The World Journal
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by Ruth Stodghill
TRINIDAD — With Mayor Karen Griego absent, the April 1 Trinidad City Council meeting was left in the capable hands of Mayor Pro Tem Aaron Williamson. Though the leadership baton was temporarily passed, the council tackled tourism initiatives, recognized long-standing community institutions, and heard from concerned residents.
Music, money, and momentum
One of the night’s key discussions centered on the Lodging Tax Advisory Board’s (LTAB) funding requests. Following city staff and LTAB members’ recommendations, the council approved funding for three major events aimed at drawing tourists to Trinidad. The Caveman Music Festival at Monument Lake Resort secured $5,000, the Fancy Spider Music Festival received a hefty $10,000, and the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Shorts was granted $2,000.
Council member Erin Ogletree and Interim City Manager Mike Valentine championed the Fancy Spider Music Festival, which Valentine described as a massive economic opportunity for the city. “Fancy Spider will bring 50-plus bands to various locations throughout the city, making it quite a profitable event,” he said. The three-day festival will feature performances at ticketed venues like Space to Create, the Sister Blandina Wellness Garden, the Marketplace, the Well Taphouse and Hotel, and the Trinidad Lounge. Meanwhile, free stages will pop up at the AR Mitchell Museum, Mutiny Cafe, and Moose’s Social Club, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a piece of the action. “This could potentially bring a lot of people to Trinidad, and that’s always a good thing,” said Valentine.
Milestones worth celebrating
The meeting also included two noteworthy proclamations celebrating longstanding community pillars. The First National Bank in Trinidad was recognized for its 150 years of service, dating back to 1875. The council officially declared May 2, 2025, as First National Bank in Trinidad Recognition Day, tipping their hats to the bank’s enduring support of the arts, education, and local businesses.
Trinidad State College also received well-earned recognition for its 100th anniversary. Since its founding in 1925, the college has grown from a small junior college into a respected educational institution. With programs ranging from its renowned gunsmithing school to the Trinidad State Invitational Basketball Tournament, the college has remained a cornerstone of local higher education. The council’s proclamation praised the college’s century-long commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Community concerns
The public comment portion of the meeting was not as rosy, with residents voicing concerns on a number of topics.
Dan Ruscetti expressed frustration over the lack of progress on several citywide projects, particularly the Central Park renovations. He questioned the city’s financial priorities, highlighting the disparity between funding for city projects and employee benefits. “The city’s willing to give away $130,000, but city employees couldn’t get their preferred insurance plan for $85,000 to $90,000. Is that fair? I don’t think so,” he said.
Retired Trinidad Police Department sergeant Anthony MacWaters weighed in on the city’s search for a new police chief. He argued that hiring from within the department would be more beneficial than bringing in an outsider through a talent management firm. According to MacWaters, promoting from within would ensure the new chief understands the community’s values and strengthen department morale.
In other business
The board also addressed the following items during the meeting:
• The council approved a Special Event Permit application (malt, vinous, and spirituous) filed by Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center for events May thru September.
• Also approved was a new Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturing Facility application filed by ISO99 on Freedom Road.
• Mike McNeil, Derek Thomas, and Mark Welch were appointed by the council to serve on the Trinidad Urban Renewal Authority board.
• A public hearing was held to consider an ordinance granting local landmarking designation to the property at 308 S. Chestnut Street. The property, built in 1907, was deemed historically significant by the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). With no public comments made during the hearing, the council proceeded with the second reading of the ordinance, which was unanimously approved, officially granting the landmark designation.
• The council approved the first reading of an ordinance to repeal and reenact Chapter 4 (“Animals”) of the City Code to better align with PACFA rules and regulations and improve the management of animal functions. A hearing date for further consideration was set for May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Additionally, the council held the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 10-5, Municipal Court – Appointment; Oath, Salary, Powers, to adjust fines and fees associated with dog and cat violations, also setting a hearing date for May 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
• Valentine noted that this would be his last regular meeting, as new City Manager Tara Marshall is slated to take over her duties at the helm of the city in the coming weeks. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and thanked the council for their support.
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