Granada Town Seeking New Landfill Equipment

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Following some discussion regarding purchase cost comparisons and lease options, the Granada Trustees decided to table action on replacing the town’s aging backhoe which is used at the landfill.  Several written bids had been presented for consideration, but the Trustees decided to wait for more information, comparing prices between a lease to an outright purchase. In the meantime, a personal appearance would be scheduled for local representatives to present options to the Trustees for a front end loader instead of a backhoe.

There was also discussion by the Trustees on the best means to replace former town employee Elsie Martin for monthly billing of electric customers.  With town clerk Jackie Malone’s consent, the Trustees decided to have her carry out those duties for a 90 day trial period.

Trustees approved a request from SECPA, Southeast Colorado Power Association, to install a natural gas generator which would maintain fiber optic operations for the company in the event of a power outage.  The generator would be installed near the fire station and would supply the complex with power during an outage.

While the suggestion was not an action item, a decision was made to seal all the utility bills before they are sent to customers.  In the past, some bills have been placed in the wrong box at the post office which provided information on private financial issues for customer.  The bills will be sealed in the future.

CDOT requested permission from the Trustees to install a two inch tap into the town’s water line.  Maintenance director, John McMillan said CDOT workers will use the hookup to clean their equipment and wash out their trucks during construction work at Amache.  The trustees discussed how much CDOT should be charged for the hookup depending on the size of the tap.

Discussion followed about the need to offer or require security for public events at the town’s park or complex.  A request had been made to use the park for an anniversary dance this summer.  It was noted that security has been required for park events in the past.  Almost a dozen dates for future use of the town complex were discussed and approved.

Granada Police Chief, David Doughterty told the Trustees that CDOT expects to begin advertising for contractions in January or February for work on the Safe Routes to School project which began last year.  The process should continue through the spring and Chief Dougherty expects work along Hoisington Street to begin in May or June.

The trustees approved Resolution 2015-1, a Mitigation Plan similar to the one for Prowers County which provides for reconstruction funding following a devastating event for a community.

By Russ Baldwin