Sargent Michael Martinez (far left) and Corporal Tyler Harford, newly sworn in to their promoted offices, enjoy a camera moment with their wives.

MONTE VISTA—Alamosa City Manager Heather Brooks attended Monte Vista’s City Council meeting on Oct. 4 with an offer for Monte Vista to join a new program implemented in Alamosa in June, thanks to a LEAD grant. LEAD stands for the Law Enforcement Assistance Diversion program which debuted in in Seattle, Wash. in 2011 as a way of cutting down on crime by offering immediate and compulsory access to drug rehabilitation through the program rather than arrest for offenders of low-level drug crimes.
Since implementing the program in June, Alamosa has assisted 15 people through the program. The program involves a unique coalition of law enforcement agencies, public officials and community groups. “This is not a silver bullet to drug addiction problems or crime here in the Valley,” said Brooks, but I believe it can help. The grant is effective until 2020 and city council is currently considering Brooks’ offer.
During the public comment segment of city council local business owner Phinel Garcia informed the council that he will be tearing down the Aldrich House next to his shop, Absolute Shine on Acequia Drive. It is one of the oldest homes in Monte Vista but in terrible shape due to years of neglect. Restoration costs would likely be well over $100,000. Experts looked into moving the house, which is also not cost-effective. No action will be taken until July, 2019.
Garcia also gave props to Local Business Assist entrepreneur Ron Douglas for helping fill two empty rentals that he owns. All six of Garcia’s rental properties are now rented to businesses. None of the businesses are open yet.
The city passed Resolution No. 20-2018, which is a code of conduct resolution for the city’s elected officers and appointed board members. The code of conduct provides guidance on ethical issues and describes in detail the manner in which the council and its appointed board and commission members should treat one another, city staff, constituents and others with whom they come into contact when representing the city of Monte Vista. The code also pertains to private conversations, which “often lead to a public presence,” states the resolution. City council passed the resolution and supporting Ordinance No. 888, which states that alleged code of ethics violations can be referred to the mayor, city manager or city attorney for investigation of the allegations and possible sanction options for council consideration. Copies of the resolution can be obtained from the city clerk’s office.
City council announced its opposition to Colorado Amendment 74, which will be on the November ballot. “No” to Amendment 74 opposes the initiative requiring property owners compensation for reduction in property value caused by state laws or regulations. The law could expose city governments to costly lawsuits, argued Monte Vista City Manager Forrest Neuerburg. If passed, governments seeking to enforce zoning laws or pursue affordable housing initiatives or get behind an urban renewal project could be open to private property owners seeking damages in court. The amendment could cause disruptions to essential government responsibilities, said Neuerburg.   
The city also voiced its opposition to Resolution 112, which is a setback requirement for oil and gas development. A “no” vote opposes the initiative to mandate new oil and gas development set at a minimum distance of 2,500 feet from occupied buildings and other areas. The city of Monte Vista stated that it “supports responsible oil and natural gas development in a manner that protects the environ and quality of life for Colorado citizens” and that is has “pioneered an oil and natural gas site-inspection program that promotes safety and insures collaboration between the city and oil and natural gas industry.”
Monte Vista endorsed Colorado Proposition 110, which is a statewide transportation sales tax dedicated to transportation. A “yes” vote supports the initiative to authorize $6 billion in bonds to fund transportation projects, establish the Transportation Revenue Anticipation Notes Citizen Oversight Committee and raise the state sales tax rate by 0.62 percent, from 2.9 percent to 3.52 percent for 20 years starting on Jan. 1, 2019.
The city council approved Ordinance 889 relating to the underage possession of marijuana. Council amended article 10, section 8-10-20 by adding section 8-10-20(d) to the ordinance, making it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume one ounce or less of marijuana in the city of Monte Vista.
Announcements were made for an Oct. 16 city budget work session to be held at 6 p.m. at city hall and a special work session on Dec. 10 with Colorado Municipal League (CML) director Sam Mamet. CML is a non-profit organization providing services and resources to assist Colorado municipal officials in managing their governments. There is also a planning and zoning commission meeting on Oct. 23 to discuss Airbnb and VRBO rentals within city limits.
Kids Connection reported a recent licensing inspection that highlighted staff trainings that the city’s after-school program staff did not have, like for administering medications to kids in the program when necessary. The organization also needs to hire a healthcare consultant, said Program Director Anika Velasquez. Affordable consultants are tough to find, she added.
Kids Connection is looking forward to the Annual Poker Series fundraiser on Oct. 20 at the Monte Villa Inn. Tickets are $50 per person and the money goes to support the local after-school and summer day-camp program. The tournament is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is being hosted by Three Guys Farms.