Saguache — As crews in Saguache continue to manage fallen tree limbs from the early-season snowstorm, trustees juggled other projects and funding ideas during the Saguache Town Board meeting on Sept. 21. In addition to trustee and staff reports, the meeting uncovered two unforeseen expenses.

As unexpected as the heavy snow, the Community Building renovation project and a beautification grant proposal will require more money.

Town Administrator Iris Garcia received a bid for updating the Community Building with details for improving the entrance. The trustees agreed to cover the extra $8,784 expense and asked Garcia for ideas to come up with the money.

“We have a slim budget,” Garcia explained. “I’m not sure where I would find it.” Garcia explained that a deferred paving project and unfilled part-time position might loosen funds. But she would need to investigate further to overcome the shortfall. Garcia also explained how the town will need to absorb administrative costs for the ScSeed Street Scaping grant proposal, and that too requires calculation before committing to the grant.

Trustees reviewed the report from Saguache County Sheriff Dan Warwick at the start of the meeting. The Sheriff’s department performs law enforcement duties for the town of Saguache (as well as Crestone).

During the citizens’ comment period, two residents raised questions about recent criminal activity in Saguache. Brian Chacon runs a security team and offered to discuss his services for the board’s consideration “at a future date.” Although the comments did not lead to discussion, the trustees recognized Chacon’s offer. Later in the meeting, Deputy Clerk Tina Sanchez mentioned finding drug paraphernalia in different parts of town.

Megan Gutwein and Steve Nguyen presented an augmentation agreement draft for managing Saguache town water credits. Gutwein said their usage analysis uncovered more credits from the Gotthelf Ditch into Saguache Creek. To meet replacement requirements for San Luis Creek and the Rio Grande, Gutwein said they estimate usage conservatively. They need to calculate credits and fees with actual numbers because it’s better to receive credits than fall short with not enough water for replacement.

“We have plenty of water to trade,” Nguyen noted, “It’s a swapping of credits.” Nguyen added that being a Subdistrict 5 member would be more complicated. He also said they would update the board with flow numbers, credits, and fees. To meet the sustainability requirement, “We’re trying to put dollar amounts with acre-feet,” Nguyen said.

Saguache Town Attorney Gene Farish conducted a public hearing to review the town’s Municipal Traffic Code. The board approved the code and will proceed with traffic-control measures (for example, stop signs).

Leigh Ann Buniger provided background for a memo submitted to the board regarding historic preservation. Buniger sought to survey residents about landmark designation for properties. Since Saguache is a Certified Local Government (CLT), the town can designate structures without going through the state organization. A previous project designated the 4th Street District, and this same process can be used for property owners.

Buniger noted that two public hearings are required before moving forward, but the goal is to seek interest first. Trustee Wyoma Hansen emphasized privacy issues. “We want to include everyone who might be affected,” Hansen noted.

The board scheduled a special session for Monday, Sept. 28, to approve audit results before the submission deadline on Sept. 30. The board also agreed to discuss options to cover administrative costs for the ScSeed Street Scaping grant proposal. Although the board previously approved pursuit of the $35,000 grant, they recently discovered that they need to bear the cost of administration