Briefs Crested Butte

What could go wrong?
The council approved a special event permit for the Crested Butte-Mt. Crested Butte Chamber of Commerce 12th Night celebration. The new event will take place Sunday, January 6 and center on a “traditional Christmas tree bonfire.” The idea is that residents can bring their Christmas trees to the northeast corner of the chamber parking lot and a community bonfire will ensue.
“It’s a celebration to start the New Year,” explained chamber director Dan Marshall. “Maybe we’ll ask people to write their burdens on a slip of paper and they can go into the fire as well.”
“It sounds fun,” said Councilperson Shaun Matusewicz.
“It will be a learning experience for us,” said acting town manager Bob Gillie.
In theory, trees could be dropped off between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. that Sunday. The fire would take place about 6 p.m.
“Christmas trees can be pretty dry,” commented Councilperson Glenn Michel. “They are extremely flammable. It could be an inferno.”
“We did it in our town as a kid,” said Councilperson Jim Schmidt. “The trees do go up pretty quick.”
“Maybe we’ll start small and add trees to it,” said Marshall. “We’ll keep it under control.”

Looking ahead: water, sun and gas
The council will get a look at a newly proposed Atmos Energy gas franchise agreement in January. The town has been without such an agreement for two years and is looking to come to new terms. They still have issues with some of the insurance clauses in the agreement but hope to reach a deal early next year.
 Gillie said he would have the Gunnison County Electric Association make a presentation on how placing their solar panels on the town’s new wastewater building roof will benefit everyone.
The town is also keeping an eye the Water Quality Control Commission hearing regarding temporary modifications of water quality standards that impact Coal Creek.