Chad Eaton

The Archuleta County Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2023-2028 provides a comprehensive strategy to reduce the impact of natural and man-made hazards. It details the identification of hazards and risks, assessment of community assets and vulnerabilities, and the development of mitigation strategies and actions. The plan aims to enhance community resilience, decrease vulnerability, ensure effective emergency response, and facilitate eligibility for federal disaster assistance for Archuleta County and its participating jurisdictions.

This document outlines the Archuleta County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update, designed to mitigate wildland fire risks and foster a fire-adapted community. Key focus areas include fuels reduction and forest management across public and private lands, enhancing firefighting and prevention capabilities, and expanding educational, outreach, and collaborative initiatives. The plan aims to achieve goals such as creating a fire-adapted community, increasing fuel treatments on the San Juan National Forest, promoting treatments on ranch and rural lands, reducing structure ignitions, and raising public wildfire awareness to protect lives and property within the Wildland-Urban Interface.

The meeting agenda included the review and approval of minutes from previous meetings (October 15, 2025, and November 12, 2025), and the Treasurer's Report. Committee reports covered Bylaws/Standard Operating Procedures, Entertainment, Honorees, and Livestock Liaison matters. Old Business topics involved work sessions on historical memorabilia and scanning photos for TV displays, the Kawasaki Mule auction, 2026 budget status review, Beer Garden instructions and bids, and Window Clings. New Business items focused heavily on preparations for the 75th Fair Anniversary, including the Nomination & Election of Officers for 2026, updating various forms (Sponsorship, Vendors, etc.), updating contracts (Rodeo Contractor, Photographer, etc.), notifying facilities for next year's use, updating the website with 2026 dates, handling a Commissioner appointment, planning advertising and banners, determining funding for various events, paying CAFS Dues, providing Board Member contact lists, and contacting the Electrician and Entertainment groups.

The meeting addressed several items including the formal approval via resolution of a Height Variance from the Land Use Regulations for the LPEA Substation on Trujillo Road, which was previously approved by the Board of Adjustment. The Board considered the renewal of a Retail Optional Premises Cultivation License for San Juan Strains and a Hotel and Restaurant Liquor License renewal for Victor's Sushi. The consent agenda involved approving payable warrants and purchase cards for January 7-20, 2026, considering resolutions for lot consolidations in Reserve at Pagosa Peak Phase 4 and Lake Forest Estates, ratifying a letter of support for the Colorado Office of the Governor regarding a Major Disaster Declaration Appeal, considering a letter of support for the Pagosa Springs Area Tourism Board's grant application, approving a Public Contract for Services with Concrete Connection for snow removal at the airport, and approving assignments of ground leases for Hangars 743 and 787. New business included approving an amendment to a Public Contract for Services with Pagosa Community Initiative for increased spending, and considering a resolution to appoint a member to the Archuleta County Planning Commission. The agenda also included consideration of a resolution amending fees for County Services and an announcement regarding discussions on an Archuleta County Facilities Feasibility Study.

The meeting included the approval of the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, which involved a correction to the previous meeting's attendance records. New Business focused on a candidate meet and greet for an open Planning Commission seat, resulting in a unanimous recommendation to appoint Sandra Dillon as a full member, with one commissioner planning to transition to an alternate role to ensure continuity. Discussion also centered on future Land Use Regulation changes, specifically regarding the expired resolution for Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) for RVs and plans for minor and comprehensive revisions to address inconsistencies in the regulations. Old Business involved an update on the Archuleta County Community Plan update, noting ongoing review by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for compliance and plans to seek grant funding for consultant assistance.