The Del Norte Town Board approved town-funded crosswalks and school zone signage for Head Start following a driver incident where a motorist became impatient during a fire drill and attempted to drive through while children were crossing Oak Street. The board conditionally approved a self-serve alcohol concept for Sury Del Norte LLC despite Police Chief Frank Archuleta’s liability concerns, requiring future compliance with any town policies on self-serve alcohol areas. Trustees tabled annual staff appointments over lack of performance reviews, with Trustee Leigh Anne Lobato questioning approval of positions including Municipal Judge Barbara Zollars and Town Administrator Bernadette Martinez without goal setting or evaluation processes. The board also authorized Anna’s Memorial Splash Park project funded by $23,000-$24,000 in community donations and approved nomination of Del Norte Cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places as part of Colorado’s 250th anniversary celebration.
School Safety
Joel Rosales-Franco from Del Norte Head Start requested safety improvements after a driver became impatient during a fire drill, allowing the first class to cross Oak Street but attempting to drive through while the second class was crossing.
The board approved two crosswalks and school zone signage at town expense. Flashing school crossing signs cost approximately $1,000 each, requiring four signs total. The location has visibility-limiting curves with only one 15-mph sign on the south side.
Self-Serve Alcohol
The board conditionally approved Sury Del Norte LLC’s upgrade from lodging to hotel restaurant liquor license, enabling wedding events and a self-serve alcohol area with ID verification for guests over 21. The concept includes canned beverages only with 24/7 provisions room access, similar to hotel minibar operations but in communal format.
Police Chief Frank Archuleta raised liability concerns regarding minors, citing recent local incidents. A business representative argued seasonal operations require creative revenue streams and emphasized the owner’s personal oversight of all operations. State liquor enforcement characterized the concept as existing in uncertain regulatory territory.
The board approved the license upgrade with conditions requiring compliance with any future town policies on self-serve alcohol areas.
Memorial Splash Pad
Landscape architect Leah Nega presented Anna’s Memorial Splash Park plans for North Park, funded by $23,000-$24,000 in community donations following a local child’s unexpected death. The 30-foot diameter splash pad features nine water spouts with press-down activation and water recirculation.
Equipment costing $15,000 arrives mid-March. The project needs an estimated $6,000-$8,000 additional for irrigation and installation, with engineering and landscape architecture services donated. The town will handle monthly water costs and winterization.
Cemetery Historic Designation
Layla Anzelc-Tolian presented History Colorado’s request to nominate Del Norte Cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places as part of Colorado’s 250th anniversary celebration. The cemetery shows early settlement history with Hispanic families from New Mexico on one side and European Americans on the other.
The designation provides no property restrictions unless owners apply for state historical grants. The research and writing process takes approximately five months. The board approved the nomination.
Annual Appointments
Trustee Leigh Anne Lobato questioned approving Resolution 1-2026 for annual appointments without performance reviews, goal setting discussions, or board input on personnel decisions. The resolution covers appointments including Municipal Judge Barbara Zollars, Town Administrator Bernadette Martinez, Police Chief Frank Archuleta, and other positions.
The board currently lacks formal review processes for appointees, typically approving appointments based on past practice. The board tabled the resolution and scheduled a work session to establish performance expectations and review processes.
Administrative Actions
The board approved December 10, 2025 meeting minutes and financials after Trustee Lobato questioned check register numbering. The clerk explained manual checks use different numbering from electronic payments, with electronic payments numbered 4380 while manual checks start at 24263.
Resolution 3-2026 and an executive session were added to the agenda through amendment.
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