County explains land‑grant zoning limit on proposed Tajique transfer station; fencing costs debated

County Manager Jordan Barela and Planning & Zoning Director Donald Goen briefed commissioners on zoning and operational readiness for the proposed Tajique Transfer Station. Barela said the current site lies in VCP (Village Community Preservation) zoning, which is restrictive, while a proposed alternate site is in RCP (Rural Community Preservation) and would allow conditional uses, but because the parcel is land-grant common land the land grant council—rather than the county—has zoning authority for that parcel.

Goen said the county's role would be limited to executing a lease after the land grant council zones the parcel for a transfer station. Commissioners discussed operational items already in progress (site clearing, millings and base course placed, need for dump-access ramps) and debated fencing: staff proposed a 6‑ft chain‑link fence topped with barbed wire to secure the operational footprint, noting costs could be "tens of thousands" and raising concerns about reusability if the transfer station later relocates.

Goen compared the security approach to a central site that had experienced theft and vandalism and said Tajique's limited visibility increases the need for administrative security measures. Commissioners did not take a final action on location or fence procurement but confirmed land‑grant zoning authority would control the next permitting step; the county will continue site planning and coordination with the land grant council.