The Archuleta County Planning Commission discussed updates and next steps with the county’s comprehensive plan update project during its regular meeting held on Thursday, April 23.
Director of Development Eva Kruse explained that the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approved a contract with HR Green during its regular meeting held on April 7.
She explained that the contract is for $140,000 for the comprehensive plan update, and that the county has received grants from the state “for a big portion of that.”
Kruse noted that the grants are providing $87,500 in funds for the project, leaving the county to cover the remaining $57,500.
During the April 7 meeting, County Manager Longinos Gonzalez explained that the county had received three bids on the requests for proposals for the comprehensive plan update.
After brief discussion on the matter, Commissioner John Ranson moved to approve the contract with HR Green.
Commissioner Veronica Medina commented, “I agree that this is definitely something that we need to do; I’m definitely supportive of that,” but also stated, “I think that we could do it better for less.”
Ranson’s motion passed by a 2-1 split vote, with him and commissioner Warren Brown voting in favor, and Medina voting against the motion.
During the April 23 planning commission meeting, Kruse mentioned that “we’re prepared to move forward,” and that staff is planning to hold an initial meeting with the consultant.
She explained that the “public engagement piece” of the comprehensive plan is something the county is prioritizing and “less on [the] existing conditions” aspect due to the county recently completing a housing needs assessment.
Kruse noted that HR Green has consultants “who have already done a lot of the work here in Archuleta County with housing and the existing conditions.”
She mentioned that with public engagement being a “big portion” of the comprehensive plan update, the county is planning to hold forums similar to the recent commissioner-hosted forums to receive feedback from the public.
Kruse also explained that the planning commission will be heavily involved in the plan update.
“All of that will come through you,” she said.
She also explained that the plan includes four main elements: existing conditions, water supply, strategic growth and public engagement.
“Water supply is one of the big elements, as well,” Kruse said, noting that as each portion is worked through a graphic and information page will be developed on the county’s website for constituents to view.
Kruse also mentioned that a stakeholder engagement list has been started to include people who are actively engaged in projects with the county.
“It’ll be good. It’s exciting,” she added, mentioning the county will be working on the plan update through the end of this year, and it will provide specific deliverables for the county to use.
“All in all, when we are said and done, we’ll have a comprehensive plan that will be a guiding document that we will be referring to” and using to develop things like land use regulations, “not something that will sit on a shelf,” she said.
Kruse indicated that things such as where future commercial development, housing and ranches will be, “all of that will be up for debate.”
Planning commission chair Matt Nobles mentioned that it is the planning commission’s role to have the comprehensive plan update created and to approve it before the BoCC.
Kruse confirmed that the plan update will be adopted through a public hearing process with the planning commission.
She also indicated that planning commission meetings will be an appropriate forum for constituents to come with questions and share concerns in regard to the plan update.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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