Publications

Contact Us

La Veta town board in an action mode

LA VETA — At their regular meeting on Tuesday, the La Town Board moved forward on several items. Prior to the main meeting, the town board held a short public hearing, based on a request from the Ft. Francisco Museum Board to place a temporary storage shed on the museum grounds with only two foot rather than five foot setbacks. No comments, pro or con, were received from the public. Once in regular session, the town board unanimously approved the request. Under a ballot vote, Rick Jennings was hired as the new town building inspector after receiving six votes. Alan Blakely received one and the third candidate, Jim Estes, received no votes. Jennings will start within two weeks. The last item under Old Business was the recent request from the La Veta Fire Protection District for the town to waive the costs for a two inch water line and for two four inch sewer lines for the proposed new fire station. After discussing the request with Ken White, the town’s engineer, the board felt the new facility could get by with a one inch water tap and a single

four inch sewer line. Mayor Doug Brgoch noted that the town was already incurring cost of approximately $15,000 to $16,000 in moving an existing sewer line for the new building. Additionally, the total cost to the town for the water line and sewer tap would run over $100,000. The town’s engineer had also pointed out that the LVFPD’s proposed washout system for cleaning the department’s vehicles was inadequate and could allow oil and gas into the town’s sewer system. In unanimously approving the one inch water tap and the single four inch sewer line, the board noted it was willing to meet with the fire district to discuss the wash out system and to review their previously stated needs, but that any expanded or additional needs would have to be paid for by the district. Under New Business, the board voted to move ahead with a modified grant application seeking additional funds to replace the Ryus Avenue Bridge. The current grant is not sufficient to cover the costs so the town will pursue another 80/20 grant to fund the project. Trustee Chip Kraynyck noted, “Basically, for every dollar the town spends we get $4.00 from the grants.” Kraynyk also pointed out the bridge is “aesthetically pleasing.” Mayor Brgoch explained the bridge will not have as much rise to it as the current bridge so drivers can see oncoming traffic better in both directions. The board was surprised to learn that the total cost of the bridge could run $770,400, thus the need for additional monies. These grants do not cover the costs of permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or federal permits, those will be paid for out of contingency funds. The new bridge will also be wider, making it safer and easier for traffic to maneuver. Trustee David Molyneux moved to use left-over monies in the Streets and Alley’s budget to buy two culverts to help complete the Mill Ditch Drainage Project, at a cost of $5,000 to $6,000. The motion passed. The board will hold another budget workshop at 7 pm on November 20, in the community center.

Cement plant concerns

Building inspector suggests a negotiated move out of Northlands to site near prison WALSENBURG — The Walsenburg City Council convened a special meeting Friday, March

Read More »