ADMINISTRATOR’S MONTHLY UPDATE
for the TOWN BOARD OF TRUSTEES and the MANCOS COMMUNITY
August 2016
This Monthly Update is a supplemental report for inclusion in the Town Board of Trustees agenda packet, distributing to the community, and for posting on the Town website. It is for informational purposes. Items herein may or may not warrant Board of Trustees discussion, and do not require action unless noted on the meeting agenda.
SUCESSFUL 57th ANNUAL MANCOS DAYS CELEBRATION
This year’s Mancos Days was another great celebration. Queen Joy Wilkerson and past queens were honored throughout the weekend. Residents were in the spirit by wearing costumes to evoke the theme “Desperados and Fancy Ladies.” Fifty-five organizations and businesses donated $6500 in cash and in-kind donations to help underwrite the festival. A group of ten committed volunteers worked with town staff to organize the parade, fun run/walk, classic car show, fishing derby, volleyball, softball and horseshoe tournaments, and multiple games for kids and adults.
BROADBAND INITIATIVE CONTINUES WITH GOAL OF 2017 TAX QUESTION
A county-wide consortium of governments is continues to move forward with plans for a “broadband to every rooftop” initiative called Connect4. Build-out maps created by OFS, a consultant, were presented August 2-4. The plans call for a mix of underground fiber and aerial lines to provide up to 10 gb capacity for all customers throughout the county. Infrastructure funding will come from grant sources in addition to a potential sales tax. The ballot question has been postponed to November 2017 to allow the communities to work with a financial and bonding consultant on the details of financing and phasing the plan.
2017 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Staff and the Board of Trustees will begin planning for next year’s annual budget, starting with the August 3 monthly board workshop. By state law, the Town Administrator must present a draft budget by October 15 to the Board of Trustees and it must be adopted by December 15. A strategic planning retreat was held with trustees on July 9, where priorities for 2017 and beyond were compiled. These will be matched with staff project priorities. The town invites residents to participate in the budgeting process by attending monthly workshops and regular meetings, or contacting the Town Administrator with suggestions.
APPLICATIONS FOR AGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS
The town invites area non-profit organizations to submit an application by September 15 for 2017 agency contributions. These mini-grants range from $500 to $2000 and are provided to organizations that provide benefit to Mancos residents. For more information, please contact Heather Alvarez at town hall, or visit https://mancoscolorado.com/government/agency-contribution-information/.
LIVESTOCK REGULATIONS MOVING FORWARD
After several months of discussion and two joint meetings between the town trustees and the Planning and Zoning Commission, two draft ordinances to regulate livestock within town limits have been drafted and are moving to the public hearing stage. These ordinances are advertised for public hearing at the September 21, 2016 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. If approved, the ordinances will then be reviewed at a subsequent meeting of the Board of Trustees for another public hearing and potential passage. To obtain a copy of the draft ordinances, please contact town hall or visit our web site. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings to voice their opinions.
