Briefs Crested Butte

by Mark Reaman

Red Lady talks progressing

Town attorney John Belkin updated the Crested Butte council on March 21 that progress is still humming along between local government entities, the state and Freeport-McMoRan and its subsidiary, the Mt. Emmons Mining Company. MEMC is looking at upgrading the water treatment plant on Red Lady now that it owns the mineral rights on the property. “I think they want to do the right thing,” Belkin assured the council.

What if a rich guy buys all the condos?

Town Council had some discussion over somehow getting ahead of the possibility of a person with money coming in and purchasing two or more condos in a single building and turning them into one unit. The council didn’t like the idea of losing any potential residential units in the community. “It is something to think about,” said councilman Jim Schmidt.

Bag people enthusiastic

Councilmember Erika Vohman said she has been working with high school senior Benjamin Swift and his group toward a plastic bag ban in town. The room was filled at the latest meeting on March 21 and full of “enthusiasm,” she reported. She said one discussion point left unresolved was which entity would manage any plastic bag ban program when enacted. No organization was jumping up to take on the task but Vohman said it could come to the town.

Short-term rental regs

Schmidt will work with town staff to bring ideas to the council on how to install some regulation of short-term rentals in town. Schmidt proposed that things like inspection of properties, safety for guests, noise and parking issues should all be addressed and could be before the beginning of the summer season. “That’s low hanging fruit,” he said.

The more complex issue of how to tax or place a fee on short-term rentals will also be considered by the council in the near future but the county is apparently looking into a countywide tax on short-term rentals that might raise revenue for future affordable housing.

CBCS safety exercise successful

Crested Butte marshal Joe Dukeman reported to the council on the March 9 training exercise held at the Crested Butte Community School. He said the exercise was a success in the sense that much was learned by the local safety personnel and the school staff. He expects similar planning exercises to take place in the future.