Parker council adopts remote executive‑session policy, approves joint‑venture amendment and shelter holdover

The Parker Town Council approved a package of administrative items at its regular meeting, including a new policy for remote participation in executive sessions, a fourth amendment to the Colorado River sewage system joint‑venture agreement, and a one‑year holdover of the town’s animal‑control shelter agreement.

The council adopted Resolution 03‑2026, which establishes procedures for council members and staff to participate remotely in executive sessions while emphasizing that in‑person attendance is preferred. Christina, a town staff member who presented the draft policy, said the proposal "is essentially just establishing a remote participation policy" and noted staff had suggested a limit on the number of remote appearances and safeguards such as reliable internet and that remote participants be alone to preserve confidentiality. Mayor Hart moved to approve the resolution as written and council members voted in favor; the council also directed staff to add clarifying language (for example, a perimeter‑check provision) at a later date.

Council also approved a fourth amendment to the joint‑venture agreement with the Colorado River Indian Tribes covering the Colorado River sewage system. Staff said the amendment removes an earlier clause that would have sent disputes to tribal court and instead restores the previously agreed neutral dispute process; it also clarifies that the neutral "at‑large" director will serve staggered two‑year terms and adds emergency‑action language to allow the board to act when quorum issues would otherwise block urgent responses. Christina told the council the change to remove the tribal‑court language was the primary substantive edit and that other adjustments were intended to clarify terms rather than alter board structure.

On intergovernmental operations, the council approved a one‑year holdover of the original 1999 animal‑control shelter agreement with the Lea County cooperative. Staff said the extension preserves the status quo while a new shelter is constructed pursuant to a previously approved ground lease; the original agreement expired in 2024 and the holdover is meant to bridge operations until the new facility and governance structure are in place.

A liquor‑license transfer for Kuram Chima, owner of Parker Shrine (616 West Riverside Drive at the 76 station), was considered in a public hearing with no members of the public present and was included on the consent agenda. The consent items (minutes and the liquor‑license application) were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the transcript records at least one vocal opposition but no roll‑call tally was recorded.

Item 4 on the agenda was tabled because a liaison was absent. The council received a chamber report on community events and was told the La Paz County Fair will run March 12–14; the council's next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17.