Commissioners oppose wolf reintroduction
This November, Colorado voters will be asked whether gray wolves should be reintroduced on public lands. Should it be passed, the measure will require the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to create and carry out a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolves by the end of 2023.
On Jan. 31, Phillips County Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2020-01-31-03, expressing its opposition to efforts to reintroduce or expand the populations of wolves into Colorado.
The primary argument against the measure is that wolves will have a negative impact on Colorado’s outdoor recreation and livestock production industries. Advocates of the measure argue that reintroduction of wolves will restore natural balance to ecosystems.
Last month, the Phillips County Board of County Commissioners also signed a letter opposing HB20-1019, prison population reduction and management. The Senate passed the bill Feb. 24, and the House signed off on Senate amendments Feb. 27, sending it on to the governor.
Sheriff’s office seeks improvements
For Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, the board approved the purchase and installation of four new radios. The total cost was $14,337.20. Commissioners also allowed Sheriff Thom Elliott to pursue a grant for pistol range improvement.
The range located near the Phillips County Landfill is used, among other things, by PCSO for regular trainings. Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training has training grant money available. To improve the range, Elliott would like to add cement firing lanes, permanent metal targets and crushed gravel to cover the uncemented surfaces.
Contracts signed
Phillips County Board of County Commissioners recently approved Bob Heldenbrand’s 2020 contractual agreement at a monthly rate of $4,472 plus $2,000 per year to assist with liability insurance. Heldenbrand was also authorized to act as grant administrator and to sign the financial reports for the emergency manager after legal counsel has reviewed it and the board of commissioners has approved it.
Commissioners also approved the 2019-2020 contract with Baby Bear Hugs and the contractual agreement for County legal services as presented by Cline Williams Wright Johnson and Oldfather LLP.
Other business
In other business at their most recent meetings, county commissioners:
— Adopted Colorado’s 2020 model traffic code.
— Met, discussed needs and accepted a master services agreement with landfill consultant American Environmental Consulting LLC.
— Adopted the 2019 supplemental budget.
— Reported that Commissioner Terry Hofmeister was appointed to the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
— Received updates from Kerri Doleshall, weed and pest manager; Kayla Kafka, fair board; Deeona Johnston and Linda Langelo, CSU Extension; and Heldenbrand.
— Waived event center fees for the Holyoke High School FCCLA/FFA service sale March 26.
— Met with Elliott, Heldenbrand and Holyoke School District superintendent Kyle Stumpf to discuss the school safety plan and the use of the event center.
— Approved a donation to the Haxtun after-prom event.
— Adopted a resolution affirming normal working hours for the courthouse office.
— Met with pavilion reservationist Deanna Webster and County maintenance worker Lonnie Vernon to discuss clean-up issues at the pavilion.
— Met with County maintenance manager Dan Waln to discuss lighting and Wi-Fi at the fairgrounds.
— Adjusted David Landes’ and Bob Overstreet’s level of pay.
— Discussed removing trees at Harvest Park RV campground and the courthouse.