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Hi Speed internet coming to La Veta

by Carol Dunn

LA VETA- At the urging of Sandra Hackbarth of the La Veta Library, DD Wireless is looking for a transmitter location to serve the Town of La Veta with broadband internet service.  Kent Mace told the La Veta Town Board at its May 18 meeting that the company would like to install a 13-foot wood or lattice tower near the parking lot at the La Veta Municipal Airport, so it would have “line of sight” with another transmitter located in Majors Ranch.  This would provide high speed internet to the library for about $50 per month, far less than the $2800 quote they received just to install a T1 line.  Mace said the internet service would be open bandwidth of 10 MB, providing 3 MB upload and download.  He told the Board that Huerfano County EMS, the County’s dispatch service, and the DA’s office are all current customers, and he offered free installation for a few locations of the Board’s choosing in La Veta.  Mace said installation rates vary from $175-$225 plus the $50 monthly fee, and this would provide local business owners with “business quality” high speed internet service.  After some discussion about who owns the property at the proposed location, the Board decided to have the survey pins located before a decision is made.

    Of the five people who expressed interest in the park maintenance position, the Board agreed to hire Tom Knowles for maintenance in all the Town’s parks, starting immediately and continuing through October 15.  Knowles will be offered $4,500 for the season plus $20 per day to do restroom maintenance seven days a week. 

    The Board decided to issue a temporary variance to Tom and Sandy Johnston so they can operate their Whistle Stop Café this summer.  Trustee Laurie Erwin said, “We would like to let them operate their business through the season.”  The season will end October 31. As part of the deal, Erwin said, “Between November 1 and January 31, 2011 they will need to present a proposal to the Town to either remove the building or apply for a commercial development permit.” Trustee Dawn Blanken brought up the issue of a “building permit” which has expired, and the Board decided to issue one more temporary permit to last through the summer.

    Several liquor issues were addressed.  The Board approved the liquor license for La Veta Bistro & Brewery.  They also accepted an application for a beer and wine liquor license from Edward F. Donovan.  Donovan said his Deer Print Wine establishment, at 106 E. Francisco, will serve wine by the glass and pre-packaged food. He said he may return for a license to sell bottled wine later if the business proves successful. A public hearing on the application was set for July 6 at 6:50 pm.  The Board also approved the liquor license renewal for La Veta Liquors, owned by Jim Taft, at 105 W. Francisco St.

    Tom Taylor asked the Town to reimburse him for repairs pursuant to a sewer backup into his home at 126 W. 2nd St (Circle the Wagons RV Park) on March 3, 2010.  Taylor said a manhole filled with water and the sewer backed up into his house while no one was home.  He was asking for $1,243.81 in reimbursement for labor to locate and dig up the line plus $586.75 to replace floor coverings.  There was discussion about whether the service line to the house was installed properly, and apparently it does not have a check valve to prevent such backups.  Taylor said he has not had any problems like this since moving into the house in 2006.  Citing a similar situation which caused worse damage, former Mayor Mickey Schmidt told the Board, “The Town is not liable unless it was negligent.” Trustee Dale Davis said the Town crew will dig up the location of the sewer tap and see if it is a problem the Town needs to remedy or if it’s another issue.

    On behalf of La Veta Citizens for Doris Tracy, Donna Adams asked the Board if it would “consider honoring Doris Tracy for her service to her town and country as a pilot for the WASPs [Women Air Force Service Pilots] during the war.”   Trustees Erwin and Larry Klinke volunteered to work with the group on ideas for honoring Tracy.

    The Tree Board announced it will be planting 16 “street trees” on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 25-26.

    The Board agreed to close Main Street from Moore to Garland on July 3 at 11:00 am for the July 4 parade.

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