The Mancos Town Board had a light meeting Sept. 24, which was slightly low on board members.
Trustees Queenie Barz and Tod Kearns were absent, so as soon as new trustee Matthew Baskin was appointed, he was asked to take a seat behind the big desk, so the board could have a quorum.
Board members approved the landscaping design for the northeast corner of Boyle Park.
"The board has discussed the northeast corner area of Boyle Park. They asked to come up with ideas for landscape with designs for something more attractive. Flowers and plants that are low watering and inexpensive. Also, to remove the (DO NOT ENTER) sign at the entrance in front of the East entry gate," meeting documents stated.
Town Administrator Andrea Phillips said the landscaping changes should start happening very soon.
The changes include a "Town of Mancos Boyle Park" boulder, Russian Sage, cone flowers, and other xeric plants, in addition, gravel and river rock will be added.
"It should look real nice," Phillips said.
The board continued the discussion of agency contributions to the Oct. 8 meeting. This year, the Town of Mancos has $6,300 in requests for contributions, last year, the town contributed $4,900 to area nonprofits.
The board also discussed the Creative District, the town is in its first year in a two-year process, which will be a cooperation of multiple area organizations such as the Mancos Chamber of Commerce, Mancos Valley ARts Council, Historical Society, Mancos School of the West, the town and other artists and volunteers.
Finally, board members discussed backyard farming, again.
"The town has received complaints from residents about livestock animals in town. Concerns range from lack of setbacks for coops and pens to odors, noise and animal welfare. The town board has discussed this issue several times in the past and has gathered public feedback in the form of a survey regarding fowl, and at board meetings and most recently, at mobile town hall meetings," board information stated.
Phillips proposed that the town board take steps to discuss the issue again with multiple parties. In 2013, the board discussed the issue and it proved to be a fairly evenly divided one based on a survey sent out by the town, but in the end, the board decided not to adopt any regulations.
"I want to get as much input from the community as possible," Phillips said. "There are neighbor disputes over roosters and manure."
Phillips said if a ordinance for additional regulations be required, that she would like to get as much input as possible on how to achieve these goals before it is presented to the Board of Trustees.
The board wants "to ensure all community voices are heard, private property rights are protected, provide useful guidelines for residents on how they can raise animals, reduce negative impacts on neighbors, protect property values and care for animals in the best way possible."
Phillips plans to have discussions with area groups, hold 2 to 3 open community forums and appoint a small advisory body to help develop appropriate guidelines before anything is brought back to the board.
The Mancos Town Board is expected to meet again on Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
