Granada Trustees Discuss Water Tank Rental

The Granada water tower is being considered as host site for an antenna for Ark Valley Internet or Atmos Energy. Tom Schlesener, an Atmos representative, explained to the Granada Trustees during their February 8 meeting, his company’s antenna would be used to conduct meter readings in the community in a two mile radius. Atmos is beginning to phase in automated readings, but the antenna requires a specific high point in a community in order to ensure accuracy and full coverage. He said work is underway on making similar upgrades in Greeley and in Canon City. If the water tank is not available he said Atmos would consider a portable tower. Neither the Trustees nor Schlesener had a specific rental price in mind, but he would run some cost figures and visit the Trustees in the future and provide additional information. He did say the antenna needs to be at the top of the tank, and could not be blocked by other structures as it would limit the ability to read meters. A written proposal from Ark Valley Internet for the same use of the water tank indicated they could quickly install their antenna if an agreement was reached with the Trustees. Mayor Lesli Baca said she would inquire about the logistics of mounting an antenna, running electricity to power either operation, the duration of the contracts and insurance requirements. 

Granada Police Chief David Dougherty and Officer Daniel Gorton discussed a recent DUI and identity theft program they presented to Granada school students. Gorton told the Trustees he was interested in teaching an Explorer’s Post for students between 14 and 21, and would focus on law enforcement techniques as well as an overview on becoming a police officer. Gorton said he would cover the $60 initial cost for the program which would cost $10 per student for membership. The Trustees noted that Gorton’s employment contract with Granada expires on July 31 because his salary is covered by a time limited grant. Chief Dougherty said the town can apply for an extended grant, but if not, he could take over the instructor duties, consisting of from one to two hours a month. Trustee Tom Grasmick recommended the Explorer program be made contingent on acquiring a grant extension.  

The officers discussed Ordinance 2012-001 restricting semi’s and heavy-load trucks from parking on paved streets in Granada. The vehicle weight is damaging the roadways. Officer Gorton said one drawback is not being able to accurately weigh each vehicle as the town has no scales. Gorton said he’d rework the ordinance draft for a first reading by the Trustees in March. 

The Trustees and Prowers County Commissioners Gene Millbrand and Joe Marble spoke at length on financing for the Senior Club using the city complex.  Over the years, Millbrand explained,  initiating parties and memories of how costs and payment would be administered,  have altered. At present the Granada Senior Group does not pay for use of the center, a situation the Trustees believe needs to be altered. The Granada Seniors have stated their purchase of tables and chairs for the center is compensation for their use of the building. Trustee Shannon Venturi said she remembers the original agreement having the seniors compensate the town for the cost of clean up for the kitchen, bathrooms and the center in general, after they had used the building. The seniors groups in the four towns in the county receive $963 a quarter, funds from an Area Agency on Aging grant, administered by the county. Each senior group has their own agreement with their towns on how maintenance and utility costs are allocated and paid for. Granada Trustee Tom Grasmick said he would meet with the Seniors Group at their next meeting, stating, “We need to get this thing settled one way or another.”  On a smaller financial concern, the commissioners said they have advertised the Granada and Hartman pool tables for sale at $500 each, as they receive little use through the year.

 John McMillan told the Trustees road grading continues in town with only a few roads and alleys are left. Regarding having a public service worker driving Granada pick up trucks, the Trustees said there was no problem, provided the driver had proof of insurance. McMillan said he will require a couple of loads of cold seal shortly, as he has gone through two so far this winter. The Trustees decided to continue advertising for a landfill worker as only one week of announcements have been underway.  In other action, the Trustees approved the liquor license renewal for Chez DuValls Restaurant, and approved the consent agenda including use of the complex for the February 20 Granada Pride pancake supper, a baby show on March 10 and the Granada Pride Spaghetti Supper on March 23.

By Russ Baldwin