Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ridgwayland.com
November 19, 2008
We're just more than halfway through November, hurtling headlong into the hectic holiday season, and it's been quite a newsmaking month for the Ridgway School District.
First, the ballot box results came late on the night of Nov. 4, and for the mil levy override question that would provide funding for the new gymnasium and music room. Hurrah, it was good news: Approval by a margin of 968-639.
So after years of planning, looking for a site, getting an original property tax measure passed and having the gym facilities fall casualty to unforeseen cost hikes, we will now get to see the needed school expansion progress through to completion.
To all who have dedicated the countless (and mostly, unpaid) hours toward building facilities that match the district's aspiration for excellence, three words — congratulations, and thank you.
The other school news in recent weeks involves top-level leadership for the district.
First, Superintendent Douglas Bissonette announced (actually on Halloween) he would be stepping down at the end of the school year.
On the heels of that announcement, the School Board unanimously voted to appoint a familiar face, that of Don Batchelder, to the vacant fifth board seat. Bissonette accurately states that he will leave Ridgway Schools in very good shape.
"Students receive an outstanding education from caring and talented teachers, the schools are led by strong principals with a clear, student-oriented vision, the district is in strong financial condition, and Ridgway's reputation locally and around the state is exceptional," Bissonette wrote in his resignation letter.
As any current observer knows, Bissonette's leadership of the district has been not been without its critics or controversy. With the support of his board, he was not timid in making changes in the faculty where he thought they were warranted. And several of those ignited emotional protests and discord in the community.
Bissonette noted that his tenure was of six years, twice the state average for school superintendents. Those short job spans indicate that the top administrative post of any school system is among the most challenging anywhere. Superintendents must answer to a politically-elected board, manage other administrators and teachers, crunch numbers into a working budget, and oh, know a thing or two about education. Just may be the toughest job in town.
Our hat's off to Bisonette for taking on those challenges with a can-do attitude.
His pending departure was a direct factor in the selection of Batchelder back to the School Board.
That Batchelder, the former mayor, town manager and current county commissioner, is a good choice should go without saying. Indeed, the employment of the best qualified superintendent is likely the board's biggest responsibility. Batchelder's long background in working both as an elected official and as a paid administrator will contribute greatly to finding Bissonette's successor, and that he or she be best suited for the job.
The appointment keeps Batchelder, whose eight years on the Board of County Commissioners ends in January, in an official public capacity. Which begs the question: What's next for him next November, when the School Board appointment ends?
— David Mullings
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Drafting of amendment to land use code for assisted living facility
Posted by Erin Eddy
November 21, 2008
By Christopher Pike
RIDGWAY – The Board of County Commissioners and the county attorney held a special workshop Monday to tackle drafting an amendment to the Land Use Code allowing a special use permit for operation of an assisted living facility.
The complexities of the topic are currently being delved into by county commissioners, who said they believe such a facility has a rightful place in the county.
Over a dozen members of the public observed the discussion at the Land Use conference room, including several members of the Ridgway-Ouray Community Council, Ouray County Social Services Director Alan Gerstle, and David Tabor, president of Solid Rock Foundation Ministries (SRFM), who presented a definition to the county in October containing what the definition of the facility might be and had asked that the code be amended.
Tabor filed the application to amend the LUC, following code's the citizen-initiated process, which requires a written request and initial consideration by the Ouray County Planning Commission, which agreed last September, by a 3-2 vote, to recommend to the BOCC that the definition for an assisted living facility be added to the LUC as well as uses allowed by special use permit with a stipulation that any such facility be state licensed.
SRFM had identified its preferred site as the Ponderosa Care Home on Cutler Creek Drive, which was used previously as an assisted living facility for the elderly. SRFM wants to re-open the building, under a special use permit, as an assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
However, as to SRFM's request, the commissioners are venturing into uncharted territory. A quick check by County Attorney Mary Deganhart revealed little in the way of code provisions when compared to neighboring counties. "We can't find pat definitions from other counties; I couldn't find any," Deganhart said. "I got two responses back, but county attorneys are usually pretty responsive."
And although little is known yet about what to write, the source of law that enables Ouray County to allow such a facility is traced to the Colorado state statutes.
The commissioners agreed that a definition of an "assisted living facility" is needed; one that best suits the unique landscape of the county, and which minimizes any long-term impacts on the county's budget. But at this juncture, it is not known where a facility should or could be allowed, nor what its size and scope should be.
With that many unknowns, it became evident after an hour of discussion that the first order of business is to lay down the definition of an assisted living facility.
"Assisted living is almost a term of art," opined Deganhart, in her discussion with the commissioners, "It's typically an elder type of living, not a convalescent home, and we're not focusing on children … it's not just what we want to guard against, but what we want it to be."
Gerstle said the county should not steer away from the state guidelines when formulating a definition. "I think all of the definitions are within the regulations," he said. "I think if there's something that doesn't fall within, then it's not allowable by the state. If you write something that doesn't meet the public health side, then it's just not allowed by state law."
Deganhart was instructed by the commissioners to carve out a definition based upon state health regulations. The draft might include provisions for the elderly as well as for burn victims.
Once the definition is agreed upon, other considerations, such as locations where the facility would be allowed, its size, and operational limitations of the facility will fall into place. The draft will be examined by the BOCC in early January, somewhat longer than Tabor had expected in October.
For Charity Freeland, a burn victim and spokesperson for the ministry, the issue of a timeline is less important than getting it right the first time. "I'm aware it's hard to find a place for an assisted living facility," said Freeland. "It's kind of a new idea for a recuperation for burned and traumatized adults here. We do want to be licensed and certified and comply with state regulations. We're just asking for your help so that we can find that place in the state that we can fit into. It's a new idea and a new plan. It's a process we're trying to learn too."
November 21, 2008
By Christopher Pike
RIDGWAY – The Board of County Commissioners and the county attorney held a special workshop Monday to tackle drafting an amendment to the Land Use Code allowing a special use permit for operation of an assisted living facility.
The complexities of the topic are currently being delved into by county commissioners, who said they believe such a facility has a rightful place in the county.
Over a dozen members of the public observed the discussion at the Land Use conference room, including several members of the Ridgway-Ouray Community Council, Ouray County Social Services Director Alan Gerstle, and David Tabor, president of Solid Rock Foundation Ministries (SRFM), who presented a definition to the county in October containing what the definition of the facility might be and had asked that the code be amended.
Tabor filed the application to amend the LUC, following code's the citizen-initiated process, which requires a written request and initial consideration by the Ouray County Planning Commission, which agreed last September, by a 3-2 vote, to recommend to the BOCC that the definition for an assisted living facility be added to the LUC as well as uses allowed by special use permit with a stipulation that any such facility be state licensed.
SRFM had identified its preferred site as the Ponderosa Care Home on Cutler Creek Drive, which was used previously as an assisted living facility for the elderly. SRFM wants to re-open the building, under a special use permit, as an assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
However, as to SRFM's request, the commissioners are venturing into uncharted territory. A quick check by County Attorney Mary Deganhart revealed little in the way of code provisions when compared to neighboring counties. "We can't find pat definitions from other counties; I couldn't find any," Deganhart said. "I got two responses back, but county attorneys are usually pretty responsive."
And although little is known yet about what to write, the source of law that enables Ouray County to allow such a facility is traced to the Colorado state statutes.
The commissioners agreed that a definition of an "assisted living facility" is needed; one that best suits the unique landscape of the county, and which minimizes any long-term impacts on the county's budget. But at this juncture, it is not known where a facility should or could be allowed, nor what its size and scope should be.
With that many unknowns, it became evident after an hour of discussion that the first order of business is to lay down the definition of an assisted living facility.
"Assisted living is almost a term of art," opined Deganhart, in her discussion with the commissioners, "It's typically an elder type of living, not a convalescent home, and we're not focusing on children … it's not just what we want to guard against, but what we want it to be."
Gerstle said the county should not steer away from the state guidelines when formulating a definition. "I think all of the definitions are within the regulations," he said. "I think if there's something that doesn't fall within, then it's not allowable by the state. If you write something that doesn't meet the public health side, then it's just not allowed by state law."
Deganhart was instructed by the commissioners to carve out a definition based upon state health regulations. The draft might include provisions for the elderly as well as for burn victims.
Once the definition is agreed upon, other considerations, such as locations where the facility would be allowed, its size, and operational limitations of the facility will fall into place. The draft will be examined by the BOCC in early January, somewhat longer than Tabor had expected in October.
For Charity Freeland, a burn victim and spokesperson for the ministry, the issue of a timeline is less important than getting it right the first time. "I'm aware it's hard to find a place for an assisted living facility," said Freeland. "It's kind of a new idea for a recuperation for burned and traumatized adults here. We do want to be licensed and certified and comply with state regulations. We're just asking for your help so that we can find that place in the state that we can fit into. It's a new idea and a new plan. It's a process we're trying to learn too."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ridgway honor students
Posted by:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 12, 2008
Honor roll students at the Ridgway Middle School have been announced for the first quarter of the academic year.
Highest honors, representing a grade point average of 3.8 or above, were given to eighth graders Kyle Cotton, Lacey Daley, Natasha Hill, Alma Johnson, Samantha Masker, John Peters, Quinn Strickler and Christopher Williams; seventh graders Grace Benasutti, Nathan Hagemeyer, Leta McNatt, Jack Middleton, Jennifer Pierce and Shea Wolford; and sixth graders Haley Burgess, Rane Dickerson, Avery Folsom, Marten Kendall, Danielle McKelvey, Quinlin McNatt and Mikayla Unruh.
Honors for a GPA of 3.2 or above were awarded to eighth graders Sophia Collier, Shannen McKelvey and Rosabel Rogers; seventh graders Jasmin Braund, Peter Hackett, Matthew Kleiner and Marcos Martinez; and sixth graders Jenae DeZeeuw, Keevah Falconer-McCarty, Graham Gould, Haley Hales, Ezekiel Hietala, Chasey Lichthardt, Robert Ragle, Syndee Kimmel, Luke Califano and Patrick Felberg.
Written by the Ouray Plaindealer staff
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
November 12, 2008
Honor roll students at the Ridgway Middle School have been announced for the first quarter of the academic year.
Highest honors, representing a grade point average of 3.8 or above, were given to eighth graders Kyle Cotton, Lacey Daley, Natasha Hill, Alma Johnson, Samantha Masker, John Peters, Quinn Strickler and Christopher Williams; seventh graders Grace Benasutti, Nathan Hagemeyer, Leta McNatt, Jack Middleton, Jennifer Pierce and Shea Wolford; and sixth graders Haley Burgess, Rane Dickerson, Avery Folsom, Marten Kendall, Danielle McKelvey, Quinlin McNatt and Mikayla Unruh.
Honors for a GPA of 3.2 or above were awarded to eighth graders Sophia Collier, Shannen McKelvey and Rosabel Rogers; seventh graders Jasmin Braund, Peter Hackett, Matthew Kleiner and Marcos Martinez; and sixth graders Jenae DeZeeuw, Keevah Falconer-McCarty, Graham Gould, Haley Hales, Ezekiel Hietala, Chasey Lichthardt, Robert Ragle, Syndee Kimmel, Luke Califano and Patrick Felberg.
Written by the Ouray Plaindealer staff
Friday, November 7, 2008
Assisted Living in Ridgway Colorado
Assisted Living Facility Proposed for Valley Zone
Written by Christopher Pike
Posted By:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Burn Rehab Center
RIDGWAY – The addition of an assisted living residence to the allowed uses in the county’s Valley Zone was considered at a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 27, with discussion centered on the exact definition of what that would be.
The request for the amendment to the Ouray County Land Use Code came from David Tabor, president of the Montrose-based Solid Rock Foundation Ministries. The ministry is considering the purchase of 102/104 Cutler Creek Drive in Ridgway, located directly adjacent to the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, for use as the Hope's Journey assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
Tabor called the Valley Zone the “most logical” location for the proposed facility. “Higher elevations could be more difficult,” he said. Tabor also pointed out that there would be size limits on the facility due to existing state regulations. “This type of residence would not overtake the county,” Tabor said.
The board of county commissioners’ public hearing was prompted by the Ouray County Planning Commission’s recommendation to add the definition for “Assisted Living Residence” to section 22 and 3.4 H of the land use code. The planners also recommended that a state licensing requirement for a residential facility be added to the code.
Public input last Monday concerning the amendment was generally favorable, though a letter from the Lane family, residents of the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, stated that vehicle traffic and the general bustle of activity emanating from the proposed facility would be disruptive and would negatively impact property values.
The discussion also turned to the possibility of expanding the amendment definition to include senior citizen facilities. Citing the approval of an assisted living and nursing facility in Ouray County by a previous board of commissioners several decades ago, Ouray resident Roger Henn asked the commissioners to address the future needs of seniors, including him and his wife Angie. “We need assisted living (in Ouray County). Who would want to live in Montrose? You need that and we need it badly!” Henn’s impassioned plea received a round of applause from the 35 members of the audience.
The parameters of the definition were also on the minds of county staff and officials. County Attorney Mark Deganhart said the proposed language could potentially include a halfway house or group home, which “could open up a whole panoply of uses that might exist as ‘assisted living.’”
“What I hear is a definition and unintended consequences and not necessarily this specific application,” said Commissioner Chair Keith Meinert. “With the right definitions I don't think there is anybody that is going to object to it.”
The hearing was continued to the commissioners’ meeting held Nov. 3 to allow Commissioner Heidi Albritton, who was away on vacation last week, to participate and vote on the proposed amendment. The results of that meeting were not available at press time.
Written by Christopher Pike
Posted By:
Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
Burn Rehab Center
RIDGWAY – The addition of an assisted living residence to the allowed uses in the county’s Valley Zone was considered at a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 27, with discussion centered on the exact definition of what that would be.
The request for the amendment to the Ouray County Land Use Code came from David Tabor, president of the Montrose-based Solid Rock Foundation Ministries. The ministry is considering the purchase of 102/104 Cutler Creek Drive in Ridgway, located directly adjacent to the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, for use as the Hope's Journey assisted living residence for severely burned and physically traumatized youth.
Tabor called the Valley Zone the “most logical” location for the proposed facility. “Higher elevations could be more difficult,” he said. Tabor also pointed out that there would be size limits on the facility due to existing state regulations. “This type of residence would not overtake the county,” Tabor said.
The board of county commissioners’ public hearing was prompted by the Ouray County Planning Commission’s recommendation to add the definition for “Assisted Living Residence” to section 22 and 3.4 H of the land use code. The planners also recommended that a state licensing requirement for a residential facility be added to the code.
Public input last Monday concerning the amendment was generally favorable, though a letter from the Lane family, residents of the Ponderosa Village Subdivision, stated that vehicle traffic and the general bustle of activity emanating from the proposed facility would be disruptive and would negatively impact property values.
The discussion also turned to the possibility of expanding the amendment definition to include senior citizen facilities. Citing the approval of an assisted living and nursing facility in Ouray County by a previous board of commissioners several decades ago, Ouray resident Roger Henn asked the commissioners to address the future needs of seniors, including him and his wife Angie. “We need assisted living (in Ouray County). Who would want to live in Montrose? You need that and we need it badly!” Henn’s impassioned plea received a round of applause from the 35 members of the audience.
The parameters of the definition were also on the minds of county staff and officials. County Attorney Mark Deganhart said the proposed language could potentially include a halfway house or group home, which “could open up a whole panoply of uses that might exist as ‘assisted living.’”
“What I hear is a definition and unintended consequences and not necessarily this specific application,” said Commissioner Chair Keith Meinert. “With the right definitions I don't think there is anybody that is going to object to it.”
The hearing was continued to the commissioners’ meeting held Nov. 3 to allow Commissioner Heidi Albritton, who was away on vacation last week, to participate and vote on the proposed amendment. The results of that meeting were not available at press time.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Locals get er done!
Locals just get projects done
Written by David Mullings - Ouray Plaindealer
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 31, 2008
Can do.
That's probably what I like best about living in Ouray County.
Sixteen years ago, a bunch of good people got together and formed the Mount Sneffels Education Foundation. The organization, which provides innovative programs that give students here fantastic learning opportunities, thrives today. MSEF is on its way to building a self-sustaining trust.
Seven years ago, a group of folks here saw an amazing piece of publicly owned land that was going unused. They jumped through a bunch of hoops, today, we have the Top of the Pines, an outdoor camp on Miller Mesa that serves as a dynamite outdoor education facility.
Five years ago, an emergency services shuffle squeezed the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team into a single garage bay. How did the all-volunteer group respond? With the help of a legion of supporters and some county-donated land, OMRT went out and built a wonderful two-story rescue center at the Ice Park. The team gained a certificate of occupancy last week, and plans an open house to show off the facility in mid November.
Can do.
Written by David Mullings - Ouray Plaindealer
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 31, 2008
Can do.
That's probably what I like best about living in Ouray County.
Sixteen years ago, a bunch of good people got together and formed the Mount Sneffels Education Foundation. The organization, which provides innovative programs that give students here fantastic learning opportunities, thrives today. MSEF is on its way to building a self-sustaining trust.
Seven years ago, a group of folks here saw an amazing piece of publicly owned land that was going unused. They jumped through a bunch of hoops, today, we have the Top of the Pines, an outdoor camp on Miller Mesa that serves as a dynamite outdoor education facility.
Five years ago, an emergency services shuffle squeezed the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team into a single garage bay. How did the all-volunteer group respond? With the help of a legion of supporters and some county-donated land, OMRT went out and built a wonderful two-story rescue center at the Ice Park. The team gained a certificate of occupancy last week, and plans an open house to show off the facility in mid November.
Can do.
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