Metro counsel rehired

Thomas Mullans has served the district since 1982

By MIKE SPENCE
The Pueblo West View

Longtime metro district Legal Counsel Thomas Mullans and his firm were rehired for two more years.

The previous contract for Mullans' firm, Mullans, Piersel & Reed, expired at the end of May. The job was put up for bid and one other law firm, Buxman, Kwitek & Ohlsen, sought the job. Buxman, Kwitek & Ohlsen is a firm of six lawyers that includes current Pueblo County Commissioner Jeff Chostner.

From an economic standpoint, Mullans' firm won the bid, charging $150, compared to $185 for Buxman, Kwitek & Ohlsen. But the major factor in the selection was Mullans' experience.

He has served as the district's legal counsel for 27 years. Few lawyers in the region have more experience working with special districts. Mullans' ties to the district provide it with continuity, which is especially valuable at the moment. The metro district is in the process of suing Pueblo County over its 1041 permit that requires Pueblo West to participate in the Pueblo Flow Management Program if it wants to be part of the Southern Delivery System.

Also, three of the metro district's current board members are facing a recall election on Aug. 18. Mullans' knowledge of district operations and obligations is expected to be a stabilizing factor in a time of turbulence in the district.

Even with a contract, Mullans said he works at the pleasure of the board. "I've always told them, I'll serve as long as they want me to," Mullans said. "If they don't want me, I don't want to be here."

In other action, the board:

• Heard a report on the repaving project set for West McCulloch Boulevard.

Surveying of the area is almost complete, and bids are expected to be sought on Aug. 1, with the board getting the bids for approval in late August.

The project is expected to start around mid-November and be completed in six weeks.

• Heard a request from resident Randy Trujillo asking for distance markers to be installed at Cattails Crossing.

Trujillo said many residents walk around the pond and would like to know how far they are walking.

The board was informed that the Parks and Rec Department, in cooperation with the Pueblo West Rotary Club has already ordered the signs and is planning to install them in the near future.

Metro board member John Van Auken told Trujillo the official measured distance around the pond is one-third of a mile.

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