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GCE partners with Xcel for new energy program
Sun
Volume 8, Number 27 | August 11, 2016
Pokémon arrives
Sopris Sun Staff Report
T
he communities, businesses and residents of Garfield County are well ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing energy efficiency and alternative sources of energy, according to a press release from Garfield Clean Energy. In the coming months, residents can expect to see more opportunities come to light through participation in Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program, a two-year effort to craft and begin implementation of a county-wide energy efficiency and renewable energy plan. Partners in Energy provides communities in Colorado (and Minnesota) free services to develop an energy plan and assistance implementing it, according to the Xcel Energy website. Partners in Energy was first introduced in 2014 to bring the expertise of Xcel Energy together with local partners to build a plan tailored to a community. Garfield Clean Energy was selected this year to participate in Partners in Energy, which means that Xcel Energy will work with GCE and local stakeholders to create and implement a plan that builds on the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs already offered by GCE and its partner utilities. Garfield Clean Energy is a clean energy collaborative consisting of all the towns/cities in Garfield County, plus Garfield County government, the Roaring Fork Transit Authority and Colorado Mountain College. Xcel Energy provides energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. “Just like many areas across the state, Garfield County recognizes the need to review how it uses energy and seek ways to become more efficient. Through Partners in Energy, we will collaborate with the county to develop a unique plan specific to its needs and long-term energy goals,” said Jerome Davis, regional vice president at Xcel Energy-Colorado. Work was scheduled to begin on Aug. 11 with a stakeholder workshop at the New Castle Community Center (423 W. Main St.). The workshop runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two more stakeholder meetings will be scheduled later this year. STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS page 7
Pikachu was seen wandering the streets of Carbondale on First Friday and it appears as if #4 was overjoyed at the sight of the Pokémon character. Pikachu actually does double duty as Sweet ColoraDough’s mascot, whom they call PokeDough. Photo by Jane Bachrach
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Carbondale Commentary The views and opinions expressed on the Commentary page do not necessarily reflect those of The Sopris Sun. The Sopris Sun invites all members of the community to submit letters to the editor or guest columns. For more information, e-mail editor Lynn Burton at news@soprissun.com, or call 510-3003.
Not much of a race in Colorado HD 57 OPINION
A friend of mine complained, overwhelmed by life’s islative session after the Colorado Supreme Court had ruled demands, that “everything seems important, but not in favor of a lawsuit that could have, and may still result in, very.” He was obviously having problems sorting out large refunds of taxes previously paid. Our communities dehis priorities. pend on those grants so I was strongly in support of mainI always intend to use the summer studying issues left taining the funding stream. over from last year’s legislative session and prepare for I think we, as a state, have to face up to the unsusnext year, but I get swamped with opportunities to walk tainable growth of the state share of Medicaid costs. It’s in parades or visit with local government or just talk obvious that if those costs grow faster than our revenue with constituents. And this summer is even more intense collections, other spending, notably education, gets because there really are some big issues in our state and squeezed. There are Medicaid reform measures that have our region, and all anyone wants to talk about is the been implemented in other states that we must consider. presidential election. I try to avoid that conversation and I continue to be involved in reforms to K12 finance pretend I don’t know who’s running for president. You to make sure our schools have adequate funding. the have to have some sense of priority. We’re about to find out which ballot measures will be By Bob Rankin Speaking of priorities, we just got the results of a study on our November slate. I’ll review the ones that obtained required by a bill that I co-sponsored. We asked the state inenough signatures in next month’s column. surance commissioner to study whether one statewide health insurance Local and state elections are heating up. Take time to decide rate would help us lower the costs of private individual and group insur- which candidates you support. I try to keep this writing non-parance in Western Colorado, some of the highest in the nation. Some fam- tisan but … vote for me, I’m running unopposed. ilies are paying more for health insurance than they pay for rent. We have So if I can avoid watching cable TV news and talking about the presnine rates in the state, related to geographic areas. We pay 40 percent idential race, maybe I can move the needle a little bit on the people’s more than Boulder. Led by a motivated group of county commissioners, business in Colorado. In any event, Joyce and I are both motivated us Western Slope legislators are determined to improve this situation. and involved and we appreciate the opportunity that you’ve given us While one rate would dramatically lower our costs, it’s a tough political to serve. battle, since one statewide rate would raise some Front Range costs. I was pleased that my Joint Budget Committee, in a special meeting Rep. Bob Rankin, Colorado House District 57, writes the monthly on Aug. 1, released $20 million of severance tax funds to be used for column “Under the Dome” hoping to inform and engage the congrants to local governments. We had frozen those funds late in the leg- stituents in his district. He serves on the Joint Budget Committee.
Under Dome
State school board looking at CMAS results
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ank you to our SunScribers and community members for your support! It truly takes a village to keep e Sun shining.
OPINION
Much to do This month ends a full year during which I’ve had There is much to do before the calendar year ends. the honor to serve the Third Congressional District on Our August meeting will be held in Grand Junction, the Colorado State Board of Education. which is a great way to show off the beauty of the ColIt’s been a busy an exciting chapter in my life-long orado West. Unfortunately, the board can’t easily get experience and devotion to education. there. Glenwood Canyon is closed for rock mitigation We’ve had a lot of interesting discussions and votes. on Aug.10-11, the dates of the board meeting. Choices One of the most important decisions we’ve made as a for travel include driving through Craig or over Indeboard, and my first important vote, was to select a new pendence Pass through Aspen. Either way, they will excommissioner. Following four months, he resigned. Our perience the beauty of Colorado. The board meeting will acting commissioner, Katy Anthes, is doing great work be held at Colorado Mesa University and, as always, is with a seamless transition into her role. open to the public. For the first time, some schools and districts that Highlights of the upcoming board meeting include have been on the five-year accountability clock are up the results of the Colorado Measure of Academic Success for review in 2017. Schools and districts that have failed the to improve student achievement for five years must subBy Joyce Rankin (CMAS). These are results from tests administered in the spring of 2016 and will provide a statewide picture of mit an improvement plan prior to July 2017. Some present their plans earlier in order to more quickly demonstrate im- how our students are progressing academically. These results always provement. The Pueblo 60 School District was in this category and get news coverage and public attention. Watch for them next week. The board will also hear a presentation from the Colorado Descheduled to present while the board met in Pueblo last month. The Pueblo board said they needed a little more time to get ready for the partment of Education (CDE) regarding the federally administered presentation and is now scheduled for a September appearance. Since Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Last month CDE pointed out our July meeting, the superintendent and chief financial officer left the major inconsistencies between the law passed by Congress and the district. With students returning to school this month, Pueblo will be rules subsequently created by the Federal Department of Education. facing some additional challenges that we are closely following. STATE SCHOOL BOARD page 7
Across Street
Correction Last week, The Sopris Sun gave incorrect citations for four sections of the Colorado Mountain College Policies and Procedures manual. The correction citations and the content are as follows: 2.1.2: Cultivates a sense of group responsibility. The Board is responsible for excellence in governing. The Board is the primary initiator of governing policy. The Board uses the expertise of individual members to enhance its effectiveness as a collective body.
2.1.3: Enforces upon itself the discipline needed to govern with excellence. Discipline applies to matters such as attendance, preparation for meetings, policymaking principles, respect of roles, and ensuring the continuance of governance capability. 2.1.7: Acts as a unit. Expression of individual thoughts, ideas, and points of view is to be respected and encouraged as integral to the Board’s ability to forge its collective values. However, each Board Member supports the final determination
2 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
of the Board concerning any particular matter, regardless of the Member’s personal position concerning such matter. 2.1.10: Supports and advocates for the College. The Board recognizes its role as an essential link between the College and the communities it serves. The Board promotes the College in the community, and seeks support for the College from local, state, and national policy makers. The Board of Trustees supports the CMC Foundation through participation in giving and community fundraising activities.
To inform, inspire and build community. Donations accepted online or by mail. For information call 510-3003 Editor: Lynn Burton • 970-510-3003 news@soprissun.com Advertising: Kathryn Camp • 970-379-7014 adsales@soprissun.com Reporter: John Colson Photographer: Jane Bachrach Graphic Designer: Terri Ritchie Delivery: Tom Sands CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS board@soprissun.com Barbara Dills, President Debbie Bruell, Secretary Colin Laird • Cliff Colia Diana Alcantara • Matt Adeletti • Olivia Pevec The Sopris Sun Board meets regularly on the third Monday evening of each month at the Third Street Center. Check the calendar for details and occasional date changes. Honorary Board Members Denise Barkhurst • Sue Gray David L. Johnson • Laura McCormick Jeannie Perry • Trina Ortega • Frank Zlogar Founding Board Members Allyn Harvey • Becky Young • Colin Laird Barbara New • Elizabeth Phillips Peggy DeVilbiss • Russ Criswell
The Sopris Sun, Inc. • P.O. Box 399 520 S. Third Street #36 Carbondale, CO 81623 970-510-3003 www.soprissun.com Send us your comments: feedback@soprissun.com The Sopris Sun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Donations to The Sun are fully tax deductible.
Trustees air out AirBnB, short-term rental concerns Staff to make recommendations By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer The Carbondale Board of Trustees did not quite come up with a final response to the town’s “short-term-rentals” (STRs) problem at Tuesday night’s trustee meeting. But they did informally conclude that the official response will be to impose restrictions on “non-owner-occupied” houses that are rented out to vacationers, and avoid placing any such restrictions on “owner-occupied” properties where the owners are renting out rooms to help out with family-related expenses or simply to earn a little income while away on family vacations or other absences. That, the trustees told planners Janet Buck and John Leybourne, should be the substance of regulations aimed at preventing a loss of locally-oriented and affordable housing in favor of more profitable commerce in the vacation-rental sphere. And once a new set of regulations about short-term vacation rentals is in place, suggested Acting Mayor Dan Richardson, it will be up to the town staff and the trustees to watch the matter closely in case Carbondale finds itself subject to a sudden rush of house purchases by speculators hoping to cash in on the short-term-rental market. Discussion of the matter came on the heels of a similar debate held at a recent planning and zoning commission (P&Z) meeting, during which the P&Z members asked,
“what is the problem we’re trying to solve?” according to Planning Director Buck.
The issues The issues, acknowledged by the trustees as well as the P&Z, are two-fold — find a way to limit the negative impact of STRs on residential neighborhoods, whether from parking congestion, noise or other disruptive influences; and figure out what the town can do to prevent the loss of affordable rental housing (or even for-purchase homes) to the growing vacationrental industry. “We’re losing community” if the trend is allowed to continue unchecked, declared Trustee Katrina Byars, whose personal life recently has been troubled by the difficulty of finding rental housing in Carbondale. But there is an inherent difficulty in trying to restrict what homeowners can do with their property, several trustees noted. Trustee Ben Bohmfalk, for example, suggested that the town’s codes have no provisions with which to do what the BOT wants to do, and that the crafting of such provisions might prove to generate unintended and possibly troublesome consequences. “There are no tools (for this kind of thing in the town’s code book),” he told his fellow trustees, and suggested the best thing might be to let the market “take care of itself” in terms of the ultimate market for STRs here in Carbondale. “I think there is a limit to the market for these in town,” Bohmfalk said, “and I think we’re seeing a testing of that limit.” But Byars noted that the real issue is the loss of affordable-housing stock, and stated,
“rental units being converted to AirBnBs is continuing,” adding that she was told of one such conversion only recently. Buck, noting the P&Z appeared concerned about overreaching the town’s proper role in such matters, added, “I think the P&Z’s thought was, right now, handle this with a light touch.” A significant portion of the trustees’ discussion centered on the difference between a bed & breakfast, which must go through a somewhat rigorous approval process, and an AirBnB, for which the approval process might involve simply a staff decision about issuance of a conditional use permit, a relatively minor review process. Bohmfalk suggested the town must be careful to offer “consistency” in its regulations concerning these types of businesses, or risk making it more “onerous” to start up a B&B than it is to create an AirBnB at one’s home. He asked Town Manager Jay Harrington what it is that makes a property a B&B, rather than an AirBnB, since both commercial activities involve the rental of rooms in a private residential property. Harrington, somewhat nonplussed by the question, muttered softly, “I didn’t want to touch this one” with a grin, before explaining that the difference between the two types of businesses is murky but that B&Bs are specifically defined in the town’s development review codes while AirBnBs are not. “The B&B is a defined thing, and this (the proposed new regulation) was trying to backfill” to provide for both kinds of land uses.
(Editor’s note: Airbnb is a privately owned company that operates an online marketplace to list, find and rent vacation housing, according to the company Website). A B&B requires a Special Use Permit, which involves more expense and complexity than the Conditional Use Permit route being suggested for AirBnBs. Harrington, who has rental properties in some of the communities he has worked in previously, told the trustees frankly that if he were to buy a property here with an eye toward renting it out, he probably would opt for an AirBnB. After some discussion, the trustees concluded that one significant difference between B&Bs and AirBnBs is that the former involves renting out rooms to unrelated clients, where the latter often involves renting out an entire building to a single party for days or even weeks. The trustees also decided they were not interested in creating hassles for homeowners who might want to rent out a room to make a little extra income. “I think the owner-occupied (business model) is a little bit easier for me to swallow,” said Trustee Marty Silverstein. Byars suggested imposing a maximum cap on the number of non-owner-occupied STRs in town, an idea that some trustees favored, although it did not make it into the “directions” provided to Buck and Leybourne. The proposed regulation, which would affect only non-owner-occupied STRs, will go first before the P&Z, then come back to the trustees at a future meeting.
Recent assaults prompt safety discussion By John Colson Sopris Sun Staff Writer Carbondale’s elected leaders on Tuesday continued an ongoing discussion about installing lights along town streets, trails and paths that historically have been dark sections, out of a concern for public safety stemming from recent nighttime attempted sexual assaults and other problems. Discussions about public safety have taken on added urgency following reports by women of attempted sexual assault in recent weeks, and Trustee Ben Bohmfalk announced at the trustee meeting that the town’s Bike/Pedestrians/Trails Commission recently talked about the need to provide better lighting on trails and streets, particularly along the Rio Grande Trail. “That’s a pretty obvious dark spot,” Bohmfalk said, though he acknowledged that recent assaults had taken place elsewhere. Caution was advised, however, by Trustee Frosty Merriott, who noted that the town has long prided itself on having a starry sky above at night, with little interference from the lights of town. “I do know that we are throwing off a lot more light into the night sky than we used to,” Merriott said, adding that “there's a balance there that we need to be aware of.” And Police Chief Gene Schilling, while acknowledging that recent attacks are cause for concern, stressed that Carbondale is not a community plagued by violent crime. Citing national statistics about violent
crime that he has researched recently, he said, Basalt and Carbondale fall at the lower end of cities and towns in terms of such crimes. A black bear on the Rio Grande Trail near According to statistics kept by the Federal Catherine Store slowed bicycle traffic, but also Bureau of Investigation, Schilling said, where created some photo-opps, last Saturday aftera value of 1 is “the best ranking,” meaning noon. There was also at least one bear sighting the lowest incidence of violent crime, Carin the last week or so on Greystone in Crystal bondale was ranked 24th and Basalt was Village. Photos by Sue Gray ranked 21st, while Glenwood Springs and Aspen were “in the mid-sixties.” Plus, Schilling said, a review of local crime reports indicated that, between Jan. 1, 2014 and now, the town has experienced only two assaults by “unknown suspects,” along with one that began as a Facebook friendship and later turned into an assault that remains unsolved. Schilling took the statistics to mean, generally speaking, “We're still doing pretty good” in terms of the relative crime rate here as opposed to larger communities. “But we can always try and improve safety, with lighting or whatever,” Schilling agreed. Trustee Katrina Byars said more lights are needed to provide safe passage particularly for women walking along the town's trails and streets at night, calling the dark areas of town “a very immediate and alarming” problem for lone pedestrians. “I really want to have a public safety plan,” she said, asking that it be put on a future agenda for discussion and action. Acting Mayor Dan Richardson, while agreeing a discussion may be warranted, said he was not meaning to imply that the comTOWN SECURITY page 15 THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 3
Be bear aware
Town Briefs
Cop Shop
Farmers’ Market moves to Main Street
From July 28 to Aug. 4 (including Mountain Fair), Carbondale officers handled 299 calls for service. During that period, officers handled the following cases of note:
Sopris Sun Staff Report
FRIDAY, July 29: At 7:40 a.m. police received a report of a vehicle/pedestrian accident near the intersection of 7th and Main Streets, in which an unidentified young girl was hit as she crossed the street in the middle of the block. The girl was taken to Valley View Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Investigation by police showed that the 39year-old male driver was driving on a revoked license (due to prior drunk driving convictions) and was wanted on two separate warrants. The driver was charged with careless driving causing injury, driving under revocation and the warrants, and was taken to the Garfield County Jail.
The Wednesday Evening Farmers’ Market, which had been held in the parking lot behind the Carbondale Recreation Center from 4-8 p.m., has moved, according to Town Manger Jay Harrington in his weekly report to trustees, staff and others. There were reports that the market was not getting the kind of customer numbers its organizers had anticipated, perhaps due to the rather out-of-the-way location. The new location is at the 4th Street Plaza & Park, which also is where a farmers market has been held for years but earlier on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m. The evening market will be set up after the end of the daytime market, meaning the plaza will be the site of a farmers market from mid-morning to late evening every Wednesday through the growing season. In other news from Harrington’s report: A weekend of music looms in Carbondale’s immediate future. The KDNK Blues & BBQ bash will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 13 at 4th Street Plaza and Park. The third in a series of summer concerts sponsored by Steve’s Guitar and funded by the town, will be held on Aug. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sopris Park. The fourth summer gymkhana rodeo for kids will be held on Aug. 14, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Gus Darien Riding & Roping Arena on Garfield County Road 100 east of Carbondale. Town workers were kept busy with the aftermath of the 45th annual Carbondale Mountain Fair, held over the last full weekend of July, helping to dismantle the facilities and rehabilitate the turf at Sopris Park — aerating, fertilizing, repairing broken irrigation lines (vendor tent-stakes were
the culprits), according to Harrington. The street crew “began hauling the many years of collected debris from the lower end of the wastewater treatment plant,” Harrington wrote, as part of the ongoing cleanup of town facilities. For anyone who drove past the Gus Darien Riding and Roping Arena last Sunday, and wondered what all the rodeo-type activity was, the facility was rented out for “a Mexican Rodeo and Concert,” Harrington reported. The event was scheduled to take place from 4 to 9 p.m., and private security was hired by the event managers. The bid opening for contractors interested in building a roof structure over the grandstand bleachers at the riding arena was scheduled for Aug. 9 at 1 p.m., Harrington wrote. Sales tax collection for the month of July was down .3 percent (three-tenths of a percent) from the same month in 2015, the town finance department has reported, with the added statement that “collections were almost the same as last year,” Harrington wrote. Year-to-date sales tax revenues, which make up the majority of the town’s annual revenue stream for the General Fund, were up by 5 percent for January through July, Harrington’s memo stated. The Nettle Creek water treatment plant experienced some problems last week, and currently is operating at only 50 percent of capacity. The Roaring Fork plant, however, is operating at full capacity and got the town through the period of the Nettle Creek problems. At the Carbondale Police Department, long-time administrative assistant Vickie Walton is retiring, and the town is advertising for an open position in the department’s front office. The deadline for applications is Aug. 19.
SATURDAY, July 30: At 12:13 p.m. police took a report from an unnamed citizen who maintained that her friend, also not identified, was being “threatened and harassed by a male party on Facebook.” No action was taken, police reported, “due to lack of cooperation by the victim.” SATURDAY, July 30: At 3:04 p.m. police were notified by personnel with the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) about a man who had passed out in the back of a bus and then refused to get off the bus when asked to do so. The man again refused to leave when directed to do so by a police officer, and was arrested on charges of trespassing, obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest. SUNDAY, July 31: At 2:38 a.m. police stopped a vehicle for weaving, and subsequently arrested the 31-year-old driver on a charge of drunk driving. SUNDAY, July 31: At 12:09 p.m. police were contacted by a store about a baggie of suspected drugs that was found near the self-checkout section of the store. The baggie was turned over to police, who tested it and reported it reacted positively for the presence of cocaine. There were no suspects reported at the time.
Most A Awarded warded Theatr Theatre e in the State! at the Hurst Theatre
8 RY
HENRDS AWA
Pitkin County’s Healthy Rivers Board is currently accepting grant applications for projects and programs that benefit the Roaring Fork drainage and preserve water rights on the Western Slope. DEADLINE IS AUGUST 31, 2016
July 15-Aug. 13 Buy Tickets Now!
www.TAtix.co | 970.300.4474 4 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
Please visit pitkincounty.com/healthyrivers for grant criteria and more information email healthyrivers@pitkincounty.com.
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 5
Scuttlebutt
Send your scuttlebutt to news@SoprisSun.com.
DJ Trizz does Rio Olympics
Bread baking news
DJ Trizz (aka Aaron Markham) is a busy guy at the ongoing Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Roaring Fork High School alum is music director at the swimming venue, which means he’s pumping tunes between the races. “The music you hear on TV is not his,” said his dad, Joe Markham. DJ Trizz sets up on the venue’s deck level, which means the swimmers walk right past him on their way to the medals podium. Joe said a total of five DJs from Colorado are playing the Olympics, including Aspen’s Naka G.
The next baking session at the Carbondale Bread Oven takes place on Aug. 13. Bread will go in at 1 p.m. so bring your loaves over. If you don’t feel like baking but want to be there and enjoy the vibe, think about bringing some butter, jam or anything else to share. The Carbondale Break Oven is located on the south side of the Third Street Center.
All talk, no action Pitkin and Gunnison counties, and the town of Marble, held a meeting to discuss Wild & Scenic status for the Crystal River on Tuesday night. The meeting took place at Marble Town Hall and lots of folks attended, although no formal action was taken on the part of Gunnison County or the Town of Marble. More meetings are planned in the future, although probably not until next spring. The Crystal River Environmental Protection Association is spearheading the Wild & Scenic effort for a 40mile stretch from above Marble to a few miles south of Carbondale. Federal Wild & Scenic designation would prevent dams from being built on the 40-mile stretch.
Mt. Sopris 4-H members competed in an array of events at the recent Garfield County Fair. Avery McLaren (top) scored well enough in archery to qualify for state competition in Pueblo. Aubrey McLaren competed on her horse Dancer. Photos by Wendy Hayden
New kind of beer run Roaring Fork Conservancy’s FishSpring takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 Aspen’s Wilton Jaffee Sr. Park. Get there before 6 p.m. to grab your race bib, drink beer and gather your fishing gear. At 6 p.m., contestants will run up the trail along the river, but must stop along the way and cast for fish. Minutes will be deducted per inch of fish caught and minutes will be added for no fish. Runners/anglers return to the beer mode when they cross the finish line. The registration deadline is Aug. 16. For details, go to roaringfork.org or call 927-1290.
NOW ENROLLING Preschool-age children (Ages 1-5 years)
Come learn & play with a fun, loving & caring teaching staff. We want to see your children learn & grow each and everyday.
Already? Classes for grades 1-12 in the Roaring Fork School District start on Aug. 24. Kindergarten orientation is Aug. 24-25. For more on school action, go to rfsd.k12.co.us.
Get conditioned The Ram Football conditioning camp for grades 3-12 continues from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carbondale Middle School on Aug. 11-12. The cost is $15. For details, call Coley Campbell at 970-456-5154.
Lt. Gov. drops in on CMC Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne was scheduled to visit the CMC campus in Breckenridge on Aug. 11 to present the Colorado Mountain College Foundation with an $118,000 check on behalf of Chafee, Eagle, Jackson, Lake, Routt and Summit counties, and CMC. The check is part of the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.
They say it’s your birthday Folks celebrating their birthday this week include: Tripp Adams and Bill Hofto (Aug. 11); John McCormick (Aug. 12); John Ginn (Aug. 13); Jill Knaus (Aug. 16); Jonathan Shamis and Rusty Burtard (Aug. 18); Sid Smock, Dan Whitney, Katherine Whitney, Eric Skalac and Torrey Udall (Aug. 20).
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6 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
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WE WERE HERE WHEN THE ASPEN MUSIC FESTIVAL LANDED IN ASPEN
THE PREMIER U.S.
MUSIC FESTIVAL SI Jumpin’ the ditch. Andrew McInroy and his sister, Elizabeth, jumped the ditch through Sopris Park while they awaited a ride back to Denver on Sunday. They had just taken part in a mountain bike course in Gunnison. Both reported they’d had a pretty good time the past few days. Photo by Lynn Burton
Stakeholder meetings om page 1 The stakeholder group will be comprised of a diverse set of community leaders, business owners, elected officials and economic development groups. All of the utilities that provide energy services in Garfield County have committed to participate, including Xcel Energy, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs Electric and Black Hills Energy. “We’re excited about this opportunity to work with Xcel Energy, Holy Cross Energy, Glenwood Springs Electric and Black Hills Energy to assess progress to date, determine our most current baseline and develop the best strategy for reaching energy efficiency goals in the Garfield County,” said Stuart McArthur, Parachute town manager and Garfield Clean Energy board chair. Stakeholders will be asked to help refine goals, identify priorities, develop strategies and create a plan of action to build on the existing energy efficiency and clean energy programs offered in the region. Since 2009, programs offered by Garfield Clean Energy and partner utilities have helped over 600 homes and 240 businesses save approximately $700,000 every year on their utility bills, and install 4.5 megawatts
of new renewables. More than 90 public buildings throughout the county track and manage energy use with CLEER’s Building Energy Navigator. Two gas stations in the county now offer compressed natural gas for fleets and individually owned vehicles and a third is to open later this year, thanks in part to seed support from Garfield Clean Energy. Anyone interested in receiving ongoing updates about the planning effort or participating in the stakeholder group can call CLEER at 704-9200 or e-mail info@cleanenergyeconomy.net. CLEER is the local organization that manages energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for Garfield Clean Energy. For more information, visit garfieldcleanenergy.org. Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company says it is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com.
ASPEN/PITKIN COUNTY
AIRPOR T EMBRACING THE CHARACTER OF ASPEN
SINCE 1948
State school board om page 2 This month’s presentation will also include the state development plan to enact ESSA. In September the board will return to Denver for its regularly scheduled meetings. Until then, it has been, and remains, an honor to serve the students, parents, taxpayers and constituents of the Third Congressional District.
N O N - STO P — CHI C AG O DE N V ER LOS A NGEL ES S A N F R A N CIS C O H O US TO N DA L L A S / F T WORT H
Joyce Rankin serves on the Colorado State Board of Education. She writes a monthly column titled “Across the Street.” The board meets across the street from the state Capitol in Denver. THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 7
First Friday sightings
On First Friday, Carbondale was alive with the sounds of music, the aroma of baking and cooking, and the happy faces of kids and parents.
Was “Pokémon GO”ing? The Pokémon GO craze found it’s way to Carbondale during the First Friday festivities on Aug. 5 but this Pokémon character, Pikachu, may have been found in an uncompromising position. 8 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
Clockwise from top left: a two-man, one canine singing trio; Ants Cullwick with daughters Maia and Daisy; Field2Fork Kitchen; a hungry guy chowing down on some Field2Fork Kitchen bacon; and Pokémon’s Pikachu attempting to be invisible. Photos by Jane Bachrach
THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 9
Community Calendar THURS.-FRI. Aug. 11-12 YOUTH FOOTBALL • The Ram Football conditioning camp continues from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Carbondale Middle School ďŹ eld. It’s for grades 3-12 and the cost is $15. Info: Coley Campbell at 970-456-5154.
THURSDAY Aug. 11 RODEO • Carbondale resident Greg Casteel solidiďŹ es his Guinness Book of Records status as World’s Oldest Professional Bull Rider at tonight’s Carbondale Wild West Rodeo. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., slack at 6 p.m. and the Grand Entry at 7:30 p.m. The rodeo takes place at the Gus Darien Arena just east of Carbondale on County Road 100, and continues through Aug. 18. Info: carbondalerodeo.com. LIVE MUSIC • Carbondale Beer Works serves up a jazz group on its patio from 6 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars presents Let Them Roar at 8:30 p.m. Info: 963-3340. DANCE • The documentary ďŹ lm “DanceMakerâ€? is shown at the Launchpad at 7:30 p.m. The ďŹ lm, presented by Dance Initiative, focuses on legendary U.S. choreographer Paul Taylor and his company over several months of preparation for “Piazzola Caldera.â€? Admission is free; bring your own snacks. TUFF MUDDER • Crown Mountain Park and Camp Chip A Tooth hold the Kids Tuff Mudder at the park’s volleyball area at 11 a.m. The entry fee is $10. Info: kidstuffmudder@crownmtn.com.
To list your event, email information to news@soprissun.com. Deadline is noon on Monday. Events take place in Carbondale unless noted. For up-to-the-minute valley-wide event listings, check out the Community Calendar online at soprissun.com. View events online at soprissun.com/calendar.
SPEAKER SERIES • The Murdock Mind, Body Spirit series continues with “A Journey to the Heart of Being Humanâ€? with Dr. Daniel Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine. Siegel is also the co-founding director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center and has written several books, including “Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain.â€? The talk takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. on the Aspen Institute campus at Paepcke Auditorium. Info: aspeninstitute.org or 544-7970. ROTARY • The Mt. Sopris Rotary meets at Mi Casita at noon every Thursday.
FRIDAY Aug. 12 MOVIES • The Crystal Theatre presents “Captain Fantasticâ€? (R) at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12-18 and “Hunt for the Wilderpeopleâ€? (PG-13) at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 13-14. LIVE MUSIC • Steve’s Guitars presents the Bluegrass Consensus at 8:30 p.m. Info: 963-3340. LIVE MUSIC • Rivers restaurant in Glenwood Springs presents the Leonard Curry Trio at 8:30 p.m., followed by Stereo Icon (Aug. 18) and Valle Musico (Aug. 25). There’s no cover. OPENING • The Art Base in Basalt pres-
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ents photographer Jeremy Swanson and his new show “Mountain Portraits,� which opens from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Charles J. Wyly Gallery. Meanwhile, across the street on Midland Avenue from 5 to 7 p.m., The Art Base Annex presents “Anomalies,� featuring nationally artist Teresa Booth Brown. The show will feature a mix of small diptychs and a wall of framed collage. Info: theartbase.org and 927-4123.
THURS.-FRI. Aug. 13-14 BACKPACKING • Wilderness Workshop naturalist Brandon Jones leads a 14-16 mile backpacking trip across the Thompson Divide from the Carbondale to south of Silt. The terrain is characterized by streams, aspen groves, and expansive views of the Elk Mountain range. Our walk will begin near Carbondale and end on the other side of the divide, south of Silt. “Experience for yourself why locals are ‘UniďŹ ed for the Thompson Divide’â€?, said a press release, “and have rallied to maintain the area’s clean water, air, abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities. This backpack trip will take place both on and off trail. Hikers should be comfortable walking for several miles off trail and negotiating uneven and difďŹ cult terrain. Other notes: Participants are responsible for bringing
their own gear, including large backpack, food, water ďŹ ltration device and lightweight tent; four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary and your help in shuttling vehicles may be requested; dogs are not allowed; this hike is program is appropriate for those 18 years and older. The free hike is sponsored by Alpine Bank, Reese Henry & Company, and Roaring Fork Valley Horse Council. Info: brandon@wildernessworkshop.org, 963-3977 and wildernessworkshop.org.
SATURDAY Aug. 13 LIVE MUSIC • KDNK’s Blues & BBQ returns to Fourth Street Plaza from 4 to 9:30 p.m. with Reverend Freakchild (4 p.m.), Vid Weatherwax (5 p.m.) and Delta Moon (closing act). Admission is free for KDNK members; $10 for non-members. On the food front, look for local vendors at a six plate sampler for $20. Info: KDNK.org. LIBRARY • The Carbondale Branch Library continues is weekly classical music concerts, featuring Aspen Music Festival students, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.). It’s free. Another concert is slated for Aug. 13. Refreshments will be served. Info: 963-2889 and gcpld.org.
SUNDAY Aug. 14 LIVE MUSIC • The free music series at Sopris Park continues with Librarian Sue and Friends (2 p.m.), the indie duo Famous October (3 p.m.) and Front Range honkytonkers Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams. Please — no alcohol, glass or pets. The CALENDAR page 11
Aspen Valley Land Trust ’s 13th Annual
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August 27, 5:30 pm
John Nieslanik Ranch, Carbondale Music by Halden Wofford and the Hi Beams Plus enjoy a demonstration of the sheep hearding action coming up at the
Buy your tickets early!
$85 ($100 after 8/15) $40 under 40 rate ($50 after 8/15) To Purchase Tickets - avlt.org/events or 963.8440
10 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
Community Calendar Town of Carbondale pays for the free music series, but tax-deductible donations will be accepted at Town Hall (511 Colorado Ave.). ASC • A Spiritual Center in the Third Street Center presents Roxana Bank (“Open Up Your Heart to the Tears and Laughter”) at 10 a.m. On Aug. 21 it’s Sontar and on Aug. 28 it’s Sandy Haber (“Disproving the Myth You Are What You Eat”). Info: 963-5516.
WEDNESDAY Aug. 17 FARMERS’ MARKETS • The Carbondale Farmers’ Market at Fourth Street Plaza goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 28. Look for fresh veggies, bread, eggs, coffee, lunch, live music and local art all summer. This week’s music is provided Mike Meadows, followed by Laurie Dameron, Don Howanick, M. Kelly Blue, Josh Rogan, TBA, and Let The Roar. Info: carbondalefarmersmarket.com. The 4-7 p.m. farmers’ market, which was being held behind the Carbondale Recreation Center, now takes place at Fourth Street Plaza.
THURSDAY Aug. 17 MEET THE CHIEFS • Carbondale Police Chief Gene Schilling, and Carbondale Fire District Chief Ron Leach, meet the public over cups of coffee from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Village Smithy.
continued from page 10
Save the Date
Further Out
TRTC FUND-RAISER • Thunder River Theatre Company hosts its gala fund-raiser from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at the Orchard. There’ll be happy hour drinks with appetizers, dinner and dessert from Ming’s, a DJ and dancing and auction. Attire with a “fun Asian flare” is suggested. Info: thunderrivertheatre.com or 963-8200.
MOUNTAIN FILM • Single event tickets for “Mountain Film” in Aspen are now on sale at Aspenshowtix.com and 920-5770. “MountainSummit: Mountainfilm in Aspen” is being presented in collaboration with Telluride Mountainfilm and the Wheeler Opera House. Films include: “Life, Animated,” “The Happy Film” and “Almost Sunrise.” Additionally, the festival will include live appearances by some of the filmmakers and subjects of the films, such as filmmakers/conservationists Kevin Fedarko and Pete McBride. Info: wheeleroperahouse.com.
WEDS.-SUN. Aug. 24-28
SATURDAY Aug. 20
WEDNESDAY Sept. 21 BODY READING • The Carbondale Chamber of Commerce presents body language/persuasion expert Traci Brown from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Orchard. Attendees will learn to: read body language, get people to like you using only body language, see the message that is hidden in a handshake, easily get others to buy into your ideas, detect truths and uncover lies. The Carbondale Business Conference & Expo will also showcase more than 20 businesses. The evening will close out with cocktails and local tastings reception, live music and the famous Wall of Wine & Chocolates. Tickets are $85. Info: 963-1890.
THURS.-SUN. Sept. 29-Oct. 2 FILM FESTIVAL • Crested Butte hosts its sixth annual film festival with more than 100 world-class entries showcasing the best documentaries, narratives, shorts, outdoor, adventure and children’s films in the world. Attendees will experience exclusive events featuring the filmmakers and actors. The complete film and event schedule will be released on Sept. 1. Info: cbfilmfest.org.
WEDNESDAY Aug. 31 LITERATURE • Latino Literature Hall of Fame member and best-selling author Luis Alberto Urrea will be the featured guest at a benefit for English in Action from 5-7 p.m. at Casa Tua in Aspen. The event will further the organization’s work building cross-cultural bridges within the community.
Ongoing PHOTO SHOW • The Ann Korologos Gallery in Basalt continues “4 Photographers,” which features: Michael Fain, Tom Korologos, Kathryn Rabinow and Gayle C. Waterman. Info: 927-9668. CCC & CARBONDALE ARTS • The Carbondale Clay Center, and Carbondale Arts, and present their 11th annual Clay National Exhibition at the Launchpad and the Carbondale Clay Center. The show, titled “Intimacy of Scale,” features less-traditional ceramic work of both intimate and monumental scales. Info: carbondalealerts.com or 963-1680.
MAMMA MIA • Theatre Aspen presents “Mamma Mia!” through Aug. 20, “Buyer & Cellar” through Aug. 19, and “Dear Edwina” through Aug. 13. Info: tatix.co and 970-300-4474. SILENT MEDITATION • Free silent meditation sessions are held at the Launchpad from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The public is invited. MAKING MUSIC • The Carbondale Songwriters Circle meets in the Carbondale Branch Library after-hours parking lot from 7-9 p.m. every Thurs-
day. Bring instruments and songs to share. Everyone is welcome. Info: Amy at 970-470-1750. BRAIN TRAIN • Senior Matters’ early memory loss program Brain Train continues Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program is operating at capacity but is accepting applications for the wait list. Info: Diane Darling at 970-987-3754. FIRE DISTRICT • The Carbondale Fire District holds master plan meetings at the Meadwood Drive fire station the fourth Wednesday of the month starting at 5:30 p.m.
The Town of Carbondale and Steve’s Guitars present
CARBONDALE SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Sunday, August 14 at SOPRIS PARK 2-6 p.m. 2 p.m. - Kid’s music with Librarian Sue & friends 3 p.m. - Indie/folk duo - Famous October 4 p.m. - Halden Wofford and the Hi-Beams Rocky Mountain Honky Tonk Please send tax deductible donations towards this or future concerts to: TOWN OF CARBONDALE, 511 Colorado Ave., Carbondale, CO 81623
PLEASE SPECIFY SUMMER MUSIC OR SMS
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THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 11
EAT. SHOP. PLAY. CONFLUENCE OF RIVERS, RECREATION & CULTURE
Basalt Chamber kicks of “Topics at Twelve� series Sopris Sun Staff Report The Basalt Chamber of Commerce has launched a series of monthly business education luncheons featuring different speakers from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Basalt Regional Library. The series is called “Topics at Twelve.� CMC assistant professor Rob Martin was scheduled to present a talk titled “New Media & Marketing: A Look Over the Precipice� on Aug. 11. “Topics at Twelve� will be held on the second Tuesday of each month. The Basalt Chamber business education committee members include: Nikki Soda (Jaywalker Lodge); Danielle Howard (Wealth by Design); and Shayla Groves (Design Finch). The Chamber invites suggestions for future topics and applications from Chamber members to speak. Business sponsorship opportunities are available. For information on sponsorship and participating in future events, contact director@basaltchamber.com or call 927-4031.
••• ColoradoBiz magazine has selected Art Base Executive Director Genna Moe as one of its Top 25 most inuential young professionals for 2016. She will be recognized at the magazine’s annual GenXYZ awards event in Denver on Sept. 29. Moe will also be proďŹ led in the September/ October issue of ColoradoBiz. Moe was born and raised in Berkeley, California, graduating from the University of Washington at Seattle with a dual BA in art history and interdisciplinary visual art. Her BA programs included a two-year undergraduate art fellowship in Italy. In 2008, she was hired to develop programs in education and outreach for the Aspen Art Museum, and later joined the Wheeler Opera House management team. “I’m passionate about the Art Base’s ability to make arts an important aspect of the midvalley, and speciďŹ cally, how the arts can bridge socio-economic and language barriers, decrease poverty rates, improve
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academic performance in local schools, drive the local economy and promote wellness,â€? Moe said in a press release. ••• The Basalt Public Arts Commission (BPAC) is accepting RFQs (requests for qualiďŹ cations) for a temporary public art installation. The RFQ is open to Colorado artists and the deadline to apply is Sept. 9. An informational meeting for artists will be held at Basalt Town Hall at noon on Aug. 13. For more information, go to callforentry.org, and then bit.ly/2aXf2nJ. The art project will be installed next June and remain in place for two years, according to a press release. Funded by the Town of Basalt’s “1% for the Artsâ€? resolution, the budget for this project is $50,000 (all inclusive). Established in 2015, The Basalt Public Arts Commission is composed of citizens appointed by the Basalt Board of Trustees. ••• Basalt’s Second Fridays continues on Aug. 12. The Art Base holds an opening re-
This is the site for a temporary art installation, funded through the Town of Basalt’s “1% for the Arts� program. Courtesy photo
ception from 5 to 7 p.m. for photographer Jeremy Swanson and his show “Mountain Portraits.â€? The Art Base Annex presents Teresa Booth Brown and her show “Anomaliesâ€? from 5 to 7 p.m. ••• At the Art Base Annex at 5 p.m. on Aug. 16, Genna Moe and Teresa Booth Brown hold a members-only art talk.
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Did you lose your dog leash at the Nature Park? Here it is. Photo by Lynn Burton
SOPRIS LAUNDRY At the Sopris Shopping Center across from 7-11
7 days a wk. 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Including Holidays! Coin-Op, Wash & Fold: $2 per pound, Dry Cleaning, Ironing
Under new ownership 970-963-3050 Bea Lowick ̓ Owner THE SOPRIS SUN, Carbondale’s weekly community connector • AUGUST 11-17, 2016 • 13
“Our Town, One Table” returns to Fourth Street in downtown Carbondale on Aug. 21. Those who want to participate in the dinner portion, with tables for six to eight people, should reserve a table at ourtown1table@gmail.com. Following dinner, folks are invited to a jam session; bring your own instrument. For the dinner, bring your own chairs, dishes and decorations, and food for your table. Judges will determine the Best Dressed Table. The schedule is as follows: 5:30-6:30 p.m., decorate and set tables; 6:30-7:45 p.m., dinner and decoration judging; 7:45 p.m., music jam (all community members, not just musicians). For more info, call Sondie Reiff at 305-710-0826 or e-mail ourtown1table@gmail.com. Sopris Sun file photo
s e u l B Q B B &
SATURDAY AUGUST 13 4—9:30 PM 4TH STREET PLAZA CARBONDALE
LOCAL CHEFS SERVE LOCAL FOOD FROM Sustainable Settings, Potter Farms, Avalanche Meat & Cheese, Mountain Primal, Strang Ranch, Wild Alaskan Salmon
Blues music From Delta Moon Openers: Reverend Freakchild 4 p.m., Vid Weatherwax 5 p.m. Admission: $10, FREE for KDNK members Six plate local food sampler: $20
Information at KDNK.org Benefitting KDNK Community Radio
Carbondale Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of
Police Administrative Assistant
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who will enjoy working in a TEAM / Community Policing environment. Salary range is from $37,100 to $45,500 DOQ. We offer an excellent benefit package. Spanish speaking is a bonus. Works under the direction of the Chief of Police or designee and performs a wide variety of responsible, confidential, and complex administrative, financial, technical, programmatic, and administrative duties. Prepares a variety of fiscal, administrative, and operational reports. Serves as a representative of the Department and liaises with Town staff, departments and outside agencies. Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn a number of other software programs. Applicants must complete background checks, drug test, polygraph test, and integrity test.
Send application, resume and references to Carbondale Police Department, 511 Colorado Ave., #911, Carbondale, CO 81623 or to Lt. Chris Wurtsmith, cwurtsmith@carbondaleco.net. Deadline is August 19, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
14 • THE SOPRIS SUN • www.SoprisSun.com • AUGUST 11-17, 2016
Acha accuses GarCo commish of bad deals Running against John Martin
and proximity to other government buildings,” in the words of the reporter. By John Colson Gorgey reportedly said that the county is outgrowing Sopris Sun Staff Writer its existing quarters, in the historic courthouse building and A New Castle man running to unseat Garfield County an annex across 8th Street, and needed new office and Commissioner John Martin in the November general elec- meeting space. The subject of the Worrell-Durrett property deal has tion has issued the opening salvo of his campaign, accusing Martin and the other two county commissioners of ques- raised questions before in races for seats on the county board, most recently in 2014 when Michael Sullivan untionable land deals in downtown Glenwood Springs. John Acha, 43, is running as a Democrat against Martin successfully challenged incumbent Commissioner Tom for the District 2 seat on the Board of County Commis- Jankovsky for the District 1 seat, representing a district that sioners (BOCC), a district that includes portions of Glen- includes Carbondale. But the current batch of criticism of the commissioners’ acwood Springs as well as New Castle and Silt. Martin, a 20-year incumbent at the BOCC, defeated his tions in this regard is more forcefully put, along with ideas for how the county could better have hanRepublican challenger, Aron Diaz of dled the situation, at least in Acha’s eyes. Silt, in the June 28 Republican primary. “The county commissioners should According to a statement issued by have sought the power of eminent domain Acha’s campaign director, Glenwood (condemnation of property for public purSprings attorney Ryan Gilman, Acha poses) to insure they would not have to is questioning the 2012 purchase of a pay in excess of fair market value,” the building and two adjacent parcels of Acha-Gilman statement maintains. land along Colorado Avenue between “The law requires the legislature pass 8th and 7th streets. a law authorizing county commissioners The property, known as the Worto use the power of eminent domain to rell-Durrett building, had housed of– John Acha acquire office space and parking spaces,” fices for the long-time local law firm Democratic candidate for BOCC the statement continues, adding that of Steve Worrell and Anthony Durrett, even if the legislature declined to pass and had been appraised by the county at $1.1 million, but was sold to the county for $2.5 million. such a law, “the state still can be called upon to use that power “Garfield County, in 2012, overpaid by some $1.4 mil- itself. There is to date no apparent effort at even using eminent lion for the acquisition of the Worrell-Durrett building,” the domain as a negotiating tactic.” Acha and the Garfield County Democratic Party have statement declares, accusing the commissioners of handing over “over $1,000 per square foot for the usable office spent some $2,400 to obtain “a large quantity and variety space. That is the price per square foot for some of Aspen’s of county records under the Colorado Open Records Act, finest new residences. Similar mismanagement has occurred and nowhere do we thus far find any effort to properly negotiate the price of the Worrell-Durrett building, and other with the acquisition of other properties as well.” Those “other properties” are not named in this release, buildings Garfield acquired as well.” Summing up, the statement proclaims, “We simply canalthough Ryan and Acha promised they will be sending out other statements in the coming weeks and months detail- not afford a sixth term of this so-called leadership. It is time ing other examples of what they believe are poor deals made for a change.” Acha and Gilman said documentary evidence backing by the commissioners. “Why would our commissioners overpay so much for an up their claims, as well as other information about the canoffice building and parking lot?” the statement continues. “No didate and his positions, can be found at Acha’s website, matter the answer they give, does the fact that they ponied up www.acha2016.com. Acha, who has lived in Garfield County since about so much of our cash without a fight show good stewardship, 1999, said he is a graduate of the University of Maryland insightful management, and good governance? No!” Martin did not respond this week to messages asking for with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and management studies, and that he worked for the U.S. Air comment on Acha’s charges. Force and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a conHistory tract officer writing up federal contracts for various project In the past, when critics of the county have brought up the from 1992 to 1999. Martin, a native of Garfield County, did not attend coldeals as examples of poor leadership by the commissioners, the response has been that the commissioners paid what the lege but left home when he was 13 and, according to a profile on the count’s website, once said, “I hold a master’s property was worth to the county, regardless of appraisals. A May 5, 2012 article in the Glenwood Springs Post In- degree in the school of hard knocks, with a minor in comdependent cited then-acting county manager Andrew mon sense, and have applied-reality tattooed on my back.” He worked as a policeman in Glenwood Springs for Gorgey as arguing that the property in question “has significant value beyond a comparison to recent sales of com- nearly 25 years, achieving the rank of administrative sermercial property, because of its prime downtown location geant, before running for the county board position in 1996.
“We simply cannot afford a sixth term of this so-called leadership. It is time for a change.”
Town’s security om page 3 munity is unsafe for women to walk around in. “It’s not to say, ‘oh, my gosh, the sky is falling,’” he said of the town’s security standing. At the end of the discussion, it was agreed that it should be placed on a future agenda, and that any such talk should be bolstered by statistical analyses of the level of danger posed by dark streets and trails. In other action the trustees: • Adopted a “code of conduct” to govern trustee behavior at meetings; • Approved special-event liquor licenses for the Festival Las Americas (scheduled for Aug. 28 in Sopris Park); an Aug. 21 fundraiser for Alliance America, an environmental group, at the Launch Pad; and the 5Point Film Festival,
scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Third Street Center; • Approved an expansion of the Wine Time liquor store on Highway 133; • Adopted some amendments to the town’s marijuana business regulations; • Approved an affordable housing mitigation plan for a development project at Cooper Place; • Approved a development improvements agreement concerning relocation of a town ditch as it passes through True Nature Healing Arts on Third Street; • Approved a relocation of the Sweet Leaf Pioneer marijuana shop, which is moving from the Buggy Circle area to a white house located just west of the 7/Eleven Store on Main Street; • Approved a “modification of premises” for the SP manufacturing retail and medical marijuana business.
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