Road Work Begins on Granada Safe Routes to School

Weisenhorn Takes Oath from Mayor Pro-Tem Glenn Otto

Granada Police Chief David Dougherty informed the Trustees during their October 14^th meeting, work on the CDOT, Safe Routes to School project, will begin the week of October 19^th.  The major cost will be paid for through grant funding and as of October 5^th, the contractor, MonCor LLC had been brought on board for the project.  “Work will start on South Hoisington Street,” Dougherty explained and added that school authorities will be kept aware of the project with regard to traffic in and out of the school area for pedestrians, busses and other vehicles.

Mayor Pro-Tem, Glenn Otto, administered the oath of office to Tracy Weisenhorn who will serve as a reserve police officer for the community. Dougherty expressed his thanks to Holly Cruikshank for the donation to the town for the purchase of a fuming chamber used by the department.  He said the donation was made in memory of a late loved one, Bart Cruikshank.

On another law enforcement note, Lamar Police Chief, Kyle Miller, reviewed the contract agreement for the JAG grant with the Trustees which will help pay for new and upgraded radios for law enforcement agencies through a portion of southeast Colorado, including Granada. “The cost for two radios will be $776 and the department can take delivery in January, once they’ve been programmed,” he explained.  Miller said payment would be due by the end of March of next year, which will give the Trustees time to incorporate the expense into next year’s budget.  “We’re buying 100 radios with the grant we received across the state,” he explained, adding that the current radios will be phased out in four years.  Without the grant the cost of a single radio would be $3,800, but area agencies are saving through the grant and with a bulk purchase.  The Trustees signed the agreement.

In response to a concern from a resident, that some tree limbs and branches were beginning to come in contact with power lines on her property, Otto stated that a tree trimming service would begin to work in the town beginning October 19.

In other action, the CIRSA health insurance quote for town employees was approved for 2016. There was no change in the cost of premiums.  Chief Dougherty was given approval to assist in organizing a bike rodeo for Las Animas.  Any associated costs with his project will be covered through a grant secured by Bent County officials.  Trustees ratified an email vote for a building permit for Becky Harmon and approved a permit request for Rosella Marquez to add a 12 by 24 foot storage unit to the south side of her business, Stop 2 Shop.  Winter hours at the Granada landfill go into effect October 21^st, from 9am to 4pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

By Russ Baldwin