April 3rd BOCC: Tower Madness
CCEDC Would Get a Substantial
“Management” Fee for Towers Project

Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC)
—April 3, 2019
WESTCLIFFE, Colo.
by Jackie (Muddy) Bubis

Afternoon Session 1 p.m.: BOCC and non county entity (non -profit corporation) the Custer County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC) or (EDC)
The meeting began with Charles Bogle handing out an organizational chart showing the relationship that the EDC proposes with the BOCC as the tower project proceeds. It shows the EDC directly under the BOCC, the same level as Finance, IT, Road & Bridge, and Legal. The general contractor for the project would answer to the CCEDC in this scenario. For operating as what they called the project manager, the CCEDC would get $50K per year, with an expected two-year timeline. This money would be taken from the $2M grant money.

 

 

 

In 1901, it became clear that the tower was severely underfunded. Then, asserts pbs.org, “on December 12, 1901, the world awoke to the news that Marconi had signaled the letter “S” across the Atlantic… Tesla, unruffled by the accomplishment, explained that the Italian used 17 Tesla patents to accomplish the transmission. But Morgan began to doubt Tesla. Marconi’s system not only worked, it was also inexpensive.” Tesla begged for funds but could find none. The newspapers called it, “Tesla’s million dollar folly.”

Dale Mullen reported that there are four items that must be submitted to the Economic Development Agency (State EDA) for the $1M federal grant application. The first two will cost $11, 250 and the last two, up to $25,000. The CCEDC asked the BOCC to appeal to DOLA to take that $36, 250 off the $1M grant for the tower project. DOLA has previously said that they would be willing to do this but that it will reduce the $1M grant by that amount. As a result the matching grant from the EDA will also be reduced by that amount.
There was an extended discussion regarding the number of new households that this tower project would provide broadband for. Also discussed was the assurance that the income from providers on those towers would cover the maintenance and the lease costs for the land for each tower.
The Board had a list of questions that they wanted answers for, some of which they have been asking for over a year. Mr. Flower expressed that the CCEDC does not have a great reputation for transparency. One answer he received was who, exactly, sits on the board of CCEDC: Charles Bogle is the president, Dale Mullen is the vice-president, and Donna Hood is the treasurer. The secretary position is not filled at this time. Wilson Jarvis joined them at the table for discussion but is no longer on the board.
When Mr. Flower told the EDC board members that not everyone in this county wants broadband, their response was, “We don’t care.” Later, Mr. Bogle expressed that “there are certain things that we should do for our community,” implying that the BOCC should do what’s best for the citizens, whether they want it or not.
The meeting ended without the Board making a decision to move forward, which did not please the CCEDC. The item will be on the
mid-month agenda.

Regular Meeting

The meeting started at 9 a.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Introductions of the public followed.
The Board approved the minutes from the March 20th meeting.
Commissioner Items
Commissioner Printz reported that the truck for the landfill should be here by Friday. He also mentioned a bill in the Colorado Senate that will be an issue for the Sheriff: SB 19-191 would, among other things, require the custodian of a jail to release a defendant within two hours after the defendant has posted bond. This two hour limit will be difficult to comply with due to paperwork, etc.
Chairman Flower reported that he had watched yesterday’s BOCC meeting and noticed some things that he’d like to improve on – the commissioners talking over each other, interrupting each other, and the chairman himself leaning forward and cutting off line of sight
between Canda and Printz.
Attorney Items
Attorney Smith drafted another letter to collection agency JNR which is an agenda item for later.
Staff Reports
The OEM Report was presented by Cindy Howard. Regarding the Homeland Security grant, she doubts that the Coroner’s vehicle will be approved. She also requested two electronic sign boards. She reported that 13 homes were treated via funds from the Ready, Set, Go grant which helped with cleanup after the Junkins fire.
Dawna Hobby gave the HR/Finance Report, Guinevere Nelson gave the Extension Report, and Laura Lockhart gave the DHS Report. One notable number from the DHS report is the increase of local families on the SNAP (food stamp) program – 210 in 2018 vs 230 currently.
New Business
The liquor license for the San Isabel Lodge was approved.
The Board authorized yet another letter be sent from Attorney Smith to JNR Collections regarding the $345 in dispute.
Public Comment
Rancher John Rusher expressed his ongoing concerns about water issues. He stated that “We don’t like Upper Ark” and asked Commissioner Canda to refrain from making any deals with them. He stated that it is the Board’s responsibility to look out for everybody in the county, that Upper Ark’s original purpose was fine but now they are “water merchandisers,” and that “we want out of Upper Ark.” He went on to say that “water needs to stay here.”
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.