Hofmeister takes truck concerns to Council

A short agenda list, brief discussion during public comment about truck parking, talks of dental insurance and staff reports took just 45 minutes of time for the Haxtun Town Council meeting last week. The May meeting opened with a community member’s concerns about truck parking on east Fletcher Street.

Ryan Hofmeister, local Haxtun resident, spoke to the Town Council about one of two designated areas for truck parking within city limits, specifically the area on east Fletcher Street near the Phillips County shop. Hofmeister, who lives on South Lincoln Avenue, expressed his concerns about the trucks that park along Fletcher Street and owners who idle their trucks for what he says is too long. The noise is an issue for Hofmeister, who was accompanied by his brother, Terry Hofmeister, to the meeting. Terry is one of three Phillips County Commissioners.

The area on Fletcher Street is one of two areas the Town of Haxtun has designated for truck parking for residents. The second is near the arena, just west of CHS. Both locations had accommodations for the trucks to be able to plug in when necessary, however, Phillips County has since removed that amenity from the area on East Fletcher Street. The Town of Haxtun provides power for trucks to plug in near the arena.

Council members heard Hofmeister’s concerns but took no action on the truck parking situation during the May meeting.

The Council took action on two items of business during the May 8 meeting, including moving swimming pool funds from a savings account to a business interest checking account. Town Clerk Kelsey Harms said when first established, swimming pool funds were in a savings account and have remained in that account over the years in which community members were fundraising.

However, now that a grant has been secured and construction has begun, there is more activity in and out of the account and a checking account better suits the needs of the project at this time.

Council members also voted to pay a stipend to Tommy Davis for perpetual care of the Welcome to Haxtun median along Colorado Avenue. Over the years, Winston and Mary Ann Ham have handled the care and upkeep of the median, but it is time for the Hams to pass that torch along. Winston and Mary Ann Ham have donated all the necessary materials for the upkeep but need help with the physical labor.

Davis said he would be willing to keep up the median for $750 per year. The Haxtun Lions Club agreed to pay $250 of that and the Town of Haxtun voted to pick up the rest. The Hams and Davis have been working on the median over the past few weeks to get ready for spring and summer months.

During discussion items, council members talked about the possibility of offering dental insurance for employees. However, the desired coverage is not available at this time. No action was taken on dental insurance.

Superintendent Ron Carpenter told the Council that Haxtun recently underwent both a paper and walk through audit with CIRSA, the Town’s insurance company. According to Carpenter, the Town received a 100 percent rating from that audit.

Carpenter is working on grant applications with Colorado Rural Water, the Department and Local Affairs and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to potentially secure funds to fix the Town’s well houses.

Police Chief Tom Bullard told the Council he has interviewed a candidate for a third officer. No official word yet on the outcome of that interview. He is also working with the Colorado State Patrol and local schools and daycares for trainings for the coming year.

Later, in council concerns, Dean Anderson asked about the status of things during the Town wide power outage a couple weeks ago. Carpenter said everything went well on WAPA’s end and that the Town crew was able to get a half a day’s work done with necessary repairs on their end.

Council member Dave Green asked for an update on the pool. At this time, crews are waiting for materials and the weather to cooperate with construction.

Over the past month, the following building permits were approved: Robert Cionek, 625 South Logan for underground electric, a metal roof and front porch; Shirley McConnell, 104 Minnie for a re-roof; Ernest W. Pope, 241 North Colorado Avenue for a storage shed; Kenny and Kay Hansberry, 311 Westridge for a vinyl fence; Dezerea Brown, 635 South Washington for a chicken coop; Dennis and Elenna Firme, 529 North Colorado Avenue for a chain link fence; Ryan Kurtzer, 525 East Raymond for a re-roof; Jack Parrish, 506 East Raymond for new siding and windows; Braden Blochowitz, 609 Strohm Street for a privacy fence; Amanda Goodwin, 218 North Edmund for a chicken coop.