Commissioners breeze through short agenda

WALSENBURG —  The Huerfano County Commissioners made short work of a brief agenda of items during their regular Tuesday morning session, hearing public comments, approving a services quote, and recognizing local veterans.

Richard Goodwin spoke during the public comments segment of the meeting, asking the commissioners to include their 2018 budget in the county webpage and asking if the county could create a map showing the locations of all legal marijuana cultivation operations in Huerfano County.

Scott Walker, of PharmAid Pharms, a licensed marijuana cultivator in the county, sought some clarification from the commissioners concerning outdoor marijuana growing as addressed in the newly adopted county marijuana and hemp regulations.  Walker said with the continued decline in wholesale marijuana prices, he was interested in expanding his current greenhouse operation to include an outdoor grow.  The commissioners advised the new regulations include a section regarding application for a variance to any current CUP.  Walker said he would be looking into application for a variance.

With wholesale marijuana prices on the decline, it wouldn’t be a surprise if other licensed cultivators approach the land use office with this same type of inquiry.

For at least the second week in a row, Al Meisman spoke to the commissioners briefly regarding the gold fringed flag that stands in the commission chamber.  The commissioners gave Meisman a letter which outlines U.S. flag regulations, and some history of fringe decorated flags.  County administrator John Galusha also commented that Huerfano County only buys flags that are made in the USA.

In a unanimous vote the commissioners approved the appointment of Deb Knott to the Cuchara Mountain Park Advisory Committee, with a term expiring Dec. 31, 2019.

The commissioners unanimously approved a $615 quote from Sage Electric for removal of an eight foot fluorescent light fixture in the Gardner shop building and installation of four foot LED strip light fixtures in the garage area.  The quote covered both material and labor.

Commissioners approved one seasonal re-hire and a seasonal hire in the road and bridge department’s cattle guard crew.  The board also deferred action for two weeks regarding three applications for a part time administrative position in the land use office.  The action was taken to allow members of the regional building Authority to review the applications.

During the regular morning session, the commissioners approved Resolution 18-28 which names March 25, 2018, as Daniel J. Bobian Sr., Day in Huerfano County recognizing his service as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army stationed in both West Germany and Vietnam.  Bobian was awarded the Bronze Star along with the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Tuesday afternoon the commissioners traveled to the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center to present framed Resolutions to:

Frederick Struthers, Resolution 18-29 naming March 24, 2018 as the county day in his honor for service as a U.S. Army Corporal stationed in the Rhineland (Germany) where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and the WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button.

Gordon L. Bothwell, Resolution 18-30 naming April 7, 2018 as a countywide day in his honor recognizing his service as a Technician 5th Grade in the U.S. Army stationed in New Guinea and the Philippines. His decorations are the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal and Purple Heart.

Rodney Denius, Resolution 18-31 proclaiming April 14, 2018 as a countywide day in his honor recognizing his service as a USAF Airman First Class who served in New Mexico and was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon, Small Arms Marksmanship Badge, Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Charles E. Griego, Resolution 18-32 proclaiming April 21, 2018 as a day in his honor throughout Huerfano County in recognition of his service as a Specialist in the U.S. Army serving in Kentucky and Vietnam.  Griego was decorated with a Bronze Star, the National Defense Service Medal (Overseas Bar), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Marksmanship Expert Badge.