County Commissioners OK Public Land Ordinance, Approve Lodging Tax Applicants

Prowers County Courthouse

Ordinance 2019-1 regulating control of public parks, land and facilities in the county was approved on second reading by the Prowers County Commissioners during their February 12^th meeting.

‘Open Space’ as defined in the ordinance includes any park, public lands or facilities that Prowers County owns in fee: and all trails, waters, buildings, structures, roads, parking lots or facilities located on such Park, Public Lands or Public Facilities. Enforcement of the regulations will be applied by the Prowers County Sheriff, Undersheriff and his deputies.  The ordinance spells out the legalities of use for the lands and properties including trespassing when areas are closed to entry, acts of vandalism, fires, trash responsibilities, treatment of wildlife, use of firearms, consumption of alcohol, overnight camping, use of vehicles and commercial activities.

The commissioners approved appointments to the Prowers County Lodging Tax Panel for three, two year terms and one unfinished term. Jane Felter and Chad Hart were re-appointed for two year terms and Marcus Wagner was appointed as a new Panel member.  Doug Thrall was appointed for a term which will expire at the end of 2019.

A quit claim deed between the County and Holly Pride Committee was approved, deeding the property commonly known as the Holly Senior Center to the Committee. A letter will also be sent detailing the provisions of accepting a bid for roof repair to the building.  Three resolutions were approved transferring revenues from the Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund for $500,000, to the Department of Human Services for $140,000 and $120,000 to the Road and Bridge Fund.  An agreement for legal representation for the Department of Human Services of Prowers County by Donald L. Steerman, Esq. was also approved.

The Commissioners approved two letters of support; one for Alta Vista Charter School in its application for a State Historical Fund Grant and another for Designating Amache Japanese American Internment Camp as a National Park.  Regarding Camp Amache, the letter states, in part, Amache was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 18, 1994 and designated a National Historic Landmark on February 10, 2006.  The Amache Preservation Society has been in contact with U.S. Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado to help enact the National Park designation.

By Russ Baldwin