Steamboat Pilot & Today

Oak Creek — During her tenure as Oak Creek's police chief, Linda Koile has been asked by several residents about opening the town's shooting range to the public.

Koile brought the idea to the Oak Creek Town Board during its meeting Thursday night.

After discussing liability issues surrounding the shooting range, the board directed Town Clerk Karen Halterman to research the feasibility of allowing town residents to use it. The range historically has been used only for police training.

"Off and on citizens have brought it up that they'd like to shoot at that range instead of having to drive to Steamboat Springs or Yampa," Koile said Friday.

Koile proposed creating liability waivers that would reduce the town's risk when allowing residents to use the range.

Halterman said the issue likely will appear on a future agenda after she consults with the town's attorney.

"Maybe it can be a structured, supervised revenue-maker for the town," she said. "Right now the idea has just been brought up. It's certainly an idea to generate some opportunities for Oak Creek."

Koile agreed.

"We need more to do in Oak Creek," she said. "This could be a great idea for our citizens."

In other business, the Town Board on Thursday night:

n Tabled a hearing to approve a special event permit for the Oak Creek Labor Day Committee.

n Heard from Becky Wisecup regarding plans for a July fundraising event at the Colorado Bar and Grill benefiting the Labor Day Committee.

n Heard from Mike Yurich regarding past and upcoming Oak Creek centennial events.

n Heard about rural business enterprise grants available through the U.S. Department of Rural Development.

n Approved its April 26 minutes and April accounts payable.

n Agreed discussions about the future of Oak Creek's downtown commercial district should be included in ongoing discussions to update the town's comprehensive plan.

n Tabled a discussion regarding public works salary matters.