Huerfano County commissioners approve airport lighting work, pump purchase and hunting lease

The Huerfano County Board of County Commissioners voted to begin improvements at Spanish Peaks Airfield, approved several routine payments and maintenance purchases, and accepted a hunting lease arranged by a lessee on county property.

The board approved a notice to proceed for airfield lighting and signage improvements at Spanish Peaks Airfield, allowing the contractor Double E Incorporated (doing business as EBA Electrical Excellence Enterprises) to mobilize and start work. County staff reported that funding for the project is "essentially in place" though one additional grant application remains to be submitted. A motion to approve the notice to proceed passed.

In other financial actions, commissioners approved an April 2025 prepaid vendor run of $3,700 for airport insurance and approved purchase order number 2025057 to Granger (vendor) to buy four submersible pump motors for the Garner Public Improvement District. Staff said the existing aerator motors had been failing and recommended larger motors; the board approved the purchase order. The transcript contains differing dollar amounts in the purchase-order discussion ($3,890.11 and $3,809.11 were both cited); the precise invoice amount is not specified in county documents presented at the meeting.

The board also accepted a hunting lease agreement submitted under the lessee contract for the county ranch. The lessee, Jared Coulter, selected Colorado Mountain and Plains Outfitters as the hunting operator. County staff noted an unsolicited competing letter offering $5,000 from Macho Bava LLC had been received, but staff and the lessee indicated the selection followed the lessee's contractual rights. The board approved the lease.

Staff reports and project updates included: the county server project continuing with a CDBG grant submission pending, planned stakeholder meetings for a shared organics project, progress on Fiesta Park planning, and ongoing bridge construction where crews have diverted the river and encountered bedrock that may require design adjustments. No executive session was requested.

Votes at a glance: Notice to proceed — approved (motion passed); April prepaid vendor run ($3,700) — approved; Purchase order 2025057 for four pump motors — approved; Hunting lease (Colorado Mountain and Plains Outfitters) — approved.

Ending: The board adjourned after routine business and staff updates.