Statue set to move

Don’t worry, he isn’t planning an escape from the law again. The Sundance Kid will be moving from his pedestal outside the courthouse, but only because he will have a new home next to Old Stoney.

Moving the statue is part of the plan for the development on that block, which includes Old Stoney and Sundance Square, the park now under development next to the building. On behalf of the City of Sundance, Clerk Treasurer Kathy Lenz approached the county commissioners last week to make the request.

According to Lenz, the statue is currently owned by the Sundance Chamber of Commerce and is positioned on county property, which means there are three entities involved in the decision. However, all parties are amenable to the idea of moving it and to the city taking over ownership and responsibility for upkeep.

“It doesn’t look like there’s a dispute,” commented County Attorney Joe Baron, who said he had checked the original agreement and found wording that says 90 days’ notice must be given.

However, he said, the clause was intended for a situation in which the statue had fallen into disrepair and all parties can waive this notice provision and hold the public hearing sooner. This is necessary because the contractor expects to have completed Sundance Square by November, so the Kid needs to move before that time.

It was decided that the county, city and chamber would each hold public hearings at their meetings in September.

“That would give people three chances to voice their opinion,” said Lenz.