A Pueblo County resident urged commissioners on Thursday to adopt an ordinance to limit truck traffic on 36 Lane near Vineland, saying the restriction would protect schoolchildren and honor the legacy of longtime community advocate Velma Harbor Rinks.

"Her desire was to save this children's lives in Vineland, to do something about the hauling on that road and to make sure that our school kids were safe in the area," the resident said during the public‑comment period. The speaker, identified in the meeting as Wendy Kern, said Rinks dedicated more than 40 years to rehabilitation counseling in Colorado, led local nonprofit efforts in Pueblo, and ran the Wharfonneau Ranch Land and Cattle Company in South Avondale with her husband, Mike.

Kern recounted joining Rinks two decades ago to oppose a gravel pit and later opposing a second gravel pit, saying the family has deep roots in the area and that they had converted Wharfonneau Lake on Fields Road into a wildlife sanctuary. Kern said Rinks and her family asked the county previously to place signs to restrict or redirect truck traffic: "They wanted to put up a sign to stop the trucks, and alls it takes is an ordinance from you and her family would still like to pay for those signs today." Kern also noted the timing: "School starts here in another month, and we still need to look at the safety of our children."

Why it matters: Kern framed the request as a public‑safety measure for children who travel near hauling routes tied to local gravel pit operations. She also positioned the request as a way to honor Rinks' decades of community service and longstanding local stewardship.

What the board said: Commissioners expressed condolences for the loss of Rinks and appreciated Kern's remarks. Commissioner Lucero specifically thanked Kern for coming in and for highlighting Rinks' history in the county. The meeting transcript does not contain any motion, staff directive, or formal action in response to the request, and no timeline or follow‑up assignment was recorded.

Details and limitations: Kern said the family offered to pay for signage, but the transcript does not record any discussion of the county's authority to restrict truck routes on 36 Lane, whether state transportation permits or Colorado Department of Transportation processes are required, or whether any staff study would be initiated. Those points were not raised on the record during the meeting. Kern also referenced documents she provided to the commissioners, including an interview and historical background.