briefs county by alissa johnson

County freshening up on wildland fire skills
Assistant County Manager and Public Works director Marlene Crosby says the department is brushing up on its wildland fire fighting skills. The staff has not had to respond to a fire for a while, but crews did help with this month’s Ohio Creek fire.

Crosby applied for and received a grant from the Colorado State Forest Service for new fire fighting supplies, which will provide the county with $4,000 worth of equipment for only $2,000. Among the supplies will be new fire shelters. Staff will also undergo training during May.
“With the [potentially dry] summer coming up, it’ll be time well spent,” Crosby said.

County letting go of deed-restricted property
The county is foregoing its right to purchase a foreclosed lot in the Larkspur Subdivision, which was deed restricted in 2007. Purchasing the property would have maintained the restriction, which was originally put in place by the developer. The “right of first refusal” gives the county the opportunity to maintain the supply of affordable housing when property owners foreclose.
Commissioner Phil Chamberland asked for clarification on deed restrictions before moving for approval on the matter. He noted that property owners of another parcel in the same subdivision asked the commissioners to lift a deed restriction in November to make their lot more saleable, but the commissioners had denied the request.
“If that one went into foreclosure and we didn’t purchase it, would the deed restriction be lifted?” Chamberland asked.
County deputy attorney Art Trezise said that each deed restriction is unique, but most have included the first right of refusal.
“Generally speaking, all of these have had the concept of a potential exit strategy if it’s going into foreclosure, the concept being it’s better that it be available to purchase than just sitting out there,” Trezise said.

Commissioners to hear CBOE appeals themselves
The Board of County Commissioners has decided not to hire a hearings officer to conduct this summer’s County Board of Equalization (CBOE) hearings. The board split last year’s hearings with an independent, third-party officer to determine whether it made the process more objective, and to get through the more than 500 hearings within the allotted time.
The county is expecting to have far fewer property value appeals and hearings this year because the Assessor’s Office reassesses property value every two years—this is an “off year.”
“We’re not even anticipating filling up three full days… so I don’t feel there is a necessity for a hearing office this year,” said Commissioner Paula Swenson. “While it was good [to hire one last year,] I believe this is part of our responsibility as commissioners.”
“It’s a way for us to interact with constituents we typically may not see in other venues,” Commissioner Phil Chamberland added.
The board opted not to set a policy regarding the use of independent hearing officers, instead leaving the issue to be reviewed on a year-by-year basis or set by future boards.

A little help for the county’s friends
The Western State College Foundation is refinancing some of its debt on campus facilities, like the college center, with the County as a partner. According to foundation director Thomas Burggraf the county’s support will save the foundation more than $1 million over the course of the bond, and leave the Foundation more flexible to support campus initiatives like new academic and sports programs.
“This type of bond issuance requires a partnership with a municipality,” Burggraf said. “It does not impact the county’s own bond maximums, and we take on all expenses—legal and otherwise—of the county’s participation.”  The foundation will also cover all costs associated with the bond… In a sense it is an endorsement that this venture is a benefit to the college and the community.”

Recycling bins at boat launches
The commissioners were supportive of Western State College students Kevin Donaldson and Dylan Rome’s proposal to put recycling and trash bins at the Whitewater Park and the North Bridge by Garlic Mike’s restaurant. The students developed their recommendation as a class project, and have identified several potential sources to fund the installation.
The commissioners put the students in touch with Coal Creek Watershed Coalition director Anthony Poponi as a resource. Next semester’s class will take up completion of the project.