On March 31, 2022 the Yuma County Board of County Commissioners convened for a regular meeting. Chairman Robin Wiley, Commissioner Trent Bushner, and Commissioner Scott Weaver were present.
Road & Bridge Supervisor Tom Andersen, Blade Foreman Justin Lorimer, and Truck Foreman Jeremy Lund met with the Commissioners to provide updates from the Road & Bridge Department. The group discussed the sale of gravel to private citizens and confirmed the limit of 200 yards per person.
Andersen also reported on the anticipated fog coat on the Eckley Road this May. Lorimer discussed road grading strategy and presented a request for the acquisition of a specialized set of cutting edges designed for washboards. The group discussed the plan for testing the effectiveness. The Commissioners approved the purchase of one set with follow-up on effectiveness to be presented at a future meeting.
The Commissioners approved an underground utility permit for Viaero Wireless along County Road 13 and County Road RR.
County Clerk Bev Wenger joined the Commissioners to discuss 2022 election updates and provide an overview of election security. The Commissioners expressed their confidence in Wenger and her staff and the security of elections in Yuma County.
The Commissioners convened as the Board of Social Services and heard department updates from Human Services Director Kara Hoover and Eligibility Supervisor Dalene Rogers. The group provided operational reports and discussed current legislative activities underway at the State.
Land Use Administrator Colten Yoast provided office updates and reported no land use applications for the month of March and currently none received for consideration in April. The Commissioners recessed to conduct a work session with representatives from the Planning Commission to review land use code.
Kari Linker of Senator John Hickenlooper’s Office joined the meeting to provide federal legislative updates and hear local priorities. The Commissioners discussed the Republican River Compact Compliance and river restoration efforts. The group discussed Yuma County’s Ag Appreciation Week. Linker provided updates on federal discussion regarding American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded last year as a COVID response measure that is now under reconsideration at the federal level.
County Administrator Andrea Calhoon presented various operational updates including various department reports, IT and Human Resources issue, correspondence, and grant reports.
The Commissioners approved the contribution of $15,000 to the Republican River Water Conservation District for the hiring of a project manager to guide and oversee the river restoration discussion and project. The funds will be matched by Kit Carson County.
The Commissioners also approved their annual donation of County Fair ticket vouchers to the four local high schools for use as gifts to students.
