CB Council moves ahead with regulations for major special events

Dealing with the really big ones…

The Crested Butte Town Council is obviously anticipating a new major event to hit the town this fall. Without spelling out the specifics of when or what, the council discussed a proposed ordinance that was presented to them from the town manager and town attorney expressly to update the town code to formally include new requirements for major special events. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will take place July 21.

“With at least one major special event on the horizon, the town staff and I recommend amending the code to include requirements set forth in the ordinance so that the town can have a good handle on managing such events,” a memo from town attorney John Belkin to the council stated.
According to Belkin, the proposed regulations wouldn’t apply to events like the Arts Festival, Vinotok or Big Air on Elk that are “annually recurring special events and operations lawfully conducted by nonprofit organizations, private clubs, public recreational facilities or nonprofit recreational facilities.”
The town has apparently been approached by a national company about hosting a major event this fall. The company has not yet filed a formal special events permit application and has requested anonymity until formal action is taken.
But the council stated they wanted very clear language that current events wouldn’t be impacted by the proposed ordinance. “I certainly don’t want the definition to overlap into any of our current major events,” said Councilperson Jim Schmidt. “The proposed ordinance might need some of the language tightened further.”
“The intent was to have the gate be at the nonprofits,” responded Belkin.
“Is the intent to have large events come under special review?” asked Councilman David Owen.
“This is trying to build a process for large events,” explained Todd Crossett, town manager.
“It is certainly not appropriate if this corrals current events,” said Councilperson Shaun Matusewicz. “This should come into effect when an applicant wants to go outside the scope of normal special events, if an applicant asks for major variances to the town codes.”
“Or if the town manager determines major variances would be needed for the event,” added Aaron Huckstep, Crested Butte mayor.
As written, the ordinance lays out a process that begins with a preliminary staff review at least 90 days prior to the event. A final application would have to be submitted 45 days before the event. Rules regarding traffic, property use, noise, lighting and other issues are also addressed.
“The council wants clear language to make sure that current events don’t fall under this new ordinance,” emphasized Huckstep. “We don’t want any negative impacts on events that are already established in town.”
“My concern going down this road is…are we putting the cart before the horse?” said Matusewicz.
“I think this will get us what we need at the staff level,” said Crossett.
“Is it necessary? Is there a rush to pass this ordinance?” asked Matusewicz. “The last thing I want to do is pass an ordinance that’s not needed.”
“That is something you can consider between now and the next meeting,” said Crossett.
“I’m afraid it sounds like we are closing the gate,” said Councilperson David Owen. “By putting this up there, will it preclude other big events from even starting? Will it put the brake on large special events that could benefit the town in a lot of ways, including tax revenues?”
“That is certainly not the intention,” said Crossett.
Matusewicz said the council should be cautious about “crafting an ordinance for one specific reason that might impact future possibilities.”
“Is there another way to accomplish the same goal?” asked Huckstep.
“This type of ordinance isn’t novel,” said Belkin. “This is essentially a lot of borrowed language that’s been adjusted to fit here. I’m sensing heartburn from this.”
“I think we can come up with some remedies to the council’s concerns before the next meeting,” said Crossett.
“I feel comfortable with the proposal, with the idea there could be some language adjustments,” said Councilperson Roland Mason. “It addresses events that could come down the road that will impact the town.”
With that Mason moved to put the proposal on the agenda of the next council meeting for a public hearing. Councilperson Glenn Michel seconded the motion. The proposal will be reviewed at the July 21 council meeting.