Gunnison County Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

GUNNISON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Page 8 of 14 years. Tap fees are typically put into reserve to fund maintenance and improvements. With the North Gunnison project, perhaps the money typically designated as a County tap fee could instead be used toward the construction cost of the project. In the future, tap fees would go into a reserve account. County Manager DeVore reported that he talked to one local bank about the possibility of property owners financing the $1800 County fee for a five to ten year period. That particular bank was receptive to the concept, which would be based on a financial mechanism used by the County in the past for Region 10 loans to residents of the Allen Homesites and North Valley Subdivision. This would allow the County to place a tax lien on the property of an owner who fails to pay their loan. If the Board is agreeable with this concept, County Manager DeVore will contact all of the local banks to see if they are willing to participate. This would enable each property owner to choose their own bank, if possible. The Board agreed with the concept proposed, to use the County's portion of initial tap fees for construction costs and to pursue loan options for property owners to finance the $1800 if necessary. Ken Coleman of the City of Gunnison was present and agreed with the concept, providing that the City of Gunnison must be paid their tap fees. LOCAL PREFERENCE BIDDING: Public Works Director Crosby requested a Board decision on whether to allow local preference on two upcoming bids, and if so, how much. Steel Bid. The County will be accepting bids for steel for cattle guards, bridge repairs, and other items. The total amount of steel will be less than $20,000. Moved by Commissioner Starr, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to authorize the Public Works Department to provide and recognize a local preference in bidding for steel this year, the preference being 4% on project costs of no more than $20,000. Motion passed unanimously. North Gunnison Sewer. Public Works Director Crosby reported that this project will be strictly regulated by contractual language with Rural Development. Allowing a percentage bid preference might be difficult. However, there are ways to encourage local bidding and to encourage coordination and cooperation among local contractors. The Board stated approval of this proposal to work with local contractors if possible. GUNNISON WATER COMPANY: County Attorney Baumgarten reported that an application has been filed by the Gunnison Water Company for a permanent change in use of water that comes out of Tomichi Creek. Based on the exhibits provided to the water court it looks like they are proposing to take water that has been historically used on the County - owned W Mountain Ranch. He spoke with counsel for the Gunnison Water Company and was unable to get an explanation from them about their intended use of this water, and they are interested in why the County might be concerned. Approximately 8 -10 years ago Gunnison County received an inquiry regarding who owns the water in this area, but no other information has been exchanged between the County and the Gunnison Water Company since then. Bonnie Irby, Water Commissioner for the Tomichi Creek area, was present and reported that she does not have sufficient information from Gunnison Water Company for this application. County Attorney Baumgarten responded that additional information and clarification should come during the water court review process. County Attorney Baumgarten recommended that the Board authorize the filing of a statement of opposition to this water application. This will enable the County to stay involved through the review process. He requested that the County Manager sign the http : / /www.co.gunnison.co.us/BOCC /minutes /20030325mn.html 6/6/2003