Situated in the center of town, the historic Galloping Goose No. 5 rail bus is the most recognizable icon of Dolores.
The town wants to keep it that way.
The Galloping Goose Society was formed to maintain and operate the piece of local railroad history, and a museum was established in its honor.
In the summer and fall, the Goose is transported to run on narrow-gauge railroads in Durango and Chama, N.M. Tracks from Mancos to Dolores and beyond were pulled up in 1952.
Though the Goose was restored and is operated by the Galloping Goose Society, the town is the official owner because it is on the bill of sale, said town attorney Mike Green.
"It's actually upsetting that they hold the bill of sale," he said. "It is proof of our ownership."
Green said a piece of unfinished legal business is signing lease agreement with the Goose Society to run and operate the rail car.
"It's a unique piece of town property in that it is classified as a train. It operates on other railroads, including out of state, but there is no agreement from us," Green said.
Town manager Lana Hancock said the lease is needed to firm up insurance liability.
"A lease spells out who is responsible for what," she said. "There are legal ramifications because it's a train that takes passengers."
In the 1980s, the Dolores Rotary bought the Goose but gifted it to Dolores so the tourist attraction would stay in town.
In the past, the Goose Society has asked the town to sell them the Goose.
"The fear is that if the town gives up ownership, it could be sold and leave town," Green said. "My recommendation is to not change the relationship and negotiate an operating lease."
Hancock said that by keeping ownership of the Goose, the town is protected if the Goose Society ever goes away.
"Merchants love the Goose because people stop in town to check it out," she said.
The Goose Society, Dolores Rotary and the town plan to meet at a workshop Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the issues.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
