The Dolores Town Board introduced new part-time staff members, addressed snow removal rules and procedures and considered a proposed no-hunting ordinance during its monthly January meeting.
Thia Parry was hired as the town’s new treasurer, and Tammy Neely is the new town clerk. Parry owns an accounting firm in Mancos, and Neely has a background in government public service.
They replace former Treasurer and Clerk Lana Hancock, who resigned after being elected Dolores County clerk and recorder.
Snow removal procedures were discussed.
A series of storms has kept the maintenance crew busy plowing streets and alleys.
It is against town ordinance to throw snow onto the street or alley while digging out vehicles, driveways and sidewalks. When removing snow, it should be deposited onto private property. Board Trustee Jen Stark disagreed with the format of posted warnings on the doors of violators and pointed out that some residents received warnings even though they had not violated the ordinance.
“New residents may not be aware of the rule, and others need guidance so they understand,” she said.
She said the warning’s language was too “rough” and courtesy calls should be made from town officials to violators. If notices are needed, they should include town of Dolores letterhead and contacts for more information.
Also, winter parking regulations that require parallel parking. The rules are intended to create more room on streets for more effective plowing.
Angled and diagonal parking is not authorized on any street, with exceptions Nov. 1 through April 30. Angled or diagonal parking is only allowed on the following streets: Fourth Street, both sides, between Central Avenue and Railroad Avenue (Colorado Highway 145); Central Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets, south side only; Fifth Street between Central Avenue and Railroad Avenue (Colorado 145), both sides; and Sixth Street between Central Avenue and Railroad Avenue (Colorado 145), both sides.
Streets are plowed when 5 inches of snow has fallen. Ruybalid commended the town maintenance staff for plowing roads during a series of heavy snowstorms. The town is upgrading equipment to better clear off Town Hall sidewalks as well.
The board is following up on a suggestion by Sheriff Steve Nowlin to consider a ban on hunting within town limits. The issue stemmed from an incident on Thanksgiving in which a man was attempting to illegally hunt wild turkeys with a bow and arrow within town limtis.
A proposed ordinance will be drawn up by town attorney Jon Kelly. He suggested it be an addendum to a current town ordinance prohibiting discharging a gun in town.
It was pointed out that some residents have target archery areas set up on their property. The new ordinance would not prohibit that activity.
Town manager Jay Ruybalid informed the board he is applying for a $25,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs to contract a professional planner for review of the town’s outdated land use code. Any proposed change would be reviewed by the Town Board and planning and zoning commission before official changes were potentially made.
Also, the town is applying for a grant from the Colorado Health Foundation for new playground equipment at Joe Rowell Park.
The planning and zoning commission announced it has appointed Linda Robinson as chairwoman and Dan Heeney as vice-chairman. They have been reviewing the existing 1997 Comprehensive Plan and considering potential changes that reflect current times.
The document outlines overall goals of the town but is outdated, Robinson said.
It is different from the land use code that governs development and use in the town.
“We encourage town officials and public to participate in the review process,” Robinson said.
