New Business, New City Hall Location
New Meadows City Hall opened in its new location at the P. & I.N. Historic Depot on Wednesday, May 28. The Monday, May 26 regular City Council meeting included updates on the move, a design review for new business Roberts Greenhouse & Tree Farm, a presentation by Meadows Valley Rural Fire District, annual audit presentation, and other local updates.
Public comment included concern over speeding on South Heigho and request for improvements in communication specifically noting dust abatement. Currently notices are sent via the City’s weekly newsletter, text alerts, and some Facebook posts. Comment inquired about people who do not have cell phones or use online platforms and suggested putting notices at the Post Office. Mayor Julie Good said they would be willing to post notices there and would be interested in further feedback to help with communication. Mayor Good also said she would follow up with the Sheriff’s Office about offering greater patrol on S. Heigho and possibly moving the speed trailer to be more visible and useful. Further discussion on this topic is scheduled for the next meeting.
Chief Doug Buys presented two AED (Automated External Defibrillators) units to the City Council to be placed at City Hall and at the New Meadows Youth Center daycare. Chief Buys said the Fire District received a grant from St. Alphonsus to put AEDs around the community and provide free training. People interested in training can contact the station for further information. AEDs have now been placed at the school, Brown’s Mountain Market, and The Intersection Bar & Grill.
The Council also welcomed Kim and Teresa Roberts to present on their new business venture, Roberts Greenhouse and Tree Farm which will be opening Saturday, June 7 at 400 McLain Street next to the school. The Roberts have a great deal of experience growing plants and trees and want to share with the community. The greenhouse will offer annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets and in the future they plan to sell Christmas trees. The Roberts’ Grand Opening will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on June 7 and they are offering free hot dogs and lemonade while you shop that day. The Council commended this venture as a very positive thing for the community.
Jordan Sweigart presented the City’s 2024 Fiscal Year Audit noting they consider the City’s financials accurate and correct. A hard copy of the report was provided to the city and the public is welcome to view it.
Mayor Good’s report highlighted New Meadows Youth Center updates stating insulation and HVAC rough in have been completed, sheetrock is set to begin on June 9, and the outside cover for the playground that was donated by R&M Steel should be going up on June 23. The remaining funds were received from a grant of the Ann and Frank Cahouet Foundation for the youth center.
The Mayor also said the Mehen Memorial Skatepark committee is looking to begin on the ground work during the second week of June.
Mayor Good reported that she would be going to the Adams County Commissioners again to ask about further funding of the Goldline Bus project and expanding stops. In May, 429 people used the bus showing further proof that this project is a benefit to the community.
An enthusiastic thank you was voiced by Mayor Good for all the help received from volunteers during the move of City Hall to the Depot. She also noted that Rocky Mountain Signs was finishing up the City Hall sign to be hung under the existing Depot sign. The Freight Room in the Depot is still being retrofitted for screens and the audio visual equipment used for City Council meetings. June 23 will most likely be the first City Council meeting held at The Depot and a full Grand Opening for City Hall and the Historic Museum will be coordinated with the Adams County Historical Society for the near future.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the old City Hall.
