by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- Walsenburg Wild Waters, whose season opening was delayed a week because of the natural gas pipeline break, had a less than stellar kickoff last week due to stormclouds rolling every afternoon from Friday on, reported Walsenburg City Councilman Bruce Quintnana.
On the mornings the pool was open before the thunderstorms closed them up, people really enjoyed the revamped facility, Quintana said. He also reported that staff morale is way up.
City Administrator Alan Hein told the Council that as of yet, there are no cost estimates on the natural gas pipeline break over the Memorial Day weekend. Hein could not say enough good things about the Walsenburg City crews who worked through the holiday weekend relighting people’s pilot lights throughout the city.
Hein reported he was working on a proactive plan to deal with any similar future situations, and noted there are four other arroyos where the gushing torrents have exposed the natural gas pipeline.
Hein also reported that a contract was ready to be signed with Abel engineering for phase one of the gateway signage project on the north side the hogback leading into downtown Walsenburg. Hein would like to look into using City crews for the construction on phase two of the plan, which would, as Hein said, “Bring costs way, way down.”
Nancy Lave, speaking on behalf of the Walsenburg Chamber of Commerce, asked the Council for permission for the Chamber to also use Heritage Park during their Black Diamond Jubilee, running June 19-21. The Council quickly approved the motion.
Walsenburg Police Chief Larry Baldonado told the council that there have been no serious problems with the re-routing on southbound I-25 traffic down Main St.
Walsenburg police received 1,338 calls for service over the past three months, which is quite a bit under what had been budgeted for with the switchover to dispatch being run by the county. Right now, the City could probably use the savings.
Finally the Council approved local businessman Rich McEntee’s plan to paint a mural on the side of his building at 7th and Main. Two previous vinyl signs McEntee has hung have been shredded by high winds. The mural, which will be painted by a local artist, will focus on cultural and tourism attractions in Walsenburg.
