Commissioners propose Colorado City advisory commission and seek legislative help to strengthen local land-use enforcement

PUEBLO — Pueblo County commissioners said March 4 they will establish a commission to work quarterly with Colorado City leaders on land-use and infrastructure challenges and will ask local legislators to consider bills that would strengthen county planning and zoning enforcement.

“Commissioner Swearingen recommended a commission be established for Colorado City, and we will be meeting quarterly to develop strategy on some of those issues,” Commissioner Paula McPheeters said, describing a recent meeting with Colorado City officials and fire and sheriff’s representatives. “One of them I’m going to be working on relates to legislation that will help us manage that in a better way,” McPheeters added.

McPheeters and Commissioner Zach Swearingen said the outreach grew from concerns including squatting and a separate water infrastructure problem in Colorado City. Swearingen told meeting attendees that county, fire districts and the sheriff’s office must coordinate to address issues that fall across jurisdictions.

The commission idea follows citizen comments at the meeting from Wendy Kern, who raised questions about road millings, the use of magnesium chloride on local roads and zoning complaints she filed for signage and other issues. At one point the chair cautioned Kern to keep public comments focused on county business and not to discuss the private families of officials.

County officials said they will continue coordination with local stakeholders to develop strategies and will pursue legislative options to fill gaps in enforcement authority where state law currently limits local action.

Commissioner comments at the meeting also included recognition of community accomplishments and ongoing outreach: commissioners noted local town halls and planning efforts and highlighted an upcoming professional sports honor for local athlete Alicia Little.