HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 ApplicationSTUVER & LEMOINE, P.C.
ATTORNEYS AT LA\^/
I20 \iYEST THIRD STREET
P. O. BOX 907
RIFLE, COLORADO 41650
THOMAS W. STUVER
DANIEL D. LEMOINE
Re:
February 14,2002
Mr. Don DeFord
Garfield County Attorney
109 3'h Sireei, Suiie 300
Glenwcoi Silrings, CO 8150i
Garfield School District No. Re-2/Peach Valley School Site
Dear Mr. DeFord:
As you know, I represent Garfield School District No. Re-2.
Some years ago. prior to acquiring what is now known as the "Peach Valley School Site", the
District complied with C.R.S . 22-32-124 by consulting with and advising the Garfield County
Planning Commission of the purpose of the intended acquisition. Now, the District is proceeding
with site development. It is the intent of the District to comply again with C.R.S. 22-32-124 and
submit a site development plan to the Garfield County Planning Commission for review and
comment prior to initiation of construction of the secondary school improvements.
It is the District's position that conrpiiance with C.R.S. 2'2-32-124 js ihe only requisite tc utilization
of this site for a secondary school. The District acknowledges that the County has general zoning
authority and that the County zoning code treats "community buildings, day nursery, and school" as
conditional uses in the agricultural/residential/rural density zone. (See Garfield Coun!,' Znning
Resolution, Section 3.02) However, it is our belief that the County zoning resolution does not apply
to schools owned and operated by a school district, which is a political subdivision of the State of
Colorado.
The purpose of this letter is to inquire whether you or the County Commissioners take a contrary
view ofthe obligations of the District. While the Board of Education will exercise its own discretion
in proceeding with this project, it wishes to respect the Ccur,i;':..jurisdiction and would prefer to
proceed with the knowledge.that our inierpretation of the applicable law is consistent with the
County's.
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TELEPHONE 970 - 625-1487
FAX 970 - 625-4444
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Mr. Don DeFord
February 14,2002
Page 2
Would you please confer with the Commissioners and advise me if the County takes a view of the
applicable law contrary to that espoused by the District?
Very truly yours,
STUVER &
Thomas W.
TWS/lsa
cc: Dr. Gary Pack, Superintendent
Garfield School District No. Re-2
J
.RECEIVED APR rJ 5 2OO?
281 No.7th Strect / P.O. Box 7O / S[t, CO 81652
Phone: 97o,-A76.-235Y- / Fax: 97O-876.-29,97
April 4,2002
Garfi eld County Planning Commission
109 Eighth Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Dear Fellow Commissioners:
This letter was commissioned in order to point out some issues surrounding the proposed
high school in Peach Valley near Silt. As you know, the Silt Planning and Zoning
Commission and the Board of Trustees have no jurisdiction in this area, but would like to
lend a hand in informing the commission of planning concerns that have been raised by
the public and by our own members. First and foremost, the issue of safety of our
citizens and community mernbers is of paramount importance. State Highway 6 &24
has no non-motorizedpath, or adequate shoulder width in many locations, with which to
safely transport bicyclists and pedestrians. Davis Point not only is a blind comer, but
also is very narrow at the retaining wall. There may be occasions when non-motorized
traffic is forced well off the road, perhaps in the ditch, in order to avoid an accident.
Since the Town of Silt struggles to pay for trails and sidewalks within its own boundaries,
might the Colorado Department of Transportation, the School District, Garfield County
and the Town join together to provide for safe roundtrip passage to the high school from
the Town?
Secondly, the town has passed an exterior illumination ordinance in order to preserve a
tranquil night community setting void of light pollution. The Silt Planning &Zonrng
Commission worked very hard to ensure that property owners within the town install
light sources that are directed so as not to produce glare or otherwise disrupt the small
town character. Understandably, there will be ball fields or other outdoor events that
must be illuminated. However, there are significant ways to reduce the impact of outdoor
lighting, while still maintaining a safe and secure atmosphere, and these measures should
be implemented.
Site planning is very important to the Silt Planning&Zorung Commission. One of the
issues that the town has struggled with is the improvement of commercial and residential
properties. One of the cheapest and most environmentally friendly ways to improve is the
addition of landscaping. Parking lots that have adequate landscaping interspersed
throughout the interior and on the perimeter are not only visually pleasing, but also
frrnction to absorb heat from the dark surface, as well as reduce pollution.
The Silt Planning &ZonrngCommission understands that the School District will have
many public meetings prior to the actual construction of the high school. It is important
that these meetings are well advertised and dispersed throughout the valley, so that
citizens have an opportunity to gather information, as well as to establish their concerns
Toutn oJf Silt
publicly. This Planning & Zoning Commission has tried to successfully function at
addressing "community-wide" issues, and appreciates this opportunity to assist. It is for
this reason that the town requests that this application come before the Silt Planning &
Zontng Commission.
Thank you for considering these requests, and as always, don't hesitate to correspond
with the Silt Planning &Zoning Commission through Janet Steinbach, Community
Development Director.
CC: Mr. Craig Ohlson, Town Administrator; Mr. Tom Stuver, Re-2 Attorney; Dr. Gary
Pack, Re-2 Superintendent; file
Very Yours Truly,
Robinson, Commissioner
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