During the items of mutual interest portion of the June 10 work session of the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner John Ranson brought up multiple items for the board to consider.
“I have something I want to bring up,” he stated, explaining that after attending multiple public meetings over the past few weeks he requested for the matter of the selling of Running Iron Ranch with the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District (PAWSD) and the San Juan Water Conservancy District to be put on the BoCC’s work session agenda.
“So, I just want to bring up a few points that I think are important,” explaining there is a time constraint with the matter, as there is currently an offer on the table for the two districts to consider and that a decision is needed by July 11.
Ranson commented that some have expressed that the county does not have a “dog in the fight,” noting that same sentiment was also expressed by some when the community was investigating the status of PAWSD’s fire hydrants.
“I believe that this goes back to working together,” Ranson added, suggesting the BoCC could possibly sign a letter of support, or at least be included in the conversation, noting the BoCC does not have a say in the matter.
Ranson further explained that it’s the job of the commissioners to “protect our voters, citizens,” and that the decision of selling the Running Iron Ranch affects the community as a whole.
He noted that it’s costing PAWSD’s ratepayers $500,000 annually, “and that’s why I think we got a dog in this fight.”
For more information on the proposal for purchase of the ranch, see “PAWSD hears proposal for purchase of Running Iron Ranch” in the June 5 issue of The SUN or at www.PagosaSUN.com.
Ranson also brought up concerns about requested items not being included on the BoCC agendas.
“I am a little frustrated,” he said, explaining it has nothing to do with his fellow commissioners.
Ranson stated that over the past five work sessions, there have been three topics he requested to be on the agenda that did not make it.
“I’ve asked three times for something to be put on that didn’t make it on,” he said.
He explained that, during his previous tenure as a commissioner, work sessions were the most productive meetings the BoCC held.
“I do believe this is the one opportunity for the three of us to actually talk,” Ranson said, explaining that regular meetings typically do not produce the same sort of conversations.
He encouraged the commissioners that a change should be made to allow for any of the three commissioners to request for an item to be out on the agenda.
“I think we’ve done good stuff, but I didn’t run to approve liquor licenses,” he added, explaining that he is frustrated with some projects going on in the county, specifically noting the commissioners have been waiting for a “general quote” on the construction of an administration building.
“We can have that in 48 hours,” Ranson said.
He then suggested the BoCC attempt to coordinate a day-long retreat, noting there is “so much on the plate.”
He added, “I want to do a little bit more for the taxpayers than approve liquor licenses.”
Commissioner Veronica Medina commented that she is unsure why the agenda item request system is the way it is, noting it is probably the way it’s always been done.
Brown also noted that he’s requested items in the past that did not make it on the agenda, suggesting that staff presentations could be limited to 15 minutes.
Ranson asked interim county attorney Lance Ingalls if there is a “norm” when dealing with adding agenda items.
Ingalls explained there isn’t necessarily a “norm” and that “anything that works with the three of you is gonna work fine.”
Medina asked if the board should direct staff to allow any commissioner to request for items to be on agendas.
Brown indicated he’d be in support of that, noting that some things are time sensitive and there may be limitations to prevent from having unusually long meetings.
Medina also directed staff to share agendas with all three commissioners to approve individually.
Medina noted that agenda item requests should be vetted, adding, “trust the information, but verify it is what it is.”
She explained that sometimes it is most appropriate for staff to address certain situations rather than the commissioners.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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