members while maintaining the Fourth Street facility, which also provides funeral honors, color guards and loans medical equipment to the community.
Trustees approved the request from the marketing and economic development fund.
Town Manager Margie Joy thanked police and public works staff for their efforts during Range Call and said the town is evaluating long-term HVAC replacement at Town Hall.
Trustees also discussed concerns from campground owners that the town’s $20-per-night RV fee at Ute Park undercuts private campgrounds. Staff will compare amenities and pricing before making recommendations.
Joy said the town is pursuing grants for economic development and a partnership with White River Electric Association to underground power lines and install backup generators for the municipal water system.
She also updated trustees on a proposed 1,300-mile Domínguez-Escalante historical relay expected to pass through Meeker during the Sheepdog Championship Trials.
Other updates included a July 21 workshop with the Meeker Public Library Board, county broadband funding efforts, a request for a September 2027 wedding at Ute Park, regional discussions with Rangely’s new town administrator and upcoming Department of Local Affairs training.
Mayor Travis Day reported meeting with U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper during a recent local visit.
Trustees briefly discussed the ongoing Robert Street access issue after no executive session was held.
Trustee Jeff Madison said he had hoped to discuss the matter before it became more contentious, but the board’s quasi-judicial role and ex parte communication rules limit public discussion while applications remain pending.
Board members said they intend to gather additional information before making any decisions.