The Creede Board of Trustees approved a $115,684 credit on the Phase 4 wastewater collection system project, passed two emergency ordinances revising utility billing and election procedures, and cancelled the April 7 municipal election at their February 3 meeting. Consulting engineer Mark Morton of GMS Inc. reported that proposed sludge removal from the city’s lagoon system, estimated at $800,000 to $1.2 million, lacks reliable data on whether it would reduce ammonia discharge levels. The board chose Alternative 3 for the remaining 16 service lateral top hat installations, deferring the work and saving approximately $80,000 that can be redirected to additional sewer main replacement. Trustees Dana Brink, Shane Castleberry, and Tom Roden were declared elected unopposed after no write-in candidates filed by the deadline. The city also received a $50,000 DOLA Local Planning Capacity grant for housing assessment and land use code updates. Trustee Alan Busche was absent.
Wastewater Treatment Challenges
Morton provided a wrap-up of the January 27 WWTF Summit, reporting that Terra Genesis testing showed Creede’s sludge ammonia levels in lagoon cells two and three fell within a representative range of 30 to 50 milligrams per liter compared to other lagoon systems. Cell one showed higher concentrations at approximately 90 milligrams per liter, expected since it receives all raw wastewater influent.
Morton noted limited data exists from other lagoon systems on ammonia reduction after sludge removal, and that pilot programs are still being evaluated for scope and cost. Officials discussed removing sludge from one cell at a time rather than all three simultaneously to reduce financial risk. Interim City Manager Katie Sickles recommended maintaining the sewer tap moratorium through May 2027.
Phase 4 Change Order
The net credit reflects quantity adjustments between estimated and actual installed work plus $6,336 in additional work discovered during construction. Space constraints prevented proper fitting on the 16 deferred top hat installations, and the savings will be combined with remaining Phase 4 money for additional mainline sewer replacement.
The board approved the Initial Certificate of Substantial Completion for segments one through nine, starting the warranty period effective December 19, 2025. A future change order will add Phase 5 segments into Phase 4 to maximize remaining DOLA grant funds, since CDBG funding for Phase 5 cannot be matched with DOLA money.
Emergency Utility Billing Ordinance
Ordinance 464 replaces the city’s EQR utility billing schedules unchanged since 2005, establishing 10 categories ranging from mobile homes to industrial facilities. City staff did not issue January utility bills while implementing the new system and requested authority to waive penalties during a transition period as accounts are audited. A letter explaining the new EQR categories will accompany February bills.
Election Cancelled
Ordinance 465 amended the city’s elections code to align the cancellation deadline with the state’s 64-day requirement, replacing the previous 19-day provision. A virtual attendee thanked the three trustees during public comment. Busche’s appointed seat, which expires April 7, may be renewed at that time.
DOLA Grant and New Position
The grant, awarded under Proposition 123, will fund land use code updates, zoning map revisions, and a housing needs assessment. Trustees also discussed creating a part-time events coordinator position at $20 per hour to manage city event logistics and sponsorship development.
Sheriff’s Report
Mineral County Sheriff Terry Wetherill reported two DUI arrests since the previous meeting, including a driver who registered 0.258 blood alcohol content. Wetherill noted increased attendance at the annual hockey pond tournament and raised concerns about parking congestion and alcohol consumption at the event. He suggested the board consider adding security requirements to the event permit process, similar to provisions already in place for the music festival.
Settlement and Other Business
Trustees discussed the Yund Enterprises lawsuit settlement, with a 60-day court stay extension granted through March 29 for negotiations involving the city purchasing Third Street underlying property and selling right-of-way parcels on Loma Street at $12.50 per square foot. The board reviewed Chapter 13 Municipal Utilities code organization, received department staff reports, and approved the consent agenda including January 20 special meeting minutes and WWTF Summit attendance. The board entered executive session for an interim city manager interview.
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