Briefs County

Low water, rough roads?
Public Works Director Marlene Crosby says drought conditions could make it difficult to maintain roads this summer. Water restrictions on the west side of Kebler could prohibit the county from putting down mag chloride. The bottom line, Crosby says, is that roads might not be maintained to the level people are used to.

They like to ride their bicycles
Gunnison County staff have a new, earth-friendly way to get around town, whether on the job or over lunch. Four refurbished bicycles purchased from the police department’s annual bike auction have been placed at government buildings around Gunnison. County staff can sign up to take them for a spin about town.
The project is the brainchild of the Gunnison Green Team, a staff-led group established in 2009 to help the county meet its environmental goals. They launched the bike share program on May 18, National Ride Your Bike to Work Day.

Honoring the spirit of affordable housing
The county is making an exception for one of its own deed-restricted units in Rock Creek in Gunnison. Among the requirements to rent the unit is a stipulation that the renter not own other property—a requirement put in place to prevent developers from taking advantage of affordable housing, according to County Manager Matthew Birnie.
A couple relocating to the valley for a job with Atmos meets all other requirements, including income parameters but has had trouble selling their old home in the down economy.
“Restrictions were developed in the early 2000s, when the economy was much different. We don’t have anybody who meets all of the requirements,” Birnie said.
The commissioners supported the exception, saying it honored the intent of affordable housing.
“This would be a stepping stone for them,” said Commissioner Paula Swenson, “which is really what we did this for.”