By Lindy J. Gwinn, Mountain Valley News staff
Cedaredge residents can expect to see the newly adopted water rates on their billing in July. Trustees hashed over a plethora of proposals in order to establish the rates and settled on the proposal that increases the base fee from $16.50 to $21. The new ordinance concerning rates also allows trustees to increase the rates annually, based on inflation.
In addition to the rate increase, people will continue to see the debt service fees that have been on the bill for the last several years. Those fees pay on two past capitol improvement project debts.
Trustee Appointment
Michael Meskel, who has lived in Cedaredge for about two years, and been a member of the Cedaredge Planning Department, was unanimously voted in and appointed as the newest Trustee of Cedaredge.
Meskel moved here from Rifle where he spent 25 years living with his wife Cathy. Upon moving to Cedaredge, Meskel and his wife bought the Shady Creek RV Park, and have both been active in the community.
“I have come to the conclusion that I need to step up to the plate as a trustee, especially after hearing the rhetoric here tonight. I think there are some huge divisions in this town and I would like to help bring the communities closer on the issues. I think that we are not utilizing the grants that may be available. To me beautification and sidewalks are a priority and grants would help us get there,” said Meskel.
Jane Watson had also submitted her letter of intent and was in attendance at the Board of Trustees Meeting on May 20. Watson petitioned two months ago for the April Trustee Election, and collected 300 signatures, but did not get the appointment.
“I want to thank you Jane, for the time, the interest and the work that you have gone to in order to participate in this process,” said Trustee, Gene Welch.
Police business
Chief Yant reported to trustees that there has been some burglary activity in the last month. “We have seen an increase in break-ins concerning vehicles. Most of those vehicles that had things stolen were not locked. People need to lock their vehicles and that would certainly slow down the opportunity for people to take things out of the cars. We have also had some graffiti activity at the skate park, but we are dealing with that and believe that we have that curtailed and are investigating suspects in the incident,” said Yant.
Yant said that he is waiting for a few more parts for the new police cars, and as soon as they arrive, he will finish installing the equipment and the vehicles will be on the road. “At that time, we will be placing the two older cars up for sale,” said Yant.
FEMA mapping
The Town of Cedaredge signed a new ordinance allowing the town to participate in FEMA mapping that is already in place. The town does not have to do any further mapping. Having an ordinance in place enables people who live in mapped flood plains to purchase flood insurance.
Trustee Cedarberg was against the ordinance, stating that he did not believe that FEMA was a viable organization due to its massive debt, and questionable practices. Cedarberg and Trustee Clayton Ryan voted against the ordinance.
