Briefs Crested Butte

Summer means events galore
The Crested Butte Town Council approved a bevy of special events permits for the summer at its last meeting June 6. Everything from the Black and White ball to a new Thursday Farmer’s Market in Crank’s Plaza was approved. There was some concern and discussion over closing Elk Avenue for smaller events like the People’s Fair but the council okayed that event as well.

Election update
The next Crested Butte election might be closer than you think. A council election is slated for November 1. Given it will likely be a mail ballot, the deadlines are coming quickly. So, those who want to join the fantastic seven can pick up a petition August 2. Mayor Leah Williams is up for election as are the seats of Dan Escalante, Reed Betz and Phoebe Wilson.
The actual Election Day is November 1 but all ballots will be sent out in mid-October. Councilperson Jim Schmidt bemoaned the loss of an actual Election Day but the council appeared content to use the U.S. mail for its ballots.

Affordable housing fees see a spike up
The council amended the town’s affordable housing ordinance. It will in essence significantly raise fees for the Crested Butte Affordable Housing Fund on new development. “No disrespect to the housing committee but I wish they had implemented these fee increases over a three-year period. I think that would have been better,” said Schmidt. He voted against the amended ordinance.