The San Miguel County Open Space Commission on Sept. 22 introduced Kayla Bell as a new member and said she will be formally sworn in at the San Miguel County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Oct. 15.

The commission said Bell brings volunteer experience in habitat monitoring, mitigation and regenerative agriculture. "I'm super excited to be involved on open space," Bell said during the meeting, describing more than seven years volunteering with the Denver Botanic Gardens on programs that partner with state and federal agencies.

Commissioners said administrative steps delay the in-person oath until Oct. 15 because the previous meeting will be held in Egnar and the county prefers first-time appointees to be sworn in person. The commission also said Bell will serve in an alternate slot, which fills out the commission's roster and provides backup attendance for meetings when members are absent.

The commission's conversation around Bell's appointment also included brief introductions from sitting members and a welcome to the new member. No formal vote was recorded during the meeting; commissioners said the formal appointment will occur at the Oct. 15 county commissioner meeting.

The commission asked county staff to confirm the logistics for the October swearing-in and to circulate appointment details to the full commission once the Board of County Commissioners posts the meeting agenda.

Looking ahead, commissioners said they expect Bell to participate in open-space planning and the commission's established work plan after the formal appointment is completed.