Durango wants to extend a current intergovernmental agreement with La Plata County for development standards outside the city limits for three months to March 31, 2014, city officials proposed during a study session Tuesday.
The current intergovernmental agreement is set to expire Dec. 31.
County officials have made it a priority to adopt a new agreement by year’s end with County Commissioner Bobby Lieb vowing not to vote for another extension because he perceives the city to be dithering.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Julie Westendorff, who was speaking only for herself, said at a City Council session that she would be agreeable to an extension of Jan. 31 or sometime early next year but not as late as July 31 if the city committed to a schedule of completing the project.
After Westendorff left the meeting, Greg Hoch, Durango’s director of planning and community development, then suggested the March 31 target date, saying he needed to make a new land-use development code his priority because public forums and hearings are scheduled to start in September on proposed guidelines.
City officials also want time to research some legal issues such as which governmental body would have financial liability for fighting wildfires outside the city limits.
City staff members also want more time to discuss an IGA map with the council before it comes to vote. The next study sessions already are committed to discussing a new contract with Durango Fire & Rescue Authority and the land-use development code.
To clear up a point with the county, City Manager Ron LeBlanc thinks it is realistic that the city could annex open space and natural lands it purchased outside the city limits within the next three years.
Councilor Christina Rinderle said she is eager to put the IGA map behind her.
“It’s making me crazy,” she said.
jhaug@durangoherald.com
