U.S. Forest Service trail specialist Chris Bouton gave an update on the 5.5-mile Overlook Trail, which will connect Dolores with the House Creek campground and Boggy Trail system.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re making progress and expect to be done by fall,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
This spring, a crew from the Southwest Conservation Corps has been constructing the non-motorized trail across canyons. A forest service contractor is busy clearing a 3-mile corridor.<\/p>\n
The Conservation Corps will return in September to finish the connections on the town side and to House Creek. There will be a volunteer day around that time as well. Interpretive signs on the area\u2019s history will be installed on both ends of the trail.<\/p>\n
In 2014, the town and Conservation Corps completed a \u00be-mile section that begins near the graveyard and switchbacks to the mesa top, where it will be directed away from the cliffs to avoid nesting golden eagles.<\/p>\n
He added that the Lower Stoner Trail will be improved in July.<\/p>\n
County economic and technology officials gave an update on the plan to improve Internet service in the region.<\/p>\n
A high-speed connection increases a home\u2019s value and provides economic opportunity, said Chelsea Jones, of the Montezuma Community Economic Development Association.<\/p>\n
County IT director Jim McClain said the goal is to build a fiber-optic based wireless system that delivers high-speed Internet service to all county and municipal residents.<\/p>\n
Infrastructure costs were estimated between $27 million and $29 million, but a large portion could be funded by grants. Another option is to ask voters to pass a county-wide sales tax to help fund upgrading Internet technology.<\/p>\n
Dolores and Montezuma County plan to ask voters in November to opt out of SB152, a law that limits government involvement in communications technology. Mancos has already opted out.<\/p>\n
Dolores resident Jeff Pope asked the board to install stop signs on Hillside Ave. at Seventh and Ninth streets to slow down traffic.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are 15 children under age 8 in the neighborhood,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Board members Val Truelsen and Trevor Ince liked the idea. James Baird, who lives on Hillside, did not think it was warranted because of limited traffic, no accidents, and a 15 mph speed limit. The board will consider the request.<\/p>\n
Dolores board member Robert Dobry asked that meeting agendas be posted on the town website to better inform the public and encourage more participation.<\/p>\n
According to the Colorado Open Meetings law, posted meeting notices \u201cmust include specific agendas if at all possible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The board approved a liquor license for the Montezuma Mexican Restaurant, expected to open soon at the location of the closed Hollywood Bar on Colorado Highway 145.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a family restaurant for locals and tourists,\u201d said owner Juan Jimenez.<\/p>\n
Another Mexican restaurant, Chavolito\u2019s, will take over the old Naked Moose restaurant location. The board approved transferring the liquor license to Chavolito\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Sheriff Steve Nowlin reported a marijuana bust in Dolores. Police responding to a disturbance in a east-end neighborhood discovered more than a pound of marijuana. A 19-year-old was charged for underage possession.<\/p>\n
The board approved Cortez Electric to construct a new well pump house for town. An agreement was also signed to have Veris Environmental complete the sludge removal project at the sewer plant.<\/p>\n