For the lack of a motion, that is, at a town board meeting
by Bob Kennemer
LA VETA — In certain cases a proposal does not have to be voted down by a board. The no vote comes via, no vote at all. That was the case at the February 20 meeting of the La Veta Town Board. After a brief public hearing, requesting a fence height variance from La Veta resident Mark White. When the board went into regular session, they took no action due to lack of a motion – pro or con.
White was asking for a variance to build a fence that could have sections up to 8’ tall or more around a home he is building in the 200 block of W. Cascade St. The current height limit is 6’ tall. White was concerned that due to topography of the land, deer could jump, from hilly areas near his property line, down into his yard, and get stuck within the yard. The board also heard concerns from nearby property owners that the required signage for the public hearing was not clearly posted nor were they properly notified by White.
Mayor Doug Brgoch voiced concerns regarding solid privacy fences in flood plains or flood ways, quoting from a FEMA document that states such fences can cause debris blockages during flooding resulting in flood waters spreading further out of the channel, creating more damage. The town’s building inspector also sent a letter against the fence for the same reasons. White was informed he could modify the request and/ or address the other concerns and reapply at any time.
Following up on a previous request from Two Peaks Fitness gym in La Veta, to utilize the town’s community center for an additional seniors chair yoga class. The board once again took no action, but only after some discussion. Brgoch and other board members noted the gym already uses the community center four days a week for such classes, precluding other interested parties from using the facility. According to Brgoch and town clerk Laurie Erwin, the town has as many as three additional requests per week that they cannot honor due to Two Peak’s other classes. In general, when a proposal dies for lack of a motion it is because there is no board support for the concept.
Under new business, White was again before the board with a request to pour a concrete driveway from Cascade St. to his garage to prevent erosion on the steep slope. The board asked White to submit a diagram and the board will revisit the issue.
The board passed Resolution 3-18, which is the annual review and approval of the town’s Three Mile Plan, which considers potential impacts of certain activities or development within three miles of the town limits.
Representing Citizens for Huerfano County, Jonathan James asked the board for a letter of support on an application to Great Outdoors Colorado for a grant to obtain funds for a conservation easement on a five acre parcel of land the group was given. The land is on the western edge of town along the Cuchara River and contains wetlands and a pond. CHC plans on using the land for environmental and outdoor education, and local schools have already been visiting it.
The grant would help defer the costs of researching and writing a conservation easement. CHC is a local nonprofit committed to protecting public land, wildlife, and habitat with a focus on the potential dangers of oil/ gas development and fracking. The group also awards college scholarships to area students.
James stated the county commissioners were writing a letter of support, as are the local wildlife officer Mike Brown and La Veta Schools. The board voted unanimously to support the effort and will submit a letter.
The Ryus Avenue Bridge Project, “… is gonna fly,” exclaimed Mayor Brgoch. Ryus will be closed as of February 26, with a detour now in place on 2nd Street. The new bridge will be delivered on April 2.
The board approved requests from Eddie Smith, Peggy Arnold-Hoobler and Tony Masinton to each continue serving on the Francisco Museum Board for another term.
