NORTH FORK TIMES
SURFACE CREEK NEWS
BREAKING NEW GROUND Canal piping project seen as a model for state water policy, B3
SPORTS
PLANNING FOR GROWTH Cedaredge subdivision is back on the drawing board, B1
DELTA COUNTY
SIDELINED BY INJURY Torn ACL leads to coaching stint for Paonia athlete, B8
JANUARY 16, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 3
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INDEPENDENT
www.deltacountyindependent.com
City of Delta restructures community development BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
Restructuring of the City of Delta’s community development department has resulted in a reduction in force and the termination of department director Glen Black. Following that action, the City of Delta issued a press release detailing how the department will be meeting the needs of the community going forward. “These restructing changes include relocating some services to other city departments and contracting for some services,” the press release states. “We sincerely believe that these changes will be beneficial to our community and in alignment with the city’s desire to encourage redevelopment, the growth of existing businesses, and to attract new business, while maintaining financial stability,” the press release states. The following contact information was provided by the City of Delta:
If you are in need of a building permit, please call Sharleen Walker, 874-7903, or email sharleen@cityofdelta. net. She can assist you to begin this process and to work with the city’s inspection provider, SAFEbuilt. If you are in need of plumbing permits or inspections, please contact the State of Colorado for these required needs. If you need to contact the code enforcement officer, call Mark Bowen, 874-7903, ext. 217, or email mark@cityof delta.net. If you are seeking information or review of an application for land subdivision, annexation, zoning, site development and mobile home park licenses, please call Sharleen Walker, 874-7903, or email sharleen@cityofdelta.net. Mayor Ron Austin called the move to provide more effective, efficient and economical service for residents, property owners and businesses a positive change for the city.
A blanket of snow
Photo by Pat Sunderland
A fresh coat of snow blanketed much of Delta County early Saturday. Just as that snow begins to melt, forecasters cite a high probability of additional precipitation during the latter part of this week.
Medical marijuana moratorium extended BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
The subject of medical marijuana dominated both a work session and the regular meeting of the Delta City Council on Jan. 8, but the evening ended on a musical note. Under the heading of “Only in Delta,” Judy Hagan picked up her microphone and sang “Happy Birthday” to the mayor, with a refrain that included blessings from her mother in heaven. During the business portion of the meeting, the discussion on medical marijuana resulted in a 4-1 vote to extend the moratorium on medical marijuana establishments three months from the initial date of Feb. 13. No applications for medical marijuana establishments or applications for building permits related to those establishments will be accepted until May 13, unless the council lifts the moratorium before then. Council member Christopher Ryan voted “no,” citing a desire to keep moving forward. Extension of the moratorium followed two separate votes to table the second readings of zoning and licensing ordinances until the Jan. 22 meeting, to allow council members more time for “due diligence.” Both questions passed on split votes. During the work session and the regular meeting, citizens had an opportunity to express their thoughts. Council member Kevin Carlson encouraged members of the public to continue to share research they’ve done on the subject, so council can gain a broader understanding of issues and concerns. Having heard that licensing fees in Delta might be on the low end, he said
INDEX
Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page .....................C8 Business .......................A10 Church ............................B5 Classifieds ...................C1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness ........ A6-7 Legals ..........................C3-4 North Fork Times ........B3-5 Obituaries ..................... A8 School .......................... A5 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...B1-2 TV Listings ..................C4-5
that’s a specific area he wants to look into. “We don’t want to be the cheap town,” he said, reiterating a comment business owner Hartland Clubb Jr. made earlier in the meeting. Mayor Ron Austin says he wants clarification on state regulations concerning the allowable quantity and frequency of purchases. Once the regulations are in place and the moratorium has been lifted, applications for medical marijuana establishments will be accepted. A maximum of two of each type of license will be granted
through a lottery system. John Thomas, owner of a medical marijuana center in Montrose, has expressed a desire to do business in Delta as well. He previously owned a medical marijuana store in Delta until council voted to prohibit that type of business. He said when it comes to zoning, it’s smart for council to take its time and do things right. He said a medical marijuana center doesn’t need to be on Main Street, but it should be located in a well-lit, easily accessible area where patients and employees will feel safe.
He added that having employees who respect the medical aspects of marijuana and respect the community is key to keeping products out of the hands of minors. Several individuals expressed a desire to provide an opportunity to an individual like Thomas, who has family and community ties, as opposed to mega-corporations that will presumably also want to do business in Delta. Scott Schaible, an outspoken opponent of marijuana, visited Thomas’s shop and said he likes the way Thomas does
business. He said he believes the City of Delta owes Thomas an opportunity to open a store here, since the actions of a previous council forced him to close down. Concerns about odors emanating from marijuana grow facilities are crossing over to hemp, which is being stored and processed in several warehouses in city limits. The Delta Planning and Zoning Commission will be asked to address hemp, while the medical marijuana questions will come back to council on Jan. 22.
Mark Taylor shares mission, vision for Delta County Sheriff’s Office BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor
During the year he campaigned for sheriff, Mark Taylor put a great deal of thought into his mission, vision and values for the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office. He shared that vision one-on-one with every employee of the sheriff ’s office, and now with the readers of the DCI. “It’s one thing being undersheriff, another sitting behind this desk and gaining a bit of experience,” Sheriff Taylor said. “I know I’m not going to see the complete picture until I sit behind this desk for a little bit.” “My intent remains the same, but there may be some minor changes moving forward.” He cites the importance of teamwork, integrity, fairness and personal responsibility as the sheriff ’s office strives to provide the highest quality of
law enforcement services to the people who live, work and visit our county.” “We are very, very fortunate that Fred McKee left a good solid foundation to work from, but we do not want to remain stagnant. Going forward, we want to build on that foundation. I can’t do that alone. I need the help of each and every employee in this office. Quinn [Archibeque, undersheriff] and I both feel the employees are excited and willing to do what they can to help build on that foundation.” In addition to appointing Archibeque undersheriff, Taylor has surrounded himself with a leadership team that includes Lt. Bill Palmer, Sgt. David Strait, Sgt. Daniel Abeyta, Sgt. Keith Sanders and Sgt. Gates Shaklee, who was recently promoted from patrol deputy. Sgt. Keith Sanders is a lat-
City of Delta seeks feedback
The City of Delta is hosting a tourism town hall Thursday, Jan. 17, in conjunction with business after hours sponsored by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. This event will take place at the Needle Rock Brewing Company from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There is no charge. RSVPs are requested at 874-8616. City officials will be seeking feedback on a local effort to increase tourism revenue in partnership with Delta County Tourism and the Colorado Tourism Office. Participants will have an opportunity to say what they like best about Delta and what they think could use some improvement. The goal is to position the city to act upon new opportunities for expanding its economic base without changing the core of our community, explains Christopher Ryan, a member of Delta City Council and the steering committee overseeing this effort, known as CRAFT 201.
eral transfer from Montrose County, along with his K-9 partners Oxx and Roo. The office has three investigators — Norm Shaw, Matt Brewer and Tyler Becker — and a fourth slot that has been filled on a rotating basis. Taylor plans to revisit this position mid-year, to decide whether to add a fourth fulltime investigator or continue to rotate that position. The newest patrol deputy is Steve Burruss, a former Montrose County detective, patrol sergeant and interim patrol lieutenant. “As a certified polygrapher, he will be a great resource for this office,” Taylor said. In addition to patrol deputies, the staff of 70 includes dedicated detention officers, dispatchers, a “skeleton” work release crew, courthouse security, kitchen staff, administrative personnel, emergency management and victim ser-
vices. Many roles require 24/7 coverage, including holidays and weekends, and the ability to handle challenging situations with stamina, intelligence and emotional stability. Under values he states: “Fundamental to delivery of professional police service is the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals. Whether citizen or employee, all must be treated with dignity and respect.” The county’s 2019 budget provides funds for two additional patrol deputies, which Taylor said will help address a steadily increasing number of criminal incidents. “The majority of crimes we see in Delta County are related to illegal drug activity, so we will be aggressive and progressive in investigating illegal drug activity. Sgt. Sanders and his K-9 team will be a valuable TAYLOR TO A3
School board vacancy announced Delta County School Board is looking to appoint a new board member due to the recent resignation of Richard Hypio, Hotchkiss area representative. The new appointee must reside in District IV (Hotchkiss area) of Delta County. The exact boundaries are on file with the Delta County Elections Office at the county courthouse, 501 Palmer. If a potential candidate is unsure whether they live within the boundaries of District IV, they can check the map at the Elections Office. Individuals living in District IV who are interested in being a candidate for the open school board seat should send a letter of interest to Caryn Gibson, Superintendent, at 145 W. 4th Street, Delta, by Tuesday, Jan. 29. The school board will hold a candidate panel interview at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. The school board plans to appoint a new school board member during the monthly meeting on Feb. 21.