At the Town of Rye meeting on March 9, the Town Board, Colorado Rural Water Representative, Greg Colter, and Town of Rye Water Operator Madison Rokich reviewed the data and expressed concerns over the continued water loss the Town is experiencing each month.
Rokich updated the Board regarding the underground tank leak at the water treatment plant. The tank had been losing two feet of water per day. Water operators were able to plug the valve that is believed to be causing the leak, but the Town is still losing up to eight inches of water per day.
The underground water tank was relined last year and is still under warranty- The company that relined the water tank has been contacted and will be coming to examine the water tank.
Mike Peck, owner of the Rye Café, addressed the Board regarding his request to obtain a liquor license for his business. Mayor Marty Rahl explained that according to the Town's attorney, the Town would be required to create a Liquor Board that would oversee the application and permitting process, and that it is not a simple "yes or no" answer that the Town can give. Rahl explained that this would be a long process and asked Peck to contact state officials who might be able to meet with the board to explain the process so that the board can determine if it's something they wish to pursue.
Rye resident Tammy Smith addressed the board concerning paying employees daily commute mileage reimbursement and the Regular Board Meeting Agenda for 3-9- 2022, stating "Volunteers for Maintenance". Rahl explained that the Town of Rye employee contracts is a personnel matter that is to be discussed in an executive session by the Board of Trustees. Rahl also explained that the Board is not requesting "Volunteers for Maintenance" from citizens of the Town, but rather from the Board of Trustees.
Property owner Jason Willis addressed the Board regarding the water and sewer rate increase that became effective in January 2022, and expressed concerns about the lead contamination letter that has been sent to residents from the town on February 28, 2022. The board clarified the reasons for the necessary water and sewer rate increase. Rahl explained the state regulations that are required by the Town of Rye for water sampling, and the required violation notices that have been distributed per the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environmental guide lines.
Willis asked the board to provide him with the lead level for the last violation and asked the Board if any galvanized or lead service lines exist in the town. The board instructed Town Clerk Jocelyn Mower to gather this information and provide it to Willis.
Wade Wills addressed the board to ensure the board is satisfied with his snow removal services. Larry Sisk asked Wills if he can plow the walkway between the Town Hall and the Rye Post Office. Wills stated that he will see if this can be achieved but did not guarantee that he can perform the work without ruining the brickwork. The board let Wills know that it is not a priority due to the decision made to purchase a snowblower to clear the walkway. The board reviewed the Town of Rye Summary of Accounts and the Colorado City Metropolitan District Sewer Flow Chart. They acknowledged the CCMD bill amount has increased since last month. Marty Rahl expressed the urgency in getting the meter recalibrated. Mower provided a quote from PALL for a new computer, upgraded licensing software, and installation to upgrade the system at the water treatment plant. The board instructed Mower to contact Action 22 and set up a meeting to discuss finding a grant or state funds that can help the town with the financial costs.
Rahl instructed Mower to remove the sidewalk grants from the agenda until the town can get assistance from Action 22.
The board discussed trustees volunteering for maintenance such as snow removal. The board reviewed snowblower prices and specifications that were provided by Mower. Trustee Sheila Henderson motioned to purchase the Snow Joe, 22in., 15 AMP, Electric Snow Blower in the amount of $5,169.00 from The Home Depot. Trustee Patrick Ryan seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The board discussed several accounts that have ordinance compliance violations. Most of them are being worked on and extensions were given on some.