In an Aug. 30, unnoticed joint work session* in Delta County, Commissioners and administration met with their counterparts from Gunnison County.
Several hot-bed issues were discussed including the formal creation of a North Fork Methane Working Group whose mission is the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for education, mitigation and economic utilization of coal mine methane in the North Fork area. (Next meeting scheduled for Sept. 26, 3-5pm at the Delta County Fairgrounds Maloney House.) Gunnison County Commissioners presented Delta County Commissioners with a memorandum of understanding outlining the group’s membership, mission and goals. Read the MOU: 02 – NORTH FORK METHANE WORKING GROUP
Another important issue of discussion was the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative (GPLI) which is seeking to expand wilderness in Gunnison and Delta Countys. Delta County Commissioner Don Suppes expressed issues with wilderness designation in general as they limit access to public lands. “Washington makes decisions for lands they have never set foot on,” he added. Delta County Commissioner Doug Atchley says the county is interested in being part of the process. Read Gunnison County’s latest report on the initiative: 03 – GPLI Proposal.
Gunnison Commissioners also talked at length about promoting Gunnison and Delta Counties to outdoor manufacturers that might locate in the area in light the Outdoor Retailer (OR) show’s move to Denver’s Colorado Convention Center (pictured). Gunnison Commissioners encouraged Delta County Commissioners to attend the OR Snow Show in January. The Outdoor Retailer Show is the nation’s largest expo for outdoor manufactures and related businesses. Learn more.
Commissioners concluded the meeting by committing to continue to conduct joint work sessions twice a year.
*NOTE: This meeting was not publically noticed to Delta County residents. In contrast, Gunnison County provided a 48-hour public notice to its constituents as well as downloadable handouts that were included in the meeting. (Read the entire agenda.)
Citizen Report continues to work with county officials to improve the communication and transparency between county government and constituents.