By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
Meeker’s trustees revisited Smith Ranch’s lease of the Ute Park property for use as pasture during the Feb. 7 meeting. It’s a subject that has been debated since the town purchased the open space just west of town: whether having cows and calves on the land for several months of the year in conflict with the stated use for the property for municipal purposes. Concerns have been raised that having the cow/calf pairs on the property poses a risk to citizens using the park to walk, hike, bike, or walk dogs, hindering citizens’ access to publicly owned property for a portion of the year in favor of a private citizen’s permit.
Trustee Melissa Kindall had requested the approval of the lease be tabled at the previous meeting. On Feb. 7, with the item re-added to the agenda, multiple members of the public joined the discussion, all in support of the cows, and Smith.
Trustee Tiffany Jehorek moved to approve the lease with the amendments suggested by Town Manager Mandi Etheridge and attorney Melody Massih, opening the item to discussion. Following comments from Public Works Supervisor Russell Overton that any activities town staff performs at Ute Park are “for the land out there” not for any special events. Adding irrigation infrastructure, he said, was not for the Smith cattle or for growing hay, but to get rid of cheatgrass and for weed suppression. “We’re going to water out there whether Smith or the sheepdogs [Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials] are out there or not,” Overton said.
Permittee David Smith said the cow/calf pairs he puts on the land in the spring are fed — not pastured — and watered with town water he pays for, for the majority of the permit period.
Jehorek suggested a workshop specifically around Ute Park, and the other trustees agreed that would be a good idea.
“We’ve been kicking this can down the road for years,” said Mayor Kent Borchard, adding there is a need to have a comprehensive plan about Ute Park that addresses the needs of all users.
The board unanimously approved the $1,340 agreement with Smith Ranches, which covers up to 150 pair from Feb. 20 through May 25.
Trustees also discussed the ongoing review of the source water protection area around the town’s wells and permitting fees for property owners. Lack of awareness or knowledge of the source water protection district came to light last month when property owner Bruce Clatterbaugh asked for a permit fee to be reduced or waived. At that time, trustees asked for additional information. Etheridge said she has been comparing similar ordinances in the region regarding source water protection, but would like to do some additional research before recommending something to the board for consideration.
In other business, the board of trustees received one bid for a police vehicle from Victory Motors for $38,100; approved a letter of support for the state historic fund grant for the Yellow Creek School restoration project; and heard from Town Planner Carly Thomson and PMC’s Rachel Gates regarding a housing community assessment. Gates said the hospital, which is exploring construction of an assisted living facility on campus, would like to work with the town on the assessment to avoid duplication of planning efforts. The proposed assisted living facility is “still in the infant stages,” Gates added
