Briefs Gunnison County

by Olivia Lueckemeyer

Homeowners express concern over Cottonwood closure

The Gunnison County Board of Commissioners recently ratified letters of correspondence to business owners concerned about the upcoming closure of Cottonwood Pass.

Coy and Deane Marriot, owners of the Taylor Park Marina, and Gary Merrifield, owner of the Merrifield Greenhouses in Buena Vista, Colo., had written letters expressing their disappointment over the county’s decision to close Cottonwood Pass during the reconstruction project with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) spanning the summers of 2017 and 2018.

Board of County Commissioners chairperson Paula Swenson responded to these letters, saying that due to decreased funding allocations from the FHWA, the county had no choice but to close the pass during reconstruction.

Many scenarios were considered, Swenson explained, including the possibilities of flagging stations and detours; however it was decided that all possible alternatives would exhaust time and resources. She concluded by explaining that although the distance one must travel by using Monarch Pass might be longer, the time required would increase only slightly.

With the cooperation of weather, Swenson explained, the project could be largely completed in one year. She apologized for any detriment to their businesses in the short term, but said the end result would have a positive commercial effect.

Log hauling over Kebler approved by county

Log hauling from the old mining town of Floresta near Kebler and Ohio passes was authorized by the Gunnison Board of County Commissioners on January 19. Weather conditions prevented Montrose Forest Products, LLC from completing its timber harvest in 2015, prompting the company to request permission to haul this summer. The company has agreed to pay permit fees and overweight tickets. The Public Works Department will issue a road access permit to the company detailing its conditions and limiting hauling during special events.

Commissioners approve Land Use Resolution amendments

At a February 16 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved amendments to the Land Use Resolution initiated by the county’s Planning Commission late last summer. Since the document was adopted in 2001, it has seen 33 revisions. This round’s amendments were meant to clarify sections by eliminating ambiguities, particularly concerning secondary uses as they relate to primary residences and how they affect different impact classifications. The motion to approve the amendments carried unanimously.

Possible new location for driver’s license office 

Commissioner Jonathan Houck reported to the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners on February 16 that the Department of Revenue has received a response to its request for a proposal concerning the relocation of the Gunnison driver’s license office. A local property owner issued a counter-offer to the department, and Houck hopes a contract will be drawn up in the near future. The county will continue its commitment to helping the department move, Houck reported, and will ensure it has all of the necessary accommodations to make the relocation a success.

Gunnison County to opt into C-PACE

The Gunnison Board of County Commissioners has decided to opt into a program that would allow commercial and multi-family property owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency, water conservation, and other clean energy improvements on existing and newly constructed properties.

The Colorado Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (C-PACE) allows for the repayment of the financing through a voluntary special assessment on property tax bills.

The idea is to encourage property owners to invest in renewable energy sources by making the sources cost-effective. Interested property owners opt to receive long-term financing, up to 20 years, for as much as 100 percent of the cost of the improvements.

At a BOCC meeting on February 23, county manager Matthew Birnie explained, in order for local property owners to take advantage of C-PACE, Gunnison County must first opt into the program. Commissioners Phil Chamberland and Jonathan Houck both agreed it would offer a useful opportunity for eligible constituents.

A resolution to officially approve the county’s participation in C-PACE is expected to take place at an upcoming meeting.