Joint Stone Bridge meeting expected to run smooth

     As the March 28 joint meeting concerning Ely’s Stone Bridge approaches, the Jones County Supervisors discussed the format and outcome they’d like to see.

     During the board’s March 21 meeting, Supervisor Wayne Manternach said he spoke with the Conservation Department about possibly managing the site.

     “They were receptive to helping out,” he said. “They’re receptive to working with those involved.”

     Manternach said if the bridge site were turned into a roadside park of sorts, Conservation could work with the county to keep it maintained.

     “It was a very positive conversation,” Manternach said of Conservation. “They see this as an opportunity to get involved in the northwest part of the county.”

     Manternach said no decisions were final; the conversation was just very preliminary.

     In terms of the March 28 meeting, Zirkelbach said, “I don’t want it to turn into a fiasco. I want it to be organized and productive. I don’t want finger-pointing.”

     The meeting will be held in the courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse.

     The board would like to see a representative from the groups involved at the main table, speaking on behalf of their respective groups. Those entities include: Friends of Stone Bridge, the Stone Bridge Foundation, Jones County Historic Preservation Commission, the University of Colorado-Denver, and the county engineer.

     “A lot has already been played out in the local media,” said Zirkelbach of people sharing their points of view via letters to the editor. “We’ve heard their positions.”

     Of those groups represented at the table, their spokesperson would be given a set amount of time to offer their thoughts to the supervisors and the public present.

     It was asked whether those opposed to the saving of Stone Bridge should be given time to talk. “I’m guessing no one with any opposition would come forward,” said Zirkelbach of the popular vote to save the historic bridge.

     “All we’re doing at this point is gathering information,” warned Manternach of the point of the joint meeting.

     The board will also ask County Engineer Derek Snead to offer information about the cost to repair and/or replace Stone Bridge.

     “I’d like to know short-term,” said Joe Oswald, “what inexpensive repairs could be done so there is no further damage.”

     “I’d like to know what the expenses have been in the last 20 years,” said Manternach of the county’s cost for past repairs.

     While some in the public have expressed seeing work done to the bridge during the summer of 2017, Manternach said that is just too fast of a timeframe.

     “This board needs to decide what to do,” he said.

     Supervisor Lloyd Eaken asked what is the goal(s) behind each of the groups associated with Stone Bridge. And if any of these groups have raised money, what do they intend to do with it.

     “If we own the bridge,” said Manternach, “then the money should be turned into the county.” Manternach also reiterated the fact that the county will not allow anything to be done to Stone bridge without approval, and a signed contract, “even if it’s donated time,” he said.

     After hearing from those represented at the table during the March 28 meeting, the board will open it up for public comment, but only on issues that were not addressed during the meeting.