by Brian Orr
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg City Council listened to City Administrator Eric Pearson Tuesday evening, who said the City was confident enough in its meter readings and new bookkeeping system that city crews will now move forward with connects and disconnects. Pearson noted that out of 1,800 clients, 800 are now delinquent.
Pearson noted that the City is willing to work out payment plans with people who need help, but also that the City will not wait indefinitely. Payments are due by April 15.
Pearson also reiterated that the City will be holding an open meeting on April 9 to begin discussing the Comprehensive Plan, which will be used as the City’s blueprint for the next 20 years. The meeting will be at 6 pm and held at the Huerfano County Community Center. Everyone is urged to attend and talk about where they want Walsenburg to go. Surveys will also be passed out and collected.
In committee reports, Public Works Chairwoman Edi Flanagan reported an engineering firm will review the City’s planned sewer treatment plant. Her committee will also take a look at scheduling a spring clean-up throughout the City. These clean-ups will be easier for the City to do in the future, when the waste transfer station is up and running- a wood chipper will be on site to chew up tree branches.
Public Safety Chairman Lou Taylor asked the Council for their support of a letter asking the 911 Board to consider upgrading the County dispatch equipment, which is antiquated. The upgrade will cost $162,458, but will be state of the art, expandable, and able to track the whereabouts of every officer on duty at all times. “It will make their (dispatch’s) job a lot easier and faster,” noted Police Chief Larry Baldonado. The Council agreed to add their support to the funding request.
In other business, the Council approved resolution 2008 R-09, authorizing the City to set up an escrow account, and Resolution 2008 R-10, authorizing the City to establish a debt service account.
Mayor Edi Sheldon also at this time opened the sealed bids for surplus city equipment. Bids on used used cars and equipment ranged from $500 to 40 cents, which was included in the bid’s envelope. “At least it’s cold cash,” Pearson noted sardonically
