Town of Manzanola

The council discussed various departmental reports including water plant maintenance, cemetery road improvements, and the procurement of office supplies. Updates were provided on the MMOF sidewalk grant and potential grants for property cleanup. The council reviewed and approved a lease application for the Highline Canal and discussed correspondence regarding a loan repayment request for the Otero County conduit project. They also negotiated terms for a Charter Franchise Agreement, moved to cancel the upcoming April election, approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding write-in candidate intent timelines, and initiated a review of utility shut-off notice procedures.

Discussions included the reading and signing of a proclamation regarding hospice care. Department reports covered water meter readings, park maintenance, cemetery work, and recent police activity, noting an officer's upcoming vacation. Old business involved receiving notification from the IRS about a tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act, updates on the burnt house project including asbestos testing scheduled, and details on Veterans Day cemetery flag placement and cleanup efforts organized by the FFA Club. New business included the submission of the final application for the CDOT Grant-MMOF sidewalk request, approval of the Gallagher Insurance renewal amount for the following year, presentation of the upcoming year's budget for review prior to a December vote, and the appointment of a Trustee to the CML Policy Committee. Bills and payroll for October were approved.

Discussions included an update on the WW Plant, leading to a motion to hire Keith as a private contractor for the WW Plant Operator and increase his pay. Department reports covered meter readings, water leak checks, testing of a new meter, and placement of warning signs around burnt houses. A motion was approved to purchase a new storage drive for police information and camera pictures, and four new tires were purchased for a police vehicle. Old business involved applying the $57,569.98 IRS credit received from the Inflation Reduction Act/Chips to reduce the solar installation loan, plans for cleanup grants for the burnt house on Canal Street, and a Water Plant Storage Study. New business focused on the CDOT-MMOF Grant award received for updating sidewalks, which may lead to applying for a matching CDOT-TAP grant. There was also discussion regarding the congressional rejection of the Conduit and media interviews concerning this issue. The town noted the Boy Scouts chapter did not renew and moved their supplies, with plans to donate stored summer recreation supplies.

The Town Council meeting included an audit report presentation of the 2024 financial statements, discussion of the wastewater plant project, and efforts to address a hazardous burnt house. Department reports covered meter readings, park maintenance, cemetery work, mosquito spraying, and preparations for winterizing a police car. The council discussed an AT&T missed check payment, the Inflation Reduction Act, the burnt house project, and plans for limb pickup. They also addressed the CIF Grant for trimming Beaty Park trees and a CDOT Grant for sidewalk replacement.

The Town Council meeting included discussions regarding community events and safety concerns. The Council agreed to purchase and place two "slow children at play" signs on S. Canal Street following a resident request. Department reports covered meter readings, park maintenance, and preparations for the Wastewater Plant. Old business included scheduling limb pick-up days, confirming the mailing of necessary forms for an IRS solar tax credit refund, and updates on a burnt house project requiring CDPHE inspections. New business involved progress on a CDOT Grant application for sidewalk replacement, which has a final deadline of November 10. Additionally, August bills and payroll were approved, and a public comment was made regarding installing cement curb and gutter.