The Regular Meeting of the Meeker Town Board was held Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Town Hall.

Call To Order

Mayor Loshbaugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

All were present except for Trustee Harold White

Approval Of The Agenda

Mayor Loshbaugh asked for changes in the agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Etheridge to accept the agenda as presented. Second by Trustee Halandras. All ayes. Motion carried.

Approval Of The Previous Minutes

Mayor Loshbaugh: we do not have the minutes from January 8 yet do we? Administrator Day: No, you will have them next week.             

Approval of Vouchers

Mayor Loshbaugh asked if #34 on the voucher list was that a single vehicle tow? Is that the usual rate? He said he thought it was $50 and asked if they were to give the Board some new pricing on tows, abandoned vehicle tows?” Chief of Police Hervey explained that he had been informed the tows would not be done for $50 he said they met with him and said that the cost would be $130 per tow.

Administrator Day explained that the USGS bill that is both the water temperature monitoring and testing – part of it is in water – part of it is in general and the cost will be more reasonable next year since the temperature gauge has already been installed.  Motion by Trustee Thomson to approve vouchers as presented?” Second by Trustee Etheridge. All Ayes. Motion carried.

 Monthly Departmental Reports

Police Department: Chief Hervey reported that last month we had a total of a 171 report total, 4 traffic summons, 10 impounds, 10 criminal, I have the yearly report total as well and that was 2404. That pretty much coincides with what we have done last couple of years considering the number of officers we had. I am expecting a lot more this year because we have a whole staff and in that regard I would like to introduce our newest officer Patrick Higney. He comes from to us from Loveland area and his father is a 30 year police veteran of the Loveland police department. He started last week and he is going to be starting with his field training – actually starting tonight. I am glad to have him aboard and hopefully in a couple of months, he will be out on his own and we will have greater production next year.

Planning Department: Planner Sheridan explained she has been working on the Escondido Subdivision and Zoning information, she said she had received a lot of questions lately on development in Meeker that she had been working on the socio-economic report going to monthly meetings in Rifle, etc. She said there is a variance request and a special review request being scheduled in February, and a little bit of everything going on. A question about the progress of the storm septer installation. Planner Sheridan responded that the hole has been prepared but due to the condition of Highway 13, the storm septor delivery and cranes to set it had not been able to travel to Meeker.  Because they are all “oversized loads”, the State Patrol will not allow them to use Highway 13 unless 50% of the pavement is visible.

Administrator Day reported that Russell could not be present and that the Public Works Department has been really busy, primarily with snow removal. She reported that approximately 1200 loads of snow have been trucked to Ute Park, which is significantly more than last year.

Public Participation

Lynn Lockwood Ute Park Powwow representative –“We have had several wonderful meetings and participation. We have been in the Ute bulletin; I think that they believe that it will happen too. With that I have become more concerned about parking and camping issues that we brought up last time. There is a concern over cutting hay in the meadow and the lease with Mr. Smith. We had a very good meeting earlier today, and we covered various options. Our problem will come if we cannot cut it in time for July 25^th and 26^th. Since we have not done this, and we have a lot of variables, I do not want to be adamant or difficult about anything. I think that options are good. This event will be judged very heavily on the first year and the best thing is word of mouth. If it is bad and everything is difficult for them (Utes), then that will hurt further participation. If we can keep it to scale and have facilities that are comfortable to them, then we have a very good chance of having an annual event.” She explained Sharon had suggested the Town fertilize the meadow so that the hay might mature earlier and even though he cannot remove the cows earlier, they be fenced out of the meadow so that the hay crop would start growing earlier in the season. Lynn then said “So to me it is a perfect thing. It can increase his crop, grow faster, have more yield and hopefully, if we need him to do it he can remove it in time for the Powwow. If it looks like the scale is going to be more manageable, we can use parking on the street. We really would like to have that option.”

Mayor Loshbaugh asked if the committee would know ahead of time?” Lynn Lockwood explained that the Pow Wow committee has letters out to sponsors and if they are successful in raising funds for the event, they will come.  She said that the sponsors would like the event to be promoted as far as Steamboat and Vail. Mitzy Cole was at our last meeting, she is very much on board, and they (Steamboat) have offered to promote it. She said that she wanted to be sure that facilities would be available if the event was promoted that much. Administrator Day said that Ute Park Committee meeting had been held earlier and Lynn Lockwood and Ellen Nieslanik had offered to assist with irrigating between the Pow Wow and the Meeker Classic. Mayor Loshbaugh stated that “The chief thing this first year is that we got to is all work together and it will work. We can get better and we all can get better”

New Business 

Request from Meeker Lions Club For Special Events Liquor License at the Fairfield Center on February 14, 2008 – Bill Jordan representing Lion’s Club.  Kathy Sizemore, Liquor Clerk, explained that the application was being made for the annual Meeker Chamber of Commerce Valentine’s Day Dinner and Theatre for February 14^th, at Fairfield Center, from 5:00p.m to 11:00p.m. A full meal will be served. It will not be open to the public. The staff recommends this approval of the license because the applicant has met all the required paperwork and fees.

Motion made by Trustee Halandras to approve the liquor license request from the Meeker Lions Club. Second by Trustee Ham. All ayes. Motion carried.

Bid award for 2008 full sized SUV for Police Department and pickup for Animal Control. Chief Hervey:  explained that the bid request had been advertised last month in the newspaper and by sending out notices to several businesses in the area. He said bids were received from five companies; Cook Chevrolet, Victory Motors, Glenwood Ford, Craig Ford, and Northwest Auto. He said that more than one bid had been submitted by some of the companies and that not all bids had met the required specifications.  He said the low bid, meeting specifications, was received   from Glenwood Ford for $25,911.92.Victory Motors had a lower bid of $23, 269, however they did not meet specifications that were required. He recommended accepting the bid from Glenwood Ford for $25,911.92 for the police SUV vehicle Ford Expedition. Trustee Halandras asked if the Board had discussed bids last year to give local businesses a preference. Administrator Day said that staff needs to look at that and Northwest Auto did have the low bid on the animal control vehicle.

Motion made by Trustee Thompson to accept the low qualifying bid from Glenwood Ford for $25,911.92 for the Police Department’s SUV, Second by Trustee Mills. All ayes. Motion carried.

Chief Hervey reported bids had been received from Cook Chevrolet, Victory Motors, Glenwood Ford, Craig Ford and Northwest Auto. Northwest Auto had submitted two bids. The lowest bid received was from Cook Chevrolet for $18,028, however it didn’t meet specifications required, mainly that it didn’t include a club cab which Dixie wanted because of so much equipment she has to carry and wanted a four door truck.  The next lowest bid, which met all specifications, was received from Northwest Auto for a GMC Canyon. That bid was in the amount of $21,864.35.

Motion to accept lowest bid from Northwest Auto was offered by Mayor Loshbaugh. Motion made by Trustee Etheridge to accept the lowest qualifying bid of $21,864.35 for a GMC Canyon,     from Northwest Auto. Second by Trustee Halandras. All ayes. Motion carried.

Public Hearings – 7:15 P.M.

Consideration of Ordinance #2, Series 2008, concerning ballot question on Town ballot April 1, 2008 Regular Municipal Election, asking voters to exempt  property tax from State restricted collection limitations, but not raising the mill levy. Administrator Day explained that this ordinance needed to be adopted if the Board wanted to move forward with this ballot issue on the April 1^st Municipal election. She explained that Attorney Viscardi had written the ballot issue, which is very long, but a requirement of the Tabor Act. She explained that it will allow the Town to retain the mill levy of 9.781 which is the mill levy the Town has certified since 1999 and retain revenue produced from that mill levy. At the present time the Town is required to use a formula which is based on the growth rate and the cost of living and can only collect as much as the Town collected the previous year plus whatever the formula allowed raising the revenue, and reducing the mill levy by a temporary mill levy if the permanent mill levy produces more revenue than allowed. She explained the mill levy this year was 7.0 this year instead of 9.781. She pointed out there was a spread sheet showing what the Town could have been collecting if the Town was not restricted by Tabor.  Administrator Day pointed out that the mill levy cannot be increased without an election.  She said that this ballot issue will allow the Town to collect all the revenue produced by the 9.781 mill levy, but not allow the Town to increase the mill levy without an election. Motion made by Mandi Etheridge to adopt Ordinance #2, Series 2008, an ordinance setting forth the title of the ballot question to be submitted to the Town of Meeker registered electors at the Town of Meeker regular Municipal Election to be held on April 1, 2008. Second by Trustee Ham. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Consideration of Ordinance #3, Series 2008, an Ordinance repealing, amending, and reenacting certain portions of the Meeker Municipal Code, including portions of the following: (please see complete legal notice in this edition of the paper): Title 16, Chapter 1. Mobile Home Park Ordinance of the Town of Meeker, Title 17, Chapter 1, Meeker subdivision Ordinance of the Town of Meeker.Title18, Chapter 1, Meeker Zoning Ordinance; Title 18, Chapter 2,Meeker Off-Street Parking Ordinance, Title 18, Chapter 8, Town of Meeker Annexation Ordinance: Title 19, Chapter 1, Campground and Recreational Vehicle Ordinance

Planner Sheridan explained the following revisions: Mobile Home Park, Section 16.1.103(11) changed the definition of “Comp Plan”. Section 16.1.106(1)(T)(V)(a)Mobile Home Park Design…section clarifies the mobile home hook-ups to the specific utilities such as water, gas, electric, sanitation, instead of just sewer and electricity. 

Subdivision, Section 17.1.102, 104, 106, 107 Subdivision - contains minor changes of numbering, lettering etc.  Section 17.1.104 Adds a new section making it clear that a State Storm Water permit and any other permit from the Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment  is required  and will be incorporated into the SIA

Section17.1.111(A)(I)(l)  and 17.1.111 (D)(I)(l) Minor Subdivision – revised to make sections clearer. Section17.1.112 (B) Public Notice Procedures section was removed and reserved, and created a new section,  which requires the applicant to send out public notices to the mineral lease owners and the addresses no longer need to be certified from the abstract office, the information can be collected by the applicant from the assessors’ office. Section 17.1.112.5  written in accordance to a new state statute, requiring the applicant to certify that he or she sent out public notices for the public hearing.

Section 17.1.112(A)(II) Public notices will now be sent to homeowners within 300 ‘from the applicant’s property instead of 400’, making all processes consistent with each other, such as annexation, zoning and subdivision.

Section 17.1.115 This revision was requested by one of the developers. This section allows 2 years for the developer to complete subdivision improvements instead of 1.

ZONING Section 18.1.103 Clarified definitions in the zoning ordinance such as accessory building, hospital, shed, etc. and added a few new definitions such as mixed use building and long term care.  Section 18.1.103(15) “Application for dev”  This definition is changed from time to time by State Statute, therefore the term “Application for Development” now refers to the Colorado State Statute. Section 18.1.119  Mobile Home Park Development and Operation District revised the ordinance so that any park in operation prior to November 2007, may have RV’s in their mobile home park as long as they follow the guidelines listed below, Up to 50% of the park can be used for RV’s.  Since the current parks are so small 50% doesn’t account for many spaces. The parks range from 6 spaces to the max of 21 spaces.  Originally the code allowed up to 20%, which is only 1 or 2 RV spaces in most parks. a)  Only 1RV per Mobile home pad.

b) The RV’s must be self contained, (meaning bathroom and shower) and they must be hooked up to all utilities, just like the MH. c) Skirting shall be placed on all RV’s within 90 days. d) The space under the RV shall be kept clean.  Some storage is allowed under the RV if it has impervious material and no flammables. E) An RV cannot obstruct roadways or walkways to the mobile home park. f) No abandoned, burned or derelict RV which may pose a nuisance or endanger the health safety or welfare of the public is allowed in the park. g) An RV will be required to follow the same safety regulations as Mobile home parks such as porches and stairs above 30” require railings. Section 18.1.121 Central business- added “mixed use building” to out-right uses in Central Business zone and placed “government buildings” under special review use in the CB zone.   Section 18.1.126 allows a shed, under 120 sq ft, to be placed in any side or rear yard.  However, The Highway Commercial District is exempt. HC zone, allows sheds in front yards. Section 18.1.134 Temporary use - allows construction trailer to stay on job sites longer than 9 months and will be tied to a building or development permit. Section 18.1.139 (D)(I) allows HC and CB zones to exceed the maximum 4 foot height requirement in a front yard. Section 18.1.139 (D)(I)(b) clarifies the narrowest portion of a lot is considered the front yard. Section 18.1.139 (E) Currently, lots cannot exceed filling more than 40% of their rear yard with accessory buildings, The revisions allows CB and HC to be exempt from this provision. Section 18.1.145, 147 have been removed and reserved.  The planner no longer is required to supply the PC with new applications 15 day prior to meetings. Section 18.1.146, 147 Added a new section, stating, if found, a variance is necessary and construction has started, the work must stop until the variance is granted. And the application will cost 3 times the variance fee. (Currently $70)Section 18.1.148(II)(b) Procedure to Amend Zone District now requires conformance with the comp plan AND one other item listed. (It used to say “or”) Section 18.1.148 through 153 were revised to be clearer and/or correct spelling errors. PARKING, Section 18.2.109, revision in stacking spaces from 6 to 5. Section 18.2.112 (F), Snow Storage revised to prohibit storing snow in sight distance protection triangles, and adding a section dropped during the 2006 revision, Section 2.112 (H), parking space and area design standards, access to and from parking areas in the Central Business Zone District, Section 18.2.113(C), revising this section to allow joint use of parking spaces when the individual uses are on the same lot. Annexation Section 18.8.103 – Adding 3 new sections,   Section 18.8.103 (A)(VII)  Explains the annexation process is complex and the applicant may want to consult an attorney.  Also, annexation should be accompanied with a zoning request at the time of annexation and/or subdivision.  (VIII) Stating property owner may request the annexed property be placed in a specific zone district and requiring that no zoning action become effective prior to the effective date of the annexation ordinance. (IX) Allows the Town to conduct zoning and subdivision review for an area to be annexed concurrently and requiring that no approval for the zoning or subdivision requests be made prior to the Board adopting an ordinance annexing the property to the Town. Section 18.8.106 Requires a representative to be present at a meeting, or the item on the agenda will be removed. Section 18.8.110 Public Hearing Notice - Public Notices for annexation can now be mailed first class mail instead of certified mail, to the property owners within 300 ‘ and shall be mailed to irrigation ditch companies whose “easements”  traverse the property to be annexed. Section 18.8.110, 112 removed language so that the Town’s code complies with the Revised State Statute.

RV Parks Section 19.1.103 Removed section requiring no RV to be allowed in a RV park for more than 6 month, which allows the RV to remain in the park for an indefinite amount of time. 19.1.104 redefines Comprehensive Code. Section 19.1.113 (2) removes the section limiting the width of a RV to 8 feet.

Mayor Loshbaugh commended staff on the job done and recognized that this had been a lot of work and that the Code is a living document and Board and Staff will continue to work toward making them better. Motion by Trustee Etheridge to adopt Ordinance No. 3, Series 2008, an Ordinance repealing, amending, and reenacting certain portions of the Meeker Municipal Code, including, portions of the following:  Title 16, Chapter 1. Mobile Home Park Ordinance of the Town of Meeker of 1985; Title 17, Chapter 1, Meeker Subdivision Ordinance;  Title 18, Chapter 1, Meeker Zoning Ordinance; Title 18, Chapter 2 Meeker Off-Street Parking Ordinance; Title 18, Chapter 8,  Meeker Annexation Ordinance; and Title 19, Chapter 1, Campground and Recreational Vehicle Park Ordinance of the Town of Meeker of 1985.   Second by Trustee Mills. All ayes. Motion carried.

Consideration of Resolution#2, Series 2008, a Resolution authorizing the April 1, 2008 Regular Municipal election to be conducted by Mail Ballot, establishing a voting precinct in the Town of Meeker, Colorado and appointing the Town Clerk as the Designated Election Official.  Town Clerk Cook explained that the Board had determined to use a mail ballot last fall and the proposed resolution authorizes the town to conduct the mail ballot election. It also appoints the town clerk as the election official and designates a precinct. She said that Town Hall is designated as the place people may cast their ballots if they do not choose to return them by mail. Mayor Loshbaugh asked if the night drop could be used at Town Hall.  Town Clerk Cook said it may be something to consider, but had not considered that at this point.  She said that a post office box will be rented to cut down on the number of people handling the ballots. The mail ballot plan explains how the mail ballots will be picked up from the post office. There is a certain procedure required to receive the ballots and verifying them, but the drop box is a good point although it is not currently included in the plan which has been sent to the Secretary of State last week. She said she will check into it. She said that she will designate staff people as deputy electoral officials to assist in handling the ballots. Mayor Loshbaugh commended Town Clerk Cook and said he was excited about using mail ballots.  He said that Rifle’s election participation had increased to 50 or 60% after they began using a mail ballot. Town Clerk Cook said that she was keeping in touch with the Secretary of State concerning the discussion regarding elections this year and in the meantime proceeding with the mail ballot election.

Trustee Halandras made the motion to adopt Resolution 2, Series 2008, a Resolution authorizing the April 1, 2008 Town of Meeker Regular Municipal Election be conducted as a mail ballot election, appointing the Town Clerk as the Town’s designated election official to be responsible for running the election and establishing a voting precinct in the Town. Second by Trustee Ham. All ayes. Motion carried.

Consideration of Resolution #3, Series 2008, a Resolution authorizing the Designated Election Official of the Town of Meeker, Colorado to appoint election judges and additional election personnel for the Regular Municipal election, April 1, 2008.  Town Clerk Cook explained that this resolution authorizes the designated election official (the Town Clerk) to appoint other election personnel, including election judges. Motion by Trustee Thomson to adopt Resolution #3, Series 2008, a resolution authorizing the Town of Meeker Designated Election Official to appoint election judges and additional election personnel for the Town’s regular municipal election of April 1, 2008. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.

Discussion concerning Planning Department Staffing. Administrator Day explained that Planner Sheridan has notified the Town that she will be resigning in March.  Day recommend that the Town begin advertising and recruiting a full-time planner preferably with experience and a degree. She said it is really important given the nature of planning issues facing the Town – to have someone really knowledgeable. She recommended the starting salary at $50,000 (plus benefits) explained that Denise has talked to Andy Hill, with Department of Local Affairs, who has suggested where to advertise. She said that there may be a possibility to attract someone who wants a slower pace. Planner Sheridan recommended advertising in other States.  There have been several planners relocating to Colorado from New Mexico. Mayor Loshbaugh recommended the criteria be open-ended. Passion for Meeker could go along way against the degree. Mayor Loshbaugh agreed with Day’s initial assessment, but requested that the criteria not be too strict to frighten off the youngsters. The Board concurred to move forward advertising for a planner with a planning degree, with experience preferred.

Trustee Ham asked if there was a need for more than one planner.  It was the concurrence of the Board that we monitor the situation once a planner is found.  Mayor Loshbaugh pointed out that Carl Padilla has assumed most of the building aspect and risk management, which were previously included in the planner’s position.    

Discussion concerning Community Assessment form regarding Town’s infrastructure needs.  Administrator Day explained that the Board had a draft of the Town’s Community Assessment form.  She said that after the assessments are collected from each entity, information will be prepared for a community meeting to be held February 27^th to look at the major needs each tax collecting entity may have. Trustee Halandras thought that the extension of Sulphur Creek is more of a necessity than curbs, gutters, and sidewalks along the highway. Administrator Day explained that the Board had been prioritizing the curb, gutters and sidewalk project for several years and that due to the heavy truck traffic presently, pedestrians were at more risk having to walk in the street, due to no sidewalks. Trustee Mills said that where there are existing sidewalks most are in terrible condition. Trustee Etheridge agreed that the Market Street and Sulphur Creek projects are the two main priorities when it comes to capital projects. She concurred that the Board had been talking about Market Street for years as well as hearing from the public, committees and everybody in town – it comes up all the time about Market Street. She said that both were important but in different ways and neither one should be disregarded. The Board concurred to place equal importance on both projects.

Request from staff to quit working on tasks assigned during Escondido Sketch Plan public hearing January 8, 2008 due to receiving a request, January 17, 2008, from Escondido Applicant to withdraw previously submitted sketch plan application and supporting documents to replace with a revised sketch plan, application and supporting documents. Mayor Loshbaugh explained that Trustee Regas Halandras had a conflict with this agenda item, due to his ownership in the proposed subdivision.  He said that in order to avoid a conflict or any  influence on the Board, he was asking Trustee Halandras to step outside the room until this agenda item had been completed. Trustee Halandras left the room. Administrator Day explained that the Town had received a letter from the applicant, dated January 15, 2008, requesting withdrawing the previously submitted sketch plan and supporting documents and replacing it with a revised sketch plan. She said that during the public hearing, staff had been requested, by the Board, to do some research and bring back more information concerning the original plan and was requesting the Board to authorize staff to stop working on the original submittal, due to the applicant presenting a revised plan.  The Board concurred.  Mayor Loshbaugh explained that the public hearing, continued to February 5, 2008, during the last meeting would be continued at that time and the Board could not discuss the plan at this meeting. 

Trustee Halandras was notified that he could return to the meeting and rejoined the Board.

Town’s Attorney’s Report

There were no Town Attorney’s reports.

Town Manager’s Reports

Discussion concerning meeting date in March due to energy impact hearings.  Administrator Day explained that the energy impact hearing for the Town’s grant request for the street project this year, has been scheduled so that it will impact the Board’s March 18^th meeting and is also during spring break for the school district. She asked if the Board would be willing to move its second meeting to the second or fourth Tuesday. The Board concurred to check calendars and email Administrator Day with which date would work best.

Administrator Day explained that when the Town began its recycling program, two van boxes were purchased to store paper bails and other recycled materials.  She said that after the new center was constructed, the van boxes had been moved to the Rio Blanco County Road and Bridge lot and were being used to store the Town’s street Christmas decorations in.  She said that recently the equipment owned by the County which can print the electronic cards used at for the County’s fuel system and the Town’s bulk water system had been replaced and the Town’s share of the cost was approximately $2,000.  She said that the County had proposed trading one of the van boxes for the Town’s share of the cost of the equipment. There was a short discussion concerning the size of the van boxes, whether they had wheels, etc. Administrator Day said she couldn’t answer the questions, but would be happy to get the information and that the van boxes had been purchased at a low cost several years ago.  Trustee Etheridge made a motion to transfer ownership of one of the van boxes to Rio Blanco County in lieu of paying ½ of the cost of the new card printing equipment recently purchased by Rio Blanco County and the Town for cards for the bulk fuel and the Town’s Bulk Water System. Second by Trustee Thompson. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Administrator Day reported that BLM is sponsoring Sun Safe seminars and invited Board members to attend.  She said that the seminar will provide information about protection from the sun, sun safe activities and assessment for skin cancer education. She said it has been scheduled February 12^th, from 9 to 10:30a.m.

Town Administrator Day reported that Bob Campbell had done a great job on the CDOT Enhancement Grant request.  She said the deadline for the request is January 31^st and asked the Board if they would be willing to adopt a Resolution recognizing the amount of the request and supporting the grant request. She explained that the grant request is $500,000 with the estimated cost of the project at approximately $1,600,000. She suggested that if the Town was successful in being awarded the enhancement grant, that then the Town request a portion of the cost in an energy impact grant. Assistant Bob Campbell explained that he was at a meeting with CDOT and CDOT employee, Casey Peter told him that the grant request looks good. There has been some money that has been returned from Oak Creek. They are doing a major construction project on a waste water treatment plant and cannot handle both projects and are returning $350,000 which is a plus for Town. He said the discussion concerning the request was very well-received. It is positive for us in getting a sizable amount of money. Not sure that we will get the total amount.

Mayor Loshbaugh asked if it would be possible to phase the project.  Administrator Day stated there might be some higher costs of mobilization, insurance and bonding, but that could be looked at. Trustee Thomson asked if the Town was biting off more than it can chew with this and Fishing Is Fun and down the road we have Sulphur Creek and all these other things? I think this is really good and is really needed. I hope we can beat this1.6 million dollars. I want to ask the question are we biting off more than we can chew. It seems like a lot?” Administrator Day explained that the Board has been talking about this for about ten years and the traffic is just incredible and there is no place to walk unless pedestrians walk in the street. Now that there are big piles of snow on the edge of Market Street, people are forced to walk out in the traffic, which is a problem with all of the truck traffic. She said approving the Resolution and submitting the grant request does not lock the town into anything. The Resolution serves as recognition from the Board they are aware of the application and cost of the project.  Trustee Mills explained that he felt the Market Street project ranks much higher on the priority list than fishing. There is fishing all over the place. Other Board members concurred. Administrator Day explained that the Town had been budgeting about $1,500,000 annually for capital projects for several years.  

Motion by Trustee Ham to adopt Resolution 4, Series 2008, A Resolution endorsing the Town of Meeker’s application to the State of Colorado Department of Transportation for a transportation enhancement grant: curb, gutter, sidewalk construction and beautification project. Second by Trustee Thompson. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Other Council Business

Ute Park Request from David Smith to place cows in the park February 21, 2008 – May 15, 2008.  Administrator Day reported that a letter had been received from Mr. Smith requested that the cows be moved to the Ute Park on February 21, 2008 instead of March 1, 2008.  She said that the Ute Park Committee had discussed the request earlier in the day and had not had a problem with it.  She said that they were firm with the May 15^th date for the cows to leave the park.  She pointed out that the February 21^st date is approximately 3 weeks later than when the cows were moved to the park in 2007 and Mr. Smith was requesting this since the cows were due to start calving on March 1, 2008.  The Board concurred with the request.

Planner Sheridan explained that the Board had been provided with a draft report of four counties that have been working on a socio-economic report basically creating a model to help manage natural resources growth. She said the draft is not to be shared with the public until it has been approved by all Counties and submitted to the legislature, but that the group was asking for input from the various Boards before the document is completed. She explained some of the major issues and asked if each Board member could review the draft and provide their comments to her so that she could pass them on to the group.

Mayor Loshbaugh explained that Assistant Campbell was working on a  Fishing Is Fun Grant suggested some potential sponsors/partners  in the project and suggested that letters explaining the project and requesting participation, be sent  to  Seven Lakes, Elk Creek Ranch, Trout Unlimited, etc.

Mayor Loshbaugh reminded the Board that election is coming up in a couple of months and there is a need to find a few good people to fill some seats. Seats up for election are Trustees: White, Etheridge, and Thomson. Town Clerk Cook reported the election is scheduled April 1^st. She explained petitions may be picked up beginning February 11^th and are due back in by 29^th of February.

 Adjournment

With the nothing more to discuss, Mayor Loshbaugh adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

                                                                                    §Steve Loshbaugh, Mayor

Attest:

§Lisa Cook, Town Clerk