The Walden Board of Trustees unanimously canceled the April 7, 2026 municipal election at their March 23 meeting, declaring all candidates elected by resolution after every race went uncontested. The board questioned $3,500 in equipment rental charges from gas contractor Ray Power on top of the town’s existing $22,000 monthly contract with Pinedale Gas, agreed to pay the current bill, and Mayor Overbreckling said he would review the contract before any future billing discussions. The Zirkel Mountain Pies LLC liquor license public hearing was cut short when the town muted the entire meeting for approximately five minutes after demanding a remote observer identify themselves — a move that may constitute a violation of Colorado’s Open Meetings Law. Trustees also approved a $75 gas utility survey incentive program, granted a business license to a new seafood restaurant, and authorized a draft budget amendment for publication. Parks Director Doug Crowder reported on a new T-ball field sprinkler system and ongoing tennis court insurance issues, while Mayor Overbreckling updated the board on water plant construction nearing completion.
Public Hearing Muted
The Zirkel Mountain Pies LLC liquor license public hearing was cut short when the town muted the entire meeting for approximately five minutes after demanding a remote observer identify themselves. The observer was not attempting to testify. Muting a public hearing may constitute a violation of Colorado’s Open Meetings Law.
Election Canceled, Candidates Declared Elected
The board voted 7-0 to approve Resolution 2026-3-23-8, instructing Town Clerk Sherry Cure to cancel the April 7 election and declare the uncontested candidates elected. No further detail on which seats or candidates were involved was discussed during the meeting.
Gas Contractor Charges Debated
Trustees raised concerns about a $3,640 bill from Power that included $3,500 for 20 hours of tracked-vehicle use at $175 per hour, plus $140 in building permit charges. Board members noted the town pays Pinedale Gas $22,000 monthly for gas utility operations and also provides a town-owned side-by-side kept in the gas shop for contractor use.
Graham, a Pinedale Gas representative attending remotely, explained that Power uses his own four-wheeler with tracks to check meters in remote areas — the Coalmont and Wall Creek corridors — during winter months. He said that work falls outside Part 192 regulatory requirements and represents a separate arrangement between the town and Power that may date to 1995, distinct from Pinedale Gas’s contracted responsibilities. Graham said the town-owned side-by-side is used for required annual leak surveys, not Power’s additional winter meter checks.
Trustees agreed to pay the current bill but requested clarity on what the Pinedale contract covers versus what Power bills separately. Mayor Overbreckling said he would review the contract before addressing future billing practices.
Gas Survey Incentive Approved
The board approved a public awareness survey incentive program for gas utility customers after Graham explained that while public awareness mailers are federally required under API 1162, customer survey returns cannot be mandated. The surveys will be distributed with April billing statements, asking customers about safety awareness related to calling 811 before digging and protecting meters.
Graham originally proposed one $50 gas bill credit as a drawing prize. Trustees modified the proposal to three drawings of $25 each, reasoning more winners would encourage higher participation. The $75 total will be covered by the gas utility budget.
New Restaurant Approved
Trustees voted 7-0 to approve a business license for Anabel Carbajal doing business as Mis Tres Reyes Mariscos Y Mas LLC — also known as My Three Kings Seafood and More — a new restaurant opening in town.
Parks Report: T-Ball Field, Tennis Court, Water Restrictions
Mayor Pro Tem and Parks Director Doug Crowder reported that installation of a new T-ball field sprinkler system will begin the second week of April and is expected to be complete by month’s end. The field will not be seeded this year due to insufficient water availability. Crowder said he and Water Department staff Mark had already set May 1 as the date to turn on the dump station, with parks water expected to remain available until approximately July, not long enough to properly establish new grass. Crowder said he plans to research seeding options — traditional soil versus hydro-seeding — for next year.
Insurance companies continue to cite the tennis court surface as a liability concern, a citation that has persisted for five to six years. Resurfacing estimates reach $80,000 for standard blacktop. Trustees discussed removing the net to reclassify the space as a general slab but acknowledged surface cracks would remain a liability concern regardless.
Crowder addressed a carousel safety complaint filed by a resident. Based on more than 30 years in construction, Crowder said he found nothing structurally wrong with the equipment. Town Clerk Cure presented a new incident report form to improve documentation for insurance purposes going forward.
Crowder also noted that caragana bushes donated years ago by the Wellness Club have grown well beyond their original hedge purpose, particularly around the baseball field, and upper areas near the tennis court and carousel will require a man-lift to trim.
Water Plant Nearing Completion
Mayor Overbreckling reported the water plant is close to finished, with pumps installed and the main line operational. Most remaining work involves electrical systems, control equipment, and internet connectivity, though no specific completion date was available.
Other Business
Town Clerk Cure shared a letter from USDA confirming $80,000 remains available through the town’s revolving loan fund for eligible borrowers, with program requirements unchanged. The board approved minutes from the March 9 meeting with corrections to the spelling of “North Platte Basin Roundtable.” A draft 2026 budget amendment was approved for publication as required by law.
The next regular board meetings are scheduled for April 13 and April 27 at 5:30 p.m.
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