Disc golf coming to CMP
by Eric Mullens
WALSENBURG — The Huerfano County Commissioners this week approved an expenditure that will bring disc golf as a new recreational experience to Cuchara Mountain Park.
In a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, the commissioners approved $7,200 for the purchase of nine disc golf baskets and bases for use at CMP. The commissioners indicated they have someone who will also come to Huerfano County to help design the layout for the nine-hole (basket) course. The commissioners also approved an $800 expenditure to purchase eight tables and 50 stackable chairs for use at the Day Lodge building at the mountain park. Both expenditures were recommendations from the Cuchara Mountain Park Advisory Board.
Public comment:
During the public comment segment of the meeting the commissioners heard a request for a variance from Rich Taylor, who sought to build a second storage barn on one of his Huerfano County properties although the land in question does not yet contain a primary residence. Taylor, who owns several rental properties in Walsenburg, and two properties in the county, said he and his wife plan to retire to Huerfano County and will be building a primary residence on the property in question in two-to-five years. The board of commissioners approved the variance in a unanimous vote.
Concerns about Martra and access
Zachary Willis, whose family owns property adjacent to the Martra Holdings property off of east Hwy 10, voice concerns to the commissioners regarding on-going construction at the Martra location. He said there have been cases of vehicles parked on both sides of CR 112 making access to his mother’s property difficult, and indicated there may be some illegal dumping of construction debris in the area. The Martra property is annexed into the City of Walsenburg and the commissioners took Willis’ comments under advisement but took no formal action.
Martra has sought to install a gate, with access to all adjoining property owners, on the county road that runs to their property, but has been advised by the commissioners they need to obtain letters from the other property owners indicating approval of the locked gate’s installation. Willis indicated his family would not be supporting that request.
In other business:
• The board approved the appointment of Huerfano County Coroner Vonnie Valdez to the Las Animas/ Huerfano County District Health Department Board of Directors in Resolution 18-46.
• Announced the summer hours, beginning May 29 for the county Waste Transfer Station as 9 am until 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday.
• Proclaimed May 27, 2018 as Ivan Brooks Day in Huerfano County via Resolution 18-45, honoring his service in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Brooks attained the rank of Corporal and was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Airman Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
• The commissioners approved a draft letter concerning the proposed new judicial center, inviting comments and discussions regarding the need for additional financing of the overall project beyond grants that have been received or applied for. The commission is considering a one-cent sales tax ballot issue in the future to help pay for the project. The board indicated a sales tax solution could see up to 68% of funds coming from travelers’ and tourists’ purchases made within the county. An informational meeting on the judicial center project is set for Wed., May 30 at 5:15 pm at the Fox Theatre, 715 Main Street, Walsenburg.
• The board approved a fee waiver request from Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center for use of the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg for the first ever Senior Health Day, scheduled Saturday, July 21 from 7 am until 1 pm.
