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January 9, 2014 Elbert County, Colorado | Volume 118, Issue 50 A publication of
elbertcountynews.net
Revised oil, gas rules approved 17-page document opens door to increased exploration activity By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia.com After nearly three years of work — and a great deal of drama and controversy — the Elbert County Planning Commission unanimously approved new zoning regulations that will serve as a partial framework for future oil and gas exploration in the county.
The approval came at the planning commission’s first meeting of 2014, held Jan. 2 in Kiowa. The 17-page document that contains the new regulations is now available for public review. The regulations are expected to go before the Board of County Commissioners for final approval on Feb. 12. The new regulations, which define the difference between so-called “major” and “minor” oil and gas facilities, only apply to minor facilities and establish an expedited administrative approval process that will be defined in what county officials describe as “a standard MOU” — or memorandum of understanding — currently being fine-
tuned by county attorney Alex Beltz. “The MOU is not regulatory but rather a binding contractual agreement between the operator and the county agreeing to standards higher than those set forth in state regulations,” said Community Services and Development Director Kyle Fenner. Operators of proposed major oil and gas facilities will still have to go through a more complicated “special use by review process” that Fenner said would take at least six months to complete and involves required community “informational” meetings as well as various specific approvals from both the planning commission and the BOCC.
HAVING SNOW MUCH FUN
Up to now, all oil and gas companies wishing to operate in Elbert County have had to go through the same lengthy administrative review process. Those companies granted permits will still have to adhere to state-regulated development guidelines established by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. BOCC chair Robert Rowland emphasized the new MOU will not supersede existing state oil and gas regulations but will allow minor facility operators to expedite the approval process if they are willing to Oil continues on Page 14
Schlegel won’t seek re-election District 2 commissioner decides against pursuing second term on board By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Austin Gidley, 11, snowboards Jan. 2 in Elizabeth’s Brandt Park. Quenton Gidley, 8, prefers to do his sliding on a saucer. The brothers, along with other school-age children in Elizabeth, returned to the classroom on Jan. 7. Photo by George Lurie
New planning commissioners appointed Vacanies filled during special BOCC meeting By George Lurie
glurie@coloradocommunitymedia.com The Board of County Commissioners rang in the new year by appointing four new members to the county’s planning commission. Elbert County’s BOCC also reappointed Bob Ware to a full term.
The appointments were made at a special BOCC meeting held Jan. 2. BOCC chair Robert Rowland, who represents District 1, appointed Ware to a three-year term that expires in 2017. Ware had already been serving on the all-volunteer planning commission since mid-2013 after he was tapped to serve out the remainder of Paula Koch’s term. (Koch resigned her seat prior to moving out of state.) Rowland also appointed Paul Tanner to a seat on the nine-member planning com-
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mission. Tanner, a county resident for 15 years, is a local real estate broker who also raises and trains mustang horses. Tanner was appointed to serve out the term of former planning commission chairman Paul Crisan, who was abruptly dismissed from the planning commission in November amid charges of obstructionism and unprofessional conduct leveled by Commissioners Rowland and Kurt Schlegel. Tanner’s term on the commission will expire in January 2015. Crisan attended the Jan. 2 special meeting and attempted to address the BOCC just as the meeting was being adjourned. BOCC chair Rowland told Crisan the public comment period had already ended but did allow him to speak briefly after Crisan said, “I only have two questions.” “OK,” said Rowland as most of the people at the meeting, including the Planning continues on Page 14
Saying that his idea of public service is to “get in, do what you can and get out,” District 2 County Commissioner Kurt Schlegel confirmed on Dec. 31 that he does not plan to run for re-election in 2014. During his first three years in office, Schlegel has been a lightning rod for controversy. The blunt-spoken, retired Marine has been the target of lawsuits and a short-lived recall effort Schlegel in 2012. “I’ve done the best I can and think I’ve helped move the county forward,” Schlegel said. “I learned long ago that you can’t make everybody happy. I know not everybody likes me but I hope everybody respects me.” Schlegel, 56, said recently that he continues to spend more time than he would like “reacting” to accusations and criticism from constituents. “Going in to this, I knew what I was taking on and that it was going to be a difficult job,” Schlegel said. “I’ve never shied away from challenges…But now I realize why people don’t run for elected office.” Schlegel worked as a firefighter for much of his career — and was one of the earliest and most vocal proponents of the Tea Party in Elbert County. In addition to the $49,600-a-year salary he’s paid as a commissioner, he also owns a public safety consulting firm and travels frequently. “These last few years while I’ve worked for the county, I’ve taken a little hit in my bank account,” he said several months ago. “I’ve only got so many good working years ahead of me.” Schlegel said he informed his fellow commissioners and county Republican chairman Scott Wills of his decision several weeks ago. “I’m at a point in my life where my business is doing better and I can see some new doors opening for me,” Schlegel said. “I’ll finish out my fourth year and move on. It’s time to make way for other ideas and fresh faces.”