Commissioners handle lots of miscellany

 

The county commissioners handled a number of routine matters during regular meetings held late last month and earlier this month.

On Dec. 29 and 30, 2009, the county commissioners:

—APPROVED the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments recycling contract for 2010. Estimated cost to the county is $2,566, which is some $1,200 less than the previous year.

—HEARD from commissioner Jim Austin that a portion of Highway 69 south is on C-DOT’s list for a possible shoulder-widening project in 2010. A final decision will be made at a later date. 

—RECEIVED a report from Lorraine Silva regarding the Hannsen Haus Resource Center and the Veterans Service Office. To date, said Silva, total expenses for the year were $48,005.12 while income totaled $23,9891.84.

Income includes grant proceeds and rent received from local and regional entities using the facility.

Expenses include salaries, utilities, dues and meetings, travel, maintenance and repairs.

—WERE INFORMED the Governor’s Energy Office will be offering rebates to Colorado residents and businesses that install energy efficient and renewable energy measures to their homes and businesses. For questions contact rebates@state.co.us.

Also in the works through the Governor’s Energy Office is to hire a regional coordinator to handle requests here and in Fremont County. The general consensus of the commissioners was to house the coordinator in Custer County. Valley resident Kim Stein attended to say she would apply for the coordinator position.

—DECIDED to draft a letter of support to the state and national legislature regarding the building of a national veterans’ cemetery in Custer County. Custer County is one of nine sites in Southern Colorado being considered.

—SIGNED an acknowledgment letter to Monica Backsen who donated equipment to the Custer County Kids’ Club.

—HEARD an end-of- the-year report from Kathy Reis who is the county’s representative on the regional enterprise zone board. Reis said in 2009, the Custer County Merchants and chamber of Commerce received $2,304 in enterprise zone funds to operate the county’s visitors’ center and the town of Silver Cliff received $693 to update its website.

On Jan. 4-5, 2010, the commissioners:

—SET the meeting schedule and holidays for 2010.

—SIGNED various yearly contracts with the social services department.

—APPROVED sending a letter to the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments requesting permission to use some $900 in community development grant proceeds to install stair chairs at the courthouse and Wetmore Community Building.

—SAID YES to road and bridge supervisor Dave Trujillo, who was seeking approval to purchase a new grader as budgeted. Commissioner Carole Custer abstained from voting stating she wanted to see additional grader specifications.

—HEARD a report from public health nurse Donna McDonnall. To date, said McDonnall, 806 seasonal flu shots have been given to residents this season and 1,061 H1N1 shots had been administered.

Also, six local Red Cross classes had been taught through her department in 2009.

All commissioners—chairman Lynn Attebery, Jim Austin and Carole Custer—were present.

The next commissioners’ meetings will be held Jan. 27-28.

– Nora Drenner