Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC)
—August 15, 2018
SAN ISABEL, Colo.
by Jackie Bubis

The meeting started at noon with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Introductions of the public followed.
Minutes of July 31st, August 7th and 8th meetings were approved.
Commissioner Items
Commissioner Printz reported attending two Tourism Board meetings. He helped finalize agreement between the Wetmore Community Center and the Historical Society. He also has received calls about CR 260 needing grading.
Commissioner Canda commented on a great community meal at the Wetmore Community Center. He’s been working with Aught Six ranch in continuing the process of upgrades at the airport. He reminded the group that the Aught Six ranch donated money for a new scoreboard for the football field. Mr. Printz wondered if the county should have a luncheon for them as a way of saying thank you. Chairman Flower expressed that should come from the school district. Mr. Canda continues to work with Road & Bridge supervisor Hyde after comments from the citizens on road conditions.
Chairman Flower reported that the Saddle Club has made the first payment of $3,850 on the water bill. $3,850 remains outstanding. He also mentioned that the Silver West Airport Fly-In will be on August 25th from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. with pancakes and sausage. The board approved giving Ms. Gaide two days comp time for her work reformatting the Zoning Resolution, which she stated took her three days. In addition, he stated that he hoped to see the results of the photo session with Berta Haga signing the lease/purchase agreement. He reported that the Custer County Republicans ARE having a hot dog picnic for the community on September 15th and that it was unanimous at the GOP Central Committee meeting that all three commissioners be invited.
Attorney Items
Attorney Clint Smith reported attending the Tourism Board meeting and workshop. He recommended that Custer County get on board with the class action lawsuit that most of the mountain counties have joined against the federal government over PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) funds. As non-County business, he reported great turnout for the Dark Skies party for the meteor shower. He said 170 people came, many from out of state, from Denver and Colorado Springs.
Public Comment
Angie Arteburn mentioned that her gallery on Main Street has seen increased business this month due to Dark Skies. This is not just retirees, but some
families with children. Kelley Camper agreed, saying that the head of elections from the Secretary of State’s office was here on vacation in part to enjoy the Dark Skies.
The Board moved on to Tourism Board business. Charlie Ellison was recommended by Angie Arteburn to fill one of the vacancies on the Tourism Board. (Note: it was reported that Mr. Tyler from Westcliffe Inn has resigned from that board, leaving Angie Arteburn as the only voting member.) A motion was made to approve Ellison. During the discussion, Mr. Flower expressed hesitation, not based on Mr. Ellison but based on his concern about the direction the Tourism Board has been taking. He feels the BOCC has additional responsibility for this board because of money. The lodging tax has brought in $50K this year alone. Mr. Printz objected to these remarks saying they didn’t belong in this discussion and that Mr. Ellison is exactly the type of person this board needs. Mr. Flower conceded the point.
Mr. Canda agreed with Mr. Flower and made a motion to postpone any Tourism Board appointments until after all the new letters of interest are in. During ongoing discussion, Mr. Canda stated that the lodging money is tax money and he believes that the BOCC has the authority over the Tourism Board to make sure that it reflects the values of our community. After extended discussion, the Board voted to postpone the appointments until after the 27th, when letters of interest are due. The item will be put on a future agenda when Ms. Arteburn has had time to go through the letters.
The 2019 agreement with the Fremont County Humane Society for impound services was approved. The county will split the contract fee of $908 with the two towns.
Sheriff Byerly apologized for not being present for the signing of the lease/purchase agreement with the Haga Trust and extended appreciation to BOCC for making that happen. He raised a question about the longevity pay which has not been decided, leaving the county offices unable to move forward on the 2019 budget. The Board agreed and the topic was put on the agenda for the August 31st meeting. As a citizen, Byerly thanked the Board for the chip seal on Copper Gulch Road – stating that road is in the best shape it’s been in since he moved out there.
Chairman Flower brought up the subject of the repair to phone lines on CR 386. He’s had conversations with CenturyLink and the Forest Service about the 32 residences that have lost their phone service due to that road being washed out. A meeting will be scheduled as soon as possible with those two entities, the BOCC and the affected residents, to be held in Wetmore.
The meeting adjourned at 1:36 p.m.