Briefs Crested Butte

Sales tax surprise: It’s not as bad as we thought
February sales tax figures are in and not as poor as most expected. Revenues were down 1.7 percent for the month compared to 2011. For the year, sales tax is lagging by 2.2 percent. “Based on the categories it appears the locals are still going out to the bars and restaurants,” noted Crested Butte Finance Director Lois Rozman.
While lodging was off 33 percent in Crested Butte for February, the bar and restaurant figures showed a 3.8 percent increase.

Summer is coming early and so are the parks
Town Parks and Recreation Director Jake Jones said that given the early spring, his crew is ahead of the summer game. But he reminded the council, “It could still snow.” So he is holding back from putting out the benches and bike racks that occupy Elk Avenue in the summer. Instead, his crews are focusing on getting the parks in top shape. “But everything will be out earlier than normal,” he promised.

Business requests
Two Elk Avenue business owners asked that the council review requests that fall outside current town code. Kaylena Graceffa of the LoBar asked to be included on the April 16 council agenda to discuss an idea of using a portion of the area on the west side of the Company Store for some outdoor seating. The council agreed to listen to the proposal.
Sea Level Spa owner Mike Jachowski asked the council to allow him to put up a “projecting sign” at his business located at 308 Elk Avenue. He provided a detailed analysis and suggestions on how to make it happen. The BOZAR has refused his request. The council asked the staff to look into the matter.

Proclamations!
The council got their proclamation voice on. Three proclamations were passed at the Monday, April 2 meeting. One declared Saturday, January 26 Knox Frank Day. Frank was killed two weeks ago in an avalanche. A second proclamation recognized Arbor Day in Crested Butte. The third was brought to the council from the Crested Butte Youth Council. It proclaimed Earth Day Weekend as “No Impact Weekend,” which falls on April 21-22.

Explore Crested Butte
The council turned down a request from Crested Butte Publishing and Creative to help fund their mobile app “Explore Crested Butte.” Owners Steve Mabry and Chris Hanna had requested $6,000 to help subsidize local participation. The majority of the council didn’t feel funding a private business was appropriate. They asked the company to revisit the Tourism Association for funds and agreed to write a letter of support for them.