Montezuma BOCC notes 1-28-25
from Dexter Gill
January 30,2025
The County staff has started reporting on Meeting results on the County Face Book site, and does an outstanding job citing the basic results. Thanks to the County for being open and visual for all to see. For benefit of all, I have copied the County “report” and posting here, and I will add any personal comments in Bold type, that I thought might be of further interest to some of you. Montezuma County Colorado
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BOCC Update
At the January 28 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Commissioners
-voted to table 2 requests for “After-the-Fact Setback Variance Applications” pending further review. The two requests will come before the Board at next week’s meeting. Frustration was expressed as to why people, especially contractors don’t check set back measurements and other criteria before building, There is no reason for “after the fact” variances. What can be done to get people to comply. There may be a good reason for a variance, and that is provided for in the Code, so apply BEFORE starting construction.
-received an update from Department of Social Services Director Kelli Hargraves including thoughts on recent bills introduced in the State Legislature.
-signed a letter addressing proposed critical Lynx habitat designations in Southern Colorado. Recommendations in the letter included “Don’t fix what isn’t broke.”
Attorney Stephen Tarnowski discussed the upcoming collective bargaining elections and recommended that the County work with a law firm with expertise in the area. He also brought up Senate Bill 2025-1 which proposes changes in election and voting statutes related to Indian Tribes. Because Montezuma County is one of two counties in Colorado with a reservation within their boundaries, this bill is particularly relevant to the way elections are conducted in the County.
Administrator Travis Anderson reported progress on a contract with a potential new tenant for the Fairgrounds racetrack. Some questions have come up on news of a “Sheriffs sale” on the Ironwood property. Little is known, however work continues on the clean-up, and the County will watch closely and ensure all is completed as agreed upon.
Lastly, the Commissioners assured residents with concerns about the “unpleasant” smell in the area of Highway 491 and Road K.7 that they are aware of the issue and have been investigating possible solutions. Attorney Tarnowski suggested that the problem might be better addressed by legal action from affected individuals rather than the County.
If you missed this meeting and would like more details of what was discussed, Board of County Commissioners workshops and meetings are livestreamed on the County’s YouTube channel and then posted on the website. www.montezumacounty.org
Now, On Monday morning was the monthly Coffee with the County. There were 18 chairs filled, to hear from the Roads Supervisor. Lots of good discussion and questions on why some roads are the way they are and how it is impractical and costly to change. Issues on responsibilities between CDOT highway and County responsibilities., Also noted on confusion from many new residents why all roads aren’t paved etc. Many don’t understand the use of mag-chloride. Also of note is the issue of plowing snow from driveways into the County Road, That is a BIG No-No. As is letting irrigation water run or sprinkle into road, that is VERY damaging especially to chip sealed roads and potentially dangerous for traffic driving on a water softened shoulder. Other issues were discussed such as “solar farm” issues, and what would be your thoughts on Nuclear? The morning was very good and would encourage YOU to attend the next meetingsl
On the State level , the Gun Ban bills are drawing attention and unfortunately moving. Rep. Suckla informed that the Senate will be hearing SB003 Friday 31st. Of interest in Congress, House Dist. 4, Lauren Boebert, is Vice Chair of Natural Resources Sub-Committee. On the local level, we need to pull together as “we the people of Montezuma County” for basic survival in the days ahead.
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