by Mark Craddock
LA VETA — Social distancing was clearly on the minds of La Veta Town Board members when they met Tuesday, March 17, at the town community center.
The larger room allowed board members to sit a safe distance from citizens, whose chairs were likewise positioned a safe distance from one another. The board routinely meets in the much more intimate confines of its Main Street meeting hall.
The first order of business was passage of an emergency ordinance that will allow the board to convene “virtual meetings” during times of emergencies, such as Gov. Jared Polis’ disaster declaration in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic. The ordinance will become effective upon publication, which will allow the board to meet electronically during the present public health emergency.
Likewise, the board agreed to close Town Hall to most business for the duration of the crisis. They plan to keep the outer door unlocked, but plan to lock the inner vestibule door.
Board members urged citizens to pay their water bills via the door’s mail slot and to conduct other town matters digitally or over the phone.
In other business
The board agreed to draft a letter of support for La Veta Trails in its quest to receive a grant from the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance for maintenance of hiking trails in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area.
The board unanimously denied a request by Kyle DeNardo to place a cellular tower at La Veta Oil. Mayor Doug Brgoch said the plan calls for a 50-foot tower to be constructed on 300 square feet in the town’s historic district. Current zoning requirements call for a minimum of 7,000 square feet of land and a structure no taller than 35 feet.
Board members unanimously approved a request by Two Peaks Fitness to use part of Town Park during its Oktoberfest 2020 5K and half-marathon runs. The board accepted “as substantially complete” a liquor license request by La Veta Country Store. A public hearing was scheduled for May 5, 2020, 6:45 pm.
The board accepted “as substantially complete” a change-of-location for Mission Deli Mesa’s liquor license to its new location on Oak Street. A public hearing was scheduled for May 5, 2020, 6:30 pm.
The board also accepted “as substantially complete” a special-use permit application for Ralph Jones for his non-conforming mobile home park on Oak Street. A public hearing was scheduled for April 7, 2020, 6:45 pm.
Trustee Tim Tady was appointed as a director to the Huerano County Economic Development Board.
The board approved vacation requests by Laurie Erwin, Mark Erwin and Harold Wilburn.
Likewise, trustees OKed a request by Municipal Judge Cathy Mullens to attend an April conference in Vail.
The board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Two Peaks Fitness to use the town baseball field for little-league games this summer.
Jay Davis and Mary Ann Wallace were appointed to the Francisco Fort Museum Board.
Trustees agreed to hire Colorado Crushing at $60,000 to crush 20,000 tons of gravel for upcoming road repairs.
