Staff Reports
WALSENBURG— Gravel pit operations were at the top of the agenda for the Board of County Commission meeting on Wednesday, June 16. Gardner residents Brendt and Maria Berger were seeking relief from the dust, noise and possible health issues arising from gravel pit operations across the Huerfano River from their property in Gardner.
The Orlando, Martinez gravel pit operation has operated from its current location near the Huerfano River several times in the past. Various pit locations around the county save on fuel costs for transporting crushed gravel. The BoCC was informed by the Department of Local Affairs that their role as board members of the Gardner Water and Sanitation District could be permanent. DOLA, is refusing to grant any funding to the district but will grant money to the county for use in making the needed improvements to the failing infrastructure of Gardner’s water system.
The commissioners will need to form a Public Improvement District in order to begin moving grant funding into the district. In order to do that the commission will need to circulate petitions in the Gardner Water and Sanitation District area in order to place the propsition on November’s ballot. 100 percent of the voter signatures will eliminate the need for a ballot proposal and quickly establish the PID.
