Monument issues broad moratorium to stop methadone clinic from opening

After weeks of heated debate over a proposed methadone clinic, the Board of Trustees in the town of Monument voted to issue an emergency moratorium to ban any clinic from opening in the specific zones of the town.

The moratorium will be in effect for six months and will stop any clinic from opening in the B and C zoning classifications in Monument while the board decides how to move forward in reviewing town codes to stop the methadone clinic from opening.

“It was the ideal scenario to try to collaborate and resolve this,” said Mayor Rafael Dominguez. “I think that the town made the right decision.”

During a special session Monday night, the board discussed the legal implications of a moratorium, stressing concerns the town could be sued by the methadone company, Colonial Management Group.

An attorney for Colonial Management Group told the board that his client opposed the moratorium on discriminatory and constitutional grounds.

Both citizens and members of the board expressed concern that the moratorium might affect existing and future pharmacies or medical practices, but ultimately the board took a broader approach in an effort not to single out the methadone clinic. Dominguez said the Board would continue to make adjustments to the moratorium as needed.

Meanwhile, some citizens have expressed their discontent with Dominguez and have begun efforts to recall him. Tom Allen, a founder of the group “No Methadone in Monument,” told KRDO NewsChannel 13 after the meeting Monday night that he will discuss the matter with other citizens before deciding whether to move forward in the recall.

“I don’t fully understand the rationale behind trying to recall me,” Dominguez told KRDO Newschannel 13. “What I’m going to focus on is doing what’s right for the people. If I end up getting recalled, that’s going to be the decision of the people and I will respect that decision.”

William Louis, an attorney hired by the group “No Methadone in Monument,” said he was pleased the board listened to the people and moved forward with a moratorium he helped draft.