By Ruthanne Johnson
MONTE VISTA— The spring and summer droughts have been alarming to say the least. The entire Valley has felt like something of a tinderbox because of the wind, lack of moisture and parched vegetation.
As a preventative measure against destructive fires occurring within city limits, city council passed Ordinance 87, banning the outdoor open burning of rubbish, garbage or junk. The ban goes into effect Sept. 1. Barbeque pits and fire pits are still allowed, and natural yard-debris such as grass clippings, branches and weeds can still be destroyed in burn barrels. The new ordinance basically brings Monte Vista in line with Front Range cities that disallow the open burning of trash, said Monte Vista city clerk Unita Vance. People can call the city with questions.
In another first, city council unanimously approved a change in the liquor license for Stars and Strikes bowling alley, to include the service of alcohol on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. The city will monitor compliance closely for the first year, said Vance. The outdoor area will likely open next spring, as the state typically takes four to five months to review applications.
The city also announced it now has two free Wi-Fi access points outside of city hall for iPhones and other Internet devices. There is no password and folks can connect as far away as Chapman Park.
In police news, Police Chief John Rosecrans brought up Monte Vista resident’s lack of compliance with city ordinances regarding pets as well as the need for more humane standards— vaccination requirements, leash laws and tether and shelter minimums. Some of the ordinances need clarity and updating, he said, like extending the length of tether and amount of time a dog can be tied up. “I can’t imagine leaving my dog on a three-foot tether all day long,” he said. Updating the ordinances would help his officers have a better baseline to fight against the inhumane treatment of animals.
Another issue that needs to be addressed, Rosecrans said, are the clear-vision triangles along streets and at intersections to prevent auto and pedestrian accidents. Part of the problem is the city’s lack of sidewalks, which allows vegetation to grow too close to the road, impeding drivers’ line of sight. Sometimes, the vegetation even forces children and other pedestrians to walk in roadways. “People need to be aware of what is and is not safe for the extent of their vegetation,” he said.
Property owners are responsible for trimming vegetation around sidewalks, roads, street signs and street lights that are adjacent to their property. Corner property owners are additionally responsible for maintaining a “sight triangle,” which means keeping vegetation trimmed below three feet high in the triangular region up to 20 feet back from the corner on each street. Rosecrans asked the city council to consider approving an educational campaign aimed at helping folks better understand what their responsibilities are as property owners. In conjunction, the city will begin issuing citations for noncompliance resulting in hazardous conditions for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
City Councilor Gary Johnson announced the scheduled appearance of Richard Nagley with the San Luis Valley Veteran’s Coalition at the next city council meeting on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. All veterans are invited. “The organization helps vets living in the Valley with funds, high-level VA Affairs contacts, programs and solutions,” said Johnson. “Nagley will be there to discuss the work and hard-fought success of the coalition and answer questions from veterans in the area.” Veterans are too often forced to travel to bigger cities along the Front Range or even as far as Albuquerque to receive benefits, treatment, counseling and other help. Johnson hopes Nagley’s appearance at the next city council meeting will help people understand how the organization helps veteran in need.
On the business front, grants were awarded to the city for the design and rebuilding of Ski Hi Park; the city of Monte Vista adopted Resolution 10-2018, the new Water Efficiency Plan; and city council unanimously approved expenditures of nearly $89,000 for the replacement of a damaged waterline on Sixth Ave. The council also approved $7,500 towards sidewalk repairs on the south side of the Faith Hinkley Veteran’s Memorial Park.
In other news, kudos were given to Monte Vista’s City Manager Forrest Neuerburg for his appointment by Governor John W. Hickenlooper to the Private Activity Bond Allocations Committee, which meets twice a year to allocate unused funds from the state’s Private Activity Bond for community-building projects such as low-income housing, manufacturing, public service facilities, schools and hospitals.
The city also thanked sponsors of the new marque at Ski-Hi Complex: Mathias Concrete, Agriculture Conference Committee, Crane Festival Committee, Calvary Baptist Church, Stampede Committee, Absolute Shine Autobody, Monte Vista Rotary Club, Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, Monte Vista Kiwanis Club.
In addition, city council voted unanimously to appoint Mary Olivas to the Vali 3 Theater Board, and Trinidad State College awarded the city with a certificate of appreciation for the use of the Ski Hi complex parking lot for its junior college commercial driver license program.