Dinosaur council sets mail-in election, approves chamber membership and liquor license; manager to explore new town attorney

The Town of Dinosaur Council met on Jan. 13, 2026, and approved a bundle of routine and programmatic items, including designating Moffat County to conduct the town's 2026 mail-in ballot election and renewing the town's Rangely Chamber membership.

Mayor Darcie Rocque opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and recorded roll call. Trustees in attendance included Marshelle Gray, Michael Taylor, Devonna Wilczek and Jeff Harrington (Harrington and Emma Baker participated via Zoom). Town Manager Larry Elarton and Town Clerk Christine Brasfield were present.

On election administration, the council approved Resolution 2026-2 asking Moffat County to run the 2026 mail-in ballot election and approved a draft intergovernmental agreement, contingent on no post-approval changes by Moffat County. The Council also designated Town Clerk Christine Brasfield as the town's election official. Mayor Rocque noted petitions for council candidates are available and must be returned by 5 p.m. Jan. 26, and the municipal election is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

Council also approved Resolution 2026-1 designating the posting place for notices of public meetings and hearings.

Marshelle Gray raised concerns that the Town of Dinosaur was not being promoted on the Rangely Chamber website and social channels. After discussion, Gray moved to renew the town's Rangely Chamber membership for $2,500; Michael Taylor seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote, four yes and one no. Gray asked staff to coordinate with Emma Baker, who had joined by Zoom, to improve the town's promotion on chamber channels.

Town Manager Larry Elarton reported that the intergovernmental agreement with Moffat County and Rangely District Hospital to provide ambulance services has been signed; the town's share is $7,500. Elarton also said the police department will receive updated equipment as part of an Axon equipment update and noted regional staffing changes, including a new Rangely town manager and a staff member who will be on military leave for a month.

On legal services, Elarton told the council the current arrangement with McDonough Law Group is "not cost-effective" after a staffing turnover and said the town has been billed for both a replacement lawyer and an assistant; the council authorized the manager to explore options for a new municipal attorney. Michael Taylor moved to authorize that review; the motion carried.

Loaf n Jug representative Tina Nowak attended to answer questions about the store's liquor license renewal; Nowak said the store had not received violations from the liquor enforcement agency. The council renewed the license.

Other business included appointing Town Manager Larry Elarton as the town's representative to the County Health Pool and Town Clerk Christine Brasfield as the public entity correspondent for CTSI; approving minutes of Dec. 9, 2025 and December accounts payable; a maintenance update that a sewer infrastructure survey should be completed next month; and discussion of a potential policy requiring deposits for new utility customers, which Elarton said he is drafting.

No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Trustee Devonna Wilczek moved to adjourn at 7:32 p.m.; Michael Taylor seconded and the meeting ended by consensus.

Votes at a glance: Minutes approved (motion by Marshelle Gray; second Michael Taylor; outcome: carried). Accounts payable approved (Marshelle Gray; second Michael Taylor; carried). Resolution 2026-1 (meeting notices) approved (motion carried). Resolution 2026-2 (Moffat County to administer 2026 mail-in ballot; Town Clerk designated election official) approved (motion carried). Rangely Chamber membership renewal approved, $2,500 (motion carried 4–1). Loaf n Jug liquor license renewal approved (motion carried). Manager authorized to explore new municipal attorney (motion carried). Adjournment approved (motion carried).