craigdailypress.com

Craig City Council members are torn between supporting the oil and gas industry and minding their own business.

On Feb. 8, Julander Energy spokeswoman Marianna Raftopoulos asked the council to send the Bureau of Land Management a letter of support for multiple use of the Roan Plateau. Specifically, Raftopoulos is asking the council to support oil and gas drilling on the top of the plateau.

Reed Morris with the Colorado Wilderness Network also attended the meeting and asked the council to consider its response carefully.

The BLM is seeking public comment on a management plan for the Roan Plateau through April 11.

"I think we need to stay out of it," Councilor Don Jones said at the Feb. 8 meeting.

On Tuesday, the Craig City Council and the Moffat County commissioners will meet in a workshop to further discuss whether to send a letter supporting drilling. During the workshop they also will hear a report on the 2005 Community Indicators Report and discuss a Great Outdoors Colorado Grant for Elkhead Reservoir.

The workshop begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers of Craig City Hall. The council's regular meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Agenda items include:

n Discussion of a recover agreement for 1233 Legion St.

n Awarding a bid for 2005 construction materials.and fire hydrants.

n Consideration of the first reading of Ordinance 947, a supplemental appropriation ordinance to carry into 2005 projects or commitments not accomplished in 2004.

n Hear the year-end financial report for 2004.