On the eve of Lunar New Year (welcoming the Year of the Yin Wood Dragon, in Chinese astrology), all trustees were present to approve the Mobility & Access Plan (MAP Carbondale), a document more than two years in the making.
But first, a consent agenda was approved including meeting minutes dating back to August, a restaurant license renewal for La Raza, a special event permit for The Sopris Sun’s birthday celebration on Feb. 20, transfer of ownership from Peppino’s Pizza of Basalt Inc to Peppino’s Pizza of Carbondale Inc, a contract for interpretive signage at Riverfront Park at $79,569, renewal of Rick Blauvelt’s membership on the Bike, Pedestrian, and Trails Commission (BPTC) as well as approval of Oliver Sweet’s application to join that commission and accounts payable.
During general public comments, a man living at Jewels Lane asked to opt out of the municipal trash service. Mayor Ben Bohmfalk explained that the system does not allow exemptions so as to keep it affordable by distributing costs townwide. He pointed to the “super saver” option, a 32-gallon container collected every other week at $17.49 per month (including a medium-sized recycling bin).
Other trustee comments included Erica Sparhawk expressing support for federal employees in light of “demoralizing memos” coming from up top. “I really hope you stick it out and stay in your job,” she said. Jess Robison’s message to immigrants in the community was: “You are valued and important and appreciated.” Christina Montemayor announced the Carbondale Chamber and Tourism Council will initiate a strategic planning process in February. Ross Kribbs noted the Jan. 30 open house on building code updates from 2 to 6pm at Town Hall. Regarding immigration enforcement, Mayor Bohmfalk encouraged all to reference Resolution 10 of 2017 which clarifies the Town’s stance toward the federal government. “We’re not standing in their way, but we’re also not assisting them,” he said.
The first of two action items involved special events on public properties in 2025. Parks and Rec Director Eric Brendlinger presented a draft calendar for approval, outlining 98 unique events over the course of the year. He spoke to the Special Events Task Force which met late last year to review 2024 events then again on Jan. 15 to look ahead.
Among the highlights, “long” First Friday Main Street closures, from Snowmass Drive to Euclid from May to September, were discussed. Given conflicts last year between Public Works employees and irritated motorists, it was determined that north-south traffic should be allowed on 2nd and 3rd streets with assistance from volunteer crossing guards. “Short” Main Street closures span from 3rd Street to Weant and will take priority during lighter months with less First Friday foot traffic.
Other details included praise for the Carbondale Wild West Rodeo nipping traffic problems in the bud last year. It was announced that the Pride parade will split off from May’s Family Block Party to instead take place in June. The Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program plans to close 2nd Street in front of KDNK for a 25th birthday celebration on June 7. Colorado Avenue will experience closures around the 5 Point Film Festival in April. And the summer concert series remains to be determined; the Town will soon issue a request for proposals and anticipates the previous organizers may come forward with a modified plan.
Lastly, the meat of the meeting. Following a process that began in late 2022 with adoption of a comprehensive plan update identifying the need for a master transportation document, BPTC along with consultant Felsburg Holt & Ullevig has been hard at work on the MAP Carbondale document. The plan is augmented by a Highway 133 study conducted by Age-Friendly Carbondale. Together, they identify specific infrastructure improvements to be considered in the near and far future.
Matthew Downey, representing Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, presented the plan and suggested it be reviewed every year and thoroughly updated every three to five. He acknowledged the plan has many recommendations “beyond the means of any municipality’s budget,” however the document should serve to help acquire funds for priority projects.
With a few edits to typos and updated pricing for improvements, plus the addition of comments from BPTC and Planning and Zoning, the plan was unanimously approved with applause from the public. Implementation will now fall on Carbondale’s Public Works and Planning departments with assistance from relevant commissions. As encouraged by the plan and a public comment from Niki Delson, a “complete streets” policy will be pursued to influence future development.
The idea of asking voters for a bond or tax during the April 2026 election was floated by Sparhawk, in order to fund priority capital improvements like a second roundabout on Highway 133.
On Feb. 4, the trustees will have a special work session dedicated to Highway 133. The regular meeting on Feb. 11 will involve a check-in with Police Chief Kirk Wilson.