BOCC Meeting, July 15, 2026
Main Subject
The primary focus of the July 15, 2026 meeting of the Custer County Board of County Commissioners was Aspen Acres Fire status and support operations, approval of a workforce-housing developer agreement for the Village at Silver Cliff, an airport paving project, a grazing lease on reclaimed landfill property, acceptance of a donation for fire-related equipment, and routine financial items.
Summary
The July 15, 2026 BOCC meeting opened with approval of the July 6 special-meeting and July 8 regular-meeting minutes. Commissioners provided updates centered on the ongoing Aspen Acres Fire (approximately 99,000 acres, 36% containment, 1,767 personnel). The Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6 had assumed command from the Alaska team. Additional fire-related notes included establishment of a U.S. Forest Service heliport option in Custer County (closer to Lake DeWeese for faster water drops), Road & Bridge dust-control and grading priorities (water hauling from Lake DeWeese, future magnesium-chloride plans), fair preparations, and continued support operations in Wetmore (meal boxes and hydration).Under new business the board approved accounts payable totaling approximately $211,175. It authorized formalization of a grazing lease on a portion of the reclaimed north landfill property, approved (in substantial form) a developer agreement with Miracle West for the 12 county-owned lots in Silver Cliff dedicated to workforce/affordable housing (11 duplexes targeting ≤60% AMI), approved a $35,000 airport paving and sealing project outside the operations building, and adopted Resolution 26-34 accepting a $5,000 donation/grant from the Elks Lodge Foundation for posse equipment used or damaged in the Aspen Acres Fire (followed by related supplemental appropriation).
Key Points
Aspen Acres Fire Update
- Size: just over 99,000 acres; containment 36%; 1,767 personnel.
- Command transitioned to Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6 (Incident Commander Rich Cowger).
- U.S. Forest Service exploring a temporary or longer-term heliport in Custer County for large helicopters (significantly shorter turnaround to Lake DeWeese vs. Pueblo Reservoir).
- Road & Bridge prioritizing Airport Road / Citation Drive, then Rosita area and Hwy 69 corridor; heavy water application continuing; longer-term interest in an 8,000-gallon water trailer and magnesium chloride.
Workforce Housing – Village at Silver Cliff
- Approved developer agreement (in substantial form, blanks/exhibits to be completed) with Miracle West (nonprofit) for the 12 county-owned lots.
- Project: 11 duplexes (1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units) restricted to workforce/affordable housing at or below 60% AMI.
- Strong deed restrictions that travel with the property; land reverts to county under certain failure scenarios.
- Developer will own, finance, build, and manage; next steps involve Town of Silver Cliff permitting and zoning.
- Primary county benefit: additional workforce housing for local employees and reduced long-term maintenance/liability on idle lots.
Airport Paving Project
- Approved $35,000 contract for grading, base preparation, and hot-mix asphalt paving/sealing (approx. 5,500 sq ft pad + approach area outside the ops building / near fuel tanks).
- Fully within the airport’s existing budget.
Other Approvals
- Accounts payable: $211,174.90.
- Grazing lease on portion of reclaimed north landfill (Lake DeWeese / training-area side) authorized for formalization with the attorney.
- Resolution 26-34: Acceptance of $5,000 from Elks Lodge Foundation for Sheriff’s Posse wildland-fire equipment replacement/repair; related supplemental budget appropriation approved.
Summarized Transcription
OpeningBill Cand (Chairman):
“All right, everybody. This is Bill Cand, Custer County Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. It’s Wednesday, July the 15th, 2026, 9:00 a.m. … It’s a historic day. It’s my birthday today… Please stand for the pledge.”Fire StatusCommissioner Lucas:
“Fire is at 99,000 just over 99,000 acres. Containment’s at 36%. Total personnel is 1,767… The Northern Rockies complex… Team 6 has assumed command…”Village at Silver Cliff AgreementStaff / Barry:
“This agreement is for the 12 lots that the county owns in Silver Cliff… dedicated to affordable housing… Miracle West… allow that developer to claim ownership… deed restriction… 11 duplexes… 60% AMI…”Motion to approve the developer agreement in substantial form – approved.Airport Paving“Grade and excavate approximately about 5,500 square feet… 4 in of hot mix asphalt… total… 35,000.”Motion approved.Elks Donation“Resolution 26-34… $5,000 from the Elks Lodge Foundation… replacing posse equipment… Aspen Acres fire.”Adopted.
