Granada Making Repairs from August Storms

Welcome to Granada

The August 16^th storm that swept through portions of Prowers County hit Granada with 90mph winds, causing some damage to trees, power poles and an electrical transformer at the elevator took what is believed to be a direct lightning hit. That’s according to the report given the Trustees by Town Maintenance Supervisor, John McMillan during their monthly meeting September 9. McMillan said, “We were busy for about 5 to 6 hours using a bucket truck to trim broken branches from all the trees with snapped limbs.” There were no power lines down, but some of the poles were hanging on the wires until they could be replaced.

The Trustees discussed options for the damaged transformer pad which powered the elevator and some privately owned electrical equipment mounted on the roof. McMillan said the estimated replacement cost is $5,700 and the Trustees are weighing options to either rebuild or purchase a new transformer. A replacement would be available somewhere between ten days to two weeks. Options are also being considered on re-signing for municipal insurance coverage with CIRSA, or opt for a different provider.

Granada Police Chief, David Dougherty, told the Trustees he’s continuing to prepare an ordinance regulating pit bull ownership in the community. Most of the paperwork needed to begin the CDOT, Safe Route to School sidewalk construction project is finalized and preparations should be underway later this month for the first part of the project. Dougherty requested $169 from the Trustees to purchase a fuming chamber, used to set fingerprints on evidence. The Chief said working with the CBI, Colorado Bureau of Investigations, could take from two to three years to process evidence because of their backlog. The Trustees took no action, as the law enforcement budget is lacking funds for the purchase. It was recommended to see if the Prowers County Sheriff’s Office has a unit that could be used. Dougherty also stated that several cases vandalism in the community would be discussed by the Trustees when they went into executive session following the regular meeting.  Rentals for the Complex were approved for November 19 for the Soil Conservation District annual meeting and for November 21 for St. Mary’s Bazaar.

Dee Melgosa, a member of the Granada Fiesta de Colores committee, noted that the Fiesta parade would begin at 10am on Saturday, September 19^th, followed by the queen’s coronation in the park at Noon and the traditional homecoming football game would be at 1pm. Friday night’s activities will include a bonfire and dance.

By Russ Baldwin