Briefs Crested Butte

What’s up with May numbers?
May was a big month for Crested Butte in the sales tax arena. Revenues were up 16.5 percent over 2011. Granted, it’s May but the increase helped the town budget. The town sales tax revenues are now 2 percent ahead of last year for the year. “May was a good month. We’re hanging in there,” summed up town Finance Director Lois Rozman.

What’s up with the Town housing committee?
Town Affordable Housing Committee chairperson Margo Levy asked the council to provide some direction. “I urge you to not let the committee fall by the wayside,” she said. “We are waiting for direction from you. How do you want to see the committee composed and staffed?” The council gave no answer but indicated they would discuss it later. At the July 16 meeting, the council briefly discussed the issue and said a work session to hammer out the “other legs of the stool” associated with affordable housing would be appropriate.

What’s going on in those rental houses?
Town building official Bob Gillie told the council that the bi-annual affordable housing rental survey went out last week. The purpose is to monitor how people are utilizing deed-restricted rental housing. He said it would take a few months to gather and compile the information.

What’s up with the Lobar seating?
Council decided to not consider a request from the Lobar to allow sidewalk seating on Elk Avenue. The current rules allow seating in front of a restaurant space but the Lobar is located in the basement of the Company Store and only has an entrance on Elk. The town did allow the restaurant to have outdoor seating on the west side of the building. But they did not want to open a new can of worms by allowing seating in front of other businesses.
Lobar co-owner Kyleena Falzone said the seating along the side of the building wasn’t drawing huge crowds and such seating seemed more appropriate on Elk.
“This is something to consider in the fall when we discuss the broad Elk Avenue picture,” suggested town councilperson Glenn Michel.
The majority of the council agreed.

What’s the electric issue?
The council seemed generally pleased with a proposed franchise agreement between the town and the Gunnison County Electric Association. Several changes are incorporated in the agreement. The town will receive an annual $10,000 fee that could be spent for a variety of power uses. The council wants to move toward a more sustainable energy program and will use some of that money to head toward that goal.
It was made clear by members of both the town and the GCEA staffs that there is a great working partnership between the two entities. The council quickly approved the franchise agreement at the July 16 meeting.

What’s the beef with the TA vote?
The council wrote a letter to the Tourism Association asking that their representative be able to vote at meetings. Currently the town representatives are allowed to take part in discussion but not cast a vote. They, along with the Mt. Crested Butte council, want to change that policy.