Briefs Gunnison County

Kebler Pass a few weeks out from opening
Public Works director Marlene Crosby confirmed that Kebler Pass has been plowed to the Y, but it won’t open anytime soon. The public works department has barricaded the pass with concrete barriers at both ends in order to do some much needed maintenance.
“If you wanted to drive through you probably could get through, but we have one big culvert we need to get worked on,” Crosby said.

Early spring traffic can also create summer-long maintenance problems, so the county is also using this time to let the road dry out. Work is set to begin this week, but Crosby expects the pass to be closed for about another three weeks.

Crosby named woman of the year
Gunnison Business Women named Public Works director Marlene Crosby the 2012 Woman of the Year. Every spring, the group recognizes outstanding women in the Gunnison Valley. Crosby, who first joined the public works department during the 1980s, is being recognized as a role model for women hoping to break into male dominated fields.

Joining the Club
In spite of some reservations about the group’s bylaws, the county will reactivate its membership in Club 20, a group of Western Colorado counties, businesses, communities, tribes, individuals and associations that work together on marketing, advertising, and public education.
Commissioner Hap Channell expressed concern that Gunnison County’s voting member might not be an elected commissioner, thus having no obligation to represent the county’s view. In the past, he said, Club 20 took stances that conflicted with commissioners’ point of view.
“I just feel we’re better off being at that table because a lot is going on at that table. Not being there doesn’t change anything except that we’re not there,” said Commissioner Phil Chamberland.
“I think we should be there. I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but our voice needs to be heard as loudly in as many places as it can be,” Commissioner Paula Swenson said.
The commissioners opted to rejoin Club 20; Channell voted against the measure.

Supporting Bear Ranch
On March 19, the commissioners opted to support the Bear Ranch Land Exchange. They will not send a letter of support to state legislators, however, until an agreement has been signed indicating that the county will receive $300,000 to help construct the Carbondale to Crested Butte Bike Trail if the exchange goes through.