Martra land deal with city expected to close soon

by Eric Mullens
WALSENBURG —  During this week’s Walsenburg City Council session, city administrator David Johnston said the land sale between the city and Martra Holdings Inc., is about ready to be finalized.
Johnston said the Martra deal may close before the city’s annexation plans to extend the city limits to the east get underway.  He asked the council to consider holding a special session in the near future to begin the annexation process.
The Denver-based construction and property management firm plans to purchase approximately 330 acres of the City Ranch to construct individual greenhouse suites for marijuana cultivation.
An ordinance to eliminate the city clerk’s term limits will be before council for approval soon.  While this item has been turned down by Walsenburg voters in the past, as have ballot questions to change the clerk’s position from elected to appointed, it is expected council members will talk to constituents to educate them on the issue.  Council member Rick Jennings said the city needs to explain to voters how much money is invested in the training of the city clerk.  Council members agreed Walsenburg City Clerk Wanda Britt has done a very good job and has undergone extensive training, so it would be a shame to lose her to term limits.
In other business, council members voted unanimously to pass Ordinance 1065 regarding elimination of minimum floor space and amends certain setbacks for ancillary structures in zones R-O, R-1, and R-2.  Former planning & zoning commission member John Carlson asked the council to consider some changes in minimum side yard measurements from ten to five feet in some areas, and to increase net density, maximum percentage of areas under the same ownership covered by buildings or other structures, from 50% to 60%.  Carlson’s suggestions were approved unanimously in a 9-0 vote.
Council approved reducing the number of members on the city planning and zoning commission from nine to seven.
Council approved a $400 grant from the Walsenburg Youth Fund to the Museum of Friends (MOF) for the summer children’s art program, plus up to $150 to help cover the cost of Walsenburg youth participating as walk-ins to the program.
Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with Huerfano County and the Town of La Veta to share costs of a part time employee within the county land use office whose duties will be administration of the Huerfano Regional Building Authority.
Council also approved donating up to 30 water park passes to volunteer youth who have worked on a city clean up program sponsored by New Hope Community Church and Pastor Alvin Wilkerson.