Delta, Region 10 reaffirm support of agriculture workforce

DELTA —  In an effort to help local farms maintain an agricultural workforce, Delta City Council and Region 10 this week adopted resolutions in support of easing visa-program restrictions for farm workers.

“The problem here is the lack of housing for the migrant workers,” said City of Delta Mayor Bill Seuell. “I think John Harold put it pretty succinctly when he said that without workers there would be no (sweet) corn. I would certainly hate for that to happen because I look forward it (the corn).”

Seuell said there would be a huge impact on the region if growers gave up the farm crop.

“There’s no downside to it (the resolution) whatsoever,” he said. “It’s important everybody over here is going to get on board because that’s what (Sen.) Salazar is going to look at.”

The city approved its resolution on Tuesday and Region 10 approved one on Thursday. The resolution adopted by Delta supported elimination of the word “permanent” so that the statutory definition of persons eligible for residence in farm labor properties is “citizens of the United States or persons legally admitted for residence.”

Both the Montrose Economic Development Corporation and Olathe’s Board of Trustees approved similar resolutions in February. They were among more than 300 resolutions and letters of support sent to U.S. Sens. Ken Salazar and Wayne Allard, the Daily Press quoted Tuxedo Corn Company owner John Harold as saying.

Montrose Mayor David White told the Daily Press that he and Montrose City Councilor Noelle Hagan would write letters of support for the resolution, after the city council fell short of two votes that would have adopted the resolution.

—

Other action taken at Tuesday’s Delta City Council meeting:

• Patrick Dearmin was appointed to the Planning Commission, Bill Raley was reappointed to the Planning Commission and Cindy Warren was appointed to the Delta Housing Authority Board.

The following items were approved:

• Tavern liquor license transfer of ownership for Hoolie’s Place

• 3.2 percent beer license renewal for Stop ‘n’ Save No. 8

• Removal of speed bumps on 1575 Road

• Awarding of Master Planning Services contract to URS Corporation

• Modular housing and modular commercial buildings constructed to current building codes be allowed in all zone districts; and that definitions for the buildings be added to Title 17

• First reading for council bill No. 3, misc. code changes

• Proclamation of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week