CLLA addresses procedural issues, appoints leaders

The County Livestock Loss Authority (CLLA) held a corrective action meeting followed by a special meeting this week to address procedural issues from a previous session and ratify past actions.

The initial corrective meeting was held in light of the Oct. 22 meeting not being properly noticed under the Open Meetings Act, according to XXXXXX. Board members approved a single motion ratifying agenda approval, prior meeting minutes, reports, budget actions, deferred depredation claims and the election of officers. 

Board members approved a single motion ratifying agenda approval, prior meeting minutes, reports, budget actions, deferred depredation claims and the election of officers. Items requiring further discussion — including Non-government organization appointee (NGO) and livestock representative appointments and several governance resolutions — were dismissed and scheduled for consideration at the subsequent special meeting.

Among the key actions taken during the special meeting, the board accepted resolutions from Catron and Socorro counties delegating authority to the CLLA to appoint NGO and livestock producer representatives. 

During the Oct. 22 meeting, Hayden Forward was elected chairman of the board, replacing Audrey McQueen, and was officially appointed as board chairman during this month's meeting, along with Sisto Hernandez as the NGO representative, and Tom Patterson as vice-chairman and the livestock producer representative.

The board also approved adding ex officio, non-voting members, former CLLA board members Audrey McQueen and Nelson Shirley to those roles.

During public comment, Grant County Commissioner Eddie Flores reported recent wolf sightings near State Road 211 outside Cliff and expressed concern for nearby residents and ranchers. Flores requested additional training for ranchers on wolf interactions and the depredation reporting process. Board members said they supported the request and committed to coordinating future outreach and training in the area.

“I don’t want my constituents to think that (the wolf issue) has fallen by the wayside,” Flores said. “I think it’s important that the CLLA provides training for those ranchers and folks that are going to or have come into contact with wolves in our area to receive a class on how to file a depredation report.”

The board also approved a one-time expenditure of up to $400 to modify the CLLA website, allowing the administrator to post agendas, minutes and official notices directly, a move intended to improve compliance with open meetings requirements.

Several governance resolutions were adopted, including revised policies on public participation, Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) requests, Open Meetings Act compliance, delegation of authority to the administrator, and parliamentary procedures. The public participation policy was amended to clarify reasonable limits on repetitive speakers while preserving equitable access to public comment.

In other business, the board discussed an unusually large equine injury claim involving veterinary and extended care costs. Members raised concerns about consistency in how claims are evaluated, particularly when comparing veterinary facility care with on-ranch treatment. The board voted to pay the initial veterinary and medication costs but tabled reimbursement for extended veterinary technician care until a standardized policy can be developed. That policy discussion is expected at the board’s next meeting.

The CLLA scheduled its next meeting for Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Sierra County Government Building.