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Town of Meeker, Colorado |
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The Regular Meeting of the Meeker Town Board was held Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at Town Hall.
CALL TO ORDER Mayor Loshbaugh called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL All Board members were present with the exception of Trustees Halandras, Ham and Mills.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Mayor Loshbaugh asked for changes to the agenda. A motion was made by Trustee Thomson to accept the agenda as presented. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES A motion was made by Trustee White to approve the minutes of November 6, 2007 as presented. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS Manager Day requested to add a voucher for Hill & Company in the amount of $3,215.19, bringing the General Fund total to $10,098.08 and the total of all funds to $12,186.44. Day stated the voucher would need to be approved by the Friends of the Flat Tops committee before mailing the check. Trustee Thomson made a motion to approve the revised vouchers dated November 20, 2007 with the addition of the voucher to Hill & Company. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Monthly Department Updates Chief Hervey informed the Board that the Police Department received a total of 193 calls for the month of October including 26 citizen contacts; two traffic and seven criminal summonses; 13 dogs impounded; 10 returned and one adoption; and that Lt. Glenn Wilson had been hired. Planner Sheridan stated that the Community Development Department had been working on an annexation request which the Board will hear the petition later tonight; several variances; and a lot of building inquiries. Sheridan stated that the Socio Economic committee, of which she has been attending meetings, is proceeding very well. The consultants have been saying there was not enough viable information regarding oil shale, but have now worked something out and the information should be reported in January.
Public Participation None.
New Business Request from GPMCK LLC dba Gary’s Smokehouse to change corporate structure by adding a corporate member. Liquor Clerk Sizemore informed the Board that the change in corporate structure request was to add Luke Wilson as Vice President to the LLC for Gary’s Steakhouse. Sizemore stated that there was no other change to the structure of the license; CBI clearance had been received and it was staff’s recommendation to approve the application. Trustee White made a motion to approve the change in corporate structure to GPMCK LLC’s liquor license by adding Luke Wilson. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Consideration of request to accept petition for Annexation from Regas K. Halandras & Pegge Marie Halandras for the 27.3 acre, four lots proposed Escondido Subdivision located northwest of Sage Hills Subdivision. Planner Sheridan addressed the Board stating that Resolution #7, which if adopted by the Board, will recognize the validity of the annexation petition of Regas K. Halandras and Pegge Marie Halandras for the annexation of certain land, generally described as: a parcel of land in tract nos. 51 and 52, Section 14, T1N, R94W of the 6th P.M., Rio Blanco County, Colorado, which is unincorporated land solely owned by Regas K. Halandras and Pegge Marie Halandras, and setting a date, time and place for the Town to hold a public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance to annex said land, pursuant to C.R.S. 31-12-101, et seq. The location of the property is adjacent to the Sage Hills Subdivision, north and west and is bordered by Coley and Kellie Turner to the north and BLM to the west. Jim Joy, representing the applicants, was present.
Sheridan stated for the record that the property lies adjacent to the Sage Hills Subdivision, Sage Hills Re-subdivision and RJP Minor Subdivision, and is easily accessed by Mountain View Road and Sage Ridge Road. The property is also in the process of being rezoned to rural residential and subdivided into four residential lots. Receiving and supplying utilities would be more convenient for both the future lot owners and the companies supplying the utilities to the property once the land is annexed into the city limits.
The total perimeter of the land to be annexed is 7,503.94 feet. The area contiguous with the Town of Meeker is 3,600.71 feet. The Town of Meeker’s required 1/6 contiguous perimeter for this parcel of land would be 1,250.66 feet. The property is currently being proposed to become residential (urban). The property is not integrated with the Town of Meeker, but is highly capable, as the town limits lie along the South side of the property. The annexation will not result in any change from one school district to another. The property to be annexed is not presently a part of any incorporated city or town, nor have annexation proceedings been commenced for the annexation of part or all of such property to another municipality.
The two signers of the petition are the only landowners of the property and between the two own 100% of the property and the requirements of Section 31-12-104 and 31-12-105 of the Colorado Revised Statutes as amended, exist and have been met. Sheridan stated that it was staff’s recommendation to set the public hearing for January 8, 2008 to consider adopting an ordinance allowing annexation. Mayor Loshbaugh asked Mr. Joy if he had any comments, of which he had none. Trustee Thomson asked Mr. Joy if he foresaw any problems with the septic system, based on previous discussions. Attorney Viscardi stated it was not an issue during the annexation process as the septic system will be addressed during the subdivision process and the public hearing on January 8th will be the first view of that process by the Planning Commission and the Trustees, any modifications or changes on the actual development of the property will be addressed during that process. Viscardi explained that tonight the Board is merely saying that the petition filed is acceptable in its form and not passing judgment on the actual annexation itself.
Trustee Thomson made a motion to adopt Resolution No. 7, Series 2007, recognizing the validity of the annexation petition of Regas K. and Pegge Marie Halandras. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Planner Sheridan explained that a second part of this process includes, for the Board’s review, a Development Review Fee Agreement requiring a cash deposit for processing and technical review fees for the proposed Escondido annexation and subdivision and would authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Attorney Viscardi stated this agreement is similar to prior agreements the Board has seen, such as Ridge Estates, to provide estimates and payments for any services during the annexation process, such as drafting documents and work performed by Engineer Chris Hale are covered in this agreement.
Manager Day pointed out that Ms. Halandras’ name was spelled incorrectly in the agreement and asked that it be corrected to reflect Pegge Marie. Trustee Thomson made a motion to approve the Escondido Development Review Fee Agreement as corrected. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Public Hearing 7:15 P.M. - Consideration of the Town of Meeker year 2008 proposed budget. Any interested elector of the Town of Meeker may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto any time prior to the final adoption of the budget by the Town of Meeker – The budget is available at Town Hall or the Meeker Public Library. Manager Day stated the Town’s budget has been prepared for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008 with all funds balanced and in accordance with the "Local Government Budget Law" of the State of Colorado. The budget establishes revenue estimates and expenditure limits for all Town funds and departments.
The budget includes beginning and ending fund balances, budget preparation and policy information, a plan for revenues and expenditures in each fund, an explanation of each department's function, both summary and line item statistics for the previous two years of revenues and expenditures. Other items included are: goals, historical information, a list of staff and board members, a description of each department's function and other general information so that the budget may be utilized as a policy and informational guide for the Town's Board, Staff Members, and Citizens. The budget was prepared in uniformity with generally accepted accounting principles using a modified accrual basis of accounting.
The budget has been prepared by projecting revenues with information available historically and incorporating other projections provided to the Town from the Department of Local Affairs, Associated Governments and the Colorado Municipal League. A section entitled "Budget Policies and Budget Preparation" explains the budget process in further detail. Staff members and elected officials strive to minimize expenditures without jeopardizing municipal services, maintenance for the Town's equipment and infrastructure and the Town’s capital needs.
The Town's 2008 budget includes a new administrative position and increased funding to the Meeker Chamber of Commerce to assist in the cost of maintaining current services to facilitate increasing tourism and economic development endeavors in the local business community as well as participating in projects involving surrounding towns and counties. It includes increasing the Town's payment to Rio Blanco County for dispatch fees.
The capital improvements budget includes funding reconstruction, where required due to structural failure or drainage issues, an overlay for all of Water Street and all north/south streets to Market Street, begin major improvements in Circle Park, codify the Town's Code, update and purchase new police equipment, upkeep at Town Hall, including an energy audit in preparation of replacing windows and the heating/cooling system and begin a water study and trails project in Ute park. The improvements have been chosen to conform to the Town's Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2006.
Revenues projected for 2008 are estimated to include: general taxes and fees in the amount of $1,653,620, grants in the amount of $136,578 for the Build a Generation Program, $65,000 in grants for the scenic byways project, $3,000 for recycling, and $50,000 CCITF grant and a $250,000 Energy Impact grant which is pending, $890,327, from the Town's reserve, budgeted to assist with capital improvements, plus $61,891, which is a mandatory Tabor emergency reserve required by the State's Constitution, for a total budget of $3,110,416. The Town has been very fortunate, in the past, to collect more revenue, than annual expenses, primarily due to mineral lease and mineral severance payments, which have been used the following year for capital projects. The Board's philosophy has been to use reserve funds (fund balance) for large maintenance projects and capital needs, only when the project is above normal maintenance and day to day expense requirements. The Governor has organized a committee to study distribution of the mineral severance - mineral lease payments and the effects to Meeker at this time are unknown.
The Town's Certified Assessed Value certified by Rio Blanco County in August, 2007 was $18,212,143, up almost four million dollars from 2007. The mill levy will remain at 9.781 and be temporarily reduced to 6.994 mills. The temporary mill levy reduction has been chosen since valuations can be turbulent. The Town cannot increase a permanent mill levy without an election. If valuation declines and the mill levy is reduced permanently, it would result in loss of revenue required to continue providing the same level of services.
The Water Fund is supported primarily by user fees and grants, and receives no regular tax revenues of its own. General Fund tax revenues are transferred annually for the water payment due on the DOLA grant and for capital projects from time to time. Water rates will be reviewed for an increase in the first 8,000 gallons of water used each month from $20.00 to $22.00 and the “per thousand” for water used over the 8,000 gallon minimum will be raised from 85 cents per thousand to 95 cents per thousand. Water rates outside the Town limits are double the amount listed above. The bulk water rate is proposed at $11.00 per thousand gallons for industrial use and $5.50 per thousand gallons for domestic use and small retail use. The rates listed above are proposed to be adopted in 2008, however at this time staff is unsure of how to define rates for each category and are working with water attorney Leavenworth’s office for a determination. Water meters are being read year round due to the newly installed radio read meter system. This will enable the Town to monitor for water leaks and more quickly repair them. Water tap rates are also proposed to be increased.
The Water Fund accepted a $250,000 loan from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, which was approved by the voters during the November 6, 2001 election to finance the Market Street Waterline replacement, a project completed in 2002. The funding to repay the loan is allocated from the increased sales tax revenue approved by the voters during the same election and will be appropriated from the general fund to the water fund each year until the year 2011, at which time the loan will be paid in full. In addition, $50,000 will be transferred from the General Fund to the Water Fund to assist in the cost of capital projects, due primarily; to the impact the energy industry has had on the water system by using the Town's bulk water in the drilling of wells.
Capital improvements to the water system include: painting two of the Town's water storage tanks, hiring divers to check the Town’s water storage tanks, begin a water source point protection project with the assistance of Colorado Rural Water, finish the well drilling and new pump project begun in 2007 and replacing some water lines.
Salaries have been adjusted in accordance with a salary survey consisting of information from the Colorado Municipal League’s annual salary survey, prepared by the Town Clerk. Comparisons were made with other Towns of approximately the same population, budget and economic conditions. An estimate for health insurance coverage and premiums was provided by the company providing health insurance to the school district, Rio Blanco County and the Hospital District. The response received by the Town was that the company couldn’t provide the coverage the Town had any more economically than the Town’s current provider. Although rates for the Town’s current coverage were projected to raise about 30%, the actual increase was 23% and staff’s recommendation was to remain with Rocky Mountain Health Providers.
The Town’s current 2007 budget shows that 73% of the projected revenue has been received and 67% of the projected expenditures spent. The Town has not had to spend any of the $960,760 reserve budgeted, to date. The Town will also receive the Scenic Byways grant in 2008 instead of this year. Revenues, particularly sales tax and building permits have been strong during 2007. The sales tax increase is primarily related to new building construction projects.
76.18% of the projected revenue for the water fund has been collected. The energy impact grant in the amount of $200,000 will be collected next year due to the water well drilling project not getting completed this year. 51.58% of the expenditures have been spent to date.
Manager Day commended the Town Staff and the Board for a super job at staying within the budget and for all of their accomplishments during 2007. With obstacles such as staff shortages, additional projects, like the shelter project with Colorado University which took a lot of staff time, a huge increase in planning matters and other situations that arose, it has been a great year and you all deserve to be congratulated for a job well done.
Mayor Loshbaugh echoed Day’s comments and added that after looking at other projects throughout the state, one of which had an 85% overrun, he commended the Town Staff and stated that he can always use Manager Day as a shining star on how to run a project within budget.
Manager Day stated that the Board will formally adopt the budget on December 11th after receiving the final evaluation from the County.
Public Hearing 7:30 P.M. Consideration of Ordinance 8, Series 2007, An Ordinance amending Meeker Municipal Code, Section 10.04.050, Through Streets, designating certain intersections in the Sanderson Hills Subdivision as non-through street intersections. Attorney Viscardi addressed the Board stating that at their meeting on November 6, 2007 it was determined to schedule a public hearing for tonight to provide for public input concerning the movement of traffic through certain intersections in the Sanderson Hills Subdivision, which have been recently constructed and to amend and re-enact, in part, the Model Traffic code for Colorado Municipalities, Revised 1995, as adopted by the Town, and Meeker Municipal Code, Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic, Section 10.04.050, Schedule 1, as follows:
Shults Drive at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Westerly direction); Greta Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Westerly direction); Fairfield Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Westerly direction); Andrea Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Westerly direction); Young Street at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Westerly direction); Young Street at its intersection with Sulfur Creek Road (designated as a stop intersection in its Easterly direction); Bissell Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Easterly direction); Gail Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Easterly direction); Jeanette Circle at its intersection with Sanderson Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Easterly direction); Jennifer Drive at its intersection with Shults Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Northeasterly direction); Jennifer Drive at its intersection with Jill Drive (designated as a stop intersection in its Southwesterly direction).
Viscardi stated that the ordinance, if adopted, will go into affect 30 days upon publication. Mayor Loshbaugh stated that the ordinance could be adopted on an emergency basis if needed. Viscardi replied that an emergency was not considered at this time, although some signs have been placed by the developer for safety issues.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Loshbaugh called for a motion. Trustee Etheridge made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 6, Series 2007 amending Meeker Municipal Code, Section 10.04.050, Through Streets, designating certain intersections in the Sanderson Hill Subdivision, as Non-through Street Intersections. Second by Trustee White. All ayes. Motion carried.
Consideration of Planning Commission recommendation to approve mobile home parks re-licensing. Planner Sheridan informed the Board that all violations had been completed except space 12 in Circle N Park where the skirting had not painted. Sheridan said there were very few violations this year, the mobile home parks have done very well for compliance and it was the Planning Commission and staff’s recommendation to approve the licensing for Findlay Trailer Park, Sizemore Trailer Park and White River Mobile Home Park, with Circle N’s being contingent upon painting the skirting.
Trustee Thomson made a motion based on staff’s recommendation to approve the mobile home park’s re-licensing with Circle N Park space 12 being contingent upon coming into compliance. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion concerning revisions to Rio Blanco County Lease Agreement concerning leased space in Meeker Town Hall, 345 Market Street. Manager Day stated the revisions to the lease agreement were a result of the joint meeting with the commissioners held earlier in the year where they agreed that their portion of the leased premises was approximately fifty percent of the building, it also allows the Health Nurse to pay annually by January 31st of every year and Social Services to pay monthly. Attorney Viscardi did rewrite more than anticipated in paragraph 3 of the agreement regarding adjustment in the yearly rental payment to accurately reflect what we are doing instead of what we thought we were going to do seven years ago. Day said that if the Board accepts the agreement it will be forwarded to the Commissioners for their review and then back to the Board for final approval.
The Board gave consensus to forward the agreement to the Commissioners.
Bid award for Concrete work at the Town’s Animal Control Facility located at 309 3rd Street. Manager Day stated that the notice of bid was published in the November 8th and 15th editions of the Herald Times and sent to two local contractors as well. The Town received one bid from CJ Mud in the amount of $3,340.00 and it was staff’s recommendation to accept that bid.
Trustee White made a motion to accept the bid from CJ Mud, LLC in the amount of $3,340.00. Second by Trustee Etheridge. All ayes. Motion carried.
Manager’s Reports Manager Day reported that the bidding for the intern position was held last Wednesday. The Town’s 1st choice candidate received several offers and accepted a position in La Junta. Day stated that she did not make any more calls to the interns that day as she was waiting to hear if the first offer would be accepted and by the second day only one candidate remained, Robert Campbell, who is very interested in coming to Meeker. Mr. Campbell is from Boulder and has taught high school government classes his entire career. He would like to come meet the Board on December 11th. Day stated that she feels he will be a real asset to the Town’s staff. Consensus of the Board was to invite him to the December 11th meeting.
Manager Day informed the Board that Chad Luce had been to see her and is willing to annex his property to the Town. Trustee Thomson asked if the property met the contiguity requirements. Day replied that it had and stated that annexing should work out best for everyone, with the process to begin soon.
Day reported that The Bistro has two dates available for the Town Christmas party, December 5th and December 12th and asked the Board which they preferred, consensus was to book December 5th. Day also informed the Board that she had been appointed to the CIRSA’s Board of Directors and will be in Denver December 5th and 6th for their orientation meeting. Manager Day informed the Board that the dancing ring for the Ute Pow Wow had been seeded the prior day and electric fencing had been placed around it to keep animals out. Mayor Loshbaugh asked if the excavating was complete too. Day stated she thought it was and that Lynn Lockwood had been reimbursed for seed she had purchased with the extra remaining for future use at the park. Day said that the electric fencing was donated and installed by the US forest service and will be watched to make sure there is no path around the circle from the animals. Day said that panels have also been installed by the Sheepdog Committee around the grass at Wilber barn to protect it. Terry Mobley, who did the excavation at the park, is concerned about flash flooding at the west end of the property and suggested a diversion ditch, which will be discussed by the committee and brought before the Board probably next spring. Trustee Thomson asked the cost of the dirt work to level the area. Day replied that it came to $1400.00.
Manager Day stated that Liz Turner of the Pow Wow Committee, had asked if they need to formally ask the Board to use the area for the Pow Wow event. The Board concurred it was not necessary as the lease will formalize the use of the property.
Concerning the Community Needs Committee, Day reported that a draft letter had been prepared by Margie Joy and it was the group’s consensus to survey every taxing district by interviewing each member of the district for what their needs are, the committee will then prepare a report and plan a community meeting late February to inform everyone on the needs of the community. The group recommends the letter be a combined effort from both the Town and County. Mayor Loshbaugh asked how the surveys will be delivered. Day replied that five of the committee members will interview their own entities and an additional larger district as well, the remainder will be mailed to the smaller taxing districts.
High School Principal Duane Newman and Middle School Principal Pam Stranathan have inquired as to the potential of a partnership with the Town on a GOCO grant to improve the trails from both schools to the new Recreation Center. Day said the school district used to be able to apply, but are no longer able to and requested the Board’s permission to explore the concept to see if it is possible. The earliest we could apply is June of next year and the school is willing to seek out matching money as well as help with the application. The Board concurred that it is a great opportunity to work together on a community project.
Day informed the Board that Shannon Merriam had been hired for the Public Works Department.
Town Attorney’s Reports None.
Other Council Business None.
Adjournment Mayor Loshbaugh adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
§Steve Loshbaugh, Mayor Attest: §Lisa Cook, Town Clerk
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