With increased water and sewer fees looming for January, the December 8, Town of Rye meeting was dominated by residents with questions regarding new fee systems.
Joe Kemp addressed the board with concerns about the Town of Rye water expenses and requested documentation about the town's revenue and expenses. The board instructed Town Clerk Sherri Beach to make copies of these documents, to be reviewed by Mayor Marty Rahl before being released to Kemp.
Lisa and Jason Willis addressed the new water/sewer charges of $55 per unit for each of their six apartments. They questioned if the fee must be paid on units if they are not occupied and were advised that it is a monthly fee on each.
Nigel Smedley spoke to the board about the number of unit fees he would be required to pay for his cabins and RV pads. He asked about installing an additional RV spot and was advised there would be a $5000 water and sewer tap fee prior to installation of the taps. Gib Rokich, Town of Rye employee, Patrick Ryan and Markus Buck, town trustees, agreed to meet with Smedley to inspect his property.
Kathy Dufty made a repeat appearance to express safety concerns and again request a cap on Columbine near her home. She said she requested this in June and a temporary cap was installed but it blows off. Rokich advised the permanent cap has been ordered and that excavation work needs to be done before it can be installed. Madison Rokich contcted Hanson Construction from the meeting and made arrangements to have the excavation work started as soon as possible.
In the water treatment plant report, Rokich reported that Chuck Goins from Colorado Rural Water fixed a clay valve and that another clay valve needs to be installed. He also reported that a vibration reducer, rubber boot is cracked and needs to be replaced. The board agreed to purchase the vibration reducer boot for installation.
Rokich had received an estimate from Altitude Leak Detection for the amount of $2350 to inspect the water lines for leaks. Richard Hopp, Rye’s Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), said this was a reputable company and recommends using them. The board passed a motion to have the company inspect the lines for leaks.
Beach reported the stipulation and agreement documents between the Town of Rye and Table Mountain Church had been signed and a check for $15,000 received from the church to pay the amount in full.
After extensive searching in the document storage room, trustee Sheila Henderson found documentation concerning the easement to the Town’s lagoon property.
Robert Boyd, who has done extensive accounting work for the Town of Rye, will be completing the W2 and 1099 forms for the year.
Mayor Rahl informed the board that Rye’s former ORC, John VanOort, had passed away. The board approved a memorial plaque to show appreciation for John’s service. The plaque will be displayed at the Town Hall.
Beach informed the board that Cordell Henderson has been working free of charge to clean and organize the storage room, raking leaves, trimming trees, and repairing signs. The board voted to send Henderson a gift card for use at the Rye Café to show their appreciation.
In an Emergency Board Meeting called on December 16, Town Clerk Sherri Beach announced she would be retiring on December 31, 2021. Resumes and applications for the position were accepted until December 30.
Trustee Patrick Ryan motioned that Rye’s maintenance department attend the monthly board of trustee’s meetings and provide a report. A maintenance spreadsheet is being created so tasks can be tracked and the maintenance department will be asked to sign off on the spreadsheets.The maintenance department is also requested to submit a list of equipment and supplies needed so they can be ordered.