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Town staff says website accessibility nearly complete; RARE grant pitch competition and Dark Skies application underway
Summary
Supervisor Genie told the council that Rangely’s website accessibility work is nearly finished, staff expect to launch a RARE grant pitch-competition application in early April and the town is progressing on a Colorado Dark Skies designation with a mentor visit planned in April.
Supervisor Genie told the Town Council on Jan. 28 that the town’s website accessibility work is nearly finished and outlined steps the town is taking to meet state standards for screen readers and accessible documents.
Genie said the website now includes an accessibility statement and an email contact for users with visual disabilities; staff plan to respond to requests within three to five business days. She explained technical requirements such as descriptive alt text for images (for example, an image should describe the Rangely surroundings rather than merely say "Rangely"), accessible PDF tagging and appropriate heading structure. "If you have a problem and you have a disability reading this website click on this email and let us know and we will make it correct so you have about 3 to five days after you get an email," Genie said.
Genie described the work as ongoing but manageable, telling councilors the town scored roughly 99 percent in recent checks and that state tools and training recordings help staff maintain compliance. She cautioned small communities that maintaining accessibility requires staff time and attention and noted fines are possible if requirements are not met.
Staff also updated the council on local branding and tourism efforts, including new Main Street banners and glass prints for the conference room. On economic development, Genie said the RARE grant pitch competition — developed with the college and the RDC — will open for applications around April 1, 2025, with staff completing guidelines and a dedicated webpage in advance. "We are looking at launching probably around April the 1st we'll start taking applications," she said.
On Dark Skies work, Genie said Rangely has been accepted to advance a Colorado Dark Skies application and expects the submission to be substantial; a mentor will visit in April to complete a lighting inventory and volunteers (including Mike Krueger) supply readings. "I would say we'll be between 100 and 150 pages of application when we done," Genie said.
Genie and staff asked councilors to continue supporting these efforts and indicated they would present a final accessibility plan and RARE grant materials for review once completed.
