by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- With commissioner chairman Art Bobian hospitalized with possible pneumonia, Commissioners Cain and King handled a myriad of items at their Wednesday meeting. Hixon Manufacturing asked for approval to set up a GPS base station on county property that would allow surveyors, contractors, municipalities and assessors to better track locations of land markers, infrastructure and more. The Commissioners asked them to submit an agreement for their consideration. The firm would charge those wanting to use their services. Tom Cave of EngiSurv said there is a need for such services locally, and those using the services could save up to $200 per day.
The Commissioners cooperated with the City of Walsenburg by agreeing to waive an energy impact report as the city plans to annex city owned land for the waste water treatment plant.
A five year, $10,000 loan was approved to the Huerfano County Water Conservation District Water Activity Enterprise to provide support for the establishment of an augmentation supply and leases to Huerfano County, Malachite Spring, Paradise Acres Estates and the Village of Gardner. It will help to build an augmentation station next month. Commissioners praised Dawson Jordan and his group on getting the entire project completed in just 6 months.
Barbara Yule gave a progress report on the Celtic Festival this year. She said due to budget shortfalls, some of the school workshops will not be put on this year. She hopes there will be one big concert at the FOX Theatre for all county students, grades 7 thru 12. She also noted that profits from the Celtic Festival in the future will go toward renovating the FOX Theater, which is in need of renovations to protect and enhance the great qualities it has for concerts, community theater and other events.
Laura Archuleta was hired as the waste treatment plant supervisor and Jessica Meade was hired part-time as an attendant there. Meanwhile, Heather Griego was hired as a dispatcher. Lonnie Brown was approved for a 3 year stint on the Regional Building Authority.
Debbie Reynolds, County Treasurer, reported that there have been 16 foreclosures in the first quarter of this year, up from 2008.
