by Carol Dunn
LA VETA- At its August 18 meeting, the La Veta Town Board decided to rebid the erection of its steel building at the water plant. Referring to it as “the continuing saga,” Mayor Mickey Schmidt explained that the foundation and building package had to be upgraded to be compliant with Homeland Security regulations for public utilities and because it furnishes water to the fire protection district. “It has morphed into a whole other project,” Schmidt said. Because of the engineering delays, the original contract with Alan Blakely has expired. The three original bidders will be allowed to submit a new bid by September 1, covering all labor and materials.
Harold Andreatta asked the Board what kind of permit he can apply for so he can at least park equipment on his land north of Town. Mayor Pro-tem Dawn Blanken pointed out that he could submit another commercial redevelopment permit application if it is “significantly different” than the one that was turned down, which was for operating a landscape business.
The La Veta Cemetery District was approved for a sewage tap, and the $3,500 fee was waived because the District is a public taxing entity. The Town will not waive the $12 monthly use fee.
There was discussion about the washboard problem on Virginia Street, from the intersection to the top of the hill. “It’s always been that way,” Schmidt said, adding that only a permanent hard surface will solve the problem.
A Town employee has taken samples of the asphalt and the base on Oak and Francisco streets so an independent company can study the compaction and quality of the paving job. Schmidt said, “It looks like all of it will be taken up, repatched, and asphalt will be relaid,” possibly by October 1.
Tree Board chair Barb Kowalik urged the public, “Please water your trees. They’re looking really dry.”
