County approves amendment to land-development agreement for Lazy Mooster Ranch bridge

Dolores County commissioners voted Sept. 2 to approve an amendment to the land-development agreement for a bridge at the Lazy Mooster (also referred to as Lazeloeser) Ranch, clarifying which parties must demonstrate completion and long-term maintenance.

County staff (speaker 5) told the board that earlier approvals for the bridge left a gap in enforcement authority: the easement placed responsibility with the town of Rico and with the Trails Alliance, but the county lacked clear enforcement leverage. The presented amendment requires the landowner to compel either the Town of Rico or the Rico Trails Alliance to demonstrate compliance with permit conditions, allowing the county a route to enforce the required work through the landowner.

Presenter (speaker 9, identified in the record as Nicole) confirmed the latest draft and the sequence the board requested: the county will obtain the landowner’s execution and then record the fully executed amendment with the clerk-and-recorder’s office and publish notice in the newspaper.

Chair (speaker 2) called for a motion; the board moved, seconded and approved the amendment. Staff were directed to coordinate execution signatures (including Mike Popek and Alana/Karen as needed), record the document in the clerk-and-recorder’s office and handle the required publication steps.

The amendment was described by staff as the final step to vest the bridge permit and to provide the county with an enforcement mechanism tied to the landowner’s obligations. The board asked staff to follow the order of operations discussed in the session and to report back when the fully executed document is recorded.