by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg City Council reacted to Karl Tomsic’s emotional appeal on Tuesday evening to help his group, Veterans and Associates, to help make children and seniors in need this holiday season, and donated $1,500 to his charitable organization. They plan a three-pronged approach; by providing food baskets for the needy, holiday gifts for kids, and providing needed items for seniors. They also want to put on a charity dinner at the Eagles Lodge. As the motion was made to donate the funds, Tomsic let out a heartfelt “Thank you!” to which Councilwoman Erin Jerant replied, “Wait till we finish the voting!”
From the Parks and Rec Committee, Chairman Bruce Quintana still had no final numbers as to how much Walsenburg Wild Waters lost over the 2009 season.
City Administrator Alan Hein updated the Council on the Martin Lake valve replacement project, noting the water drawdown has begun. Potential contractors for the job have toured the site, and bid opening will be next week.
The construction plans for the City’s wastewater treatment facility are open for inspection by contractors now, with bid opening expected by Dec. 2.
Hein said the state’s revolving loan fund organization has upgraded the City’s ranking in order of need on several projects, such as repairing the City water tank. This means the City is now eligible for low or no interest loans up to $2.2 million.
Walsenburg Police Chief Larry Baldonado told the Council about an explosion on Pennsylvania Ave (see page 2) and then submitted to the council an emergency management plan, that has been close to two years in the making. The Council was pleased to have it, though noted it lacked input from the Huerfano County Fire Chief.
Administrator Hein would like to make a smaller, workable synopsis of the plan available. The council voted to adopt the plan with the changes of additions from the fire chief and the synopsis.
