All trustees were present for a quick regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24. First, a consent agenda was approved consisting of meeting minutes, accounts payable and two professional services agreements. The first asks Robert Schultz Consulting to draft a new request for proposals to develop the Town Center parcels into affordable housing, following the conclusion of nonprofit Artspace’s contract late last year. The second formalizes wildfire modeling with Dr. Hussam Mahmoud of Vanderbilt University for no more than $100,000; Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District will cover costs that may exceed that amount.
Several public comments were then heard. Carol Bruno, whose family owns Peppino’s Pizza, expressed concerns about safety on Main Street after a young girl was run over outside the restaurant, breaking a leg. Bruno suggested dropping the speed limit to 15 mph and returning the bike rack in front of Peppino’s to create a buffer.
John Williams followed up on a letter he submitted to the trustees regarding Chacos Park and the bandstand shade structure which was presented to the Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 5. His request, as a citizen rather than a member of that commission: “Keep historic downtown Carbondale historic.” Robert Beauchamp supported Williams, asking for more design alternatives.
During trustee comments, Erica Sparhawk, Jess Robison, Colin Laird, Christina Montemayor and Mayor Ben Bohmfalk responded to the need for enhanced pedestrian safety on Main Street. In addition to lowering the speed limit, it was suggested that a midblock crossing may be necessary, possibly extending from the promenade which connects to Colorado Avenue. Chris Hassig and Ross Kribbs spoke about Chacos Park, sharing similar concerns about the size and “weight” of the shade structure.
Sparhawk also suggested the Town weigh in on the Bureau of Land Management’s proposal to allow e-bikes on local trails, including the Red Hill network which already sees some 40,000 individual trips per year. Kribbs announced that Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hiring a summer inspector at Ruedi Reservoir to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Hassig requested exploration of an excise tax on storage units; annexation of the 502 Diner and surrounding area into city limits; and changes to planned unit developments.
Only two action items graced the agenda. The first was quick approval of a special event permit for the sold-out Carbondale Arts Fashion Show, March 12-14.
Lastly, trustees got a monthly update on the Aquatics Center. According to Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger, the facility is on track to open officially on May 23. This will be preceded by a donor appreciation celebration on May 21, open to all who donated toward the capital campaign.
The next regular meeting, March 10, will focus largely on recommended changes to accessory dwelling unit rules proposed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as Old Town recommendations from the Historic Planning Commission.