ALAMOSA — Wednesday night’s meeting of Alamosa City Council was shorter than usual but no less interesting.  

Following comments by Richard Hubler, Alamosa County Land Use and Building Supervisor, plus Alamosa County Commissioner Vern Heersink and Alamosa County Coroner Joe Dzuris, members of Alamosa city council members agreed to the annexation of county property where a new building for Alamosa County Coroner Joe Dzuris is being constructed. Annexation of the property and waiver of associated fees for water and sewer taps by the city paves the way for the county to complete a much needed facility for the county coroner.  

When County Coroner Joe Dzuris stood at the podium, he briefly mentioned that he’s currently working in a storage container until the new building can be built. “I’m as grateful as I can be,” he said to council. 

Stephanie Sales, executive director of Alamosa Senior Citizens, then updated council on the organization’s activities over the past year, acknowledging all the work that was done before she assumed her position along with work that has been accomplished since.  

She said the organization is committed to being “a home and a hub of activity,” for the 300 members of the organization. Over the past year, the center has offered 250 fitness classes and are now also offering Tai Chi and Line Dancing. In December, they provided 229 meals, attempting to help fill the gaps created when the Area Agency on Aging had their funding cut. 

Sales then gave council a preview of “what’s coming,” in terms of demographics, with 20% - or one in five – residents in the county being over the age of 60 within the next five years. Sales talked about the increased need that is on the horizon as well as the challenges in being able to expand services, as needed. But, she added, there is also the benefit of wisdom that elders can offer others.  

Much of what the organization can offer comes down to funding, and Sales said the center has a $35,000 gap in funding. As a result, she is “looking for partners” in meeting that need. 

Sales also added that the seniors group has a trip scheduled to Mount Rushmore in September. 

Rachel James, director of Development Services for the city, provided a quarterly update on the downtown plan, highlighting the groundbreaking for the downtown hotel with a second boutique hotel in the works at some point in the future. She also said that the Opportunity Fund, which has been a strong source of funding for work in the downtown corrider, is “going away," which may slow down some of the projects currently in progress. James further mentioned that a building located at 432 Main “doing a face lift,” in preparation to be the new site of Billings Electric and Valley Lock and Security. James said the exterior construction will greatly improve its appearance. The city also expects to see a plan in the near future from the Alamosa School District that will show the part of the first floor to be devoted to retail space as called for in the building’s purchase agreement. 

As far as housing, James said, “Boyd School project is still moving forward,” and things are going very well at Horizon Heights.  

She also had strong praise for the Creative District Advisory Board, both for the things they had accomplished and those projects – including work on becoming a designated creative district – up ahead. The advisory board is seeking input and will have their next outreach meeting from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on June 10 in council chambers. The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback. 

Finally, city council passed on first reading an ordinance that requires pet owners to pick up the poop left by their pets both in public places and on property that is not theirs. City attorney Erich Schwiesow also mentioned that even those with pets who leave waste on their property are required to keep their property clean to avoid an excess of flies or spread of disease.