By High Country Advocate Staff
Meeting at a Glance
Date: September 3, 2025
Location: Rio Grande County Courthouse, Del Norte
Attendance: All commissioners present; County Attorney Nancy Lake, Administrator Ben Pasiega, and staff in attendance
Next Meeting: September 10, 2025
Land Use Code Amendments Adopted
Commissioners held a public hearing and unanimously approved minor amendments to the county’s Land Development Code, clarifying enforcement authority and incorporating state-approved 1041 regulations on areas and activities of state interest.
Planning Director T.J. Glidden explained that the amendments ensure consistency with state law and strengthen enforcement. “These updates align our code with recent legislation and clarify how the county enforces 1041 permits,” Glidden said.
County Attorney Nancy Lake added that the changes “plug longstanding gaps” identified during enforcement actions such as the Mans and Hereth Lane cleanup.
Commissioner Moore praised staff efforts: “These updates make sure the public knows what’s enforceable and keep our code thorough and transparent.”
No public comment was received. The board then closed the hearing and adopted the amendments by unanimous vote.
Courthouse and Maintenance Updates
Facilities Supervisor Stan Gutierrez reported routine maintenance and preparations for winter. Crews are sealing leaks, repairing pumps at the jail, and securing breaker boxes after reports of tampering.
“We’re getting everything ready for winter and keeping spare parts on hand,” Gutierrez said, noting that replacement pumps now cost about $1,500 each.
He also addressed recent vandalism at the county museum, where staff are installing new locks and cleaning up the grounds. Commissioners thanked Gutierrez for his foresight and professionalism.
Museum Director Lindsay Winn described a strong tourist season and upcoming harvest-themed exhibit featuring historic farm photos and local history. She said grant funding from History Colorado’s 150-250 program may help restore the historic caboose and cemetery entryway.
“We’ve had steady visitor flow and great feedback,” Winn said. “It’s exciting to see community interest in preserving our history.”
Grant Specialist Appointment and Staffing
Following executive session, commissioners voted to hire Bill Lynn as the county’s new grant specialist.
“Excellent choice,” Chair Moore said. “We’re glad to get this position filled so projects can move forward.”
The board also commended Nancy Lake for continuing to assist with human-resources recruitment despite recent illness.
Commissioner and Attorney Reports
Commissioner Deacon reported successful cleanup progress on Furman Avenue, thanking staff for responsiveness to citizen concerns. He also noted resident frustration with rising teacher-certification costs, explaining he had contacted State Sen. Cleve Simpson for clarification.
Commissioner Rich Rixman said the South Central Seniors meeting and CSU Extension budget review went smoothly. “Quiet weekends are always welcome,” he added.
County Attorney Lake updated the board on the Mans and Hereth Lane asbestos cleanup, confirming that the landowner reimbursed the county’s $4,000 inspection fee and that the project should close mid-September. “She cooperated fully, and no legal fees will be charged,” Lake said. “It’s been a difficult case, but it’s nearly resolved.”
Transportation and State Updates
Administrator Pasiega previewed two upcoming work sessions:
– Hope in the Valley program, requested by the Sheriff’s Office.
– Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) annual review, to be held virtually this year.
Pasiega said the county will emphasize Highway 112 repaving, bridge widening, and long-term infrastructure improvements. He also mentioned potential grant funding for a courthouse backup generator under the Underfunded Courthouse Facilities program, with applications due September 30.
“The groundwork is already done,” Pasiega said. “We believe this project has a strong chance of approval.”
Commissioners also received updates on congressional efforts to keep Space Force headquarters in Colorado Springs, citing potential regional economic benefits.
Adjournment
The meeting recessed briefly for lunch, then reconvened for the land-use hearing before adjourning early afternoon.
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