Rico board advances sale of fire station property and approves special-event liquor permits

The Rico Board of Trustees on April 15 took the first-reading step to convey the town-owned property at 119 South Glasco Avenue to the Rico Fire Protection District and approved two special-event liquor permits for upcoming summer events.

Because of his fire-department affiliation, Pat Bellum recused from consideration of the property sale and the next item; the mayor handed the meeting to the presiding official for those items. Staff reviewed the background: in the late 1990s the fire district built the station on land conveyed to the town, and a recent agreement spells out a transfer, legal costs, covenants on use, a right of first offer to the town if the district later sells, and a reversion clause should the district dissolve.

Under the proposed ordinance (22026-03) the deed would transfer to the district after two readings plus the 30-day referendum period and execution of the companion deed-restriction agreement; staff said the town attorney is comfortable with the documents and they will update signatories to reflect Pat Bellum's recusal. Trustees approved the ordinanceon first reading and will see it again in May.

Separately, the board reviewed special-event liquor permits: the Rico Fire Protection District applied for a July 2— weekend event and the Rico Trails Alliance applied for a July 11 fundraising event. Staff said applications were complete and compliant; the board approved both permits and clarified fee calculations and enforcement procedures for on-site alcohol sales.

Trustees also approved a separate first reading to repeal and replace a portion of the land-use code with updated on-site wastewater regulations (see separate article).