The Four Mile Ranch and Dakota Hideout subdivisions at the east edge of Canon City (area in green) represented the most significant population shift from Commissioner District 3 into District 2.
The Fremont County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday formally approved minor changes to boundaries of the three County Commissioner Districts. Consideration of boundary changes is mandated in state law every ten years following the U.S. Census to balance population in each of the three districts as close as reasonably possible. The Board conducted a public hearing on the changes on August 23rd and following the mandatory 30 day waiting period the new district maps were adopted at Tuesday’s meeting. Following the census count Commissioner District 3 had about 600 more residents than District 2.
The most significant change to increase population in Commissioner District 2 was to move the Four Mile Ranch and Dakota Hideout subdivisions at the east edge of Cañon City from District 3 into District 2. District 2 also gained some smaller neighborhoods from District 1 including those between Raynolds and Rhodes Avenues south into the Four Mile area, and part of the Chandler area along Oak Creek Grade. The boundary adjustments also have the Tunnel Drive and Riverside Drive area at the west edge of Cañon City transferred into Commissioner District 3.
While county commissioners represent a district in which they reside, all three are actually elected at-large by all of the voters in Fremont County.
The Board of Commissioners also heard a presentation on Cañon City’s Downtown Strategic Plan from Cañon City Community Development Director Doug Dotson. Dotson detailed a 20 year vision for reinvigorating the downtown business district including a way to direct more traffic off of the Highway 50 corridor onto Main Street. Dotson said Fremont County government, RE-1 School District, and other local governmental entities would be important partners when it comes time to discuss tax increment financing as a way to pay for improving the downtown infrastructure without creating any new taxes.
The commissioners on Tuesday also voted to adopt a recommendation from County Clerk Katie Barr to help expedite the consideration of Special Event Liquor Permits. As allowed under new state legislation the commissioners voted to elect local control when it comes to issuing those liquor permits for events like rodeos, concerts, fundraisers in the park, etc. The action means state approval will not be required for each special event, only approval from the Board of Commissioners. Along with approval of the new permitting plan the resolution increases the price of a Special Events Liquor Permit to $100 which is in line with what the city of Cañon City and Florence now charge.
In other action Tuesday the Board of Commissioners:
- Approved a temporary use permit for the annual Penrose Apple Day on October 1st; Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Upper Arkansas Council of Governments designating the ‘COG’ as the local coordinator for energy programs which could allow for reinstituting the weatherization program for local homeowners;
- Denied a request from Lee Alter to waive a $750 fee for a possible appeal to the Board of Zoning adjustment;
- Approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with Armstrong Consultants of Grand Junction for updating the Fremont County Airport’s Master Plan. The amendment details the specific scope of work under the $155,000 contract;
- Appointed Ruth Farmer to fill a vacancy on the John C. Fremont Library District Board of Trustees in Florence.