LA VETA — In what appeared to be a growing concern among at least some La Veta residents, regarding spraying for mosquitos, the issue is now dead for the time being. During the regular board meeting on Tuesday night, Mayor Doug Brgoch revisited the proposal to begin spraying for mosquitos in town. No motion was made, so the topic was tabled. Concerns were voiced at the previous board meeting as to the need for spraying, with some stating the chemicals used were dangerous to human health and the environment. Others claimed the insects were a health hazard. The regular sewer project update was provided by GMS’ Mark Hornberger. He stated, “The project is moving right along,” noting Segment F behind the school was complete. Two other manholes were placed. The projects is now moving into Segment D, west of Oak Street by Lucy’s RV Park, where another manhole will be placed along with 42 feet of pipe. Alys Romer, of Aly’s Restaurant, decided to close for two days, allowing the project to proceed without the
sewer work unexpectedly impeding her operation. Liquor license renewals were approved for both Deerprint Wine Bistro and La Veta Liquors. Under a new state statute, art galleries must now have a special use permit to serve alcohol at no charge, with a limit of no more than 15 events per year. The Spanish Peaks Art Council submitted a permit request for up to 10 events for 2015. The license was approved. The board approved the letting of a Request for Proposals for the Ryus Avenue bridge replacement project, as the town now has sufficient funds for the work. CDOT encouraged the town to begin work immediately since five years have passed since the initial grant was awarded. The work should take about a month. A new computer for the town clerk was approved at the cost of $1,306.81. A park bench memorializing former La Veta residents, Betty and Fred McDaniel, was approved and will be placed near the gazebo in the town park. Additionally, the board agreed a policy was needed to address future requests. La Veta resident, Gary Flanders, had submitted a zoning change request from unzoned to R-3 for a parcel of former railroad property on 1st Street. However, because the property has never been zoned, a Planned Unit Development permit was needed. R-3 zoning would allow a higher density of housing such as a trailer park. History Colorado has extended a contract deadline to the town and the Historic Preservation Committee until July 31, to submit all due or past due deliverables to the state, or possibly lose grant monies and endanger future grants. It was explained by trustee Shane Clouse that both the state and the HPC had fallen behind on the grant’s requirements. In other business: • The tree board will be going from two to one meeting per month and it was proposed that draft minutes be provided to the town board in time for their review. Two citizens noted at least two trees planted in the town park were planted too close to other trees, impeding their growth. • The Ft. Francisco Museum Board will work with the town to remove two nonfunctional ornos from the museum grounds. • Approved a payment of $7,425.00 to Paul Morgan Construction for work done on east Grand and Garland Streets. • Marshal Willburn stated that there were no major problems over the 4th of July weekend. • The board approved funding up to $3,200.00 for repairs on Cuchara Street related to the Dyer ditch culverts that have been damaged by heavy truck traffic.
