Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen came to Blondie’s in Naturita June 20 for a community listening session. She estimated 12 to 15 people came to her with comments.
“Everybody had something to talk about,” she told the Forum Monday.
One big topic was the neighborhood watch program in Naturita. Recently, that was also the subject of the West End Solutions Group meeting. Hansen said she’s hearing folks want more focused law enforcement, and they have concerns about pockets of the town that are seeing drug activity. She said she appreciates Brock Benson’s work on the matter.
“Crime shouldn’t be able to go on as a normal way of doing business,” Hansen said. “People shouldn’t be afraid in their own neighborhoods.”
She’s glad the watch program is gaining momentum.
Other concerns were spoken regarding area residences, such as proper sewage treatment. Hansen said that’s a public health issue she’ll take to the public health director. She said he can check things out.
And, housing was discussed. Doylene Garvey is on the housing authority board now for Montrose County, and she recently conducted a West End tour for officials.
Chris Daniels approached Hansen with information about the Basin Clinic. As a board member, Daniels wanted to dispel rumors and also discuss the option of a special district, a hospital district. Hansen said it will be important to delineate the district boundaries and guidelines, if the clinic board goes that route. She said there are legalities, and a cemetery in Montrose had issues in the last few years with setting their boundary in a way that worked.
“I appreciate (Chris) keeping me up to speed on that,” Hansen said.
West End Dark Sky Advocate Deb Stueber has requests for the county to retrofit all lighting to point downward. Stueber does assessments and is concerned about some other properties too.
Others came with questions on the land use code, zoning, infrastructure, water and more. Someone wants to separate the county into west and east portions. Hansen said she could talk to the planner and ask what that might entail. Some are concerned about the Four Seasons having bought the Rimrock Hotel in Naturita.
Hansen appreciated all of the discussion.
“I’m so impressed with West End folks,” Hansen said. “They’re leading the community to better things. They’re knowledgable.”
She said people are really appreciating Phillip Rich, the new VA officer for Montrose County.
“They like him,” she said. “He’s really genuine. He’s the real deal.”
And, there was some discussion of the Uravan Bridge and its future. Hansen said commissioners are doing their part and working through it. She said the Department of Energy owes the county a statement in writing. She said Commissioner Sean Pond was able to get a verbal response, but the board wants something in writing about the department’s ability to potentially take over maintenance and then turn the bridge over to the county.
“These coffee sessions are not trivial,” Hansen said. “So much is discussed.”
She added there’s a better connection growing with the east and west ends, and people are taking responsibility and reaching out, engaging in the civic process.
