Briefs Crested Butte

Nice picture!
Council received a good look at the new $10,000 aerial photo commissioned by the town at the November 5 meeting. The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping and aerial photo will help all departments of town and was demonstrated by Crested Butte map specialist Hilary Mayes.

Great budget!
The Crested Butte council approved the 2014 budget at the November meeting. Among the highlights is that the general fund reserves are extremely healthy with more than 100 percent in the bank. Sales tax continues to increase in Crested Butte and that provides a security blanket for the town. The sewer service fee went up a dollar to $32 per EQR.

Sweet Snow plan?
The 2014 snow and ice plan was approved by council but with two no votes. David Owen voted against it because he doesn’t want to see any snow banks on the north side of Elk Avenue. He voiced safety concerns with the banks. Shaun Matusewicz also voted against the proposed plan because he wanted to see snow banks allowed along Elk Avenue all winter long and not just during the designated times in the plan.

Nice ride!
Mountain Express representative Glenn Michel said the bus system is looking financially healthy, and it hopes to make a few improvements next year.. The shuttle will implement a new Express Bus during the busiest summer weeks, running between Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte and the Crested Butte Four-way Stop. The idea is to help alleviate the demand for people looking for a lift for them and their bikes up the hill.

Other stuff: sales tax, a dump truck and lights for the bus stops
*The sales tax for October was down about 2 percent over last year but the town is waiting on a few businesses to report. Overall for the year, sales tax continues to set records and is up 6 percent over 2012.
*Council agreed to spend $160,000 on a 2014 International dump truck.
*Chamber of Commerce executive director Dan Marshall apologized for the last-minute request but was granted $2,000 to be put toward the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer event. Events are being held in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte throughout the holiday season.
*Councilperson Jim Schmidt, a bus driver for Alpine Express, asked the council representatives to the Rural Transportation Authority to begin pursuing the process of lighting the bus stops along Highway 135. “It is a very difficult and very dangerous situation out there at night,” he said. “Can you guys start the process with the state or the feds to find lights? I know it will take a while but it would be very helpful.”
Huckstep and councilperson Roland Mason said they would bring it up to the RTA board.