The handful of audience members at Monday's special meeting had all cleared out of Town Hall midway through the agenda. The often-laborious assembly lasted nearly three hours.
Despite lengthy discussions, the legislative body managed to approve just five of its nine action items.
Two matters were tabled for workshops, including the proposed 2014 budget. After concerns were raised over a 75 percent increase in annual deficits and funding for downtown economic development, the $1 million budget was set for a seventh workshop on Dec. 4. Trustees must hold a public hearing and adopt the budget before a Dec. 11 deadline.
"We've never started a new year $385,000 in the hole," Trustee Queenie Barz said.
Town Administrator Andrea Phillips said residents could view and comment on the budget before public hearing at the town website, mancoscolorado.com.
Three residents voiced concerns over a proposal that would limit habitation of recreational vehicles. Phillips said the ordinance was needed to maintain public health and safety, enforce land-use codes and protect property values.
"We need some standards," Phillips said. "RVs aren't designed to be long-term dwelling units."
After a half-hour discussion, trustees were in consensus to return the proposal to planning and zoning commissioners. Officials were concerned about banning owners from parking RVs on their property.
"We should send it back to planning and zoning for clarification," Trustee Alan Rolston said.
Despite unanimously approving dual leadership post on the planning and zoning commission, frustrations inside an empty Town Hall quickly rose moments later over proposed changes to the land-use code. The body agreed to hold a joint workshop with commissioners in the new year to share specific directives in an attempt to strike a balance between economic development and maintaining the town's Old West charm.
Other actions taken by trustees include extending a retail marijuana moratorium through June, 30; seeking bids to install solar arrays at the water treatment plant; partnering with University of Colorado Denver to map downtown design; and seeking bids for lead-free water meters.
Normally held on Wednesdays, the trustees meeting was moved to Monday due to Thanksgiving. Trustee Todd Kearns was not in attendance.
