The Buena Vista Board of Trustees will meet for their regular session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26 at 715 East Main Street. A work session to preview the 2024 budget and department priorities will occur at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting. The Board is set to consider amending the town code regarding tree pruning and removal and approving an agreement to create a regional SWAT team.
Business Items for Discussion and Action September 26
Amendments to the Municipal Code Regarding Tree Removal
The Board will consider an ordinance to amend sections 11-82 and 11-83 of the Town Municipal Code concerning the pruning, removal, destruction, or planting of trees on public property. According to the meeting packet, “The intention of this ordinance is to clarify section 11-82 and 11-83 to protect the Town from any unvetted clear-cutting programs of trees on public property.”
The proposed amendments add a new definition of “public property” and outline factors the Town Administrator must consider when issuing a permit to allow pruning or tree removal, such as the aesthetic impact, environmental impact, and purpose of the activity.
The proposed changes also allow the Town Administrator to issue a permit for a limited time and impose conditions on the permit to help preserve the town’s natural beauty, while still addressing hazards to keep residents healthy and safe.
Tree removal within the town has been a recent focus due to Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s wildfire mitigation plan, which has been discussed in previous sessions.
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for a Collective Special Weapons and Tactics Team
The Board will also consider approving an IGA between the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, Chaffee County, the City of Salida, and the Town of Buena Vista to create a regional SWAT team. The team would respond to emergencies that each jurisdiction is not equipped to handle alone as a mutual assistance program for exceptional circumstances.
In instances such as barricaded individuals, hostage situations, high risk warrants, riots, terrorist incidents, or other exceptional circumstances, all jurisdictions agree to share resources, such as the Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport (BATT) Vehicle and personnel, to help respond to the emergency. The jurisdictions will split costs for the team.
Public Hearing on the Tavern Liquor License
The board will review and consider approving a Tavern Liquor License for The Collegiate LLC doing business as Main Street Tavern for 308 and 310 East Main Street.
Elk Run Estates Subdivision Water Supply Protection District Application Review
Public Works Director Shawn Williams will inform the Board about the Elk Run Major Subdivision Water Supply Protection District (WSPD) application.
Consent Agenda and Reports
The consent agenda up for approval includes minutes from the September 12 Board of Trustee meeting, the August 3 Tree Advisory Board meeting, and the August 15 Airport Advisory Board meeting.
It also includes the Town Clerk Report, a resolution to affirm those authorized to sign on town bank, credit card, and investment accounts, and a resolution to approve a revised Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Town of Buena Vista and the Buena Vista School District for a Law Enforcement School Partnership (LESP) program and to rescind the version approved on September 12.
The town administrator, treasurer, recreation supervisor, and airport manager will deliver reports for their departments. Buena Vista’s new town administrator Brian Berger started September 18, with Interim Town Administrator Phillip Puckett retaining his duties for an additional month to help ease Berger’s transition into the role.
Members of the public interested in making public comment can sign up before the meeting for three minutes to speak either in person on online through Zoom. There will be time for public comment on the liquor license for Main Street Tavern during the public hearing on that topic.
The full agenda and packet for this meeting is available online.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will occur at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10.
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