[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,74,86,98,110],{"_32":33,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":39,"_40":41,"_42":43,"_44":45,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6630203,"mediaKeyId","2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b","parentId",2697855,"title","Norwood school officials seek $1 million; San Miguel County commissioners decline direct contribution but offer support letters and partnerships","audioSeconds",9074,"startMs",9074000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b&start=9074&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b/thumbnail_9074000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630203/San-Miguel-County/Colorado/Norwood-school-officials-seek-1-million-San-Miguel-County-commissioners-decline-direct-contribution-but-offer-support-letters-and-partnerships","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630203-35267a4eb224bc87f520960996dbfd18/orig.mp4?Expires=1769757623&Signature=AkFzg5T-QvlPhYwHz-a9vE3jptnSCEDyukJzGKVlbN3rb4J6Xob~3DqGgxzvQo7h6q1QVIbLeFz9w9TFPTZwAH4T-GarOfe5QpmfcY19k12VhYd-WHY2z~VKote6R6w9-LvbOpoH4BDgj0Pi7e-JPtsgR5xL8BfnhibA~2FPsQPWL37pSBqgE-3BeblKoKKVC1Hh3MePxoe1HyHr9RAAhz8gcX6Qhoah0QBa4wjT4xF1jchwQjiW9s8twsq9H5BDCNdxEkC5HfrfuzV7-ruAkIV8iujgtuXIBVlMG~MJHKFj8M8dPtA9E8fmmPZ4tznvkxYfrJsQDgStn8tQFyBKow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Miguel County","date","2025-03-19T22:38:36.963Z","article","Norwood town officials and Norwood School District Superintendent Todd Bissell asked the San Miguel County Board of Commissioners on March 19 for a $1,000,000 county contribution and a letter of recommendation to reduce the local bond burden for a proposed new school.

What officials asked: Superintendent Bissell and Mayor Candy Meehan told the board the existing school has aging infrastructure, asbestos and leaks, and that previous bond measures failed narrowly. They said the district plans to apply for a state BEST grant and asked the county to help lower the local tax burden by contributing $1 million and issuing a supportive letter.

Board response and decision: Commissioners discussed policy, precedent and county finances at length. Several commissioners said the county has historically not donated general‑fund dollars to other taxing districts and expressed concern about creating a precedent that could invite similar requests from other districts. Commissioners also reviewed responses from other counties and noted few have contributed directly to school bond matches. After deliberation, the board did not approve a county contribution. Commissioners said they would instead provide a formal letter of support for Norwood's BEST grant application and pursue other avenues of assistance, including:

- Providing a letter of recommendation for the BEST grant application.
- Helping identify philanthropic or private donors and partnerships to reduce the district's local ask.
- Offering targeted support such as help with messaging and identifying other potential public or nonprofit partners.

Why the board declined: Commissioners cited fiscal caution, concern about precedent (other school districts could make similar requests), and the county's legal and fund‑use limitations — particularly that general‑fund reserves cannot be used to underwrite another taxing district without clear justification.

Norwood officials' response: Mayor Meehan and Superintendent Bissell said they appreciated the county's willingness to provide a letter of support and to coordinate outreach to potential private partners and noted the grant timeline is rapid: state interviews for BEST grant applicants are scheduled in mid‑May with decisions expected in early June.

Speakers

- Chair (Board of County Commissioners) — presiding officer.
- Commissioner Patricia Gleason — asked for additional details about other potential contributors and fundraising plan.
- Commissioner Lance Waring — expressed concern about precedent and fiscal responsibility.
- Todd Bissell — Norwood School District superintendent; requested county contribution and BEST grant support.
- Mayor Candy Meehan — Town of Norwood; described community impact and local fundraising commitments.

Actions

- kind: decision (no direct appropriation)
motion: \"No county contribution of $1,000,000 to Norwood School District; instead provide a letter of support for the BEST grant and help with outreach and non‑governmental fundraising.\"
mover: \"not formalized as motion; board consensus recorded\"
second: \"n/a\"
vote_record: []
tally: {}
outcome: \"no_action (declined)\"
notes: \"Board declined a direct appropriation; committed to a letter of support and non‑financial assistance.\"

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant application process (State of Colorado)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"norwood-school-request-2025-03-19\"]}

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Norwood School District\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today)\",\"type\":\"program\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"education\",\"BEST grant\",\"Norwood\",\"school bond\"]

salience:{\"overall\":0.66,\"overall_justification\":\"Request concerns $1M in county funds for school infrastructure and the future of a local school; high civic salience though commissioners declined the funding.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Would directly affect Norwood residents and county taxpayers.\",\"attention_level\":\"high\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Large dollar request and potential precedent concerns across county jurisdictions.\"},

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"b2314\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":1180,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Consideration for a request for a million dollars... Norwood schools is looking at a BEST grant to help build a new school... commissioners discussed precedent, other counties' policies, and declined to commit county funds, offering letters of support instead.\",\"tc_start\":\"02:31:14\",\"tc_end\":\"03:02:14\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}]},","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","20250319-Board of County Commissioner Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Norwood town and school officials asked San Miguel County commissioners on March 19 for a $1 million county contribution to reduce a bond burden tied to a proposed new school. The board declined to provide direct county funding but agreed to write a letter of support for the district's BEST grant application and to help identify other funding partners.","taxTitle","San Miguel County, Colorado","taxId",73428,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":75,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":76,"_40":77,"_42":78,"_44":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630208,"San Miguel County agrees to cap $5,000 pledge to Lone Cone Ditch for reservoir outlet repairs, contingent on final fundraising",1195,7276000,8471000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b&start=7276&end=8471","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b/thumbnail_7276000.jpg","/articles/6630208/San-Miguel-County/Colorado/San-Miguel-County-agrees-to-cap-5000-pledge-to-Lone-Cone-Ditch-for-reservoir-outlet-repairs-contingent-on-final-fundraising","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630208-e022d3ff77b518acce129bbd42b25ca7/orig.mp4?Expires=1769757623&Signature=Wis5KUQ~RpdvibyixaeOUH5P9ZoKBJr~6SC~vtR9OkTQVz~cSYJKfYW6ZO8LRRQfGvaCfXM~60urN~zfCVukHSKmyqPltrDL1JWkRebdXI1yRGGnAWHnbVNldzPGZZNu~0BnnxMIiODjKRxJqNlLln-lCBvIaO3zybmnIHVWw4MFlTe-hW2XZyAwubwT5otQpUk8bA8rzn7H~hZHDk8TPsPMbNDjpRT4l50O0a7oQQhl~34w~IQlfSuaXGhTaTHIydDD-0bUyQw8HDuRCB0E-gIzB35jGbvb1rmNrCeglppwQZA-oc2l7UBvBnqZvGK3ccukoTZLug~dbia6tMLoXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 19 to pledge up to $5,000 to help the Lone Cone Ditch Company bridge the final funding gap for outlet repairs at the Lone Cone Reservoir.

Why it matters: County leaders said preserving local irrigation infrastructure supports ranching and local agriculture on Wright's Mesa and contributes to economic and environmental sustainability. Commissioners emphasized the repair helps maintain water delivery to agricultural users and dovetails with county investments in water rights and conservation efforts.

What the board approved: Commissioners agreed to contribute $5,000 contingent on two conditions: (1) the county's payment will be made through the county's economic development nonprofit partner (WEDSI) and distributed by WEDC (or an equivalent administrator), and (2) the county's contribution will be the last contribution into the fundraising pot — meaning the county will release funds only after Lone Cone demonstrates the rest of the match has been secured. The board asked Lone Cone representatives to return when the project reached that final stage.

Discussion and context: Lone Cone representatives told the board the full repair cost is roughly $465,000 and that committed funds total about $390,000; the ditch company needs approximately $75,000 in matching funds. Charlene Starks, representing the ditch company, said users would self‑fund much of the match through assessing water shares and fees; she also said borrowing is possible. Commissioners said they prefer to be the \"last dollar\" to ensure viability before writing a check.

Town and staff role: County staff suggested a small pledge could be structured so it becomes the final push and recommended routing the payment through WEDSI for administrative consistency. Commissioners directed WEDC to check in as fundraising progresses.

Outcome: Motion to approve the conditional $5,000 pledge passed unanimously.

Speakers

- Chair (Board of County Commissioners) — presiding officer; led the vote.
- Commissioner Lance Waring — moved approval.
- Commissioner Patricia Gleason — seconded/participated in discussion.
- Charlene Starks — president (filling in for Tom Meehan) of Lone Cone Ditch and Reservoir Company; spoke about the repair need and funding plan.
- Mike Bordonia — county manager/staff presenter; described background, funding and recommended administrative routing.
- McKayla Thornton — WEDSI representative (staff; cited as available to administer funds if county chooses).

Actions

- kind: motion
motion: \"Approve request for $5,000 from the Lone Cone Ditch Company toward Lone Cone Reservoir outlet repairs, with the conditions that the money be requested and distributed through WEDSI/WEDC and that the county's contribution be the final contribution once other funds are raised.\"
mover: \"Commissioner Lance Waring\"
second: \"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\"
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Lance Waring\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":3,\"no\":0}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"County funds will not be released until Lone Cone demonstrates remaining fundraising is complete; funds will be routed through WEDSI/WEDC.\"

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Lone Cone Ditch Company funding request letter (in meeting packet)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"lone-cone-ditch-funding-2025-03-19\"]}

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Lone Cone Ditch Company\",\"type\":\"organization\"}
- {\"name\":\"WEDSI\",\"type\":\"organization\"}
- {\"name\":\"WEDC\",\"type\":\"organization\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"water\",\"irrigation\",\"Lone Cone\",\"WEDSI\",\"agriculture\"]

salience:{\"overall\":0.46,\"overall_justification\":\"Small county contribution but directly supports local agriculture and water reliability for Wright's Mesa users.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Directly affects Lone Cone ditch users and local ranching households.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"timeliness_urgency\":0.40},

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"b1616\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":540,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"We have a request for $5,000 for the Lone Cone Ditch Company ... they have $390,000 of commitments towards the total repair cost of $465,000 ... they are requesting an additional $5,000 ... the board voted to approve with caveats that the money be requested by WEDC and distributed through WEDSI and be the last contribution into the pot.\",\"tc_start\":\"01:61:16\",\"tc_end\":\"01:62:36\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}]},","The Board voted unanimously to pledge $5,000 toward engineering and repairs for Lone Cone Reservoir, routing the county contribution through WEDSI and stipulating the county's funds be the final contribution after other funds are raised.",{"_32":87,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":88,"_40":89,"_42":90,"_44":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630213,"San Miguel County commissioners appoint two law‑enforcement representatives to Behavioral Health Solutions panel",3125,4557000,7682000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b&start=4557&end=7682","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b/thumbnail_4557000.jpg","/articles/6630213/San-Miguel-County/Colorado/San-Miguel-County-commissioners-appoint-two-lawenforcement-representatives-to-Behavioral-Health-Solutions-panel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630213-07bb102424327a3646e059e0f6a1c4f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1769757623&Signature=Zn7sGhBnaqFx3qyPFHOQsmAxdXAk6fQe0s5ZUagcbTQ9oauf58~PqyJ~-d-73rXXREWzPvGC3ams9SUCMrL5cWqIeEYOZRG8f3e9o70GVT9xyP-s0sRg7oXEamcyDOryInnrW8tUgcEtOqGwBv~KHciUPX0q4c8RqbgpFynFxCkjfJ51Vw9i43GRQOXZSBB0g3j5x1le~QKP4tmmri6CxbRU962Dsw6IjFhzN7LCGJPOCicijcHrKgMbKsBaMYiRbD2nlWpBgqrRqDLlFWqvA6~s92JRkRoBesYtbsNVetaGZ-YjEFqwwKy1snyoijCF1dlB~fWv-TtYTc8rw8CyLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners unanimously appointed Josh Comte and Deputy David Wadley to the county's Behavioral Health Solutions panel during its March 19 regular meeting.

The appointments, made on the recommendation of the panel administrator Carrie Brock of the Tri‑County Health Network, add two law‑enforcement representatives to the advisory body and expand the panel from nine to ten members. The board voted aloud and the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The Behavioral Health Solutions panel administers funds raised by a 0.75‑mill tax the county approved years ago to support local behavioral‑health services. Commissioners said the panel helps allocate roughly $1 million a year to counseling, school programming and other local services.

Panel role and comments: County leaders emphasized the value of law‑enforcement representation on the panel. Comte and Wadley told the board they hope to bring perspectives from local policing and sheriff's office operations to improve community outreach and trust. \"Behavioral health is a very important topic in our communities,\" Comte said. \"I look forward to working with everyone on the board and in our community.\" Deputy Wadley said he looks forward to engaging with residents and building trust so people see the panel as a resource.

What the board did: The board accepted the panel administrator's recommendation and approved the appointments without amendment. The clerk recorded unanimous votes in favor.

Looking ahead: Commissioners noted the panel will participate in the county's upcoming behavioral‑health strategic planning, including focus groups and a gaps analysis scheduled the week after the meeting. The panel's funding decisions could inform that work.

Speakers

- Chair (Board of County Commissioners) — presiding officer; led the meeting and called the vote.
- Commissioner Patricia Gleason — elected commissioner; spoke in support.
- Commissioner Lance Waring — elected commissioner; moved the appointment.
- Josh Comte — appointee; law‑enforcement representative (on phone during confirmation).
- Deputy David Wadley — appointee; San Miguel County Sheriff's Office.
- Carrie Brock — Behavioral Health Solutions administrator (Tri‑County Health Network); referenced in agenda packet.

Actions

- kind: motion
motion: \"Appoint Josh Comte and Deputy David Wadley to the San Miguel Behavioral Health Solutions panel as recommended by the panel administrator.\"
mover: not specified
second: not specified
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Lance Waring\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":3,\"no\":0}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"Panel size increases from nine to ten; appointments per recommendation by Behavioral Health Solutions administrator Carrie Brock (Tri‑County Health Network).\"

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Letter from Behavioral Health Solutions administrator Carrie Brock (Tri‑County Health Network)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"behavioral-health-panel-appointments-2025-03-19\"]}

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Tri‑County Health Network\",\"type\":\"organization\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"behavioral health\",\"appointments\",\"Tri-County Health Network\",\"behavioral health mill levy\"]

salience:{\"overall\":0.45,\"overall_justification\":\"Local appointment to a county advisory panel that controls a dedicated mill levy (~$1M/year). Importance to local service delivery but limited geographic scope.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Funds and recommendations will primarily affect San Miguel County service providers and clients.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Direct importance to service users and county stakeholders but no broader policy change.\",\"novelty\":0.20}

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[]},","The Board of County Commissioners unanimously appointed Josh Comte and Deputy David Wadley to the Behavioral Health Solutions advisory panel, expanding the panel from nine to ten members. The commissioners stressed the panel's role administering a dedicated behavioral‑health mill levy and said the new members bring law‑enforcement perspectives.",{"_32":99,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":100,"_40":101,"_42":102,"_44":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630193,"Board approves $98,222 for next‑phase planning of sheriff's on‑call housing near Ilium jail",772,6556000,7328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b&start=6556&end=7328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b/thumbnail_6556000.jpg","/articles/6630193/San-Miguel-County/Colorado/Board-approves-98222-for-nextphase-planning-of-sheriffs-oncall-housing-near-Ilium-jail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630193-bd7917bec98bf5c4155695079fabe3c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1769757623&Signature=Af2luTWdyhh8An4ve3Ko7AngPESqehc9oavmxv-qR1mTAfL9dq2vucfoKdfdKgk1yotifrERqCGVRNmplluTeUOrM8-xHLmXqF5rBQPB0oLMEbPUrxXBFiAf2qp8YcVzRluYsHFoYQaW~Y2Wwjz5TcZb1UlvRK9o1KZus1URygNJm5t3dW8R33ZDq5tPZXhEfO2pOJ1uNtkZy2PBGPvPYrbaTiXwfK-Pc~Pg7GWSKl9k~WJzDXYIceM-jcrK6NZ3Z6V7e2qNPKz~iePcBQNIbckjVndo2FSSq-vhKBDqedCzLeREgWN-WjSgKL~9T~hsv3JnE3ZeNYJWXKuxuRxS6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously March 19 to authorize the next phase of planning for an on‑call staff housing project adjacent to the county jail in Ilium, approving up to $98,222 for civil, structural and site design through planning and sketch‑plan stages.

Why the project: County staff said many on‑call dispatchers and jail staff commute long distances to Ilium for 12‑hour shifts. The proposed small, modular housing site would provide temporary overnight lodging and reduce turnover by offering a dependable nearby place to rest during shifts — not a long‑term rental option.

Funding and scope: The board approved a not‑to‑exceed planning authorization totaling $98,222 to fund schematic and civil engineering, geotechnical work, utility investigations, and a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) confirmation step to ready the project for procurement. County manager Mike Bordonia told the board the request reallocates monies already budgeted for affordable‑housing predevelopment; no supplemental county budget amendment was required.

Contingencies and approvals: The property is allowed within the Ilium planned‑unit development for a limited accessory housing use (up to 2,500 square feet tied to a commercial/jail use). County staff said the design will seek modular construction to allow the county flexibility and that final expenditures will follow normal procurement and GMP confirmation.

Discussion and public comment: Residents and Aloi POA (Ilium property owners association) members spoke during public comment; some concerns were raised about the subdivision and lot‑line vacation process needed to create the plot on which the units would sit. County staff said a subdivision exemption and related land‑use steps are underway and that the county will continue outreach with the property owners association before final platting and construction. Commissioner Lance Waring said the county is acting within existing land‑use allowances and moving to meet an operational need for public safety staff.

Outcome: Motion to fund the next phase of planning and design at up to $98,222 passed unanimously. Staff will proceed with the sketch plan, submit required subdivision documents and return for further approvals as project details firm up.

Speakers

- Mike Bordonia — County manager; presented the request and budget reallocation.
- Commissioner Lance Waring — moved approval.
- Commissioner Patricia Gleason — spoke to precedent and sequencing.
- Sherry Reeder & other Ilium POA representatives — public commenters; requested outreach and clarification on whether units are short‑term on‑call vs. long‑term housing.

Actions

- kind: motion
motion: \"Authorize up to $98,222 from the 2025 affordable housing predevelopment budget to complete design and planning (civil, structural, geotechnical, utility study and sketch plan application) for the Ilium on‑call sheriff's office housing project, with GMP confirmation to follow.\"
mover: \"Commissioner Lance Waring\"
second: \"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\"
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Lance Waring\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":3,\"no\":0}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"Funds reallocated from existing adopted housing predevelopment allocations; county to proceed with subdivision exemption and outreach to Ilium POA prior to final approvals.\"

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Ilium PUD (existing zoning/allowed uses)\",\"referenced_by\":[\"ilium-jail-housing-2025-03-19\"]}

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Ilium (Ilum) Jail / Sheriff's Office\",\"type\":\"facility\"},{\"name\":\"Ilium Planned Unit Development\",\"type\":\"policy\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"affordable housing\",\"on-call housing\",\"Ilium\",\"jail staffing\"]

salience:{\"overall\":0.60,\"overall_justification\":\"County action commits planning funds to a project aimed at stabilizing staffing for public safety functions; operational significance for the sheriff's office.\",\"impact_scope\":\"local\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Impacts county employees and staffing at the jail and dispatch center.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Operational and fiscal interest among residents and employees.\"},

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"b14916\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":980,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Consideration of a request for the Ilium Sheriff's office on‑call housing project... requested $98,222 to progress design and planning... motion to approve passed unanimously... public comment from Ilium POA expressed desire to be consulted and clarified units were for on‑call staff, not long‑term housing.\",\"tc_start\":\"01:49:16\",\"tc_end\":\"01:51:62\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}]},","San Miguel County commissioners authorized up to $98,222 for planning work on a proposed on‑call housing project adjacent to the county jail in Ilium, to provide short‑term accommodations for dispatchers and other on‑call staff. The board emphasized the units are intended for temporary, on‑call use, not long‑term rentals.",{"_32":111,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":112,"_40":113,"_42":114,"_44":115,"_46":116,"_48":117,"_50":118,"_52":119,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":120,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":121,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630198,"San Miguel commissioners approve Dolores County Road & Bridge permit to expand Disappointment gravel pit; waive application fee",5755,17471000,23226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b&start=17471&end=23226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2697855-78f04c174730c5e91abffd23bf35144b/thumbnail_17471000.jpg","/articles/6630198/San-Miguel-County/Colorado/San-Miguel-commissioners-approve-Dolores-County-Road-Bridge-permit-to-expand-Disappointment-gravel-pit-waive-application-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630198-0b3e377703c08fb375ae84d3ec6815b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1769757623&Signature=kxDrelYWHnzSVMG3kPTXU2SNkIQuUgD-hq05KrkrdJQit4bPxy4P0R9-XmMsQk24LrKbxZJWsj2bfjhy6-HZDTfQXVkBoBSXQfiTq~iSvKdFNySnl6ZWulCI0zvW1cjeodX0pFWmwoaNxkK0V3pTF5rNqj71BXe8ON1jT2QG4O9Y4PNo5fmO3BIIvjKuxvf~9kOTBUeLjOuMX~-IXdj4B2KJIKKpxcRNEbQdgqrC1og3NXQFsyIvRcGRSl6tAJPKVo7KDGioF12XFzSH7MrnkQ1ec52wByVXQL3~u6HHzVZ343MViZcij-rDSINgBPwZGvLKV7sLApyDp~XkPq8d6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The San Miguel County Board of Commissioners on March 19 approved a mining special use permit allowing Dolores County Road & Bridge to expand the Disappointment Valley gravel pit by 4.6 acres, and voted separately to waive the $1,210 application fee.

What was proposed and approved: The expansion would add approximately 4.6 acres to an existing, permitted gravel operation on BLM public land east of the county road network. Road and Bridge staff told the board the extraction and crushing operation would be intermittent (typically 1–3 months every 1–3 years) and would supply gravel for Dolores County and San Miguel County roads. The applicant anticipated up to 50,000 tons of gravel mined and crushed annually and up to ~20 haul loads per day on haul days. Operations are planned May 1–Nov. 30 to accommodate wildlife timing recommended by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

Mitigation and oversight: The operation will use existing roads for access, limit topsoil stripping to after June 30 to avoid nesting bird impacts (unless BLM wildlife biologists approve otherwise), and follow a staged reclamation plan with topsoil stockpiling, regrading and native seed revegetation. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) will hold reclamation bonds and provide protocols and warranty periods for revegetation.

Public hearing and referrals: County staff presented NEPA materials and referral comments. CPW recommended no activity from Dec. 1–April 30 and cautioned on invasive weeds and revegetation selection. Dolores County Road & Bridge and the BLM provided technical oversight and a reported NEPA review was included in planning materials. During the hearing a caller from San Miguel County expressed broader jurisdictional concerns; Dolores County officials and Road & Bridge staff responded.

Board action: Following a planning commission unanimous recommendation for approval, the board unanimously approved the binding special use permit subject to 11 standard conditions listed in staff materials. The board also voted unanimously to waive the $1,210 application fee based on the finding that the project will benefit San Miguel County by providing a low‑cost gravel source for county roads.

Speakers

- John Huebner — Senior planner (San Miguel County planning staff); presented the staff report and recommended conditions.
- Amber Fisher — Dolores County Road & Bridge representative; described NEPA review and coordination with BLM and DRMS.
- Commissioner Patricia Gleason — asked questions about reclamation timing and operations.
- Chair (Board of County Commissioners) — presiding officer; closed public hearing and called votes.

Actions

- kind: ordinance/permit_approval
motion: \"Approve a mining special use permit for a 4.6‑acre expansion of the existing 7‑acre Disappointment Gravel Pit located on Bureau of Land Management public lands, subject to conditions 1–11 and findings consistent with the county land use code.\"
mover: \"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\"
second: \"Commissioner Lance Waring\"
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Lance Waring\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":3,\"no\":0}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"Bounded conditions include timing restrictions to protect wildlife, reclamation bond held by BLM/DRMS; planning commission recommended approval.\"

- kind: motion
motion: \"Waive the $1,210 application fee for Dolores County Road & Bridge for the Disappointment Gravel Pit application based on finding that the activity benefits San Miguel County.\"
mover: \"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\"
second: \"Commissioner Lance Waring\"
vote_record: [{\"member\":\"Chair (Board of County Commissioners)\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Patricia Gleason\",\"vote\":\"yes\"},{\"member\":\"Commissioner Lance Waring\",\"vote\":\"yes\"}]
tally: {\"yes\":3,\"no\":0}
outcome: \"approved\"
notes: \"Waiver approved unanimously.\"

Authorities

- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"BLM NEPA analysis for Disappointment gravel pit expansion\",\"referenced_by\":[\"disappointment-gravel-pit-2025-03-19\"]}
- {\"type\":\"other\",\"name\":\"Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommendations\",\"referenced_by\":[\"disappointment-gravel-pit-2025-03-19\"]}

Proper_names

- {\"name\":\"Disappointment Valley Gravel Pit\",\"type\":\"location\"},{\"name\":\"Dolores County Road & Bridge\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Bureau of Land Management\",\"type\":\"agency\"},{\"name\":\"Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS)\",\"type\":\"agency\"}

Searchable_tags:[\"mining permit\",\"gravel pit\",\"BLM\",\"reclamation\"]

salience:{\"overall\":0.52,\"overall_justification\":\"Significant local infrastructure decision enabling gravel supplies for county road maintenance; environmental mitigations required.\",\"impact_scope\":\"regional\",\"impact_scope_justification\":\"Serves both Dolores and San Miguel County road maintenance operations.\",\"attention_level\":\"medium\",\"attention_level_justification\":\"Technical public hearing with cross‑jurisdictional referral comments.\"},

provenance:{\"transcript_segments\":[{\"block_id\":\"b4511\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":1200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Public hearing for Dolores County Road And Bridge mining special permit to expand the existing Disappointment Gravel pit... staff presentation noted 4.6 acres of expansion... planning commission unanimously recommends approval... public comment received and addressed... the board approved the permit and waived the $1,210 fee.\",\"tc_start\":\"04:51:11\",\"tc_end\":\"05:11:16\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}]},","After a public hearing and staff presentation, the Board unanimously approved a 4.6‑acre expansion of a gravel pit on Bureau of Land Management lands in Disappointment Valley and waived the $1,210 application fee, citing cross‑county benefit and road maintenance support.","actionData","errors"]

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