Interesting La Veta Town Board meeting last night. Still no resolution on Grandote disputes. Generally very orderly, but still a bit of a three ring circus. Board devotees were wearing red ball clown noses, with name tags saying “I support the clown board.” This was a response to Grandote owner, Dr. Briggs calling the town board, “clowns.” Emotions running heavy right below the surface. Clearly ringmaster Mayor Mickey Schmidt was taking “full control” of the situation, leaving many of the town board members little room to weigh in.

The first person to address the group was Bruce Cantrell, avid golfer and wonderful supporter of the “community of Cuchara Valley” and the programs here-arts and you name it. Very successful, smart businessman gentleman. He had done his homework. And in the process of making his presentation, he reported that he had met with his water attorney and water engineer (Cantrell has sown up huge, huge water rights along the Cucharas), Steve Witte, Division Engineer-Arkansas River Basin for the Colorado Division of Water Resources and Doug Brgoch, Cucharas Water Commissioner to discuss La Veta’s water situation. The La Veta “water situation”- what they have in water rights, how much storage did they have, whattheir rights will be once the Mexican Ditch is in their control. Cantrell indicated that La Veta had enough water in storage (if none were added) to supply the town for over one year. He then offered to pay for an independent water attorney and an independent water engineer to meet in a workshop with the La Veta Town Board, Witte, Brgoch and the town’s water engineer and attorney to finally lay to rest the town water situation. Get the facts out on the table so everyone understands. In this writer’s opinion, overdue, much needed move. Getting to the bottom of La Veta water and letting it shine in the daylight!

Cantrell also layed out a proposal to get the dispute settled so the golf course issues can be put to rest-maybe the course can reopen and we can move forward rather than being stuck in the muck. A cogent plan was put forth. Logical, relatively simple and straight forward. A “settlement.” Taken under advisement. No decisions. “We’re in litigation.”

Dwight Harrison then addressed the town board, carrying a settlement offer signed by Dr. Briggs and authorizing Dwight to present it. Dwight founded the golf course and Panadero Ski Area (later became Cuchara Valley then Cuchara Mountain Resort- now DEAD and rotting). He handed out the proposed settlement to the town board and town clerk and then read a prepared statement. Later he asked if he could just read the settlement proposal so those in attendance (including the press) could hear what was presented. That met with angst and concern as it was a legal issue and the town board was not in a position to “answer” the settlement proposal. Public meeting? Those in the public not aware of what was handed the board? Let the sun shine, let the sun shine in, the sun shine in. It was read then the positioning by the Mayor and board began. And some of the old, bad feelings the Mayor had toward Dwight Harrison came to light through the Mayor’s comments.

“The board will have to seek guidance and advise of counsel.” Makes sense. But litigators litigate. Don’t look for the town’s attorney to work toward a settlement. There goes the annuity.

A few comments from those gathered, but very evident that it was not appropriate to the town board. It is, after all, the Town Board’s meeting.

I have been around too much litigation in my career. Litigation is not productive. It’s like being the grass during an elephant fight. Elephants are the attorneys. In my opinion, it seems the Mayor is in it for the fight not a resolution. Appears to have deep seated anger with Grandote and its history and Dwight and Dr. Briggs. Years and years for the parcels (baggage) to pile up!

Let’s hope that this can bet SETTLED. And, let’s hope the Town Board takes Bruce Cantrell up on the workshop idea so once and for all, the citizens of La Veta know where they are with water. Not having to rely on legends.

The opinions and views are mine. Just that, opinions and views.

Dedicated to building the community not just brokering it! Steve Perkins, Broker Associate, Bachman & Associates. 719-742-3305 s.perkins@centurytel.net