The Dolores Town Board is considering increasing board meetings to two per month and paying a monthly stipend to future board members, planning and zoning commission and parks committee.
Having two meetings per month where items can be voted on, plus a workshop at the beginning or end of the meetings, if necessary, is seen as more efficient, board members said.
A monthly stipend is being proposed for town board and committee members in an effort to recognize the time and work required to serve, said interim town manager Ken Charles.
State statute prohibits a board approving pay for itself, so if the ordinance passes it would take effect for board members elected in 2022, including for those reelected.
According to proposed Ordinance 550, town board members would be paid $100 per month and the mayor $150 per month. The stipends would not begin until after the April 2022 election.
Planning and Zoning Commissioners and Parks and Recreation Committee members would receive a $50 monthly stipend, and pay would begin if the ordinance is adopted.
The town board agreed to add a phrase into the ordinance that if a committee or board member missed two or more meetings per month, they would not receive the stipend.
The board voted 6-1 to move the stipend ordinance to a second reading, with board member Val Truelsen voting no. A second reading and public hearing is required before the matter can be voted on.
Other town newsColorado Department of Transportation is preparing for two Highway 145 projects through town. The first project will install handicapped accessible ramps onto sidewalks at nine locations on the north side of the highway. Work will begin March 8, and is expected to last 30 days. Traffic detours or limits are not anticipated.The second project is the resurfacing of the highway through town. The project will begin in the spring but the exact date is not yet known. The process involves milling 1.5 inches of the existing surface, remixing the milled material with oil, and laying it back down. An additional 1.5 inches of new asphalt will be laid on top.
Shaw Solar will begin installation of solar panels on town hall and the town shop on March 15. Work is expected to be completed by April. Installation of a Electric Vehicle charging station will also be installed at town hall.The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. to consider proposed regulations for short-term rentals in town. If the board recommends it for approval, the matter it will be considered by the town board.For more information visit the Town of Dolores website.jmimiaga@the-journal.com