Briefs Crested Butte

Full stop on expanding open container law
Mayor Aaron Huckstep and the council gave up on the idea of expanding the town’s open container law during special events such as Vinotok. Town Attorney John Belkin looked into the matter at other towns and concluded Crested Butte could establish an “Entertainment District” that would allow some outside alcohol. But Huckstep said he was trying to simplify the idea of special event liquor permitting and that idea appeared more complicated. The rest of the council agreed to not pursue the idea any further.

Grants in the hopper
Parks and Recreation Director Jake Jones told the council he had submitted two grants to Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). One would help fund the replacement of the tennis courts; the other would pay for a Big Mine Park Master Plan.

Sales tax starts up for the year
Sales tax for 2014 is starting off ahead of last year. January figures show a 1.3 percent increase over 2013 but Town Finance Director Lois Rozman said that should increase a bit since a few businesses have yet to report their numbers.

Spring grant cycle and Whitewater Park
Rozman also reminded the council that the spring grant cycle is approaching. Local nonprofits can apply for contributions to help specific projects for the summer. The deadline is May 15, with the council awards being completed by June 16. In that vein, the council asked Gunnison Whitewater Park advocate John Messner to submit an application for his request to the town to help pay for whitewater park improvements. Gunnison County is submitting a GOCO grant for needed upgrades and hoped the town could be included as a financial partner in the project.