By Toni Steffens-Steward

SOUTH FORK – The South Fork Town Board has decided to end the blue bag service through the Visitor’s Center and other business at the July 8 meeting.

Trash service

The board instructed Josephine Pierce of the Visitor’s Center to sell the bags she still has on hand and the center, but not to purchase anymore. After more discussion the board decided to possibly continue selling bags until October. Trustee Howard Fleming owner of Rainbow Grocery said that they are willing to take trash from campers and short term rentals at his business, but not from everyone else.

Trash companies will be contacted to see if anyone would like to set up in South Fork. Representatives for the companies will be asked to attend the August town board work session.

The town does not want to have to be involved in trash service. Some of the trustees were concerned about illegal dumping, and the police chief is going to be watching for any problems. The matter was moved into a work session when they may have more information. Residents are encourages to contact the trash companies to set up service.

Public hearing

The board has decided to hold a public hearing at the next regular town board meeting. Recent legislation allows towns to opt out of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries. The board would like to hold the public hearing to find out what the community would like to do once the moratorium on dispensaries is up.

Fourth of July

Pierce spoke to the board about the Fourth of July celebrations on July 3. She reported many entries into the Fun Run and that the numbers for the Catfish fry were up from last year. There was some discussion on the timing of different events during the day. They plan to work on the timing for the parade to possibly accommodate some of the local businesses. Most of the board agreed that the 10 a.m. time for the parade worked out well.

Police report

Police Chief Randy Herrera said that June had been a busy month for the police department with 106 speeding citations all for 10 miles or more over the speed limit. He told the board that there have been no burglaries in South Fork in 2010 and that there were no fights or instances over the Fourth of July.

Upper Rio Grande Animal Society

The URGAS came to the board to ask for their support in a mill levy that would help the shelter to become self supporting. The organization is currently funded by government agency contracts, grants and donations. The mill levy would provide a large portion of the operating expenses and then the rest of the money needed for operations would come from donations and grants to the shelter.

The board agreed with two voting not to and the rest of the trustees voting to support the mill levy. If the voters of Rio Grande County pass the mill levy South Fork will then have a representative on the Authority Board which would oversee the funds.

Appointment

Two eligible community members volunteered to serve on the Board of Adjustments for South Fork Matt Hobbs and Virgil Blevins. Trustee Beau Meyer expressed his gratitude for Hobbs going out for the position. Blevins was ultimately given the position, trustees pointed out his interest and activity in local affairs.