Heather Alvarez says there isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't get the following question:
"Do you take credit cards?"
And Alvarez - town clerk and treasurer of Mancos - said she is usually disappointed because she has to answer, "No."
That will change this year. In May, the Town Board is expected to install the Caselle Express Bill Pay Module, something town trustees discussed Jan. 14 during the first regular board meeting of the year. Board members discussed plans for 2015 and went over 2014 reports.
"It's going to be huge for our citizens," Alvarez said.
Once the system is in place, people will be able to pay bills, tickets, building permits and business licences with a credit card.
"It really throws people off that we can't take credit cards," Alvarez told the board.
Board members also discussed future plans for the sewage treatment plant. The system is a delicate one and Mancos Public Works Director Robin Schmittel, suggested that a pamphlet be produced that will help citizens keep the system operating smoothly.
The board suggested that pamphlets will go home with water and sewer bills.
The pamphlet, for example, will explain that it isn't OK to dump grease or flush non-degradable wipes.
"Wet wipes and grease don't degrade," town Administrator Andrea Phillips said.
The town installed the multistage aerated biological process treatment plant near the corner of Riverside Avenue and Monte Street about two years ago.
The system, which uses bacteria to eat organic human waste, has had some complaints about the odor.
Schmittel told the board last week that he is still working on perfecting the plant.
Phillips admitted that there are no similar plants in the state.
"I think that is why we got the grant, so they could see how a system like this would work here," Phillips said.
Also last week, board members discussed upcoming workshop topics. It was suggested that they discuss marijuana ordinances.
"We continue to get calls from people wanting to open up a cultivation site," Phillips told the board. "Do we want large grow facilities?"
What's next
The Mancos Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to meet Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Board members are expected to hold a public hearing on the historic preservation code and to readopt the three-mile plan for annexation.
Board members also are expected to hold a public hearing on the criminal penalties for land-use code violations.
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets in the Mancos Town Hall.
