By High Country Advocate Staff
The Sept. 17 meeting of the Park County Board of County Commissioners moved briskly through a short agenda but featured an extended hearing on a new restaurant liquor license and a pointed public comment about septic violations.
Invocation and Agenda Adjustments
Chair Dave Wissel opened the meeting by reflecting on “strange and ugly events” in the nation and prayed for the protection of county residents and travelers. Commissioners approved an amended agenda to include a resolution canceling uncollectable property taxes and time for public comment.
Cleaning Up the Tax Rolls
Treasurer Amy Flint asked commissioners to cancel $3,434.86 in uncollectable personal property taxes from two long-defunct accounts. Commissioner Wissel called it a “standard cleanup process,” and the board approved the measure unanimously.
Health Partnership Renewal
Public Health Director Carol Togey presented a memorandum of understanding renewing Park County’s partnership with the Colorado WIC program. The board praised the collaboration with Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments and Valleywide Health Systems, calling it an important safety net for underserved residents. The MOU passed unanimously.
County Manager Contract Extension
The board extended County Manager Lucas Meyer’s employment agreement through Dec. 11, 2025. Commissioner Wissel said the extension gives the county “breathing room” during budget season and allows time for legal review.
Liquor License for Golden Pine Chinese Restaurant
The most detailed portion of the meeting centered on a liquor license request from Golden Pine Chinese Restaurant, located at 67348 U.S. Highway 285 in Pine.
Applicant Vincent Lin testified he had more than nine years’ experience running restaurants and pledged that his staff would be trained under the TIPS program to prevent underage sales. “We always check IDs carefully, and I will make sure my staff follow the law,” Lin said.
A petitioning firm presented 53 signatures from residents and nearby business owners, all in favor of the license. Commissioner Wissel said the community support was “overwhelming.” Commissioner Mitchell added that the restaurant had already earned goodwill. “You’ve been operating successfully for more than a year and a half without alcohol service. I think this is a logical step forward,” she said.
Commissioners approved the license unanimously, with one noting that the addition of alcohol service would likely “strengthen the restaurant’s viability and benefit the neighborhood.”
Public Comment
During public comment, Susie Bates raised concerns about the ASCAG property, saying residents continue to observe septic trucks using the land despite earlier warnings. “There are various violations continuing to happen,” Bates told the board. “Please do the right things so you don’t have this continuing to be on your back.”
Executive Session
The board concluded with an executive session to receive legal advice from the county attorney regarding pending litigation tied to the ASCAG property. Returning to open session, Wissel reported that no decisions were made, only direction given to counsel.
Disclaimer
This article was drafted from the official Sept. 17, 2025 Park County BOCC meeting transcript and summary. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, minor errors may be present.
Support Independent Local Journalism — High Country Advocate was created as a real alternative to regional media that too often silences dissenting voices while taking sides in the political struggle. Producing in-depth, unflinching reporting like this series and others is expensive: servers, editing, research time, and legal review all add up quickly. If these articles have informed you or given you new perspective, please consider supporting HCA with a paid subscription — every subscriber helps keep this reporting strong and independent. 