Review Continues for Prowers County Fire Ban Ordinance

The Prowers County Commissioners took no action on the proposed fire ban ordinance during their Tuesday, August 21 meeting.  15^th Judicial Court District Attorney Jennifer Swanson responded to an invitation for suggestions with a letter recommending two state statutes, different from the ones the commissioners had included in their ordinance proposal.  Swanson’s statutes address differences in prosecution penalties against a person facing charges of arson against property or personal.  County Attorney Lefferdink recommended that they be sent to County Sheriff Jim Faull so he can review them with the district attorney and make recommendations for inclusion into the revised ordinance. 

The commissioners did sign off on an oil and gas lease for use of county land with Land Energy, Inc.  Attorney Lefferdink said the company approved his earlier addendum pertaining to the company’s use of county roadways.  The county will receive $1,853 for the lease of 18 acres of land for drilling and mineral rights, but not for any surface use. 

Craig Loveless, Chief Executive Officer of Prowers Medical Center, discussed what he views are the top medical coverage areas for the hospital with the county commissioners.  “We want to recruit medical providers in the areas of endocrinology for diabetes and obesity patients, develop our cardio program, bring orthopedic care back to PMC, expand our gerontology coverage and I’d like to have a dermatologist on our medical staff,” he said.  During the meeting, the commissioners signed a proclamation regarding Safety Net Clinic Week, running through August 24.  PMC is one of the designated clinics in Colorado.  Loveless meets periodically with the commissioners to provide updates on hospital activities.

 So does LCC President John Marrin who was also on the Tuesday agenda.  Marrin said enrollment is up at the college, adding, “As of today, we’re at 17 FTE (full time equivalency) students over last year which is good news for the school.”  Marrin added that in light of decreased state funding, LCC and other colleges have to cover that shortfall through their tuition and enrollment numbers.  In answer to the commissioner’s question, the welding program is still going strong and some discussions about bringing some of the training to Lamar High School are in the works.  Marrin said the high school has space, and it’s an opportunity to augment the dual credit program into vocational classes.  The president added he’s meeting with an architect to review the WPA site on East Maple Street for a future analysis for the historical preservation program there.  Some asbestos abatement will now be required at the site.  The school’s 75^th anniversary observance is kicking off with a dinner dance on September 27 at the Rodeway Cow Palace Inn, featuring music from the big band era and an ‘FDR’ historical enactor of the Depression Era President is scheduled to make an appearance.  Plans for a May graduation homecoming are also developing.  Anne Marie Crampton, the new Foundation director for the college noted that the 11^th annual Foundation golf tournament fundraiser is set for October 13 with spaces still open for teams. 

Approval was given to county employees who want to take a loan from their CCOERA, Colorado County Officials and Employee’s Retirement Association fund.  The commissioners cautioned that those funds will be taxed twice, but the employees have the right to their own funds.  One stipulation was mentioned stating that no extension will be allowed on the original loan until it has been paid off. 

 Talara Coen, Alta Vista Charter School Administrator and Darren Glover, PATS Director signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the county and the school, to transport some students from classes to their pick up points through the school year.  Fifteen students have been registered for the service and payment has been made by all parents through September said Glover, with some paying out the rest of the 2012 year. 

In other action, the commissioners approved a resolution opposing Amendment 64 which will appear on the November General Election Ballot.  The amendment is proposing legalization of marijuana for recreational use.  Approval was also given for a letter of support for the City of Lamar’s GoCO grant application for completion of the remaining two softball fields at the city’s Sportplex.  The city is seeking a grant in the amount of $229,500 for completion of the fields.  The commissioners okayed an AFLAC representative to make an offer to county employees for coverage from Cincinnati Life Insurance.

By Russ Baldwin