ADMINISTRATOR’S MONTHLY UPDATE
for the TOWN BOARD OF TRUSTEES and the MANCOS COMMUNITY
February 2015
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.
MANCOS DAYS 2015 PLANNING BEGINS
A group of community volunteers has begun meeting to discuss plans for this year’s 56th annual Mancos Days celebration. The event will take place on July 24-26th and will filled with games, music, vendors, a parade, fun run, and other activities. At this time, the committee is seeking interested volunteers and sponsorships from area businesses and organizations. In addition, a community-wide contest is being held to select the theme and artwork for the Mancos Days posters and other media. The contest is open to all ages. Artwork and theme ideas should be submitted to Leslie Hopkins at Town Hall through March 13.
TOWN PURSUES CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FOR PAYMENTS
Later this spring, the town will begin accepting credit card payments for utility bills and other payments. With approval from the Town Board of Trustees, town staff has purchased software that will allow customers to pay with a credit card, or to sign up for online credit card processing. The ability to pay by credit card has been a community request for several years. Stay tuned for more information as the town rolls out this new feature.
DON’T FLUSH THAT! INFORMATIONAL CAMPAIGN
The town installed a new type of technology at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2011. The MSABP system utilizes “good” bacteria to break down waste. The town asks the community to be careful about what it is flushing down the drain and toilets. To keep our treatment plant healthy and to reduce costly repairs to equipment, please do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Cooking grease, chemicals, medicines, “flushable” wipes, feminine products, and other items should be disposed of in the trash. The town will be sending out a mailing to every home and business to remind them. Thank you for doing your part to keep our treatment plant working well.
MARIJUANA BUSINESS LICENSE MORATORIUM
At its last regular meeting on January 28th, the Board of Trustees passed a temporary moratorium on new marijuana business licenses, which includes medical and recreational (adult-use) establishments. The purpose of the moratorium is to give town staff time to correct inconsistencies in the Mancos Municipal Code and to ensure that there are no conflicts with state statute. Marijuana laws, including interpretations of these laws, are changing at a rapid pace. The moratorium does not impact businesses that are already licensed or have submitted an application as of the end of January.
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE
The town is reviewing resumes for a Municipal Court Judge. February’s court date is cancelled due to the vacancy in this position. The Town Board of Trustees will appoint a new judge and deputy (or backup) judges later this month, based on recommendations from town staff. It is anticipated that the March court date will be held. The Mancos Municipal Court hears cases related to minor traffic violations and violations of other sections of the Mancos Municipal Code such as nuisance cases. The court convenes monthly, on the second Monday of the month at 5:00 pm, and is open to the general public. The Municipal Court Judge is a licensed attorney.
