Trustees move to re-file historic easements and address failing river pump; legal work, inspections planned

The Nucla Board of Trustees heard that several original easements and right-of-way agreements tied to the pump house and water lines were never filed with the county and are therefore not legally recorded, and directed staff to begin re-filing and revising the documents.

Staff reported the easements were drafted in 1979 but not recorded; subsequent lease and easement paperwork was filed after owners altered property titles. The board agreed existing drawings can be referenced but said legal review is needed to reissue current 99-year leases or other long-term access agreements consistent with ownership changes.

Separately, staff described repeated failures at the river pump. Staff said packing and bearing or a worn shaft are likely causes of water intrusion into the motor and repeated short failures. “There are three different problems and all of them are serious and significant,” staff said; they added it may be necessary to shut the pump down to complete repairs.

Trustees asked staff to contact adjacent landowners where easements cross private parcels (including properties named in the transcript) and to coordinate with Mustang Water Authority’s attorney to finalize the MOA and contract language once drought-contingency triggers are settled.

What happens next: staff will prepare revised easement drafts referencing existing drawings, consult the town attorney for filing language, notify affected landowners, and provide a timetable and funding estimate for pump repair or replacement.